12 Simple Ways To Add Colour To Your Home This Spring, Danish Style

Good morning, friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend. I'm feeling completely revived after a visit from my sister - and a trip to the forest and a sauna / dip in the sea (all in all, a very Swedish weekend!). I thought I'd kick off the week with some Danish style colour inspiration. I'm not talking all out riot, more subtle, yet vibrant touches that will lift the home and put a smile on your face in an instant!

Maria Harmuth, who lives with her husband Morten and son Billie, has been renovating her beautiful, old apartment in Copenhagen. She started out by creating a timeless backdrop in warm, neutral shades before furnishing it with some wonderful Scandinavian classics. But what really stood out to me is how Maria has then added a layer of colourful accessories in shades of baby blue, lavender and sherbet as well as bright pops of tomato red and deep Klein blue to bring the look bang up to date. 

Here are 12 simple ways for even the most colour shy among us, to add colour to your home this spring:

1. Colourful kitchen glassware, utensils and dishes: it's hugely expensive to renovate a kitchen (I know just from working with our small summer cottage kitchen!). So, selecting timeless units and cabinets that will stand the test of time is wise. However, this doesn't mean you can't add a colourful touch. Simple items like colourful jugs and glasses, fruit bowls, chopping boards (this one is from Fabrek) and plant pots will help to give the space a lift.

2. Throw in a curveball: add a funky touch with an item that breaks off from all the other pieces. Here, an ornate candle holder fitted with candles in a lavender shade gives the kitchen a unique touch. 

3. Tomato red chair or stool: a classic Scandinavian trick - and one of the Danish colours of the year, this vibrant shade screams 'look at me' and adds heat and energy to the open-plan living space while also working well with pastel shades. The trick is not to overdo it - a single fiery red chair, stool or a pendant lamp is all that's needed. 

4. Candles: colourful candles have been everywhere these past 12 months. Mix and match and place in a brass candleholder like this STOFF Nagel* one to brighten up your dining table this spring. 

5. Ceramics: colourful ceramic mugs are having a moment and designed to be on display like art (as well as used, of course!). Go for mix and match colours and styles for a playful touch. 

6. Rugs: the rules are: there ain't no rules! Especially when it comes to the rug in this picture. The bright green and white cheques totally break off from the rest of the room and the size defies everything the rule books say about size. So, get experimenting and don't be afraid to do something different. It'll add a cool funky off-beat touch to the look!  

7. Cushions and blankets: Klein blue is so popular in Copenhagen right now (both in the fashion world  and home). This Klein blue cushion, baby blue striped blanket (stripes are BIG right now) and brown suede combination livens up the corner and looks divine! 

8. Storage: Everyone needs somewhere to put their keys, letters and other small items, so why not make a statement with a bright coloured unit like this one from Montana!  

9. Art / prints: go bold with art to add a splash to the walls. Online stores like The Poster Club* have a big array of colourful art to choose from. 

10. Bedding: refresh your bedroom with mix and match linen bedding in shades of lavender, pastel yellow, baby blue and peach! True Things Linen* sells linen in every shade under the sun!  

11. Flowers and vases: probably the simplest way to revive any space and brighten up your day - whether you go for a single bloom or a large bouquet in a riot of colours. Throw in a coloured vase for good measure! 

12. Small storage: it's common (and wise) to stick to neutral, timeless looks in the bathroom, but that doesn't mean you can't funk it up a little with some colourful accessories. Storage trays, toothbrush holders and towels offer a great opportunity to add a vibrant touch. 

How fabulous! And so achievable too! 

I hope you found these touches of colour inspiring. 

Curious about the neutral shades? In the kitchen and sitting room Maria has applied Smooth White from Jotun. 

See more of Maria's home over at @mariaharmuth. 

Would you like to see a few other homes with pops of colour? I love: 

A dreamy Copenhagen home full of books, art and danish design

Maria's colourful apartment will brighten up your day

A rare peek behind the scenes of a Nyhavn apartment in Copenhagen

By the way, 'funk / funky' is a very usual description in British English to describe something cool in an off-beat way, but while writing it I couldn't help feel a little nervous that it might mean something completely different in the US or other English speaking countries (gaaaah!). Can you help me out here? 

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Maria Harmuth, shared with kind permission

*affiliate link

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Maria's Colourful Apartment Will Brighten Up Your Day!

It's very grey here in Malmö today which made it almost impossible to get out of bed this morning (not helped by my new bedroom make-over!). To pep things up a little, I thought I'd go for some colour, what do you think? Maria-Silva Villbrandt's home in Wedding (love the name!), Berlin is just the ticket! Maria is a content creator and manager for the popular lifestyle blog Herz und Blut, founded by her sister Jules. Her creativity transcends through to her apartment, which is made up of a spacious kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Maria has created a wonderful, unique living space which is a sea of vibrant colours and full of interesting art, eclectic furniture and interesting details. Ready to feel inspired? 

Maria's pink kitchen is from Burger Küchenmöbel. The TR Bulb, Suspension Frame light from Menu hangs over the countertop. 

A Flowerpot portable table lamp* sits atop a vintage table for two in the kitchen. But the showstopper is the striped curtains - very funky and different! Try Etsy* for similar. 

'Illegal Party' lithograph by Stefan Marx (I see there are only a few left on his site). Colourful art by Janes Haid-Schmallenburg. Ambit Lamp* by Muuto. 

Art by Fabienne, Jules Villbrandt, and GABE. The cabinet is by Swedish brand String. 

Colourful parasols are the way forward right now. This fine specimen is from Business & Pleasure Co. I also love the ones by Sunday Supply (here's Ali and I enjoying our yellow and white striped one on the beach a few weeks ago! - yes, I'm on TikTok - just trying to find my feet, with a lot of help from my girls! Are you on there too?).    

Speaking of sunny yellow, Maria's sofa is from the young furniture brand Noah Living. 

One of the big Danish colour trends this Autumn (discovered at Formland) is a yellow accent combined with lavender and coral, as seen above! 

Colourful Montana shelving (on the far side of the sofa) is used to display a variety of eclectic pieces including on-trend colourful twisted candles*, a flowerpot lamp* as well as books. 

Such an inspiring home! I loved all the colour, it's really brightened up my day - and given me a load of ideas. 

Has Maria's home put a spring in your step and inspired you, too? 

See more of her home over at @ponysailor - and feel inspired by her wonderful travel, food and beauty stories over at Herz und Blut. 

Looking for more colour today? I love: 

A fabulous Danish home in a plethora of colours

Home tour: how to add colour the danish way

Lessons to learn from a colourful yet calm Norwegian home

Wishing you all a bright, sunshin-ey day (who knows, the sun might even make an appearance here at some point!). 

Niki

Photography: Jules Villbrandt 

*this post contains affiliate links

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Pantone Colours of 2021: Illuminating Yellow & Grounding Grey:

You know the year is coming to a close when Pantone announces its colour of the year! For 2021 they've taken a slightly different approach with not one but TWO individual, yet complimentary colours.  After the year that 2020 has been, everyone had an inkling that the guys might just opt for a vibrant colour. And they certainly didn't disappoint, listing the first shade as PANTONE 13-0647 or “illuminating yellow” – a bright, optimistic and vivacious tone. The second, is a more muted PANTONE 17-5104 - named "grounding grey". 

"Something that’s been apparent across the board is how much we need each other, that these connections with others have given us strength and fortitude, as well as the hope and the positive outlook that are essential to our moving forward,” Pantone’s spokesperson said. “By choosing two independent colors, that helped us subliminally convey that message.” 

While grey has always held a place in my Scandinavian-design heart, yellow is not a hue I've ever gone for in my own home (despite appreciating it in the homes of others!). However, after a little digging around the net for inspiration, I might just have been swayed. Take a peek at these sunny rooms - you might just fall in love with it too, either way, the colour will certainly put a spring in your step! 

What do you think? Did you find these space uplifting too? 

I think Pantone’s choices are really on the pulse of what's happening around the world right now. And although this is not the first time Pantone has chosen a shade of yellow as their colour of the year, this feels like a very much needed lift to our homes in 2021! 

In case you're feeling inspired to add a drop of golden sun to your home, here's a round-up of 11 vibrant pieces: 

GET THE LOOK

1. Alphabeta Uno pendant
2. Lemon Print
3. Lean lounge chair
4. Restore storage basket*
5. Aalto stool E60
6. Mono blanket wool*
7. C.Lamp
8. Suede oven glove
9. DLM table
10. Hatch Ikat Flatweave Yellow Area Rug
11. Bellhop table lamp


Here's to a brighter 2021!

Niki


PS I'll be stopping by tomorrow for my last post of 2020 and excited to share a few ideas I have for My Scandinavian Home for the upcoming year, I'd love to get your input too! See you then!

PPS Thank you so much to Ana for helping me to compile this post - and for all her wonderful behind the scenes work over the year.

1. Luisa Brimble 2. Farrow and Ball 3. Laure and Joliet 4. Mattias Hamré 5 & 6. Elle Decor - Sean Fennessy 7. Anki Wijnen 8. Cindy Denekamp 9. Studio Rhonda

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The Vibrant, Colourful Sitting Room of a Swedish Photographer

Sending a little sunshine from Sweden today. This quirky (don't miss Gizmo!), vibrant and fun sitting room belongs to Jenny Brandt Grönberg a local photographer based just outside of Ystad, Skåne. Jenny loves to do things differently and has such a distinct, playful style which always puts a smile on my face. I especially love her sitting room, with it's bold pops of blue, green and pink as well as a fun and eclectic blend of vintage furniture, lighting and art. I hope you feel as inspired by it as I do! 

I hope this mini tour has brightened up your day as much as it has mine!

I once showed a complete tour of Jenny's home many moons ago here - and her fab prints are available here. 

Love to see some other vibrant, colourful Scandinavian spaces? Check out a cheerful Swedish home with flashes of bright colour, take a rare peek behind the facade of Nyhavn's colourful facade and enjoy this fabulous Danish home in a plethora of colours. 

Also, 15 fabulous Danish homes that will brighten up your day. 

In a bit of a hurry as my eldest daughter finishes primary school today so we're off to celebrate over lunch in the sunshine (no one wants to be missing that sunshine - you never know how long it will last - is it the same where you live?!). This comes after my stepson took his 'studenten' last week and graduated from school! GAAAAH! Where did the time go? They grow up so fast, don't they?! 

I'll be back tomorrow with an exciting home tour! In the meantime, sending you a barrel load of sunshine and love from Sweden! 

Stay well! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jenny Brandt Grönberg

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A Cheerful Swedish Home With a 'Tropical Scandinavia' Theme!

A few weeks back someone put in a request for something colourful on My Scandinavian Home - gaaaaah *laughs*. With spring firmly in the air and summer just around the corner I agreed that this was a great idea. The trouble was finding something! And then I came across Tropical Scandinavia. The cheerful Swedish brand designs fab rugs, cushion covers, blankets, jewellery and more bursting with bold colours and pattern! You can imagine my excitement when I also learned founders Emil and Johanna live just across town from me, near the hip neighbourhood of St Knut in Malmö. And they have a fabulous home. Just like their brand, the creative duo has decorated the living space with bold prints, topical patterns and colours that sing against a white-washed background. I reached out to find out more. 

Where are you from? 

Emil is originally from Helsingborg and Johanna is from a small village called Vomb (but spent part of her childhood living abroad in USA and Italy). We have lived in Malmö for many years now. Every year we try to escape the winter for a couple of months and go somewhere tropical to rest, gather energy and come up with new ideas. 

Who lives in your home? 

Emil (41), Johanna (31) and Viggo (4 months). Every now and again you'll find a dog here that we're babysitting. We love dogs! 

What is your background?

Johanna has a background in graphic design and illustration (she studied in Copenhagen at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts) and Emil runs a movie production company but is also a painter (since forever!). We founded lifestyle / interior concept Tropical Scandinavia together a year ago.  

Tell us more about your apartment

It was originally two apartments, now merged into one. We took down a wall when we bought it to turn it into a big open living space, we usually like to be all in the same room! 

What inspired your tropical theme? 

Every year, as summer gets closer, a tropical trend kicks in. But we love the tropics and lots of colour all year round! So, we thought it was a shame that it usually only lasts one season. That's where the idea of Tropical Scandinavia came from. It's also inspired by our travels of course! Most countries aren't nearly as afraid of using colour as Swedes! But to balance it out we do have a lot of white as well, which feels much needed during darker times.

Have you always been into bright colours?

Yes! But I think it really boomed when we started creating our home together and realised we really share a passion for bright colours and quirky things!

What is it about bright pops of colour and tropical motifs that you love? 

Life constantly offers us so many choices, and we truly believe that it is possible to choose to live with an open heart, bright spirit and to make fun things! In some way, I think colour and a happy tropical theme symbolises that for us. It might sound a bit out there, but I really think it's true! Everything kind of blends together for us - life, work, interior, spiritual beliefs and love.

Have you got any tips for anyone who loves Scandinavian style but also wants to add colour?

Start with some details! Maybe you don't have to paint a whole room, start out with some colourful prints or a blanket. And don't think too much about everything matching, sometimes the odd things turn out to be the best! 

Thank you so much Emil and Johanna!

***

This home put a great big smile on my face and a real spring in my step today. It's amazing what bright colours can do, don't you think? 

My daughter Liv already has the Tropical Scandinavia two birds one cat print in her bedroom, and now we've got our eye on a blanket and a rug  - aren't they fabulous?! 

I hope Emil and Johanna's home has inspired you as much as it has inspired me. 

If you'd like to see a little more, check out their instagram feed @tropicalscandinavia or better still,  take a scroll through their wonderful online store - and turn your home into a Tropical Scandinavian haven! 

Other colourful homes to feel inspired by:

A fabulous Danish home in a plethora of colour! 

A Delightful family home decorated in beautiful, bold colours!

The happy vibrant home off a Finnish designer

Have a fabulous day friends!

Niki

Photography: Tropical Scandinavia / Jenny Brandt Grönberg

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