A Tiny Danish Beach Cabin That's Big On Style!

Hands up who loves a beach house (both hands shoot up)! The salty air, the warm sand between your toes, the relaxing sound of the waves breaking - all on your doorstep! Living in Scandinavia, we're never that far from the sea, and Per and I share a dream to live in a cottage overlooking the water one day. It's a real pipe dream as waterside abodes don't go on the market too often and when they do, let's just say they're a bit of a stretch! But this lovely little Danish cabin has restored my faith! Measuring 20 metre square (215 square foot), the wooden structure (designed by Add a Room) might be tiny - but it sure does make up for it in style - and location! Think understated, monochrome decor (courtesy of House Doctor) morning coffee in the sun and a sunset soak. 

Morning coffee here?

 I'm guessing that this sofa converts into a double bed after sunset.  

... and by day it's a cosy sofa laden with cushions and two Swing reading lights combined to look like a double arm wall sconce (clever hack!).  

A small gas stove works great for cooking a dinner for two. Incidentally, my Mother has been cooking on a gas stove in her garden in London for the past 6 weeks! Her kitchen renovation wasn't finished when they went into lockdown and she had no hob or kitchen sink. It's amazing what she's managed to whip up on it (sometimes under an umbrella!). 

A little trolley on wheels is ideal for small spaces since it can be moved to whereever you need it. In this kitchen it serves as a makeshift space for that all important coffee machine!

I've been scouring the pictures to see if this little cabin has running water (we've already seen proof of electricity!) - and this outdoor bathroom seals the deal for me. It even has a little mirror!  

How wonderful! 

It certainly gives me hope that Per and I might just achieve our dream one day - even if it means dramatically downsizing. 

Could you imagine waking up here? 

Other coastal homes I'll be dreaming about today: 

A charming danish cottage by the sea

A dreamy Scandi inspired beach house

And further afield: A cosy stilted cottage on Fire Island, an ethereal beach house on St Barts and an Australian beach house with a retro vibe.

And, just in case you're miles from the shore and unable to travel right now - here are 15 ways to add a subtle coastal feel to your home, wherever you are!

Ha det så fint! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Add a Room & House Doctor, found via Planete Deco with thanks.

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A Photographer's Inviting Home On The Danish island of Bornholm

Many years ago, Per and I sailed to the beautiful Danish island of Bornholm, in the Baltic Sea. We explored the picturesque villages, vast open spaces and rugged coastline by bike, stopping every now and again to pop into a gallery or atelier and buy vegetables and fruit from an honesty stall. The one thing we didn't get to do was peek behind one of the pretty facades. That is, until today - as I have just discovered the portfolio of Danish photographer and visual content creator Sofie Hammer. Originally from Copenhagen, Sofie and her family reside on Bornholm - enjoying "the everyday gift of nature, the sea and tranquillity". The granddaughter of a sculptor and daughter of a musician, Sofie's creativity shines through in her photography, styling and the way she has decorated her home. Think earthy tones, an eclectic blend of furniture and art by local craftspeople. Welcome to Sofie's hyggeligt world! 

Vase by local ceramicist Mette Duedahl. Pick up a vintage map of Bornholm here*. 

The window seat mattress was custom made by Mother and daughter company ABA Design & Living

Stacked chairs from TAKT, vase by Mette Duedahl

Bedding from Tiny Tiny, wall hanging from Hagelens and art by Katerina*

Pieces from The Simple Folk Co, MarMar Copenhagen, Grech & Co and Monsieur Mini

How lovely! 

I'm particularly drawn to the way Sofie has sourced furniture and accessories from small businesses - some of which are handmade - it makes her home feel so personal. The brown tones also add a warm and inviting touch!

Is there anything that caught your eye?

Find out more about Sofie's photography over on her home page and see more beautiful snapshots of her home on @by_sofiehammer. 

I'm so looking forward to revisiting this wonderful island again one day. In the meantime, I'll be dreaming about it every time I turn on my mouth blown glass pendant lights which were made on the island! I hope you will also get the opportunity one day too, it's a must if you visit Scandinavia! 

Other homes you might like to take a look at today include a beautiful Danish ceramicist's home by the sea, a charming danish summer cottage on the island of Fejø and a family home in the danish fishing village of Dragør. Ooooh so inspiring! 

Ha en dejlig dag! 

Niki

Photography: Sofie Hammer - shared with kind permission

*affiliate link

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Johanne & Lukas' Beautiful Copenhagen Townhouse from 1927

Tjena! How was your weekend? The sun was shining here in the Öresund region which is just what we all needed to keep our spirits up! I say 'Öresund' because that also includes Copenhagen, which is just over the water from where I live - and the subject of today's home tour! Yay! You might recall the feature I wrote about Johanne & Lukas's apartment last year (in case you missed it, take a peek here - it's packed with fab small space ideas!). And now the pair, who are expecting a baby girl in the summer, have moved to a wonderful townhouse. Built in 1927, the property was in major need of renovation and I can't think of a better pair for the job than Johanne and Lukas. Snapshots on their instagram @femte.til.venstre reveal it's starting to take shape beautifully! Here's a sneak peek: 

I love doors with windows that open separately - they're perfect for springtime!

The wall looks very much like my new kitchen wall - I used chalk paint from the small Icelandic company Kalklitir who pretty much worldwide and do some beautiful shades! Plus, they are the nicest people ever! 

I'm such a big fan of this IKEA Gjöra bed - the high bar can be used for clothes, fabric and general customising (no doubt Allie would use it as a gymnastics bar given the chance too!).  It looks really pretty in this bedroom, don't you think? 

Oh, so beautiful - just as expected!

I love all the earthy touches and all the wood in particular, it's so calming. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Excited to hear the baby news this summer, I'll be keeping an eye on their instagram like a hawk! If you're not already following Johanne and Lukas, you can find them at @femte.til.venstre.

How about a little more Danish inspiration this morning?

A cosy Danish loft full of plants and vintage finds
Books, art and golden tones in a Copenhagen apartment
A Copenhagen home full of Scandinavian design treasures

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Johanne & Lukas / @femte.til.venstre

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A Fabulous Danish Home In A Plethora of Colours!

So, mina raringar, here's the colourful Danish home I've been telling you about. And I wasn't kidding - colour fiends out there, are going to do a little dance when they see this!! It's fabulous! Located in leafy Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, this colourful bonanza of a home belongs to Cathrine de Lichtenberg, her husband and dog Pedersen. The trio occupy the ground floor and basement of the old Patricia villa which dates back to 1898! I caught up with Cathrine, who works at the fabulous flower design studio Poppykalas and also as an interior stylist, to find out more: 

Brumbury table lamp, Uno form kitchen cabinets, wall colour: Deco Pink 2782

Have you always loved colour?

Yes, in elementary school I would always colour match my belt, bag, socks, t-short and other details! The same with the colours on my bedroom wall - which were everything from pink to mint green- However, as a teenager, I became a little insecure (like most!) and found comfort in dressing like others. - so, I toned it down. But today I mix and match my clothes as I feel fit for the day, and I have a very relaxed approach to paint. If I have a feeling about a new colour, I just do it - it can always be redone! 

Vertigo ceiling light*, Series 7 chair*, Flower field rug from Layered. 

What are your go-to home decorating colours?

I don't think there are any main colours. However blue, light pink and lavender tend to appear in most rooms. 

IKEA stool painted in Dyrup metallic 'Shiny blue' 

Flower Field Wool Rug, sofa from Sofa Company, wall colour: Smooth White 8470

Scandinavian homes are synonymous with being white or monochrome, would you say there's also scope for lots of colour? 

Yes, colours are becoming more and more normal in Scandinavian style. Having said that, I don't think we have a typically Scandinavian style. Ours is a mix of everything we like - no rules! 

Montana storage units

What inspired the colours in your home?

A mood, a feeling, a fruit, a pattern, a photo, a dress, or whatever awakes the feeling in me and drives me to implement it in my home. 

Curtains from &Drape, pale blue bedding*

Do you have any tips for anyone looking to introduce more colour into their home?

Don't think too much, just do it! 

If four walls feel like too much, start with one... and if that still feels like too much, then add pillows and vases in the colour you love the most as a great starting point! 

I love using fruit and vegetables to add colour in the kitchen, and of course flowers! Place them in a colourful bowl on the table - it's an easy way to bring energy to the room. 

Well, well, well, where do I even start?! 

Maybe with Pedersen! Doesn't he look happy in this home? I don't blame him. 

I think the most exciting thing of all about stumbling across Cathrine's home on instagram (@cathdelichtenberg - in case you're curious!) is that it's unlike any Scandinavian home I've seen before. It really has put a spring in my step. 

I love her colour tips too, so simple! 

I'd love to hear what you loved most about this Copenhagen home! Has it tempted you to add more colour too?

In case you're feeling the colour therapy today, here are some other fabulous Scandinavian homes filled with colour:

An artful and relaxed home in Aarhus

Embracing the blues in the Danish home of Michael Schmidt

Spring has sprung in this delightful Copenhagen home

Happy lillördag friends!

Niki

Photography: Cathrine de Lichtenberg

This post contains some affiliate links which means I might make a tiny amount of money if you click on a link marked with * and buy something. 

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A Delightful Home Where Swedish and Danish Style Comes Together

Denmark closed for business last night (more of which at the end of the post), driving everyone to the safe haven of their homes for the next fortnight. Swede Ulrika Horn has retired to her home in Helsingør, Denmark where she lives in a 1950's 'murmestervilla' with her Danish husband and their two daughters. The pair bought the house back in 2008 and have been renovating it ever since. Today it's finally ready and the family enjoy a home full of treasured vintage and antique finds as well as some more modern pieces. The super mysigt (cosy) home combines rustic, industrial and bohemian charm and a place where Swedish and danish style can come together in perfect harmony! I especially love the 'garden room' which the use from late spring when they're not in the garden taking in the views over the Öresund strait. Enjoy the tour! 

Remember that garden room I was talking about in the introduction? Here it is (it's like stepping into Summer!):  

Such a charming home!

I especially love the chequered floor in the hallway and the garden room - so pretty! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can see more of Ulrika's home on her instagram @a_nordic_story. Word on the street is that they recently bought a summer cottage in Sweden - I can't wait to follow the progress! 

Other Danish country homes to love: 

A pretty danish home decorated on a shoe string budget

A Copenhagen home full of vintage finds and plants

The home and Studio of a Danish Carpenter 

I also promised to come back to my comment about Denmark on shut down. I don't really want to talk too much about the Corona Virus here as I see this as a positive bubble in which to escape each day. But it would have been weird to feature a Danish home today and not mention it. 

So, just to share my thoughts - my heart goes out to those currently affected. I'm a little worried of course, as we should be, and I'm certainly washing my hands A LOT and taking responsibility wherever possible. I'm also following the news and following the advice of the Swedish government.  For now, we're still going about our business but they've banned large events and gatherings of over 500 people, which makes total sense. I wouldn't be surprised if they take stronger measures very soon, and this would be welcomed. But I haven't gone out and bought 200 loo rolls just yet. I'm not actually sure where I'd put them?! 

What are your sentiments? Are you concerned? It would be interesting to hear what's happening in your country. 

Niki

Photography: Ulrika / @a_nordic_story

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