California Meets Scandinavia In A Cosy LA Home

We did it friends, it's POETS day! Yay! Friday calls for something pretty fabulous right?! And I'm thinking the home of Sophie Carpenter would be an absolutely perfect way to round off the week! Built in 1928, Sophie's 'sepia' LA home is a feast for the eyes. Think brown, brass, beige, cream and milky white tones in a living space that flows beautifully from one room to the next (let's not ignore that rather fabulous arch!). Look closely and you'll see Scandinavian design pieces beside funky pieces picked up in LA - as well as lots of arty details. Sophie, who works with production accounting on TV shows, describes her style as 'Scandifornian' - a totally new term to me, and I'm absolutely loving it. Welcome to her bright, comfortable and super cosy LA home! 

Another day, another rug! The Sarah Sherman Samuel Iconic Stripe Rug to be precise (little surprise that this fabulous rug is already sold out - but they are taking pre-orders for the next batch!), I also love the Santa Barbara Pendant Light and Wishbone chairs

That's Sophie's dog 'Rascal' flying in through the door. Insert your own caption in the comments below! It's definitely either dinner or walkies, what do you reckon? 

Triangular shelving from Spaulding Company, Sven sofa from Article

Absolutely love the bathroom! After a quick snoop on Sophie's instagram I discovered the wall sconces are from Cedar & Moss, the mirror is from Rejuvenation and the cabinets are Spaulding Company. Total perfection! 

Oh wow! This tour really put a smile on my face, how about you?! Rascal, of course, stole the show by sweeping into the kitchen, all four paws off the ground! But once I got passed him, I couldn't help noticing all the details (and the fabulous rugs!). What a wonderful haven!

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more pictures of Sophie's lovely home on her instagram and home page. 

Here are a few more 'Scandifornian' homes to enjoy from the archives (I've got a feeling I'll be using that term a lot moving forwards!): 

An inspiring home in Napa Valley

Relaxed, Boho style in Orange County

A Jewel in the Suburbs of LA

A Beautiful Spanish-Style House in California

Kind of wish I was spending the weekend there - but I do have a fun one planned all the same here in Sweden as my sister Cas is coming over from London with my little nieces (who are 1 and 3) - I CAN'T WAIT!!! 

What are you up to this weekend?

I hope you have a brilliant couple of days, see you Monday!

Niki

Photography: Sophie Carpenter / bathroom shot with mirror: Lily Glass for Glitter Guide

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A Copenhagen Apartment in Soothing, Earthy Shades

This week some images dropped into my mailbox that made me sit up and go 'wow'! At a first glance I assumed it was a home tour. But on closer inspection, I realised that the pictures were taken as part of a campaign for high street brand Zara Home! Yes, I know! To create the down-to-earth space, stylists Colin King and Rosie Seabrook used a Copenhagen apartment as a backdrop for Zara Home items alongside vintage and designer pieces as well as beautiful art to create a simple, organic contemporary home in the heart of the Danish capital. Time for a little Friday dreaming....

The stylists have opted for muted, tone on tone colours - which, if done badly could lead to a very uninteresting living space. But it works in this apartment because of the blend of textures. Look closely and you'll notice the walls have a subtle patina that shifts with the light, the fabrics have a course, tactile finish and the furniture and accessories feature an array of different materials including linen, stone, rattan, cane, porcelain, wood, brass etc which adds interest and depth. 

Guh! I could move right in and not do a thing! How about you?

Which is actually strange, as the space doesn't look very Danish. In my mind, it would feel more in place on the Swedish island of Gotland (see this home) at a push -  or the Mediterranean (I guess Zara is Spanish, after all) but there's something about it that just works! 

Do you feel inspired too? 

In case you feel like rushing down to your local Zara Home  - keep an eye out for items made from 100% recycled material, there are some beautiful pieces in the collection. 

On an ENTIRELY separate note, my family and I are enjoying our last couple of days of our summer holiday at the cottage before heading home. I'm going to miss these carefree days with my family!! But, it's back to the grindstone and actually I'm looking forward to blogging full time again (i.e. daily!) come Monday - I've got so many exciting things to share with you! 

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Niki

Photography Frederik Vercruysse and styling by Colin King and Rosie Seabrook for Zara Home.

Thank you to Bungalow 5 for the tip

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Japandi Style In An Inspiring 'Second-Hand' Home In New Zealand

Even though this home in Hamilton, New Zealand couldn't be further from Scandinavia -  you'd be forgiven for thinking it was at least within the vicinity! But there's something strikingly different about it too - perhaps it's the subtle Japanese influence, or it could be the unique collection of second hand furniture. Erena Te Paa juggles her time between being a Mother to her two little boys Sol (1) and Costa (3) and working as a freelance stylist and Airbnb host. Erena and her husband Joe bought their home two years ago. Designed by well-known New Zealand architect Rod Smith in the 1960s, the house had fallen into disrepair and the pair have set about renovating it one room at a time. The result is a beautiful, Japandi-style home in warm neutral tones and furnished throughout with sculpted furniture - and clever DIY ideas. Welcome inside! 

Above: the kitchen wall can easily be adapted thanks to the pegboard wall. See this DIY for similar. 

"Interior styling is cathartic for me so I am always rearranging furniture," Erena tells me. 

"I almost forget that most of the things I find to fill my spaces are second hand. I am incredibly passionate about reusing and restoring furniture and that, I believe, has influenced by personal style."

Sinnerlig lamp, Flos brass table lamp*

A lot of the bedroom furniture was sourced second hand, including the bed. "I found pieces over a period of time. I tend to give myself a bit of lead time so I'm not rushing. It's an enjoyable process not knowing what I'll find."

"I find neutral tones very grounding and tend to lean towards them. I would describe my style as somewhat Japanese-inspired with a modernist, mid-century twist, though, honestly I think someone observing might be able to describe my style better!" 

I'm feeling so inspired by this home, especially with regards to the second hand finds. It can be a tricky business scouring second hand sites - but Erena's home is proof that you'll be truly rewarded! 

On her Instagram, Erena has this to say about it:

"I often forget that most of the things I find to fill my space are second hand. And I don't say this in a sustainability warrior-princess kind of way (which there is nothing wrong with BTW!) but a) I would not be worthy of the title and b) it was at first unintentional. 

What started as a quest for 'champagne taste on beer budget' has become an enjoyable and reliable way for me to express my interior style and it has become second nature. But buying second hand is not everyone's cup of tea. It has its own set of obstacles, like the fact that it's not easy to find what you're looking for (some may say it's near impossible!) and there's the fact that some things are just better (and more reliable) bought new. 

But what I am most definitely staunch about is considered purchases. Taking that little bit longer to work out if what you are about to buy is really what you need and then taking the time to hunt or save for it. 

So if there is one thing I would say when it comes to purchasing anything, it would be to consider all your options before going out and buying old or new. How we buy is one way to buy smarter (greener) but how we choose is just as important as the what."

You can see more of Erena's home and find out more about her latest projects on instagram and her website. 

I actually thought this is the first ever home I've shown from New Zealand but looking through the archives I realised that isn't the case at all! I have also featured this home with a warm, boho vibe and less we forget Waterfall Bay House and the home and showroom of Father Rabbit! 

Thank you for all the inspiration today Erena / New Zealand! 

Oh, and speaking of far away places - we've just arrived on the beautiful Swedish island of Gotland. It feels like and extra special achievement as it has taken us AGES to get here, battling against the elements by sailboat (it's right out in the Baltic) - I'm particularly proud of my girls who were so patient on the way here! Gotland is somewhere I've dreamed of visiting for years and it exceeds all of my wildest expectations! 

Saying that, Per and the girls are standing over my shoulder waiting for me to finish this post so we can go and explore so I'd better head off! I hope you have a wonderful start to the week too!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Erena Te Paa

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A Relaxed Tucson Home In Sun Kissed, Earthy Tones

Hej hej! I hope you had a fabulous weekend?! We've been busy renovating the kitchen at the cottage and I can't even lift my arms today. But Per and I did manage to sneak in a sail yesterday afternoon which was BLISS if not on the chilly side- brrrr! Perhaps that's why I was thinking we could head to balmy Tucson, Arizona today - whad'ya think? Emily of fabulous instagram feed @oursouthwestnest, shares her home with her partner and three little ones, and has taken inspiration from the scorched, earthy tones of the desert. Think minimalist furnishings in wood, rattan, stone and terracotta against a white backdrop for a relaxed and inviting home - as well as a cool respite from the Arizonian sun.

Bamboo pendant lights*, Smeg toaster*, wood stools*

Block Prints / The Printable Studio*

This fabulous binga basket* is similar

 Art by Jan Skácelik

Someone asked the other day if any of the homes I show actually have TVs. Fair point! This one's for you! I think it's really inspiring how Emily has transformed the wall into a gallery space too. 

Art by Tucson photographer Emily Tartaglia, Bath from Wayfair, Bungalow pendant light

Absolutely love this home! 

Did you feel inspired too? Is there anything that stood out to you?

The white and wood tones works anywhere. It reminds me a little of this cabin in the woods, Serena and Mason's Topanga Canyon home and a Dutch home enthused with warmth and harmony. 

See more pics of Emily's home over at @oursouthwestnest. 

BTW, one of my daughter's 8-year-old friends said the other day "your mother loves wood, doesn't she?!" It made me look at my home in a new way - and she's right, I have a LOAD of furniture made from wood. But seriously, what a great material (as long as it's sustainably sourced, of course). Do you have a lot of wood in your home too?

I've got to run as I'm packing for a blogger trip to Transylvania with Tisca rugs. My flight leaves in a couple of hours and I'm nowhere near ready. EEEEEK! I'm super excited though, as we'll be visiting Dracula's castle! Keep an eye on my IG stories if you'd like to follow along!

Have you ever been to Transylvania? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

I'll be stopping by as usual with the daily post tomorrow! See you then!

Niki

Photography @oursouthwestnest

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Airbnb / Holiday Let: Your Own Bohemian-Style Hideaway In The Desert!

Do you ever feel like you need to get away from it all? Somewhere peaceful where you have space to think and 'just be'? If so, I might have found just the secluded hideaway for you and it's available on Airbnb! Little Jo (great name!) is tucked away in the northern corner of Joshua Tree, Southeast California with panoramic views over the desert. Inside, the 1950s bungalow is a sea of brown,  cream and white with a distinct boho vibe. Bringing friends? There's a separate casita with a queen size bed and a covered terrace for that first coffee of the day (you know, when you're not quite ready to face the world!). What a dreamy home from home! 

I'm already picturing myself on the porch nursing an ice cold G+T while the sun goes down, how about you?!

I have to confess, it would need to be a trip with friends - being an avid sailor, Per might feel it's a little far from the sea for his liking! Mind you, he might change his mind when he sees the guitar and record collection! 

Could you imagine recharging your batteries here?

You can read more about Little Jo here. 

Other holiday lets / escapes I love the look of:

A beautiful Airbnb holiday rental in Bergen, Norway

Two idyllic cottages to rent in Denmark this summer

Rent a romantic lakeside cottage in Sweden 

Dream Holiday rental: a cosy waterside eco cabin in Australia

20 instagrammable places to stay in Sweden

Also see a load of fabulous Design Hotels - for all budgets! 

Speaking of which, it's Per and my 10 year wedding anniversary at the end of June and we're looking for a a wonderful, relaxing weekend getaway in Europe. Do you have any tips on great places to go / a beautiful place to stay? I feel a bit paralysed for choice right now and need a helping hand! 

Happy lillördag (little Saturday!) all! 

Niki

PS If you're looking to make some changes to your own home this spring / summer - or even thinking of putting it on airbnb but need to update it a little first, we're here to help! Find out more about the My Scandinavian Home Studio room by room online interior design service here - we're offering 20% off right now with code MYNEWROOM too!  

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