Loving these new Danish prints!

Something beautiful happens when danish businesses come together (how can it not?!). This is why I was super excited when The Poster Club* announced an exclusive collaboration with former fashion designer Malene Birger (check out her home here). Birger's art is expressed in strong, abstract and graphical forms, mostly developed in monochrome colours. As part of the collab, the six new prints have been styled by Dane - Pernille Vest and captured by Emil Monty Freddie in the beautiful Skagerak showroom (yep, it's a complete Danish family affair!). Here's a sneak peek!

What do you reckon? Could you imagine having these in your home? I love them - especially with the oak frame.

Want to pick one up? The prints are available here*.  

By the way, I owe everyone who popped in on Friday an apology! For the first time ever, I failed to turn up and post (eeeek)! I was in Moscow to hold a a talk about Pure Scandinavian Design (such an honour!) and time just ran away with me. I have to say I was completely mesmerised by the city! What a beautiful, fascinating place! One of the highlights was the Christmas market on the red square - the bright colours, the music, the backdrop! And exploring the subway which is full of beautiful sculptures and art. A big thank you to all my new Russian friends who made me feel so welcome and anyone who took the time to send me tips!

I thought I'd make up for my lack of Friday post by posting twice today - look out for a little more inspiration later!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend too!

Niki

Design: Malene Birger. Photography: Emil Monty Freddie, Styling: Pernille Vest, Sold through: The Poster Club.

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Annika Sahléns Cosy, Calm and Creative Swedish Home

Men, hejsan! I hope you had a fabulous weekend? It's 2pm on Monday and I'm still cranking into action. Not that I haven't done anything today (I've put together an entire advent calendar - to be revealed tomorrow!), it's just that I'm doing everything so slowly! - anyone else feel the same?! I'm in my office in Malmö today but where I'd much rather be is hanging out in the lovely Swedish home of interior designer / stylist Annika Sahlén. Annika has been passionate about interiors for as long as she can remember, and in 2015 she took the plunge and went back to school to re-train before starting her interior business Inreda Bevara. Annika's philosophy is that everyone should feel good at home; after all, it's where you 'umgås' (cosy up / hang out) with friends and family, re-charge your batteries and generally spend a great deal of time. Her own home is testimony to this. The space oozes comfort and calm and is awash with muted, earthy tones, natural textures and interesting works of art. Enjoy the tour!

Above: Lone house print, Söderhamn sofa

Love this magazine stash! Why doesn't mine ever look as neat as this?!

How great is this gallery wall? Annika may have stuck to similar tones but each and every piece is unique.  Annika's husband made the large piece directly over the bench (I love the idea of the bench too). In the back corner you can catch a glimpse of the IKEA PS 2014 corner chair - a limited edition piece which is now available on second hand sites.

The kitchen walls have been painted in Almond Beige by Jotun which contrast with a wooden floor painted in a fresh, matt white. Pick up a fab vintage kilim like this one here*. 

Pholc lamp*

Annika has painted her bedroom wall in Fridhemsgatan by Alcro. A handy long row of hooks have been painted in the same colour. 

I think what strikes me the most about Annika's lovely home is the art - not just the paintings, illustrations and photography but also the sculptures! I do love a bust (ha! that could so easily get misconstrued!). I found the 'mango head' one in the sitting room right here, but sadly it looks like it's sold out. Annika found the clay one at a flea market.

Can anyone recommend a great place to buy sculptures like these? If so. I'd love to hear any tips in the comment section below.

Is there anything you love in particular about Annika's home?

Check out more pics here and find out more about Annika's interior design and styling services at Inreda Bevara here.

Not quite done? Join the club! Why not dig around in the Swedish home archive - there must be over 500 home tours in there these days! Crazy! 

Happy Monday all!

Niki

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Nora's Charming Eclectic Home

I'm not sure if it's the warm pools of sunlight, the plants, art (some of which casually rests on the floor), or the eclectic mix of furniture (or simply the contribution of everything!) but there's something truly charming about Nora's apartment in Cologne, Germany. It's one of those homes where you could imagine feeling instantly at home the moment you step in the door! Enjoy the tour!

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Here's an idea: different sized wooden chests (source similar vintage ones here*) stacked on top of one another to create extra kitchen storage and a side board!

String lights*, rattan chair* (similar), Bertoia side chair*

 Plant watering day in the Nora household! But some plants get to stay (in a Bittergurka plant holder).

House Doctor wall lamp, rug from IKEA,  the Zuiver cupid side table* is similar, Line Collection No 05* print by Hein Studio.

The sitting room is possibly my favourite room  - doesn't it look just so warm and inviting?! I love the big windows too.

Mid-century teak side boards / credenzas have been popular for a few years now, plus they're perfect for vignettes! Etsy* is a great source for similar vintage pieces. 

One of the reasons Nora's apartment works so well is because she makes the most of the height. Look closely and you'll spot lots of wonderful details too - like the Kay Bojesen monkey* hanging from the shelf!

 It took me a while to notice the TV in the picture above - can you see it?! 

Aaaaa, all in all, one lovely, cosy home!

Could you imagine rocking about here?

If you'd like to see more, check out Nora's instagram where she shares daily snaps. 

And if you're up for a little more German apartment inspiration today (now that we're on a roll....) take a peek at this bright and beautiful loft (I know this was only last week, but I couldn't resist linking to it again in case you missed it!), a Scandi inspired urban oasis (how fab is that hallway?!) and a relaxed home filled with fab colours. 

We're currently bumping along the narrow, winding rooms of Cornwall, South West England in Scarlett, our rented VW campervan (so if there are any typos in this post you know why!). Feeling a little tired (these rides are way smaller than I'd imagined!) but we've had a lot of laughs along the way! If you'd like to get a glimpse check out my stories! It's such an incredible part of the world.

I hope you have a fab day to couple of days and see you Friday!

Niki

Photography by Nora

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A Striking Blue Wall and Art in a Hamburg Home

Hallo freunde! I seem to be on a little bit of a German roll right now. Could it be because my neighbours are waving at me from the opposite shore of the Baltic sea - or the mere fact that it's only a few hours drive / short ferry hop from here? Either way, I'm often stumbling across inspiring German homes with a Scandinavian influence - and this one is a fine example! Sarah describes her lovely apartment in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel as a mix of "Scandinavian minimalism with a touch of colour'. The Hague Blue wall in the sitting room is a total show stopper - but after scouring the pictures, there are many other details to enjoy. Let's dive in... 

North sofa by Bolia (I used to have exactly the same one - same fabric, legs everything!). Prints from left to right: Freisteller 17 / Tan Kadam, Print by Iris Lehnhardt, Blues print by Peytil, Print by Jilli Darling.

I've been looking for storage like this Would Töjbox for our guest room, I love the minimalist look and feel - as well as the warmth of the wood. It's ideal for tight spaces too.  

Hay Dot cushion*, Eames wire chair*

Sarah has created a mini breakfast bar using a wall mounted shelf (which also doubles up as extra storage along with the Swedish made 'Shelf 90') - she can also enjoy her morning coffee on the windowsill (made comfy with a couple of cushions!). Such a clever way to make the most of the space you have - no matter how small / narrow, don't you think?

Grasshopper lamp

'Although she is small, she is fierce!' (or simple super cosy and pretty!). This small bedroom is proof you can enjoy a double bed and still achieve a minimalist look and feel. It works because Sarah has used the window sill for a reading light and hung a Flower Pot suspension light on the other side - which frees up space on the nightstands (a pair of stackable stools). I also love the leather magazine hanger and hook for books and magazines - it's really practical too! 

 Flower Pot VP1 light,  Ferm Living triangles rug*, A 'Smile is the prettiest' poster*, magazine hanger and hook

What an inspiring home!

Did it give you any ideas for your own living space?

I love how the blue wall gives the entire space a focal point - for anyone considering going for a bold accent colour, I hope Sarah's apartment has given you the courage to go for it!

You can see more of Sarah's home on her wonderful blog and instagram feed.

And there's an entire MSH archive dedicated to 'decorating with blue' ("of course there is!" I hear you say)-  it's one of my favourites too! While scrolling through, don't miss Suvi's home on Finland's west coast, a striking small Stockholm space in dark blue and this amazing home featuring an array of colours!

Have a great start to the week! I've got a feeling this is going to be good one for us all!

Niki

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The Fabulous Stockholm Home of Lovisa Häger

Hello there! Kind of tricky business this hump day, don't you think? It's when you realise there's only a few days left until the weekend and yet you've got about a week's worth of stuff to do - bah! In my lagom book I wrote that no matter how busy you are - breaks are essential and will actually make you more efficient - and who am I to ignore this?! So, let's down our tools, put our feet up and take some guilt-free minutes to admire Lovisa Häger's beautiful Stockholm apartment! Lovisa is a Swedish interior designer, blogger, artist and economist! The contrast between creation and structure in Lovisa's daily life is reflected in her interior and art where she looks to combine classic design furniture with unexpected details to create an artistic and personal home.

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Lovisa's home is made of off neutrals and a dark grey accent. I LOVE the way Lovisa has used the accent shade to create a dramatic, yet cocoon like feel in the bedroom and cleverly carried it through to the main living area in the form of skirting boards and window frames for a truly striking effect! 

Intrusion print, mantis wall lamp*, the Härmanö bed in Zaragoza Eggshell and washed white linen bedding* are similar. 

 "The (interior) style that I'm going for is classical and Scandinavian with an edge! I love soft colours and tone-in-tone, and I try to compliment it with natural materials and a few favorite designer pieces. I love things that you spontaneously want to look twice at, perhaps to understand the construction or origin, and that's one of the main reasons why my focus over the years has become DIY. When people enter our home they always have to go on an 'exploration' to see my latest projects, as our home is in constant change they are always very curious to see what has happened since last time they visited!"

Floatation print, Lovisa made the table herself, Wishbone chairs*

Serge Mouille wall lamp, Atollo table lamp, Abstraction print

Lovisa made the coffee table herself, source a similar beige waffle throw here.

Lovisa has recently joint forces with Wall of Art to convert her beautiful artwork into large scale, limited edition prints.

"The idea behind my art was really to create something that would compliment the interior in my own home, where the focal point is colour and structure - a feeling - rather than a motif. I have been craving large paintings for a while now, I want artwork that isn't afraid to be noticed but that still isn't overpowering, so I've been working a lot with trying to find that balance through size and soft tones. When working with interior design, I'd say that artwork is the best way to transform a space and add new dimensions, and that's why I was so excited to take on this project!"

I was so busy admiring Lovisa's artwork that it took me several moments to notice the cane radiator covering  - I mean, how beautiful is that?! Trying to think where I can incoporate the same idea into my own home. Hmmm! 

Flos Snoopy table lamp*

 Source a similar vintage credenza here*, Perception print

In the last picture you can also see a close-up of the beautiful parquet floor which looks like it's been sanded down and white washed, it looks especially great next to the dark grey skirting boards.

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I must say I've got a serious case of home envy over this one - anyone else feeling the same? So much so, that I might just have to hop over to Lovisa's 'An Interior Affair' instagram and blog (I need to find out more about the DIY tables!) - see you there?!

And for more Stockholm apartments like this I'd recommend these tours: Karolina Modig's creative home, a striking Swedish home with a wall of books and the beautiful Stockholm home of Amelia Widell.

Happy hump day!

(is it just me or is this term a little awkward among Brits?!).

Niki


Photography: Jesper Florbrant / Lovisa Häger 

FYI - some if these pictures have been taken from Lovisa's instagram which have been taken over time. This is why you might see the same item appear more than once (The Kinfolk Home*, I'm looking at you!). 

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