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

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A Playful Danish Home With The Cutest Boys' Room

Up for something playful today? In her Instagram bio, Julia describes her content as ''fairly ordinary every day and motherly life'' but looking at the pictures, her cheerful home on the Danish coast is far from it. In fact, there's a joyful touch around every corner thanks to Julia's ''great penchant for quirks, colours, flowers and nice finds' - not to mention art! I particularly like her son's room which is bursting with eye catching pieces from prints and planets to playful patterns and lots of furry friends. These cheery touches transcend into other parts of the home in the form of colour, pattern, flowers and art. Ready to take a tour? 

Rather than covering the entire room in colour, Julia has selected accent walls and worked with them to create a focal point. 

Her son's room has been painted half blue for to create a cosy zone - and then dots have been added for a playful touch. 

Pick up a planet / solar system mobile on Etsy*. 

Julia has sourced items for her sons room from the likes of Faun & Luna, Bobles (tumbling furniture) and Maileg. The blackboard with oak frame is by Sebra. 

Try PSTR, The poster club, Minted, Postery and Desenio for fun children's prints. 

I hope Julia's Danish home has put a smile on your lips today! It certainly has mine. 

Oh to have small children again so I can decorate their rooms - so much fun! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Take a peek inside more playful homes today here: 

The wonderful playful loft of a furniture designer (that swing!)

A charming French family home full of inspiring details

Snapshots from a cheerful Copenhagen home

Thank you for all your comments yesterday about wanting to see more of Alexandra's vintage-industrial inspired home in France. There are lots of lovely pictures to look at on her instagram @belettepetite. She also wrote to tell me that she's thinking of creating a masterclass in English - might that be of interest? 

Goddag! (Good day!).

Niki

Photography courtesy of Julia / @smaaglimtaflykke, shared with kind permission. 

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Before & After: A Rundown Cabin Becomes a Vibrant Danish Summer Cottage

It's safe to say that when Ida Lundsteen and Edward first bought their summer house in Ejby Ådal - an hour west of the danish capital - it needed a lot of work! But the handy Danish pair could see its potential - both inside and out - and set to work themselves to transform it. Today, their hard work has paid off and they have an idyllic retreat in which to unwind in their spare time. Read on to see the before and after pictures and feel truly inspired!

Dining area before

Dining area after

The wood panelling was painted white, and the floor sanded down and treated with a white soap finish. A window was added to allow light to flow through from the side extension. Today, the dining area is bathed in natural light - a perfect spot to enjoy meals on chillier days! 

Kitchen before

Ida and Edward reconfigured the house, moving the kitchen to an area in the sitting room - formerly occupied by an old electric heater. 

Sitting room before

Looking at the pictures above, you can understand the sheer level of work that they have put into the renovation - completely gutting parts of the house. 

In the sitting room they added a lovely nook (with storage) in which to unwind with a book.   

Sitting room nook after

Bathroom before

Bathroom after

The small bathroom was completely updated. The sink was moved to the opposite side of the room, tiles ripped out and a new floor laid. Today it looks fresh and modern in black, white and brass. 

Side extension before

Side extension after

Ida and Edward built an extension onto the side of the house - adding a work space and practical mudroom. 

Garden and terrace before

Life at a Scandinavian summer house is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Doors are thrown open in the morning - and life spills outside to take in the long summer days. 

But for Ida and Edward - there was work to be done. The garden was completely overgrown and although there had been some form of patio, it needed to be worked over from scratch.

The pair built a large wood deck completely by hand - almost doubling their living space in summertime. They also capitalised on sloping land by adding built-in seating to the side of the decking. 

But my eye is on the sunk-in bath. So simple, yet such a clever idea. 

Patio before

Patio after

After a lot of hard graft, clearing foliage, pulling up the old patio and creating new decking - the family now have a wonderful outdoor dining area where they can gather and enjoy summer days long after the sunsets! 

How incredible! It's even more impressive knowing that they did it themselves, don't you think? 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular?

The decking before and after couldn't have come at a better time for Per and I as we were discussing laying our own decking up at the cabin this summer. We were already feeling inspired by Per's brother who laid decking himself last summer - and now, after seeing this, we're feeling really empowered! 

I hope this lovely danish cottage as given you plenty of inspiration too. You can see more pics over at @bare_byg.

Other Danish summer cottages to love: 

A danish summer cottage oasis on North Zealand

Two idyllic Danish cottages available to rent

A beautifully simple, white Danish cabin

You also might like to check out the before and after archive for other renovations. 

And finally, I can't sign out without a final comment on the bath. I've seen many outdoor baths before (see 15 outdoor bath and shower ideas) - and the incredible wood burning bath at Settle hideaway, but this is the first time I've seen a simple, ordinary bathtub sunk into decking. What a great idea! I could just see myself having a soak there, glass of wine in hand. How about you? Would you like to see how it looks in winter? Here goes: 

Perfect! 

Niki

PS I mentioned yesterday that I would be sharing my latest studio update today, but the post isn't quite ready - sorry! I look forward to sharing it on Monday instead! 

Photography: Ida Lundsteen, shared with kind permission. 

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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. 

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