A Danish Home With Easter Touches

Looking to get into the easter spirit? Mette Norrild has filled her 1970s house on the Danish island of Fyn with pastel hues, spring flowers (including Forsythia, cherry blossom and Magnolia) and pretty Easter touches. Oh, and don't miss the quirky details like artisan mugs, colourful glassware and twisted candles - they add such a fun touch! Here are a few snapshots to feel inspired by this weekend: 

So many pretty ideas!

Decorative mugs have become such a big thing in Denmark lately that I feel tour requires a roundup! 

From top left: Royal Copenhagen, Studio Palu (twisty handle), Krøllet Keramik (with cherries, sweets etc), Les Gens Heureux (pointed handle / splashes). 

It's made me want to start decorating my home this weekend, how about you? 

If you're curious about where any of the items are from, Mette's great at tagging her photos on instagram. 

For other pastel homes see:

A delightful family home in a converted Swedish schoolhouse

An inspiring pastel-infused Finnish apartment

Danica's Danish home in cotton candy shades

And for some great easter decorating ideas take a look at: 

Swedish Easter traditions

7 beautifully simple Scandinavian craft ideas for easter

My big easter DIY edit

I hope this post has put you in the mood for the easter holidays! My girls break up tomorrow so we're looking forward to decorating the house a little. Maybe the rain / snow / everything the swedish weather gods wants to throw at us will clear up at some point too! 

Do you decorate your home for Easter? If so, I'd love to hear about your decorating traditions! 

Have a great weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Mette Norrild / @mettenorrild, shared with kind permission

READ MORE...

4

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

READ MORE...

3

6 Smart Ideas To Steal From a Small Danish Apartment

Goddag, goddag! I'm going straight in this week with the delightful Copenhagen apartment of Büsra Demirhan. A student living in a 47 metres square (505 foot square) apartment with her boyfriend, Büsra was selected by Danish magazine Bolig Magasinet as instagrammer of the month thanks to the clever way she has designed her small space on a tight budget, without compromising on style. Here are six very smart small space ideas that make a big difference! 

1. Round table: Round tables have a smaller surface area than square tables and therefore take up less space - and can squeeze into a tight spot. Plus you avoid the risk of walking into a corner with your thigh (winces). 

2. Extra storage: Büsra has used used dead space above the kitchen cabinets to store little used items. A wooden cup holder (this one is by Sætter and is taking the Danish interior world by storm right now) slots in neatly between the upper and lower cabinets. 

3. Think slim: Narrow furniture - like this glass cabinet is ideal for small spaces. 

4. Wall mount where possible: a flat screen TV has been tucked in among frames on the wall of the sitting room, leaving the floor clear. Wall mounted furniture is especially great for small spaces as it helps you to make full use of vertical space and creates a more airy feel. 

5. Wall to wall, mirrored storage: one whole side of the sitting room area has been reserved for much needed storage. Using closed storage not only helps to keep a space looking clean and clutter free - but the mirror helps to visually enlarge the room. Perfect! 

6. Get creative: A cupboard / wardrobe space off the corner of the sitting room has been reserved as a bedroom for Büsra and her husband. A simple curtain across the doorway helps to keep the space private without feeling you're closed in. 

I hope this lovely space has given you plenty of ideas if you're currently furnishing a small space - or have smaller rooms in your home! 

You can see more snapshots of Büsra's home over at @busrademiirham. 

And there is a LOAD more inspiration in the small space archive (if this pops up first just scroll on over!). 

Wishing you all a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @busrademiirham, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

6

An Apartment With Inspiring Touches in Copenhagen, Denmark

I was watching New Amsterdam on Netflix last night (I know, probably not very design cool, but it's an easy watch after a long day!) while intermittently browsing through instagram (Per hates it when I do that!), and I stumbled across the Danish account of Stina Bothilde. From what I can gather, Stina and her family divide their time between a beautiful old apartment in Fredriksberg, Copenhagen and a weekend retreat in Hønsinge, West of Zealand. They both caught my eye for different reasons, and I'm pretty sure I'll feature her cabin at some point. But today, I couldn't resist giving you a small tour of their city space. I say small tour since Stina hasn't shot that many angles thus far. Even so, these lovely rooms / angles are filled with lovely 'effortless Danish' inspiration. 

In the dining area, a pair of Opaline Hubsch lamps hang over the table, the cables draped from the original electrical source. A long brown cushion (made with curtain fabric) helps transform cabinets (from Handcrafted Interior) into seating while adding a touch of on-trend colour while classic wishbone chairs are arranged opposite. 

A galaxy globe mobile by Kaja Skytte hangs in the corner, while a basket of blankets lies in wait by the balcony door. 

In the sitting room, original art from Isola Studio* (check to the pieces here*!) and a print Arthus hangs on a wall painted in Space by Jotun Lady. The rug is from Søstrene Grene. 

It's just a teeny room - as with many city apartments space is of a premium and you simply need to make do with the square metres you have. All the same, it looks super cosy! A wall mounted pocket organiser* from Norman Cph (as seen on the wall) are perfect for storing books in lieu of a bedside table. 

I love the wood on the casing of the bathroom cabinet - combined with the brass holder - it really makes the space! 

Well folks, I might not have been able to show you the entire home, but I have a feeling this is a start of something beautiful! 

Check out Stina's instagram feed for the latest updates. 

And if you're into all things danish after seeing this - go ahead and pull up a wishbone chair and scroll through this danish home tour archive. It's a favourite of mine! 

By the way, I've been really enjoying the comments lately, especially when a discussion arises, they are so fun to read and remind me of what a great community My Scandinavian Home is! Thank you. 

Ha det fint! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stina Bothilde - shared with kind permission.

READ MORE...

6

Sedsel's Serene Oasis In The Heart of Copenhagen

Tjena! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! The weather broke here after weeks and weeks of sunshine which was a real blessing in disguise as it meant we finally got around to doing a few things at home - phew! I promise to share our bedroom make-over soon! In the meantime, across the Öresund strait, Sedsel Roug and her family have just returned to their apartment in Copenhagen after a few weeks in the Danish countryside. You might recognise her serene apartment from a feature in 2019 - when it was a sea of light green. Today, the flat has been undergone an off-white transformation resulting in a calm oasis in the heart of the city. I caught up with Sedsel (who I've had the pleasure of meeting before), to find out more about the colour palette, how to work with contrast, shapes and scale to add interest - and her passion for all things vintage. 

Can you tell us more about your apartment and why you fell in love with it?

The building was built in 1863 and is located next to eat French street Værnedamsvej in Frederiksberg, where you can find lots of cosy shops and cafes. I lived in Brussels and New York and just fell in love with the international vibe of the neighbourhood. 

Since I last featured your home, the colour palette has changed from sea green to a serene off-white. What was the thought behind this? 

I felt the need to create a calmness and wanted the art and vintage finds to stand out. So, I recently repainted the entire apartment in the same colour: 4311 from Flügger. 

Speaking of which, I absolutely love that your home is full of interesting pieces. Can you tell us more about your decorating ethos?

When it comes to decor, I always love an eclectic mix of vintage and found objects, which are collected over time and tell stories of their past. Decorating a home should be like a book - where you enjoy the journey rather than the end. 

What are the important elements to you, when decorating a home? 

I love working with scale, shape and placement. Decorating a home is a feeling and an intuition. I seek intrigue and curiosity with every element I add. I also love working with contrast - using a calm wall colour and then placing art and ceramics in dark colours in front. Somehow, the contrast creates thyme balance I am constantly searching for. 

Do you like to follow the latest trends? 

My home doesn't reflect a certain trend or style - it's a mix of things that move with me and items that tell a story. It's this blend that magically creates an interesting balance and calmness. 

Do you have a favourite piece of furniture? 

I have a big passion for wooden vintage objects. The little eight stool in the shape of an 'eight' (see above) is a big favourite (I found it on Etsy). Wood only becomes more beautiful with time. it brings so much warmth and tranquillity to a room. One should never be afraid of mixing different wood. 

What do you love most about your home?

Our home tells a story and I love to embrace the very fact that our table has stains from glasses, or that our floors are worn from our children running around. I guess I search the beauty in imperfection. Life isn't perfect and stains and patina don't ruin your living space but show someone is living here. 

Beautiful, and so inspiring, don't you think?

I love her quote: ''Decorating a home should be like a book - where you enjoy the journey rather than the end". This is exactly how I feel about my own home. It will never be 'finished'. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Sedsel's home and / or words? 

You can see more snapshots of her living space over on her beautiful instagram @sedselroug. 

Fancy peeking inside a few other Copenhagen homes to kick off the week in style? here are a few of my favourites:

A cosy Copenhagen apartment full of vintage finds and plants

A wonderful Copenhagen apartment full of soul

A Copenhagen family home brimming with books and design treasures

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

PS I'm still on summertime over here (despite the not very summery weather!) and posting Monday, Wednesday and Friday until a return to my daily posts once the girls are back at school. Thank you for your patience! 

Photography: Sidsel Roug, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

5