An Inspiring, Serene Home in Napa Valley, California

Hello and Gott Nytt År! (Happy New Year!). I hope you had a wonderful time over the holidays? I totally managed to switch off thanks to a snowy ski trip to Hemsedal in Norway. I love up there and I'm feeling so revived now! The only problem is, I'm feeling sooo slow this morning.  Do you feel the same?! I'm on my third coffee (no 'buck wheat' New Year's resolution for this girl!) and there's no sign of any movement yet! But the good news is I've got a fabulous home tour to share with you! Yay! Captured by Thayer Gowdy for Domino, the house in question belongs to Minted founder and CEO Mariam Naficy. Located in Napa Valley, Mariam's home is absolutely perfect inspiration if you're looking to add texture to your home: think large fluffy rugs, knotted wallhangings, rustic beams and doors and fluffy sheepskins. It's also both colourful, yet calm, contemporary yet relaxed and full of items collected on travels far and wide. Keep a look out for the fabulous wall art which includes prints, wall-hangings, masks and murals too!

What a beautiful home! And all that wine on her doorstep too! *Bliss*!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

You can read more about Mariam's home and where items are from over at Domino here. Thanks also to Victoria of SF Girl By Home where I first spotted this space!

I'm a big fan of Minted, who sell art created by independent artists. I've been working with them since last summer. You can see some examples of our collaborations here, here and here. Definitely a great source for lovely pieces for your walls!

Oh and one more thing. Victoria noted that the mural above the bed was a perfect way to avoid hanging art over the bed in an area at risk of earthquakes. Smart! I also love the idea of a trump l'oeil - there's a beautiful example in the Danish home of Karen Maj Kornum (I saw it in real life when we photographed it for The Scandinavian Home and it was mesmerising!).

Not quite ready to crack on with mundane Monday tasks? You could always check out other beautiful California homes instead. I love this relaxed, boho-style in Orange County,  a beautiful Spanish style house in California and a 1920s storybook home in Oakland Hills.

Have a great start to the week - and here's to a fabulous 2019 friends!

Niki

Photography: Thayer Gowdy for Domino

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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!

// affiliated links marked with *//

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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