A Small(ish) Relaxed Boho Swedish Home Full of Soul

'Lived in', 'homely', 'real' - these are just some of the words used to describe the homes I am getting  requests for via e-mail. Well friends, I've got good news - this one fits the bill perfectly! Located in Gamla Enskede in Greater Stockholm,  this cosy Swedish home measures a rather small 58 m2  / 624 sq ft, but rather than whittling away possessions, the owners have made really clever use of space to ensure everything has a place! 

Laid out over two floors which are connected by a magnificent Packhus spiral staircase, every spare inch of the maisonette has been put to use. Keep an eye out for bespoke custom-built furniture and open and closed storage - which provides a home for books, LPs, clothing and as well as other items, while a fine art collection fills every inch of wall. I also love the use of colour - including muted, earthy tones and a dramatic black floor ensuring a relaxed, warm and inviting home that's full of soul. 

Ready to take a look? 

Jøtul fireplace, source a similar vintage scissor lamp here*. 

This corner reminds me a lot of the artists home in Oslo, Norway from my book The Scandinavian Home. So many lovely works of art! 

Jugendros wallpaper, Lim & Handtryck

The staircase doubles up as a library - which is ideal as it makes the most of a large wall space while keeping all the books in reach. 

A home workspace has been carved out in a small spot on the landing. 

Chrysanthemum Toile wallpaper by William Morris

A recess under the sloped ceiling serves as a bedside table, while bespoke storage on the opposite side of the room creates space for clothes. 

Note that while 58 m2 sounds small, in Sweden they do not count any floor space that has a ceiling height of less than 190 cm / 6ft2 or any areas that can't be accessed from inside. It's a little more complicated than this, but this is the basic gist! 

Why shouldn't you be able to have a bath in a small bathroom? I love that there's a little place to soak with a glass of wine under candlelight, at the end of a long day!

Such a cosy space! I'm sure there will be some of you who'll think this lovely space is spot on. And others who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. Either way, I'm sure we can all agree it has a wonderful lived-in vibe! 

Would you like to see a few more relaxed homes today? Put your feet up and have a scroll through these beauties: 

A vintage inspired Swedish home full of soul

A charming Copenhagen home full of vintage finds

Your very own garden retreat on a budget

Har det så bra! 

Niki

Photography: Boukari

Styling: Copparstad

For: Historiska Hem

Found via Nordroom with thanks

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A Danish Artist's Home in Copenhagen - With Lots of Angles and Oodles of Charm!

It takes a lot of imagination, vision and patience to take on an apartment with quirky angles. But fortune favours the bold, and Danish pair Mikala and Mark Brunsvig (an artist) were willing to take on the challenge! Located in the hip Copenhagen neighbourhood of Nørrebro the apartment is located on the fourth floor of a block dating back to the 1800s. Mikala and Mark were keen to create a personal, cosy and relaxed home which is also highly practical. Measuring 76 sqm (818 fsq), the creative couple have ensured no space has gone to waste - creating a series of zones and using every nook and cranny for storage. The result is a warm and inviting home filled with books, art, vintage finds and splashes of colour. 

It's not often I start with a floor plan, but today, I thought it might be helpful to understand the layout and angles before you take the tour. 

Quick Danish glossary; køkken - kitchen, stue - living room, værelse - room, altan - balcony. 

Now that you've had time to study the lay out , it's time to enjoy the tour! 

There are just SO many ideas to steal from this lovely apartment. I've been through it several times and always spot something new! 

Above all else, I love the feeling you get from the pictures - the home oozes charm and a wonderful sense of ease.

Is there anything that stood out to you? Perhaps something that has given you an idea for your own home? 

See more pictures of Mikala and Mark's home here and Mark's art here. 

I've got an exciting long weekend ahead with a trip to Kullaberg, Helsingør and Helsingborg on the itinerary (do follow along on my Instagram stories if you'd like to see one of my favourite corners of south Sweden and Denmark!). But before I shoot off, here are a few other homes of Scandinavian artists: 

The cosy vintage-inspired home of a Swedish artist 

A danish artist's beautiful and inspiring Copenhagen home

The relaxed home of a Norwegian artist 

Beautiful! 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Mikala Brunsvig

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The Beautiful, Earthy Home of Swedish Illustrator Sara Bergman

Tjeeena! I hope you had a 'underbart' weekend! I seem to have come into my studio bursting with energy, extremely unusual for a Monday morning. But I think it could have something to do with the home tour I have lined up for you - it's so beautiful! Swedish illustrator Sara Bergman and her family have set up home in the picturesque village of Brunnby, not far from where my parents-in-law live here in Skåne county. Her beautiful home is testament to Sara's creativity. Look beyond the soothing earthy tones and you'll find one-off pieces, treasured items made by artist friends, beautiful pottery and layer upon layer of texture. Oh, and keep a look out for the well camouflaged TV and dozing family dog Kerstin (what would a Monday morning be without the latter?). 

Such a beautiful cabinet and cushions - but the star of the show has to be that marble bowl. I believe it's by Olsson & Jensen, but sadly couldn't find it available online. Let me know if you have more luck! 

Sara's home is full of beautiful sculptures. The one above is by Stockholm-based Elisabeth Ottebring. Sara also loves pieces by her talented friend Carola Kastman - and I have to say, I'm so excited to have discovered her art through Sara! If you have the time, check out her paintings and sculptures here. 

Can we all just take a moment's pause to admire this bedroom door?

The photo above Sara's desk is by Anna Malmberg, who recently packed up her Stockholm apartment and  moved to the South of France. 

What a beautiful way, in a perfectly imperfect way. I love how Sara has supported other local artists throughout her home. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Head on over to Sara's instagram to see a load more pictures from her home today. 

The entire Kullahalvön area (where Brunnby is located) is popular among artists and other creatives - it's also one of the few places in southern Sweden you can surf! I've featured several homes from the area, including: 

The home of Josephine Ekelund (which we also captured for my book The Scandinavian Home).

The unique and fabulous home of Maria Olsson Nylander 

And the fresh white home of Jenny Hultgren

I hope all this inspiration has put a spring indoor step!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sara Bergman

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Renowned Swedish Photographer Andreas Kock Has Teamed Up With Peytil To Create a Limited Print Series!

Sponsored*:

I love it when Swedish creative forces collaborate - and the latest partnership is creating waves across Scandinavia! Stockholm-based fashion designer and artist Eitil Thorén Due (AKA Peytil) has teamed up with one of Sweden's most sought after and respected photographers, Andreas Kock to launch a limited series of art prints. I'm already a big fan of Peytil's work, having had a piece on my wall for many years (seen here in my sitting room - Studio Antwerp is similar), but my budget has always been a little too tight to extend to a piece by Andreas Kock... until now!

"Usually to buy a Andrea Kock photo, you'd need to sell your car but I asked if it would be possible to make a special exception for Peytil, just for a while, and he said yes", Eitil Thorén Due confirms exactly what I was thinking! What an opportunity! 

The limited edition series is a reflection of their combined creative influences of femininity, fashion and bold expressionism and includes prints like Frida, Stella and Arena. 

This gallery wall above shows a beautiful selection of prints by both Eitil Thorén Due and Andreas Kock.

The limited series is exclusively available on Peytil.com until the end of May. Keep a special eye out for Indian Summer and Late Afternoon - these two prints have been limited to 500 editions only.

I have a sneaking suspicion we'll need to be quick!

All of Eitil's other prints are also available directly through Peytil. I love seeing him in action - it's incredible!

Do you have your eye on any of the prints? 

I selected three earlier this week, and they've just arrived. Keep an eye on my instagram / Facebook to see which ones I chose! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Peytil. 

*This is a paid partnership with Peytil. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the local artists that make My Scandinavian Home possible and our homes a little extra beautiful!  

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Line's Relaxed Copenhagen Home with Pretty Pastels

Hej vänner! Popping in with a little Danish inspiration for you to today. Think pared back, whitewashed, with pops of pastel. Yay! This beautiful apartment belongs to Line Schjelde, a Copenhagen based PR manager, who lived with her boyfriend and their little daughter. Excitingly, the family are expecting a little baby girl in a matter of weeks! Given the serenity of the space, it's hard to imagine their home is in the heart of the thriving, urban district of Vesterbro (fabulous area to explore if you're ever in town!). It's beautifully calm yet has some wonderful focal points thanks to the gallery wall, beautiful furniture choices and the lovely details!  Enjoy the tour! 

No one does gallery walls like the Danes! 

Prints from: Paper Collective, Hein Studio, Matisse (available here) and Modernamuseet

But my eyes are on the two mini ball pendant lamps - how cool are they? From what I can gather, Line made these herself using two rice paper balls (costing €5 each!). The HAY dining table is also fab - and the mix and match chairs help to create a relaxed look and feel.

One of the things I have been taken for granted lately are windowsills. Scandinavian homes are generally blessed with wide ones that can be used for so many things (this has been pointed out in the comment section a few times!). Walk around a city street or a country village and windows will be lit by a lamp (this one is the Balustre in pale pink* by Kähler) in the window - make your return home in the dark that more welcoming!

Another observation, un-related, but still interesting: front doors open outwards rather than inwards. I think this might have something to do with the snow - although that doesn't account for apartment doors. Hmmm. What are the windowsills like in your country, and do your front doors open inwards or outwards? 

The kitchen has been kept very minimalist aside from open shelves brimming with pottery by AnnLouise Roman Gustavsson,Julie Damhus Studio, Les Gens Heureux and Bitz Living. 

I love the sofa (from The Sofa Company - the colour is so warm and inviting - just imagine Line and her boyfriend snuggled up here with her two little girls! 

I get asked so many questions about floating bookshelves. Montana is a great source!

What a difference a pretty cushion can make to a room! Line picked this one up from Thus The Fuss (who's home I once featured here). Keep an eye out for her pop-up shops here. 

This lovely Ferm Living pond mirror* is really popular right now - I love the shape! 

The famous IKEA Stockholm cabinet that's now been discontinued and making waves on eBay! If you see one and you like it, nab it! 

What was I saying about windowsills? I mean, seriously!  

All in all, such a lovely home, it's really brightened up my Tuesday - I hope it has yours too!

Loving the pops of pastel!

I'll be keeping an eye on Line's inspiring feed for her latest updates - but more importantly for BABY NEWS! I'll never forget the birth of my second daughter and her sister rushing through the doors of the hospital shouting "WHERE'S MY SISTER?" before showering Allie with a million kisses! Wishing you so much luck with the birth Line - what a magical time you have ahead! 

Looking for a little more Danish inspiration today? 

A Danish family's inviting log cabin

Danica's delightful home in shades of cotton candy

This pastel infused Danish home is a feast for the eyes

Niki

Tonight, I'm excited to participate in a Live Shopping Event over at Boozt.com where I'll be sharing some fun ideas for how you can update your spring table for spring. Come and join us at 7pm (GMT+1). Admittedly, I'm a tad nervous right now (anything 'live' is a little daunting, don't you think?) so it would be wonderful to see a friendly face in the Q & A. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy a discount on anything you buy. Winner!  

Photography: Line Schjelde shared with kind permission. 

*Affiliate links

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