Keeping It Real In a Danish Family Home In The Heart of Copenhagen

Ever feel like everyone else's home is 'insta-perfect' while yours is a constant battle to keep tidy? Allow me to let you in on a secret, you're definitely not alone. Not even the homes you see on instagram are picture perfect all of the time. I know, because I recently asked around on a recent blogger tour and was secretly thrilled to learn most of my contemporaries' homes were a little messy - just like mine. It's called life - and it should be celebrated once in a while, don't you think? So, friends if you left the house littered with Lego and half-drunk mugs of coffee this morning, Sarah's Copenhagen home will feel wonderfully refreshing! The Dane owns a small shop called 'The General Store' and lives with her six-year-old son Sylvester in an apartment in Østerbro. Together, they've filled the space with bold colours, harlequin patterns, Scandinavian design pieces, art, books, candles and toys. And best of all, she's captured the space just the way it is. Welcome to Sarah's relaxed world! 

One of my favourite captions from Sarah's instagram:

"What I say: 'I am just going to the bathroom', What they hear: 'family meeting."

So funny - sounds very familiar, I must say! 

Harlequin floors like the one in Sarah's hallway are surprisingly easy to create. All you need is measuring tape, string, a pencil to mark the floor and paint. For a more subtle and classic Scandinavian approach, you might prefer a light grey and white version as seen in this Swedish kitchen. 

The pink wall provides a perfect backdrop for Sylvester's delightful paintings. 

What a great collection of Lego! I guess it is Danish after all. 

My sister and her husband call tidying up the house after a day of their 3 and 5 year old playing 'square oneing' i.e. "time to square one the house" - I love that! For the more OCD among us, I thought I'd share a pic of the same corner after Sarah has 'square-oned' it! 

What a feast for the eyes! 

You can see more snapshots of her Copenhagen home over at @look_good_in_blue (don't miss the ones of her summer cottage too!). 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few other family homes today? I love these:

12 child-friendly ideas from a happy home in Berlin

A charming and eclectic family home in Paris

A Cheerful and bright Dutch family home

Before we all shoot off, I'd love to know: are you a bit of a neatnik or is your home of the more messy variety? Or perhaps you fall somewhere in between? 

Have a wonderful, relaxed start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Sarah / @look_good_in_blue - shared with kind permission

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6 Ways To Create A Timeless Home - Scandinavian Style!

You're likely to have seen this apartment before. I first featured Karen Maj Kornum's home back in 2015, and then again in 2017 and even included it in my book The Scandinavian Home (I'll never forget the day I spent there!!). The fact is, I could probably feature this home in ten year's time, and it would still feel relevant. So, what makes Karen's living space stand the test of time, while others feel distinctly out of date after a few years? I've compiled a list of 6 'timeless' lessons to learn from her stunning Frederiksberg home! 

1. The neutral backdrop: Colours and wallpaper patterns come and go (think Laura Ashley in the 80's!), but white and off-white shades will never go out of style and serve as a perfect blank canvas with which to layer the home. 

2. The statement piece:  Look closely at the back wall and you'll see that it's a picture (or 'wallscape') rather than extra room (Karen picked it up at Bless in Berlin and feels sad that if she ever moves she won't be able to take it with her). Whether in the form of a one-off work of art, unique textiles or a piece of unusual furniture, adding something eye-catching like this will give your home its own distinct character while still maintaining its timeless vibe. 

3. Make it personal: I love the idea that a home is never 'finished'. It might seem obvious, but it's so important to remember to take your time to layer a home over the years with pieces you've collected on your travels, things your children (or ancestors) have made, photographs and favourite books. Sure, you might like to add the odd on-trend accessory, but the bulk of the look should be truly unique and personal to you. 

4. Mix it up: When I interviewed Karen about her home for my book, she said that she loves to blend styles and furniture from different eras. Look closely and you'll spot an entire blend of antiques, vintage finds and contemporary pieces - all of which help to give the interior longevity - and ensure your space doesn't lend itself to one particular era that could quickly become out of date. 

5. Invest in timeless, iconic design pieces: Furniture that has been made by a reputable designer / craftsperson and made from good, solid natural materials can be maintained over time. If you opt for pieces with a simpler design, they'll blend into any room, while still adding a magical iconic touch. 

6. Follow your heart: Sometimes this is easier said than done (trust me, I often feel blinded by trends, especially when I work in the industry!). The thing is, trends are designed to come and go - where as your natural sense of style will likely stay quite consistent over time (give or take - I mean, I wouldn't have a poster of Morten Harket (of A-Ha fame) on my wall these days - yep, clearly always been drawn to those Scandinavian men!)! 

I have to add, I love trends and I notice some wonderful on-trend pieces in Karen's home too (like the Berber rugs) but if you truly want to create an easy-to-maintain timeless home - it's important to decorate the bulk of your home with pieces that you love simply because they hit a chord. 

What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions about what makes a home timeless? If so, please do share in the comment section below! 

If you love Karen's style as much as I do,  check out her online shop (for the most beautiful rugs!) and see more of her interior styling work at Another Ballroom.

In other news, I'm excited to take you on an armchair journey to Norway tomorrow - and have some exciting news which will allow you to bring a little piece of Norway home. Intrigued? Stop by to find out! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography: Home / styling: Karen Maj Kornum. Photography: Jonas Lundberg

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On-Trend Ceilings, Art and Books Galore In A Delightful Danish Home

The biggest micro trend in Denmark right now: accented ceilings. And I have to say, I absolutely love the idea. One caveat though, I've yet to see a statement ceiling painted in a trendy hue that's not 3.5 metres high with intricate cornicing - needless to say, I won't be painting mine just yet. But can we all take a moment this sunny Wednesday, to appreciate the blue ceiling in the Danish home of interior stylist Helene Katrine? In her Aalborg sitting room, Helene has painted the area overhead in a Dusky Blue hue which works beautifully with the Space shade on the walls, giving the entire look a modern twist. In true Danish style, Helene has also created some fab gallery walls, killer wall-to-wall bookshelves and dotted the space with some of my favourite iconic design pieces. Ready for the tour? You're in for a treat! 

Another on-trend item: the deep pile rug! This one is from Jotex. The sofa is by Hay, and beside it is an Akari lamp by Isamu Noguchi. 

A Bertoia diamond chair* sits beside bookshelves filled with books, porcelain and glassware. Hang on a minute. I also spot my very own The Scandinavian Home book - I have to say, I feel honoured beyond belief! 

The shelves behind the dining table are from IKEA (I think, but I'll double check with Helene in case I'm wrong!). Thonet Era chairs* have been arranged around the table and a Flos lamp* hangs overhead. 

Can we just take a moment to admire that coat?! It's like a work of art! It's from Stand Studio - the brainchild of Nellie Kamras whose designs are inspired by feminine effortless chic, with an iconic Scandinavian simplicity. I couldn't find the coat on the website, but I did see an entire collection of other fabulous ones!

The Pond mirror is by Ferm Living and the Tribeca Chambers light* is from Menu. 

What a beautiful home. I love how Helene has created a style that embodies calm and elegance with a modern twist. 

Are there any elements that stood out to you? I love asking this question as often someone points out something I haven't spotted (or written about). 

You can see more of Helene's Aalborg home over on her inspiring Instagram feed @helenehoue.

I guess you know what's coming, right? Yep, a few other beautiful Danish homes to drool over today. I'm plumping for these delights, come and join me! 

Welcome inside the home of a Daish interior consultant

A Danish summer cottage on North Zealand

A Dreamy Copenhagen home full of books

Happy Lillördag!

Niki

Photography: Helene / @helenehoue

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Welcome Inside The Home of a Danish Interior Consultant

Why hello there, or 'hej' (pronounced 'hi' in Danish - which makes it pretty easy for us English speaking guys!). Today, I'm whisking you away to Odder, a small town in central Jutland, Denmark, which Cecilie Kovsted and her fiancé Magnus have made their home. Cecilie works an interior consultant at Tapetforum and as a sales employee at ARoS Aarhus Art Museum. Little wonder her home - which she frequently shows on her instagram feed @interiorunivers - is a real feast for the eyes. The duo have filled their 79 m2 (850 f2) apartment with ceramics, colourful prints and 'loppemarked' (flea market) finds -inspired by Cecilie's childhood home. Pour yourself a Danish-style extra strong 'kaffe', pull up a chair, and enjoy the tour! 

"I am in the process of changing our decor and I am trying to focus more on warm colours, Japanese ceramics and prints that match my 'theme'." - Cecilie. 

"Art means a lot to me, and as you can probably see, we have a lot of it in our home! Most of the prints are flea market finds or bought from interior design shops. I look for unique prints. I particularly love prints from Galerie Maeght and even visited their little shop in Paris - which I can highly recommend!" - Cecilie. 

Such an inspiring home - especially the art! 

You often see the same prints time and time again in homes, but I loved how Cecilie had sought more original art, particularly in her home office. 

Feeling curious, I scoured her instagram feed to glean some of the sources she's used for glassware, ceramics, prints and other decor:

Cecilie's Danish Interior Shopping Black Book

Kræss Store (glassware, ceramics, art etc!)

Atelier Mathilde Vesterskov

Le Klint (lighting)

Louisiana Museum Shop

ARoS Art Museum Shop

Since my family and I are actually heading to Denmark today (WHOOPEE! I'm SO excited as we haven't been since the whole - whisper it, pandemic began - follow along on my instagram stories if you'd like to see a little of Hornbæk!), I thought it would be apt to go all out Danish today. Here are a few other homes I love:

Malene and Jeppe's Home With Lots of Dots

A Vibrant Aarhus Home

An elegant Danish home in the heart of Copenhagen

And while we're on the topic of 'great Dane' style and design, I'll be stopping by tomorrow with an extra post to share some pictures I took near our summer cottage of some beautiful Danish glassware and one of my favorite Swedish summer drinks! See you then! 

Niki

Photography: Cecilie Kovsted

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Malene and Jeppe's Pastel Copenhagen Home - With Lots of Dots!

A few weeks ago Denmark announced that residents from Skåne county in Sweden are allowed back over the bridge! I honestly did a little dance. Oh, how I've missed my trips to Copenhagen! Until I manage to make the trip, I'm going to continue to get my fill of fabulous Danish design from the homes of creatives across Denmark - I hope you'll join me! Today, let's take a virtual tour of the fab home of Jeppe, Malene and their two young children Hugo and Sonja. The family live in a 200 m2 (2152 ftsq) apartment in Vesterbro, a hip neighbourhood in the Danish capital. Malene works as a production manager for achingly cool Danish clothing brand ENVII (check out @envii_official) and Jeppe is a carpenter. The latter comes in handy for their home renovations - which they do entirely by themselves. Welcome to a world of pastels, prints and lots of dots! 

"For us, it is important that it feels warm and cosy in our home. We love having friends and family over - and we like to ensure the furniture and styling doesn't feel too strict or 'smart' - you need to feel that people live here" - Malene. 

The dining room wall has been painted in Aloe Vera from Dyrup and a set of Hans J. Wegner wishbone chairs* have been arranged around the table. 

The prints are from Jenny Brandt Grönberg (who's sitting room I featured here), Nynne Rosenvinge, Clara Selina Bach and Galerie Maeght, among others. 

Malene picked up the little stool at Søstrene Grene and painted the legs lilac to match the cushions. 

In the master bedroom, Malene has combined beige 'Cuppa Coffee' paint from Dyrup with pink accents (including sustainable bedding from JUNA Design). The wall-mounted nightstand was handcrafted by Trævarefabrikernes and the wall lamp and stool are from IKEA. 

"I love pastel colours, and I fall in love each time I see something pink or dotty!" - Malene. 

In the bathroom, Malene and Jeppe have instilled tiles from Marokk and accessorised the space with an H&M basket and a Fine Little Day 'Swimmers' print. 

The hallway has been painted in Deco Pink from Jotun Lady and the wall-mounted unit is from Trævarefabrikernes (as before).

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Such a lovely home! I particularly love the pastels, they're fun yet calming all at once. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Jeppe and Malene's home? 

See more pictures over at @londogmussehuset!

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We're currently island hopping on Sweden's West coast, sailing, swimming, crabbing and enjoying everything the Swedish summer has to offer (even if it could be a few degrees warmer and not raining like it is today - BAAAH!!). I've promised my little family to take next week off while we capture this wonderful area together to create a guide of our favorite islands once we return. I hope you'll feel inspired to visit once day!

In the meantime, you might like to explore the archives which hold THOUSANDS of beautiful Scandi-inspired homes - here are a few of my favorite categories: 

Swedish homes

Danish homes

Finnish homes

Norwegian homes

Icelandic homes

Scandi-inspired international homes

Summer cottages

Have a wonderful week friends, I hope the sun shines for you (and returns here!!). 

See you Monday 3rd August. 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Malene & Jeppe / @londogmussehuset shared with kind permission.

*This post includes affiliate links

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