A Bright, Light and Playful Swedish Home

Hej allihopa! I felt like sharing something light, playful and different today - and this wonderful house fit the bill perfectly! Featured on instagram as @tegelsnackan the Swedish owners of this red brick house in Helsingland in central Sweden love their blonde wood and pops of colour - all set against a fresh white backdrop. They have also thrown in some fun chequered patterns and a few stripes for good measure. 

The result is a light and airy house that lifts the spirits, no matter the time of year, but especially when the winter darkness sets in (with a six weeks to go until the winter solstice, I'd say most parts of Sweden are already there. 

I love the uniqueness of this home and hope it feels you with ideas for the week to come! 

From the exterior you can already see that the owners have dared to be different with a bright red pergola and red window frames to match! 

This red theme is continued throughout the interior. 

If I am not wrong, I think this is the Arc vase by Danish brand Hay. The original format was 'mirror'  and the owners have painted it fire engine red! 

Also, spot the horse on the shelf? This is known as a Dalahäst (Dala horse), and is traditionally carved out of wood before being hand painted. It originates from the county of Dalarna - and has become a popular symbol for Sweden as a whole!

From a distance the checks in the hallway look like tiles, but look closer and you'll see that they have been painted onto a wood floor. This is a trick swedes have used for hundreds of years. Tiles have traditionally been very expensive where as it doesn't cost much to buy paint to create a similar affect. I have always loved this idea! 

A lick of yellow around the room ensures the sun is always shining, even if it's grey outside! 

Also, check out the IKEA storage used as a wall mounted bedside table - very clever! 

Aaaaah, I so enjoyed this tour, did you?  It's fun to see something different. Very refreshing! 

Are there any ideas here that you can imagine using for your own home? 

If you're not already following @tegelsnackan on instagram, hop over right away! 

Wishing you a fabulous start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @tegelsnackan, shared with kind permission. 

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Prints, Splashes of colour and Playful Pattern in a Vibrant Danish Home

The country of Denmark is divided into three main land masses - the mainland (Jutlund), Zealand (the island on which Copenhagen is located) and then Funen - there island tucked in between. And everything is connected by spectacular bridges! I have had the pleasure of visiting Funen on several occasions - probably the most memorable of which was a filming session in the castle belonging to the owner of Carl Hansen & Søn. If I were to return to Funen, I'd love to stop by for a coffee with Ann-Sophie at her beautiful house in Ødense - I can see from the pictures, it would bring an instant smile to my face!

Ann-Sophie Ulka - founder and creative director of Fabrek a fabulous online design and interior shop - shares her home with her partner and their three boys. And in true Danish style, she has filled the house with splashes of colour, prints, pattern, Danish design and playful accessories all the while ensuring a calm feel (the balance is in their genes, I tell you!). The result is a vibrant home with a wonderful, relaxed feel. Let's take a tour! 

I love how Ann-Sophie has used a splash of Klein blue throughout her home - seen above on the table and below on the chairs. 

Striped velvet cushions from Fabrek can be seen in almost every room. 

Lamps and colourful vases catch the light on the windowsill and add a fun touch to the bedroom. 

An antique desk painted in vibrant pink livens up a corner in the master bedroom. 

A mid blue adds colour and a fresh touch to the bathroom. 

What a vibrant home! All the colour would really help to brighten up the greyest of days, don't you think?

Is there anything in particular that caught your eye? 

See more of Ann-Sophie's home over at @fieulka and check out all the fabulous homeware items over at Fabrek - who ship worldwide from Denmark! 

Would you like to see a few more vibrant, colourful homes today? Check out: 

Maria's colourful apartment will brighten up your day

Feel inspired by a beautiful, colourful family home

15 fabulous danish homes which will put a smile on your face

Looking for some tips? See 12 simple ways to add colour to your home, Danish style!

Have a fabulous day!

Niki

Top picture by Mia Mortensen, remaining by Ann-Sophie Ulka

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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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Before and After: A Dark House Becomes a Fresh and Vibrant Home

When we went to view our house, there were a few other people looking around, one of whom was a friend of mine. After the viewing, I asked her if she was interested, "nah, it was way too dark," she said. We bought the house anyway (it was the only house we could afford in the area) and the first thing we did was completely whitewash all the walls and lighten the floors - it made an immediate difference! 

This beautiful Hamburg home made me think of exactly that! Susan and her partner bought the property in 2019 and spent 8 months renovating it, transforming it from a dark property to a light, fresh and vibrant Scandinavian-inspired living space. Keep a look out for the soft blue shades, vibrant colours and Susan's own fine art!  Here are the before and after shots: 

Kitchen before 

Kitchen after

A new Reform CPH kitchen was put in and the tiles were exchanged for a wooden pine floor, giving the space a distantly Danish look and feel! 

Neon red is said to be one of the big colours of the year, and so easy to bring into the home, in the kitchen an Adhoc stool does the trick! 

One of Susan's own fine art prints 'Zone de Baignade' hangs on the wall. 

If you refer back to the top of the post, you'll see a glimpse of the light-filled dining space on the far side of the room. Three Flowerpot pendants hang over an antique table. 

The sitting room leads directly off the kitchen.

Sitting room during the building work

Sitting room after

A soft blue shade has been used on the wall, tying it in with other areas of the home and wall to wall shelving has been placed up and over the door - something you often see in danish homes (like this one). 

Hall and Stairs before 

Hall and stairs after

Despite ripping out the tiles, Susan has still used stone in her hallway in order to ensure a practical entrance. 

The runner was removed from the stairs to reveal wooden steps. The original banister has been painted black and white. 

Landing before 

Landing after 

The floor has been sanded for a lighter look and the walls and doors have been painted in fresh white and light blue. 

Susan's 'Neighbourhood' fine art print hangs over a simple IKEA stool at the top of the stairs. 

Upper staircase before

Upper staircase after

I couldn't resist sharing these snapshots of the upper staircase which leads to a third floor! I love the way Susan has captured the before and after - taking the look from dark and dingy to light and bright! 

Bathroom before

Bathroom after

The bathroom has also been gives a fresh, light overhaul and A DIY stool and striped bathmat add a touch of colour. 

A glimpse into the bedroom reveals a retro chest-of-draws against a soft blue backdrop. 

All in all, a really fabulous transformation! The level of work that has gone into this renovation is immense, but it's really paid off! 

The light wood floors make a huge difference to the overall look. If you have solid wood floors, it's surprisingly easy with a sanding machine and the right floor treatment (we did it in our house too). I love how Susan has applied touches of colour through paint and art too. You'd be forgiven for thinking this home is in Copenhagen, it has a very danish feel to it! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Susan's home? 

See more snapshots from Susan's home and find out about the colors she has used in her home here. You might also like to discover her online shop for limited edition art. 

Click here for a load more before and after features. Some of them are simply amazing! 

I hope this before and after tour has filled you with inspiration for the week ahead! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @hej.susan - shared with kind permission. 

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