Before And After: A Drab Cape Town Interior Becomes A Warm And Cosy Cottage

When Cape Town based wedding photographers Bruce and Rebecca first acquired the charmingly named Sunbird cottage in 2016, the interior was drab, dark and dated (like what I did there with the 'd's?). Working with a relatively small budget, the pair scoured the market for second hand and overstocked items and carried out a huge amount of the renovation work themselves. The one investment they make was employing the services of architect Donne Atkinson - which was tantamount to realising their vision. Other than that, Bruce project managed the build and once the main construction was completed, he carried out a lot of the finished himself with the help of friends. Needless to say, the overall finish is warm, cosy and personal. I hope you enjoy the before and after pictures as much as I did!

How lovely is this parquet worktop? It's making me question my choice of marble for the cottage kitchen renovation. I love the patina!

This corner is so lovely and personal. And look at all those CDs! We still have a load in one of our cupboards too - they hold so many memories. Have you saved yours? 

Opening up the ceiling has helped flood the space with light and added a load of character. I also love the faded kilim. 

In a relatively small space (the ground floor is 70 metres square / 753 square foot) spiral staircases are a great option. I also like how a series of shelves on the upper level shield the bedroom from view. 

The pair added the round window which has become a wonderful focal point above the bed. 

Wow! Such a wonderful transformation. They have given the cottage a whole new lease of life. It can certainly bear the name 'sunbird cottage' with pride now, don't you think?

Is there anything that stood out to you?  

If you're into renovation work as much as I am, you can always explore the archives for more before and afters and home makeovers this weekend (as always, if this home pops up first just scroll past!). 

I hope you have a wonderful couple of days - see you Monday friends!

Skål! 

Niki

Photography: Sarah and Bruce - shared with kind permission and found via Miss Moss with thanks. 

PS Thank you so much for all your input into my summer cottage kitchen plans yesterday, really appreciate it. It's not too late to weigh in! 

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10 Ways To Add Instant Warmth To Your Home

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.

5. Plants on all levels: nothing says modern boho like an urban jungle, right?! Think about dotting plants throughout your home using plant stands, windowsills, baskets and hanging planters. Anything goes, you just need to keep them alive!

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. 

Art from Honigbaum, wall hanging by Wednesday Weaving (love this shop!), string shelves*

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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An Inspired Bohemian Bungalow In Montana

There are some homes that you can imagine feeling at ease in straight away, this is one of them. Located in Missoula, Montana, the bungalow belongs to Bridget Ambrose - a healer and home stylist through Be Crow Be, husband Mathew, a product design director and their son Ryder. Among many other things (Reiki, integrated CranioSacral Practitioner etc), Bridget specialises in styling people's homes in a meaningful, sacred way. Her own home is a fine example of this. Plants, open shelving, layers of textiles and one-off vintage finds ensure a wonderful, relaxed, bohemian feel which Bridget describes as "a never-ending art project". While they may have amassed a fine collection of items, the pair also recognise the value of 'empty space' (a trick central to the Scandinavian style we all so love) - which gives the home its cosy and warm yet light and contemporary vibe. 

I love how Bridget has used wooden open-plan shelving, which she's lined with plants, baskets and decorative kitchen items, adding to the relaxed feel.  

I'm a big fan of nooks, especially when they help capitalise on space. Needless to say, this cosy built-in window seat around a custom reclaimed wood dining table is one of the family's favourite spots! A series of Tom Dixon Beat lights* have been hung over the table. 

How fabulous is this Mitt Accent Chair from Eclectic Goods?! I'm already wondering where I can put one in my own home, are you tempted too?! The painting is by Mel Remmers. Pick up a fluffy sheepskin like this one here*.

Rugs too small for the space? Just layer them up like this. Kisu rugs* sell vintage pieces like these. 

If you're going for a decluttered look, plenty of storage is essential. This Kinley Storage Unit adds to the room and also provides a perfect surface for art and plants. Perfect!

A vintage chest-of-drawers looks so pretty in the bathroom in place of a standard bathroom cabinet. I can't resist showing you the before (below) so you can appreciate the transformation! If you're feeling inspired, take a look at this complete guide to using vintage furniture as a bathroom vanity The vintage rug is from Jean Palmer Home. 

It's small hacks like the loo roll being hooked to the side of the cabinet that make this home so personal! 

How lovely! Do you see what I mean when I said you could walk into this home and immediately feel at ease? It's such a warm and inviting space!

See more of Bridget's home over at @becrowbe and read more about her services (some of which are remote) here.

Love a little boho? Take a peek at a creative warm and inviting family home, the golden vintage-inspired home of Sarah Shabacon and a cosy, boho Scandinavian family home.

Have a lovely day y'all!

Niki

PS I'm on an early morning train to the My Scandinavian Home Studio at Spinneriet just outside Gothenburg. We're going to take a look at some of the mood boards for the rooms we're currently designing - exciting! I love being at the studio, it has the most beautiful light (see the tour here!). If you're stuck on a room just give us a shout or read more about the service here - in celebration of the launch, we're offering 20% off our design service with code MYNEWROOM!

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The Charming Creative Home of a Polish Artist

Hej hej! How are you?! We had such a wonderful time in the Alps (I can highly recommend Obergurgl in Austria if you love skiing!) - and now we're back it feels like spring is in the air in Sweden - woohoo! (although I'm not going to get my hopes up just yet). I hope you've had a great week too! I'm excited to get cracking with my daily posts again and thought I'd kick off with a very special home. This lovely, relaxed apartment belongs to Polish artist Margo Hupert - and doubles up as a living space and creative studio. Think white floors, art (including some of Margo's own nature inspired pieces), interesting trinkets, plants, vintage finds and the cutest furry friends. Step this way for the tour!

Just how lovely is that vintage filing cabinet / plan chest? I did a little search and found similar ones  here*.

Margo makes use of light from her window to sketch. The sitting room area occupies the same space (try the Söderhamn sofa with a Bemz Urban Loose Fit cover for a similar look). 

 The shelves are from Tylko. Source a similar vintage industrial stool here*.

Hello there gorgeous!

That cat looks like he might have spotted something out of the window (my money's on a bird?!). My eyes are on the beautiful dining space full of one-off pieces, natural materials and plants. Just lovely!

Still gazing out of that window, huh?!

How lovely! There's just so much warmth oozing from this home, don't you think?

It's a perfect place to get creative too - there's so much light!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Source Margo's art here and see more pictures of her lovely home here.

Would you like to take a peek at more artist's homes today? I can't think of a better way to spend a Monday, can you?! Certainly eases the pain! Here are a few of my favourites: a fabulous vintage inspired loft in a former textile factory, the lovely home of a Danish artist and an artist's studio and home in Stockholm. Time to pour a coffee!

Have a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

PS In case you missed it, the My Scandinavian Home online interior design service launches this Friday - weeee! So exciting (and of course a little nerve-racking too!). Thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive response, you've made my week! By way of thank you, I'd like to offer the first 20 people to sign-up a very big discount (200 euros instead of 300 euros) on a room design! If you'd love to be one of the first please send me a mail and I'll reply with a discount code and notify you as soon as the service launches. 

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