San's Relaxed Hamburg Home With an Industrial Touch

Hejsan hoppsan! I loved reading all your comments on Liv's bedroom reveal post yesterday. I have to say, I'm so relieved many of you had the same terrible taste in 80's boy bands as me (except Morten Harket of course, that one still stands)! T

Today I wanted to stop by to share this lovely, relaxed home in Hamburg with you. In a normal world, Hamburg would be a mere 4.5 hours' drive from Southern Sweden, but it feels a world away right now (gaaaah, will this ever end?). Luckily, we have the internet - and lovely people like San Snova, who has invited us into her lovely, relaxed 56 sq metre apartment today. It's such a privilege to peek around others people's homes isn't it? San's flat is instantly recognisable thanks to its wonderful raw wall, fab kitchen tiles, plants, funky side tables and dramatically high ceiling. Enjoy the tour! 

I love these two coffee /side tables they add a cool edge to the room! Look closely at this picture and you'll also spot two of the biggest micro-trends right now: sculptured candles (this shell one is by Hebe) and 'wow' vases (the one on the desk is 'Kink' by Muuto*). 

Bang on trend colours in the bedroom I see: lavender bedlinen* combined with a beige bedspread - love that! Such a simple, yet lovely way to bring the latest spring trend into the home. 

See more of San's Hamburg home over at @sansnovazuhaus. 

It's been a while since we saw this 'raw' wall look - I'm a big fan as I think it adds contrast and a certain edginess. Are you a fan too? Before you decide, here are a couple of other homes with a similar look: 

A bohemian touch in a magnificent Berlin home

An edgy Berlin home full of contrast

It's half term here and things are getting kind of crazy around here! Time to take a little time out with my girls, I think! 

Wishing you a wonderful few days - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: San Snova - shared with kind permission

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An Artist's Super Cosy & Relaxed Open-Plan Living Space

Hello! Before we all head off for the weekend, I wanted to nip in and share this super cosy, super relaxed, open-plan kitchen, dining and living room area with you. The space belongs to Katharina, an artist, her partner and their wonderful cats! I can just imagine the duo curling up by the fire under a blanket, cats purring by their side while the snow falls. 

So cosy, don't you think? 

You can see more of Katharina's charming home and their previous apartment in Nuremberg here. 

Wishing you all a 'hyggeligt' weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Katharina @hiermitmir

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A Relaxed Family Home With Beautiful Bones - And Toy Strewn Floors!

I was so happy to see so many enjoy yesterday's Danish cabin tour - it really was a beauty and certainly brightened up 'blue Monday'! Speaking of which, I learnt a new phrase yesterday: 'oxenveckorna', A Swedish term meaning 'the ox weeks' - used to describe the long, dark, 'sluggish and heavy' weeks between Twelfth night (epiphany) and Easter in Scandinavia! But it's not all bad, right? After all, homes can feel so cosy this time of year - and after enjoying a little 'friluftsliv' (outdoor life) it's perfectly acceptable to snuggle up on the sofa for hours completely guilt free! I think it's this sentiment which led me to today's home tour. Located just outside Frankfurt, the apartment belongs to Mexican born Alejandra (AKA Alex), her husband and their two children. 

What struck me is how the family home is so full of soul. It's awash with warm earthy tones and lovely lights hang from the ceiling. But best of all, we get a glimpse into a children's bedroom with desks and floors strewn with colouring books and toys. Hurrah! Enjoy the tour friends, I hope it helps your load feel a little lighter today! 

The 'Blade' ceiling light is from George's store. Alex isn't sure of the name of the colour on the wall since it was already in place when they moved in. However, if you'd like to do something similar, you could try something like Minty Breeze by Jotun (Allie has it in her room and I find it really calm - even if it's not quite the same shade). 

I love how some German and Scandinavian apartments have these great big hallways! It's a dream of mine  - probably because ours is tiny and has five doors coming off it and like Piccadilly Circus in the mornings! What does your hallway / landing look like? 

When I first moved to Sweden, I was baffled by the two single duvets on a double bed. I've since learnt from you guys that this is quite normal across many countries in Europe - and I've grown to love this too! 

On her instagram Alex is careful to blend in 'real' pics with more tidy pics. The below pic is inspirational in that I would love my daughters' desks to look as neat as this....

And the lic below gives me a great sense of relief to see that other children have desks as messy as mine (check out the full waste paper basket too - I recognise the creative process!).   

Tell me, are your children's desks / your own desk more like exhibit A (top pic) or exhibit b (bottom pic)?

I also love the pics of the children's bedroom on a tidy day, followed by a more 'real' pic of how a children's bedroom tends to look after hours of wonderful, creative play! 

On her instagram Alex expresses her internal struggle at letting go of the pressure of having to keep the house neat and tidy with young children: "when they play, I love it, they want to keep the magic for long, leave the toys or their arrangements for days. Whatever they (have) built or created, is OK I say, and I realise how much I have changed."

I recognise this from when I was young - and when my children were young. There's nothing more lovely than listening to a child lost in play! 

Hop over to @alessmalpica to see more pictures of Alex's lovely, relaxed home! 

See also: Keeping it real in a danish family home in the heart of Copenhagen. 

Have a lovely, relaxed day friends! 

Niki

Photography: @alessmalpica shared with kind permission. 

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An Edgy Berlin Home, Full of Contrast

Is it me or has it been a while since we were in Berlin? Given that it's only a six-hour drive away (plus ferry) from Malmö - I kind of miss that German city. Such is life right now, I guess. But nothing can stop us from paying a virtual visit, right?! So, today I'm taking you on a trip to Berlin, for a peek behind the facade of a building in the beautiful Schöneberg district. Nadine Engels lives with her husband and their ''little street dog'' Coockie (also the name of her popular instagram feed). The magnificent apartment is characterised by staggeringly high ceilings and exposed brick walls. But there's something entirely unique about the space too. Think raw, edgy walls, a touch of graffiti, pops of neon and wonderful contrasts throughout. Welcome to Nadine and Coockie's world! 

We did a lot of the renovation ourselves, and love the charm of the old building - even if it creaks everywhere!" - Nadine. 

"We were lucky to discover the beautiful dual-toned concrete wall when we removed the wallpaper, the only thing we added was the 'Miau' - which we did before our dog moved in....'' - Nadine.

I love the way the Tom Dixon copper round pendant light* contrasts with the exposed concrete wall!

The Walton Ford print is from an exhibition a few years back at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark (I remember going to see it!). The poster is still available in the museum webshop here. 

I love how Nadine has hung a Ferm Living Mirage Blanket* on her bedroom wall - it makes for great art! It's not the first time we've seen Ferm Living used in this way - remember this Berlin home with a Merge rug*? 

This linen bedding* is similar to the one seen. 

There are so many striking spots in Nadine's home, don't you think? I particularly love the bedroom and dining room! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Shall we take a little trip down memory lane and visit a few other Berlin apartments? I am always inspired by:

A lovely, budget-friendly Berlin pad (check-out the DIY fireplace!). 

A serene Swedish home in a Berlin rental

Bohemian touch in a magnificent Berlin apartment (love the kitchen walls!)

Have a lovely day friends!

Niki

Photography: Nadine Engels, shared with kind permission

*This post contains affiliate links with means I'll make a very tiny amount of money on anything you click through and buy - at no extra cost to you. 

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Beautiful Inspiration From An Earthy, Bali Pool Villa

Sometimes I think (or at least hope) that My Scandinavian Home is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna to get! Yesterday, we were charmed by a relaxed Copenhagen family home, littered with Lego - and today, we're in dreamy Bali. because, why not? I came across Villa Arjuni by accident over the weekend and it had me longing for a holiday, flitting between the pool, dining table, bed and back again! But more than that, I felt so inspired by the earthy tones, tactile fabrics and touches of warm wood and tropical rattan added by owners Lena & Carlo Catterick, founders of Byron Bay shop Yöli & Otis. There are plenty of ideas to steal from this villa - even if that holiday of ours is on hold for now! Pour yourself something cool friends, we're off to Bali! 

This rattan lamp*, linen tablecloth* and rustic bench* are similar.

Love the display of straw hats, fans*, necklaces and decorative baskets* on the wall - they add a lovely warm touch too the room. 

Mark Tuckey makes these beautiful 'egg cup' wood stools. 

Pick up a striped linen bed* set like this on Etsy.

A bedside-table like this would look cute in any bedroom, don't you think? I couldn't find the exact one, but a pair of these wicker nightstands would create a similar look and feel. 

Hands ups who'd happily lie here for a day. Danish brand Tine K Home are the mothership of outdoor rattan furniture - and I love their bamboo loungers. Sadly, with all the rain / sleet / snow we get up here in the North, they'd need to be carried inside on bad weather days, but perhaps it's worth it to get that holiday vibe anyway, what do you think?

Ooooooh, to be in Bali right now. *Sigh*! But I have picked up quite a few ideas for my own home all the same. I hope you've felt equally inspired. 

If you'd like to add this beautiful villa to your future holiday files, you can find all the details over on Airbnb. Perhaps I'll see you there - my lounger is the one reserved with the straw hat!

Fancy taking inspiration from a couple of other Bali villas today? I also love a romantic hideaway in Bali and exotic meets boho in a Bali pool villa. 

Time to up our rattan / bamboo game? 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Villa Arjuni with thanks.

*affiliate links - which means if you click on the link and buy an item I would make a tiny commission. 

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Ulli's Beautiful, Relaxed Urban Family Home

In the mood for a wonderful, relaxed home today? Ulli's apartment in Stuttgart, Germany is the type of place you walk through the door and feel instantly at home, it just oozes warmth and character. Dating back to 1900, the building features original parquet wood floors, high ceilings and large windows which flood the space with warm pools of light. Huge glass doors in the kitchen open right back to let in the morning light and large bites of greenery, despite the urban location. But best of all, every room has a relaxed and lived in vibe, offering a perfect haven in the heart of the city, which Ulli, her husband Nils and their two daughters Smilla (5) and Ida (3) can kick back and be themselves. 

What an apartment! 

I love all the personal touches - especially in the children's bedrooms. And can we just take a moment to admire the ceiling in the master bedroom?

How nice would it be to sipping a coffee in Ulli's kitchen right now, looking out at the trees?

Is it just me or has it been one crazy week? Maybe we should all put our feet up just a little longer today and enjoy a few more home tours in the same, relaxed vein. Here are a few I love: 

A bright and beautiful, light-filled loft

The relaxed, boho Copenhagen home of a plant enthusiast

A lovely relaxed artist's home

I hope these beautiful spaces have put a little spring in your step this Wednesday!

Niki

Photography: Ulli / @uls_andthekids

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