Books, Art and Golden Tones in a Beautiful Copenhagen Home

Why, hello there! I'm heading over the bridge to Copenhagen this afternoon and feeling so excited.  It's been a while since I've been, and the Danish capital city is my saving grace when Malmö starts to feel a little small for this former Londoner! In honour of my trip, I thought we could peek behind the facade of one of the beautiful buildings in Frederiksberg - a leafy yet buzzing part of town. This incredible home belongs to Simone Polk Dahl, a Danish interior stylist, visual storyteller and artist. Simone's creativity shines through in the use of mix and match furniture where no two items are the same, her art which adorns the walls, her use of subtle earthy colours (loving the golden tones!) and all the other fabulous details that help to transform her apartment into a home.  Ready to take a peek? 

"I'm very drawn to the lighter scale of colours right now from beige and light earthy tones to the more brown and golden touch." - Simone 

Simone's art hangs on a wall painted in 4481 from Flügger. The armchair is from The Sofa Company and the sofa has been covered in a large natural linen fabric (source rough linen by the yard here*). 

This corner of the sitting room has everything I love in a home - books, art, ceramics and vintage furniture! "I love ceramics in special shapes," Simone tells me. 

Simone picked up the rug at a local Copenhagen store called By Fribert (this Beni Ourain* is similar).

"I seldom buy furniture, but when I do, I am not influenced by trends, but whether the piece will add value to our home. I am always inspired by well-known designers that I can't afford, and I try to find something that can give the same ambience or special wow factor." - Simone 

The dark chocolate wall adds a really cosy touch to the bedroom while a Velux skylight helps to give the room a light and airy feel. One of Simone's own art pieces fills the space on the back wall.  Beautiful! 

Art by Simone, this bench* is similar (I have a similar one in my sitting room!), Bouclé throw*. 

Aaaah, what a stunning home! 

I also couldn't resist asking Simone for a few tips ahead of my trip to the Danish capital this afternoon - perhaps you might find them useful next time you're in Copenhagen!

"I live right next to a little Parisian inspired street called Vænedamsvej, where the cafe Les Trois Cochons and Granola are the cosiest! I also love Ipsen & Co on Gammel Kongevej - the main street in Frederiksberg."

Thank you, Simone, I'll be sure to check these out! 

....a prize for anyone who can pronounce 'Vænedamsvej'!

You can see more of Simone's lovely home and make an enquiry about her art at @polkenstudio.

Other beautiful Danish homes in the capital city (can you tell I'm on a roll....):

A cosy Danish loft full off plants and vintage treasures

The timeless home of a jewellery designer

A charming Copenhagen loft with mid-century classics 

Feeling the love for Danish style today, how about you?

Copenhagen, I'm coming for you! 

Niki

Photography: Simone Polk dahl

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Before & After: A Dated LA House Becomes A Light & Airy Family Home

Why, hello there! I'm in Landskrona today filming and its BAKING (by Sweden standards at least) - but since the film is about natural light, it's all good! I can't wait to share the result with you soon. In the meantime, I thought I'd stop by to share the beautiful home of Molly Madfis. A perfect blend of amber, caramel, cream and white, Molly's style appears completely effortless. But just one glance at the before pictures and you'll see how much effort has gone into making this beautiful home.  Originally from Massachusetts, Molly is a work-at-home Mum and lives in LA with her husband Gideon, son Arlo and their three cats Bodhi, Lucy and Rocky. Molly frequently shares pictures of their home on instagram and her blog Almost Makes Perfect, so called because she feels she's never been able to do anything perfectly. When you see her home though, I'm sure you'll beg to differ! Enjoy the tour!

Sitting Room BEFORE

I couldn't find all the 'before' pictures for this house, but the ones I did find are proof that this home has been given one major refresh! Here's what the sitting room and entrance looked like before the renovation: 

Sitting room AFTER

Check out how deep that sofa from Interior Define is! I'd climb on, curl up and stay there all week if I could, fancy joining me?! 

Also seen: round cushion*, coffee table from cb2

Molly created the artwork over the dining table, and sells a similar print in her shop. 

Playroom BEFORE

This before picture shows how much they had to strip back in order to turn the house into the lovely family home it is today.

Playroom AFTER

Look at Arlo's cheeky grin - *heart melts*.

Someone's very proud of his room (and for good reason, too!).

Ikea cot,  mobile by electric sun creatives.

There are so many lovely things in Molly and Gideon's bedroom - but that Moroccan flatweave rug by Sarah Sherman Samuel (there's also a cushion* to match) and Odara throw have to be my favourites! 

I also spot a Sunset Vibes* print by Loulou Avenue. 

Bathroom BEFORE

Kind of dated, right?! 

Bathroom AFTER

Look closely and you'll see the new waaaay fresher bathroom has the same bones / layout as the original bathroom, but boy does it look different. And so pretty too with the lighter wood and hints of pink, don't you think?

Wall sconce from Triple Seven Home, handmade taps from Watermark Designs, sinks from Nood

I couldn't resist sharing a few pictures of the garden too, mainly because of the children's playhouse. I've never seen one like this before, have you? DIY idea perhaps? 

It's unbelievable how much inspiration can be taken from one home!

I hope you've got some ideas for your own home from this tour. 

Right, better get on with the filming (I need to concentrate, it's in Swedish - gulp!). 

Ha det fint! 

Niki

Photography: Molly Madfis / Almost Makes Perfect shared with kind permission

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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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