A Traditional Swedish Cottage by the Sea with a Splash of Colour

A few summers ago, my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Saltsjöbad, a beautiful area in the Stockholm archipelago. I was bowled over by the nature, but also found myself captivated by how locals can whizz into central Stockholm by boat to go the theatre, shop - or even commute to work! Imagine that? 

Perhaps that's why this charming traditional red and white cottage caught my eye today? Nestled in the woods, the pretty abode feels a world away from civilisation - and yet a boat bobbing on the dock means Sweden's capital city is within easy reach. From the exterior you'd guess that the interior is furnished using antiques, vintage finds and family heirlooms with a traditional touch. But it's full of surprises! Let's take a peek inside to discover more. 

The black open-style kitchen has a contemporary touch - and the green wood floor givers the space a unique feel. 

In the dining room and sitting room, furniture in vibrant green, red and yellow is a nod to the current trends and adds an unexpected playful touch to the interior. I like that! 

The landing also offers some surprises with angular furniture and bold hues - as well as a dark wood floor. A wall mounted desk is a great way to create a home workspace in a small area.  

Various patterns in the bedroom add a lovely unique touch, while the painted floor mirrors the woodland surroundings. 

I love that this cottage offers something unique, it's always fun to see! Plus, I absolutely love the idea of arriving at a summer cottage by boat - what a dream! Do you agree? 

The cottage is currently for sale here (just saying!). 

What do you think about the 'pop of red' trend? Do you have primary colours in your home? 

If you'd like to see a few more Scandinavian cottages by the water today, check out: 

A cosy little Swedish cottage by the sea

A warm and relaxed cottage by the sea

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea

Have you been watching the Olympics? I am absolutely loving it! I have a little square up on my screen while I type so I can keep an eye on the synchronised diving! 

Have a fabulous start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

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Colour Inspiration From a Lovely Swedish Apartment

Hello! How are you this bright and sunny day? In recent years, the interior world trend has edged away from a less is more white space (although they'll always feel timeless to me!) towards more of a mix and match menagerie of bold colours, patterns and prints. 

If you feel you're being carried along by the tide and looking to inject a little more colour into your home, this Swedish apartment might just serve as the perfect inspiration. Read on to discover which tones they have used and other smart uses of colour and contrast! 

In the kitchen, the cabinets have been painted in a soft shade beside a bolder blushing peach by Jotun. I used the latter in my bedroom, and absolutely loved it. Stupidly I painted over it on a whim and now I really miss it! 

A lovely mid blue has been used on a dresser by the window - which pairs beautifully with the peach - a very Scandi combo! 

Note how a shelf has been placed across the window, turning storage out of a disused area. If you have a window looking out onto a pavement, shelves like this can help shield you from prying eyes while still allowing light to come in. 

The sitting room wall (and hallway) have been painted in seashell by Becker. I would so love this shade at our summer cottage, if only for the name! So pretty, don't you think? 

Notice how they have brought in yellow as an accent colour. The trick is to bring in at least three pops for a cohesive, balanced look. Here, it can be seen in the blanket, flowers and a picture frame. 

Playing with scale is a great way to add interest to a space. Here, an oversized lamp makes a statement in the hallway. 

In recent years, paint has moved on from just the walls - and people are going wild with doorframes, wainscoting and other features. When done right, it can make a great impact! 

The wainscoting has been given a lick of 'dark teal' and the walls have been painted with 'rooibos' - both by Becker.

And finally, the children's bedroom has been painted in linen blue by Jotun - an incredibly popular shade in Scandinavia as it's incredible calming. Note the blue and pink combo has been repeated here. 

All in all, a lovely home, full of inspiring ideas!

Are there any paint combinations that stood out to you? 

Perhaps you have a favourite colour in your home that you'd like to share with us? 

In case you're looking for more colour inspiration, here are some Norwegian homes with very pretty schemes! 

A stunning Norwegian home in many shades of blue

Before and after: A rural Norwegian cottage gets a makeover

A charming little summer cabin by a Norwegian fjord

Before we all shoot off, a little note to say, it's a public holiday here in Sweden on Thursday and Friday and Alice (my youngest daughter) is competing in the nationals in gymnastics - so we're heading up to Stockholm to cheer her on. It's always a joy to watch her and her team mates and the other young gymnasts in action, if not highly emotional - I'll be needing big sunglasses! 

This means there'll be no post on Friday - but I'll be back again on Monday! 

Have a lovely few days! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Nya Kvadrat - found via Nordroom with thanks

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A Swedish Home with Colour Pops and a Lovely Workspace

Heeeeej there friends! 

I'm writing this blog post from home this morning as later I'm be heading to Copenhagen for a meeting (it's a beautiful, sunny day so I can't wait!). I usually go into my studio to work these days, so sitting here at my desk got me thinking about how it needs a revamp (easily distracted, I know!). Which led me to the workspace in this Stockholm home. Funny how things can happen like that. 

Although a simple space, the spot exudes charm in a very Scandi way! I particularly love the way the owners have painted an old gate-leg table grey and then placed it perpendicular to the window (it's always great to have natural light when you're working, but never directly from behind your screen). And the fabulous little Hay Matin table lamp is the icing on the cake! All that's left is an ergonomic desk chair and you're good to go. Oh, maybe a coffee first. 

Oh, and of course I have thrown in the rest of the lovely Stockholm home too for you - after all, who doesn't love stacks of books, pops of colour, pretty spring-like wallpaper, and the odd dotty piece of furniture? 

Varsågoda! 

Very inspiring! 

Incidentally, the pockets in the hallway are from Swedish brand Norrgavel ('påshylla')- they make for great hallway storage and something I've had my eye on for a while. You never know, my children might just put their things in them rather than on the floor. I'm not so sure though!

Note the stools dotted around. They look like vintage Artek 60 stools, which have become truly iconic! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely Swedish family home? 

Here are a few other home workspaces to feel inspired by today. If you're in need of a nice looking ergonomic chair, I've had this one for years.

And in case you'd like to see more Scandi homes dotted with colours, I love these: 

Hygge and pops of colour in a Danish home

A tiny Danish home that's big on (handmade) design

12 simple ways to add colour to your home this spring, Danish style

Right, I'd better get myself ready for my trip over the bridge. If you're up for a virtual visit to the Danish capital in the sunshine today, I'll share some glimpses in my instagram stories!

Stor kram!

Niki

Photography: Therese Jahnsen, styling: Thomas Lingsell for Historiska Hem

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Interior Designer Saša Antic's Inspiring Stockholm Home

With a population of ten million, Sweden is a relatively small country. And if you move in the design circle, it's only matter of time before you meet - even if you live in an entirely different city! 

Eleven years ago, I featured interior designer Saša Antic's mini yet impeccably designed apartment in Stockholm. It was one of those memorable spaces which I've find myself returning to time after time for inspiration. 

A few weeks ago, I was at the IKEA mothership (i.e. the IKEA headquarters in Älmhult) where I've been working on a project and I came across Saša! A lovely and interesting guy, we got chatting about home decorating and how he loves to constantly rearrange his living space - even making his own furniture and storage to go with it. And then he dropped the bomb shell - after 20 years, he'd moved to a new apartment.

Naturally, I was straight on the case, and this morning these beautiful images shot of Saša's home by Stellan Herner fell into my inbox. So here it is in all it's glory. Välkommen! 

Located in the Vitabergsparken quarter of Södermalm - a central area of Stockholm known for it's hip, boho vibe, Saša's apartment measures a more sizeable 60 sqm (645 ft.sq) - allowing for a seperate kitchen, sitting room and bedroom. 

Saša's a big fan of colour and the tones he's picked out for his pad are inspired by the English countryside (could this be why I was immediately drawn to the space?): Look closely, and you'll notice that the walls are only painted a third of the way up - helping to add contrast to the rooms yet also ensuring a cosy feel to a space with incredibly high ceilings. He's also been careful to apply the same colour to skirting boards and architraves - for a complete look that's very 'now'. 

Art features heavily in the space - with large, bold work creating a focal point in the sitting room, hallway and bedroom. 

Never one to follow the crowd, Saša has been careful to pick out quirky and unique pieces of furniture - like this red bar cart! 

Each room keeps you guessing in terms of tone, furniture and texture. In the bathroom, lace curtains add a soft touch as well as privacy from the busy Stockholm streets - while allowing a glimpse of the trees.

Absolutely wonderful space, don't you think? 

I'm so happy I bumped into Saša, or I'd have never discovered his pad! Funny how life works isn't it? 

You can follow Saša's latest interior design and concept work over on his homepage and instagram feed. 

Take a peek inside a few other Stockholm homes this weekend: 

The Stockholm home of a design hunter

A charming Swedish apartment in wintertime

A blend of old and new in a Stockholm home

Happy Friday friends! I hope you have a fantastic weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Stellan Herner

Styling: Saša Antic

Shared with kind permission

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