Bright and Beautiful Scandinavian Apartment

Hi, hope you're having a wonderful Monday so far! It’s Ana here again. Niki is enjoying some well-deserved holidays in beautiful Spain for the next couple of weeks–so you will see me pop in once in a while to share some content I’m sure you’ll love...



Like this gem of an apartment, located in (you guessed it!) Stockholm. This 57sqm wonder is a display of light and well-thought-out design. From top to bottom, from room to room, this home is clearly a project of love. Don't you think? I'm particularly drawn to the openness of this home, the pops of green from the plants, the clever use of space, rustic floors and intricate pieces of art on the walls-specially that gallery above the sofa.

The tall ceilings and characteristic white-crisp walls, make this my dream Scandinavian experience. I can almost picture myself, on that stunning balcony, enjoying a bright Summer evening. *sigh*

I can’t wait to read what you think about this home... BUT before I let you go, don’t forget to vote for Niki and My Scandinavian Home in the Domino design blog awards (voting closes October 31st and you can vote once a day). Thank you!

About The Author

Ana Degenaar → My Scandinavian Home Contributor

Author, Graphic and Web Designer.
Mindfulness is at the heart of everything Ana does—from work to life and everything in between.
For over five years she's focused on creating honest, intelligent and refreshing projects—believing that the best way to accomplish this is to dedicate herself to the essential and making things speak of their intrinsic beauty and purpose.

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How to introduce subtle colours into your home

You know how sometimes you meet someone just by chance and you're not sure how you haven't met before? Tina Lekeberg is one of those people. Our paths have no doubt crossed many times in the past since we used to work for the same corporate giant, but we only met properly when our mutual friend Louise, invited us over to photograph her home in a converted school. Last Friday, Tina invited me over to her beautiful home in Eslöv, Skåne for lunch (she makes a mean pumpkin and zucchini lasagne!). I couldn't resist taking along my camera and grilling Tina on her personal style, thoughts on colour and other things about family life in a beautiful 1920's Southern Sweden home!

NB: What first attracted you to the house?
TL: I've always loved houses from the 1920's: they have such a nice atmosphere and the material choices are genuine and age with beauty. We immediately fell in love with the beauty of the house and garden and felt it was something special. Although the house is in a residential area, the garden is closed off and feels like it's in the countryside. I love to spend time in the garden.

NB: What renovations have you carried out?
TL: We completely changed the layout of the kitchen/ dining area by tearing down the dividing wall to create one big room and adding a door out to the terrace (which we also built). I love the new layout and stepping out into the garden to enjoy a coffee in the morning sun. We also built a fireplace between the dining room and living room which has been a fantastic investment for autumn and winter. Not only does it keep us toasty, it’s also so nice to sit in front of it when it’s grey outside. The kids love to grill marshmallows too!

Picky Living cabinets in  NCS 6010-B have been complimented with with a carrara marble worktop from Höörs Marmor & Granit. The back wall, side cabinets, shelving and glass cupboards are painted in Restful Le Havre from Nordsjö. Pick up a vintage industrial bar stool here. 

 A brass spoon from Stilleben, Copenhagen rests in a pretty ceramic pot bought in China.

NB: How would you describe your personal style?

TL: I don't really feel that I have a specific style. I aim to create an inviting home where people enjoy spending time and a space that evolves with our needs and the seasons. My husband Hans, has also played a big role in the interior. I think we compliment each other well as we have different skills: he is much more function orientated but also has a strong eye for aesthetics. I am more of a stylist. The house is a combination of our interests and ideas.

 A blend of chairs including the Gemla Vilda and Magis Chair One create a relaxed feel, while a taupe sheepskin throw and cushion add a soft touch to the space.

"Andrea" portrait by Anders Udd hangs on the wall above an IKEA side-cabinet. The pink marble is from Höörs Marmor & Granit and the wooden surface was created from left-over wood flooring.  

 Tina has combined flowers from Johans Trädgård with blooms from the garden to create a vibrant centre-piece. 

NB: How important is colour to you?
TL: Colour is very important to me. I was a colour and material designer for over 10 years and this is where my passion lies. To me, colour gives a product its spirit and brings it to life.

NB: Do you have any rules when it comes to using colour in your home?
TL: I take a lot of time selecting the right colours, but at the end of the day, it’s more down to what works best for each item and that we like it - only then will it have a place in our home! I believe using a diversity of colours is what makes a home unique and personal.

 A painting by Emanuel Bernstone hangs above the Bedside Gun Tablelamp by Flos and a console by Asplund.

A Hay Plus 9 blanket (now available in this colour) drapes on a green sofa from Bolia. The lamp to the left is the Shelter light from Bo Concept. 

Glass dome lamp

Jönssons cat from Svenskt Tenn has a great vantage point on the stairs!

A pink and white lamp from IKEA adds a splash of colour to the ceiling. The green headboard was made from Svenskt Tenn fabric. The white and peach throw was bought on a trip to Tunisia.  

Eames chair, belly basket.

NB: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to introduce a touch of colour to their home?
TL: Work with a palette of at least 3 colors. Have fun mixing different colours - combining bright colors with faded earthy pastel tones will add a whole other dimension to your interior. Most importantly though, don't pick hues purely because they fit perfectly with what you already have, trust your instinct and go with what you like!

Hans made the mountains on the bed - which has been built using IKEA drawers. Posters from Matilda's House & Co. The chair is from IKEA. 

The table, chairs and rug are all from IKEA. 

The letter 'K' lamp was picked up at a Berlin flea market and the side cabinet was originally Tina's Grandmother's. The cot is from IKEA.

NB: What do you love most about your home?
TL: The light from the windows and the atmosphere! It's a place where the whole family feels happy, relaxed and at home.

Thank you so much for welcoming us into your lovely home Tina! 

 If you're looking for more colour inspiration, check out Tina's blog Colour Therapy and Instagram feed, which she co-writes curates with Sara Hallin Sandström.

And check out other wonderful Swedish homes here.

Have a fabulous weekend!

P.S. I'm just about to leave for the airport after an amazing few days at Habitare in Helsinki - I'll be sad to leave (I LOVE this city) - but can't wait to see my family and have a Saturday morning lie-in - weeeee! Do you have any great plans?

Photography: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home. Home-owner / styling: Tina Lekeberg.

A happy, vibrant Nashville home

The sun is shining, and the weather is fine..... and I'm just about ready to shut down my computer and go out for a while and bask in the warmth! But first, I had to share this extremely cheerful home with you. The Nashville home of Elsie Larson, co-founder of  truly inspiring A Beautiful Mess blog, is fresh and colourful with pops of blush and pastel green, DIY cactus wallpaper and vintage finds galore! All in all, it's one truly happy home full of fabulously inspiring ideas!

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

Photography: ©Alyssa Rosenheck. Design: Elsie Larson

What a truly personal and unique space! I love how it combines many different styles - art deco, mid-century, romantic - and yet it all comes together in a totally cool way! True inspiration for anyone looking to add a little colour and some fun, quirky touches to their home!

That pink front door (painted in Noble Blush) makes my plain wood one feel sooooo boring now! Could you imagine going all out like this too?!

Get the look from Elsie's home:  kitchen - this brass cluster light is similar, I love this pastel green Smeg fridge. Sitting room - leather butterfly chair. Hall -Sisters of the Sun wallpaper, Meurice Chandelier. Modern Media Console. This cactus wallpaper is fun, bold and bright! Rattan hanging chair, The Pink Door, Palm Springs poster. Bathroom - Sputnik chandelier.

I was amazed to find a few of the items are DIY projects - get the tutorials for the Campaign Dresser here (seen under the beautiful 'County Line' print by Max Wanger) and gold cactus wallpaper here! - something for this weekend perhaps?!

You can find out more about Elsie's home by checking out this feature in Domino magazine.

Is anyone else suddenly inspired to add a little more colour to their home?!

Have you ever been to Nashville? It's an energetic and trendy city that attracts new residents each and every year.  Check out this infographic for an in-depth look at Nashville homes.

Have a great day!

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The cheerful Brooklyn home of an artist

Here in Malmö, the sun is shining and I've got one of my besties visiting from London - hurrah! I hope you've got some great things to look forward too this weekend too? If so, I've got just the home to match the FRIYAY mood.  This cheerful apartment in Brooklyn, New York belongs to the incredibly talented Leah Goren, an illustrator and surface pattern designer who counts brands such as Anthropologie, Penguin and Revlon as her clients and is the author of BESTIES and co-author of Ladies Drawing Night. Her natural eye for bold colours and playful design shines through in her relaxed home where art, rugs and accessories add cheerful pops of colour and vibrant green plants stand mid-century pieces and other vintage finds. Enjoy! 

Credits: homeowner - Leah Goren. Photography -  Kelly Fondots. Found via Glitter Guide, with thanks.  

Such a great home! I love all the quirky touches. Is there anything that catches your eye? 

Get the look from Leah's home: source vintage terracotta pots here, the big plant next to the parrot wall hanging is a fiddle leaf fig tree  (check out this piece on how to keep them alive and well). Knit pillow by Leah,  source a similar pouf here. Visit Leah's shop for colourful and playful art and accessories. 

You can read the full interview and see more pictures of Leah's lovely home here.

In case you'd like to see more from the neighbourhood - here are a few other fabulous Brooklyn homes to enjoy: the Brooklyn home of a Swedish expat, the boho home and studio of a creative duo and the lovely, relaxed home of a fashion designer. Oh so inspiring!

While on the subject of New York, my family and I are headed in that direction this summer - eeeee, so excited! We're planning on staying in Manhattan for a few days and then looking for somewhere  to go relatively nearby to explore and chill out afterwards - any tips?

Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday!

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