Plants, Books and Wall art in a Boho Berlin Home

Having spent a few wonderful days in Germany this week, I thought we could head down that way on the blog too.  This warm and inviting boho apartment belonging to Ewa Tomko is located in Berlin. 

I have visited the city on many occasions and have always marvelled at how it buzzes with creativity. And in her home, Ewa's creativity shines through. I love that there are lots of plants, art, books and photos - but also countless other personal items such as antique clocks, masks and wall hung plates. 

Keep a look out for the orange lamps (some vintage, some new) which are something of a micro-trend right now. And then of course, there are her feline friends! How many kitties can you find? Take the tour to find out! 

One of my favourite things about Ewa's home is how cosy and relaxed it is. Everything you see is there to be used and enjoyed. The entire living space is truly personal. It's the kind of place you'd step inside and feel instantly at home. 

Also, despite bring a relatively small main room - Ewa has ensured plenty of space for her beloved books and also carved out storage in other tight spaces such as built-in to the side of the sofa. 

Is there anything that I've missed that you love about Ewa's home? 

You can see more pictures over at @ewa_tomko. 

While in Germany, let's take a peek at some other homes from the past: 

A pared-back family home with handcrafted furniture

Step inside Mary's cosy home in Halle

Feel inspired by a delightful colourful home

Have a happy mid-week - and happy Halloween to you all, will you be dressing up? My girls are dressing up as Medusa and a cowgirl - so much fun! 

Niki

Photography by Ewa Tomko, shared with kind permission

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Relaxed, Colourful Boho Style in a Swedish Country Home

If you plan on visiting Sweden, think about coming between mid-May and beginning of June. It's a beautiful time: the world has sprung to life in an array of vibrant greens, the birds are back and singing their wonderful chorus and the sweet scent of lilac and wisteria fills the air. And everyone has a spring in their step! 

This charming former schoolhouse in the countryside near Uppsala, Sweden fits the mood perfectly! Think early 20th century architecture, playful patchwork, funky art, vibrant colours and warm pools of sunlight. Welcome to a relaxed, boho Swedish country home in springtime! 

Oh, so charming. You couldn't help feeling anything but relaxed here the moment you walk in the door - do you agree? 

Patchwork and embroidery are making a major comeback in the interior world - which is lovely to see, but you definitely get the impression that the owners of this house don't care for trends and simply decorate in a way that makes them happy. Just how a home should be!

I can see myself at that desk - potentially my favourite spot in the house other than sitting at the table in the warm sunshine! Can you imagine yourself kicking about here too? 

Take a peek inside a few other former schools today: 

My friend Louise's home in a converted school (look out for the picture of her cat!!)

A converted schoolhouse on the Swedish island of Gotland

A Swedish artist home in a converted school

An old school becomes a light and airy home

A magnificent townhouse in a converted school

Wishing you all a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Boukari, Styling: Copparstad for Historiska Hem. Found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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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 Boho, Warm and inviting Home in Södermalm, Stockholm

Who lives here do you think? Looking at the pictures of this charming apartment in the boho district of Södermalm, Stockholm, I can't help think it belongs to a creative of some sort - potentially working in the field of music. Right or wrong, the lovely living space might be on the small size (it's 40 metre square / 430 feet square) - but the clever lay out makes it a perfect home for a single person, couple or small family. And it oozes charm!  Keep a look out for the eclectic blend of furniture, walls painted in a rich patina, and the way they've worked with the original kitchen to create a cosy, warm and inviting space. I could totally imagine rocking around here after work, how about you? Just add music! 

A perfect example of how an old kitchen can be revamped without ripping out all the units and starting all over again (which can be eye-wateringly expensive). 

Exposed beams add to the charm of the space. 

A mezzanine floor over the living room provides space for a separate master bedroom (the high ceilings have certainly help facilitate this!). 

How lovely! I find this relaxed, bohemian style so inspiring, do you? 

A quick translation / Swedish lesson from the floor plan: 

Kök (pronounciation): kitchen

Hall (pronounciation): hall

Badrummet (pronunciation): bathroom

Vardagsrum (pronounciation): living room

Sovloft (pronounciation): sleeping loft

Balkong (prounciation): balcony

I've found Swedish to be a very sensitive language. Speaking from experience, if you get the pronunciation ever so slightly wrong a Swede will likely not understand what you're saying (it could also be that my pronounciation is horrible!). All-in-all, it makes it a little tricky to learn. 

Do you speak a second language? Or perhaps a third, fourth or fifth like my linguistically skilled older sister? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 

And for more boho spaces today, check out these: 

The's boho-style abode in Berlin

A relaxed boho family home on the edge off a desert

Step inside Verena's relaxed, warm and inviting home

There are plenty more lovely homes to feel inspired by in the bohemian archive too! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks

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Step Inside Verena's Relaxed, Warm and Inviting Home

When I look for homes / interiors to feature I try to find ones that inspire with a certain lifestyle (a Swedish cottage by the sea, a magical mountain cabin or rustic country retreat for example). I also strive to find homes with a wonderful unique touch and bags of personality that are full of ideas. Today, it's the latter in focus (I'm sure there's a wonderful lifestyle here too!). I discovered Verena's German home on instagram a few weeks ago (if you have the time check out her inspiring feed hop over to @vren1984) and immediately fell in love with the warm, relaxed feel. Verona's eclectic home is the kind of place you can instantly feel at home. So, pull up a chair and enjoy the tour - I hope you'll walk away with lots of new ideas for your own home! 

Love the mix and match vintage dining set - it works because everything is made from wood. The sheepskins help to add a cosy touch. 

A real life scene - how refreshing! 

We drink the same Oatly Barista with our coffee - have you tried it? Word of warning, once you start, you can't actually go back to milk. It originates from right here in southern Sweden! 

An indoor swing - wonderful! We have one from Finnish brand Lillagunga in Ali's room and it's always been a big hit. 

I love a packed bookshelf, do you? The other day on instagram I asked how people chose to organise their books. Many said by theme and then author, others said by colour or language. But best of all - one person said that their husband loves to spend hours organising books - organising them according to theme, and then if he thinks the authors would get along and have a good chat he'll place them next to each another. How brilliant is that? You can see the post and read all the responses here. 

Great to see a rug / blanket used as art. Instant cosiness and colour! 

If you have the space - or like the idea of an open wardrobe, perhaps a DIY concept like this one could be something for your home? 

I DID enjoy this tour, I have to say. 

I hope you walk away with some nice ideas. Is there anything that stood out to you in particular? 

Want to hang around for a while? Excellent! Why not check out: 

A German boathouse on the shotes of the Baltic

A fab mid-century inspired home in Berlin

A charming German home full of vintage finds and three mischievous cats!

Have a great day! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @vren1984, shared with kind permission

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