It seems having a cat is fast becoming a key criterion to appearing on My Scandinavian Home (or at least, that's how it feels right now!!). Maybe it's subliminal (I'd love a cat, as you know!) or maybe it's just that cats seem to add instant warmth a space. Fortunately for those without a feline friend there are plenty of other ways we can create a super mysigt (cosy) home. Take a peek at the lovely home of Josy Chen as an example. Josy lives in Ahaus, Germany with her boyfriend Timo and eight-year-old daughter Nele (OK, yes, she also has a cat named Cookie, but that's by the by - or, is it?!). Laid out over two floors, the apartment has a relaxed, contemporary bohemian vibe which makes you want to crawl through the pictures and chill out with a cup of tea. If you feel your home is lacking a little warmth right now, here are ten instant ideas to steal!
1. Go eclectic: mix and match style and materials. Josy's home works because she keeps to a brownish colour scheme.
2. Go comfy: Swap out a dining chair for a sofa or nook - so that the kitchen table becomes somewhere you could sit for hours!
The wooden shelf was made by Josy's boyfriend Timo / HERRBERT.
3. Rattan: the modern boho look owes itself partly to the 1970's revival. If you lived through the 70's you might completely balk at the idea of rattan - just like I do over hair scrunchies from the 80's (scrunchies are a thing in Sweden right now and my daughters love them! The only saving grace is that they've stopped stealing all my hairbands). Fortunately, rattan has been given a cool and contemporary update and adds a relaxed feel to any space (whether you're on a high or low budget!).
4. 3D wall decor: Shake up your walls by adding mobiles (this one was made by Jose and Timo), wooden sculptures, mirrors and wall hangings. They'll add interest and depth to the room and help create a homely atmosphere.
6. Pile up the cushions: as you know I've been banned from buying anymore cushions / pillows (unofficially the collection is still growing, of course!). Why? Because cushions are a perfect way to add to the relaxed feel of a space. Mix and match earthy colours, texture and pattern.
7. Art: trawl local galleries and online shops to give your home a unique and personal artistic touch (I've promised myself this is the year I start to invest in oil paintings, illustrations and sculptures by local artists). If you're looking for wonderful ways to display art - try the Danish home archive, they are masters!
8. Vintage finds - a vintage piece like a rattan chair (there's a beautiful vintage one* available here right now!) adds instant warmth and personality to a space.
9. Wood: nature nourishes the mind - bringing natural materials with a beautiful patina like wood indoors gives a living space soul.
10. Kilim rugs - seek out patterned rugs with warm earthy tones - the more worn the better!
So, if you're feeling your home is currently 'too cold' and you're missing that je ne sais quoi - the chances are could just add even one of these elements and it will make a difference!
Is there any other decor you feel adds instant cosiness to a space?
I'm thinking photos, items collected on travels etc.
See more of Josy's charming home on instagram here.
Have a relaxing day!
Niki
Photography Josy Chen shared with kind permission
PS I'm excited to see a load of new room designs taking shape in the My Scandinavian Home Studio right now. If you're stuck and would love us to help you just give us a shout - we're currently offering 20% off with the code MYNEWROOM. More info about the service and sign-up here.
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