Friday Feels: Tour Mary's Charming and Relaxed Family Home

Sometimes I look through interior magazines and think 'this is wonderful, but there's no way I could ever achieve this' - do you sometimes feel like that too? I think that's why, over here on My Scandinavian Home, I always try to share homes which will inspire as many as possible. Cue: Mary's charming home! Mary lives in an apartment in Halle, Germany with her husband, two sons and two cats.  During the day Mary works as a social worker, helping children with autism (a job she loves) and in her spare time she's passionate about creating a beautiful, relaxed home for her and her family. The living space combines a blend of pieces from ikea, vintage finds, new nordic design and handmade items while books, art and plants contribute to the wonderful lived-in vibe. 

Art from Desenio, Hay tray table*

""I love to surround myself with Scandinavian design and handmade things. Right now, I like beige tones in combination with white, black and wood. I am also passionate about collecting vases and love flower arranging" - Mary. 

Louis Poulsen lamp*, Fine little day tablecloth, Lyngby vase

'On the sofa' Art from Fine Little Day

Kristiina Haataja sculpture, cooee vase, brown linen duvet cover and pillowcases*

Fabulous spotty vase by Gothenburg based Elin Frodig.

Not only did I LOVE this tour (feeling all the Friday feels!), I was also excited to discover works by Swedish artists Elin Frodig and Kristina Haataja! - true inspiration for the weekend!

Did you find this home inspiring too? Is there anything that stood out to you in particular? 

In case you're in the mood for other homes with a bohemian touch, here are a few of my faves:

Bohemian style in a lovely 1900 Berlin Beletage

A cosy, modern bohemian home

A relaxed boho home, on the edge of a desert

Right guys. That's it from me this week. This girl is checking out for the weekend! Woohooooo! 

I hope you've got some fabulous plans lined up!

See you Monday friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @marylooh - shared with kind permission. 

PS if you're looking for art, don't forget to make the most of the 10% discount from Posterlounge (use code  SCANDI10 at checkout). Take a peek at my new gallery wall here (in case you missed it). 

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California Meets Scandinavia In A Cosy LA Home

We did it friends, it's POETS day! Yay! Friday calls for something pretty fabulous right?! And I'm thinking the home of Sophie Carpenter would be an absolutely perfect way to round off the week! Built in 1928, Sophie's 'sepia' LA home is a feast for the eyes. Think brown, brass, beige, cream and milky white tones in a living space that flows beautifully from one room to the next (let's not ignore that rather fabulous arch!). Look closely and you'll see Scandinavian design pieces beside funky pieces picked up in LA - as well as lots of arty details. Sophie, who works with production accounting on TV shows, describes her style as 'Scandifornian' - a totally new term to me, and I'm absolutely loving it. Welcome to her bright, comfortable and super cosy LA home! 

Another day, another rug! The Sarah Sherman Samuel Iconic Stripe Rug to be precise (little surprise that this fabulous rug is already sold out - but they are taking pre-orders for the next batch!), I also love the Santa Barbara Pendant Light and Wishbone chairs

That's Sophie's dog 'Rascal' flying in through the door. Insert your own caption in the comments below! It's definitely either dinner or walkies, what do you reckon? 

Triangular shelving from Spaulding Company, Sven sofa from Article

Absolutely love the bathroom! After a quick snoop on Sophie's instagram I discovered the wall sconces are from Cedar & Moss, the mirror is from Rejuvenation and the cabinets are Spaulding Company. Total perfection! 

Oh wow! This tour really put a smile on my face, how about you?! Rascal, of course, stole the show by sweeping into the kitchen, all four paws off the ground! But once I got passed him, I couldn't help noticing all the details (and the fabulous rugs!). What a wonderful haven!

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more pictures of Sophie's lovely home on her instagram and home page. 

Here are a few more 'Scandifornian' homes to enjoy from the archives (I've got a feeling I'll be using that term a lot moving forwards!): 

An inspiring home in Napa Valley

Relaxed, Boho style in Orange County

A Jewel in the Suburbs of LA

A Beautiful Spanish-Style House in California

Kind of wish I was spending the weekend there - but I do have a fun one planned all the same here in Sweden as my sister Cas is coming over from London with my little nieces (who are 1 and 3) - I CAN'T WAIT!!! 

What are you up to this weekend?

I hope you have a brilliant couple of days, see you Monday!

Niki

Photography: Sophie Carpenter / bathroom shot with mirror: Lily Glass for Glitter Guide

*Affiliate links

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A Relaxed, Bohemian Orange County Home Full of Plants!

First a TV - now a loo. Whatever next?! Hahaha! Can you tell I'm making an effort to keep things real here on My Scandinavian Home lately? Plus, the 'powder room' in this house is so pretty, I couldn't resist sharing it (after all, we all have one and in need of a little inspiration from time to time, right?)! There is off course WAAAY more about the lovely home of Katie and Tyler Branch (AKA @branchabode) to feel inspired by too. Photographers by trade, the pair live with their young family in a craftsman-built house in Orange County, California dating back to 1909.  The house has been decorated with a wonderful blend of traditional, mid-century and industrial pieces in white, brown, black as well as plenty of lush greenery at every turn. Enjoy the tour! 

Katie and Tyler prefer to invest in classic pieces that stand the test of time. In the dining room mid-century dining chairs circle a round dining table* - and traditional cabinets can be seen in the background. 

Coffee table from West Elm, Pom pom blanket*, Tisca make a similar rug

A little nook by the window makes a perfect spot for a small home office and home for several plants! 

Source a similar mid-century desk here*. 

After a lot of hard graft (including ripping out an ancient wall-to-wall carpet) the master bedroom has become Katie's  favourite room in the house. I think I can see why, can you?!

Blue and white striped linen bedding*

When I came to this picture in the @Branchabode instagram feed, it stopped me in my tracks. If I ever get the opportunity to re-do my bathroom, I'd like it to look a lot like this. Do you feel drawn to this style too?

Ceramic tiles from Daltile, plant stand from Urban Outfitters (FYI - they have the most amazing array of planters right now - check them all out here), this Hammam towel* is similar. 

 

Shower head from Rubinet Faucet Company, Tiles from Daltile (as before)

I wasn't kidding about the loo - and what a pretty little space it is too, don't you think?

The family dine al fresco in the shade of the house under some colourful hanging baskets. The pretty outdoor dining set is from West Elm. 

I love it when I get loads of ideas from a home tour - and today I'm feeling full of inspiration from this abode! I hope you got lots of ideas too! 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular?

If you'd like to see a few more corners of this home, it's well worth hopping over to @branchabode. You can also check out Katie and Tyler's photography here and here. 

Just in case you'd like to extend your morning / afternoon coffee break, here are some other beauties from California: 

An inspiring and serene home in Napa Valley

A Relaxed, Boho home in Orange Country

A jewel in the suburbs for LA

You might also like to check out the ultimate guide to hanging plants and how to work with indoor climbers.  

Have a wonderful day!

Niki

Photography: Katie Tyler / Branch Abode

*Affiliate links

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A Relaxed Tucson Home In Sun Kissed, Earthy Tones

Hej hej! I hope you had a fabulous weekend?! We've been busy renovating the kitchen at the cottage and I can't even lift my arms today. But Per and I did manage to sneak in a sail yesterday afternoon which was BLISS if not on the chilly side- brrrr! Perhaps that's why I was thinking we could head to balmy Tucson, Arizona today - whad'ya think? Emily of fabulous instagram feed @oursouthwestnest, shares her home with her partner and three little ones, and has taken inspiration from the scorched, earthy tones of the desert. Think minimalist furnishings in wood, rattan, stone and terracotta against a white backdrop for a relaxed and inviting home - as well as a cool respite from the Arizonian sun.

Bamboo pendant lights*, Smeg toaster*, wood stools*

Block Prints / The Printable Studio*

This fabulous binga basket* is similar

 Art by Jan Skácelik

Someone asked the other day if any of the homes I show actually have TVs. Fair point! This one's for you! I think it's really inspiring how Emily has transformed the wall into a gallery space too. 

Art by Tucson photographer Emily Tartaglia, Bath from Wayfair, Bungalow pendant light

Absolutely love this home! 

Did you feel inspired too? Is there anything that stood out to you?

The white and wood tones works anywhere. It reminds me a little of this cabin in the woods, Serena and Mason's Topanga Canyon home and a Dutch home enthused with warmth and harmony. 

See more pics of Emily's home over at @oursouthwestnest. 

BTW, one of my daughter's 8-year-old friends said the other day "your mother loves wood, doesn't she?!" It made me look at my home in a new way - and she's right, I have a LOAD of furniture made from wood. But seriously, what a great material (as long as it's sustainably sourced, of course). Do you have a lot of wood in your home too?

I've got to run as I'm packing for a blogger trip to Transylvania with Tisca rugs. My flight leaves in a couple of hours and I'm nowhere near ready. EEEEEK! I'm super excited though, as we'll be visiting Dracula's castle! Keep an eye on my IG stories if you'd like to follow along!

Have you ever been to Transylvania? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

I'll be stopping by as usual with the daily post tomorrow! See you then!

Niki

Photography @oursouthwestnest

Affiliate links marked with *

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Airbnb / Holiday Let: Your Own Bohemian-Style Hideaway In The Desert!

Do you ever feel like you need to get away from it all? Somewhere peaceful where you have space to think and 'just be'? If so, I might have found just the secluded hideaway for you and it's available on Airbnb! Little Jo (great name!) is tucked away in the northern corner of Joshua Tree, Southeast California with panoramic views over the desert. Inside, the 1950s bungalow is a sea of brown,  cream and white with a distinct boho vibe. Bringing friends? There's a separate casita with a queen size bed and a covered terrace for that first coffee of the day (you know, when you're not quite ready to face the world!). What a dreamy home from home! 

I'm already picturing myself on the porch nursing an ice cold G+T while the sun goes down, how about you?!

I have to confess, it would need to be a trip with friends - being an avid sailor, Per might feel it's a little far from the sea for his liking! Mind you, he might change his mind when he sees the guitar and record collection! 

Could you imagine recharging your batteries here?

You can read more about Little Jo here. 

Other holiday lets / escapes I love the look of:

A beautiful Airbnb holiday rental in Bergen, Norway

Two idyllic cottages to rent in Denmark this summer

Rent a romantic lakeside cottage in Sweden 

Dream Holiday rental: a cosy waterside eco cabin in Australia

20 instagrammable places to stay in Sweden

Also see a load of fabulous Design Hotels - for all budgets! 

Speaking of which, it's Per and my 10 year wedding anniversary at the end of June and we're looking for a a wonderful, relaxing weekend getaway in Europe. Do you have any tips on great places to go / a beautiful place to stay? I feel a bit paralysed for choice right now and need a helping hand! 

Happy lillördag (little Saturday!) all! 

Niki

PS If you're looking to make some changes to your own home this spring / summer - or even thinking of putting it on airbnb but need to update it a little first, we're here to help! Find out more about the My Scandinavian Home Studio room by room online interior design service here - we're offering 20% off right now with code MYNEWROOM too!  

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