11 Ways to Bring Nature into Your Home, Danish style!

Did you know adding touches of nature to your home has been proven to boost happiness? And it's something our Scandinavian friends do so well. 

Today I'm taking you on a tour of Tina Abild's idyllic Danish summer cottage on the Kattegat coast which is full of nature-themed touches. Here are 11 ideas to feel inspired by! 

1. Natural materials: wood, rattan, linen all helps to bring texture to a room.

2. Wildflowers: there's nothing like the wonderful scent of flowers cut from the nearby meadow or hedgerow! Forage first thing in the morning to avoid drooping. 

3. Terrarium of foraged items from the beach: display a small selection of items collected from one spot, in this case dried seaweed, driftwood and pebbles from the nearby beach have been displayed a in a glass bell jar. 

4. Art that reflects nature: collect art that is reminiscent of the surrounding environment. I this cottage, a fish serves as a reminder that the Kattegat sea is a short walk away. 

I love the old ironing board used as a side table, so clever!  

5. Dried and pressed flowers: collect your favourite blooms to dry and press and use as art the following year. 

6. Driftwood display: old, gnarled wood from the beach makes for a beautiful display in a glass jar. 

Adding baskets with handles to hooks creates space for yet more storage - for example for small items like gloves, hats and other pieces that are difficult to hang. 

7. Dried flower wreath: when it comes to a second home it's next to impossible to keep plants alive, instead get crafty with flowers and dry them in the shape of wreaths for a decorative display. 

Tina made this pretty lampshade herself - it's a great way of up cycling a vintage Le Klint sax lamp! 

8. Display books about nature: even better if the tome is about the surrounding area! 

9. Hang simple bunches of dried flowers: a simple display of thistles looks pretty hanging from a doorknob. 

10. Use botanical or floral themed textiles: carefully selected curtains, bedspreads and curtains can also serve as a way to draw the natural surroundings indoors. 

Any avid readers of My Scandinavian Home will have noticed lately just how popular these vintage glass cabinets have become - particularly of the wall-mounted variety! Adding curtains is a great way to hide more unsightly items from view! 

11. Line the windowsills: if your windows open outwards, use the sills to showcase stones, shells and wildflowers like cow parsley! 

Another simple, yet pretty idea - using beautiful vintage textiles as makeshift curtains to obscure the bathroom from view! Look how well the details show up in the light. 

Outdoor showers are a summer dream, don't you think? One day we'll build one at our cabin, but in the meantime, I'll admire Tina's shower from a far! 

So many beautiful ideas! I can't wait to take go for a walk by our cabin now so that I can have a little forage. Has Tina's idyllic summer cottage inspired you too? 

See more snapshots and follow Tina's latest projects over at @sommerhus.ved.kattegat.

Would you like to see a few more Danish summer cottages today? Here are some truly inspiring getaways: 

A Danish summer cottage oasis on the north coast of Zealand

A dreamy Danish cottage with an outdoor bathroom

A charming summer cottage on the island of Fejø

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography: @sommerhus.ved.kattegat shared with kind permission. 

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A Danish Family Home with a Warm, Golden Touch

Good morning! How's life with you? In Sweden, it seems like the weather gods have been storing all the sunshine up for May and June and we're certainly not complaining! In fact, we're busy trying to make the most of it as you never quite know when it will disappear again! In Mie Borup's lovely Danish house, which she shares with her partner and their three young children Wilbert, Ingrid and Bille - the sunshine floods in through the windows, basking the living space in a wonderful golden light. 

Take a look through the rooms and you'll spot a blend of well-loved Danish design as well some must-have pieces of the moment! Let's take a closer look. 

Arguably the most popular lamp of the moment in Scandinavian homes is this one by Valerie Object. I think everyone is drawn to it as it comes in a variety of zesty hues so it's a great way to add a touch of colour. But actually, Mie is a real dab hand at DIY and made this look-alike lamp herself! If you're on instagram, check out her highlights for more information. 

Another popular piece right now: the humble glass wall cabinet! Have you noticed them a lot in Scandinavian homes lately too? I think they add so much to a wall, and you can vary the items for a constantly changing display. 

I don't think I've seen shelves like this before, have you? I have a feeling they are vintage - I'll do a little digging on that one and update the post if I can find out more! 

The mastered has been placed on a raised platform - note that the gaps in the slats mean that air can circulate under the mattress which is vitally important to prevent mould. 

Apart from the beams, which are of course beautiful, I also love the set of three pendant lamps and also the way a pretty top has been hung up for decoration. Easy art which can be changed according to your mood, the day of week or the season! 

The pond mirror from Ferm Living is a popular piece for obvious reasons: mirror and art in one! 

Rattan and vintage furniture ensure a lovely, relaxed look in the children's bedrooms. 

Another beautiful glass cabinet! They are great for storage since you can see everything inside and yet they keep the dust off. Keep a look out for glass cabinets at second-hand stores - and paint them to match your style!

I love the masks! You can pick up similar at Hay. Note the classic Peter Rabbit book. I used to love Beatrix Potter as a child, but my daughter burst into tears when I read out that Peter Rabbit had lost his button and had got himself into danger with Mr McGregor (spoiler alert!), so we had to wait a while longer before we read it again! 

On warm days, the family spills out into the garden and relaxes on rattan furniture or around a table under the boughs of a tree. 

Note what a difference an outdoor rug can do to create a room-like feel! 

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Mie's home! You can see more corners over on her instagram @mieborup. 

Mie also sells secondhand danish children's clothes at @small_reusers and adult clothes at @det.lille.gule.hus.salg. 

Would you like take the tour of a few other Danish homes today? Here are a few that are bound to inspire:

A calm and earthy danish home with a warm golden touch

Prints, pattern and splashes of colour in a Danish home

The Copenhagen home of an interior stylist and vintage store owner

This Danish summer cottage is available to rent this summer and so is this one! Just saying! 

Right, I'm off to enjoy a little sunshine - work can wait. After all, as I mentioned, we're never quite sure how long it'll be around for! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @mieborup, shared with kind permission. 

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Prints, Splashes of colour and Playful Pattern in a Vibrant Danish Home

The country of Denmark is divided into three main land masses - the mainland (Jutlund), Zealand (the island on which Copenhagen is located) and then Funen - there island tucked in between. And everything is connected by spectacular bridges! I have had the pleasure of visiting Funen on several occasions - probably the most memorable of which was a filming session in the castle belonging to the owner of Carl Hansen & Søn. If I were to return to Funen, I'd love to stop by for a coffee with Ann-Sophie at her beautiful house in Ødense - I can see from the pictures, it would bring an instant smile to my face!

Ann-Sophie Ulka - founder and creative director of Fabrek a fabulous online design and interior shop - shares her home with her partner and their three boys. And in true Danish style, she has filled the house with splashes of colour, prints, pattern, Danish design and playful accessories all the while ensuring a calm feel (the balance is in their genes, I tell you!). The result is a vibrant home with a wonderful, relaxed feel. Let's take a tour! 

I love how Ann-Sophie has used a splash of Klein blue throughout her home - seen above on the table and below on the chairs. 

Striped velvet cushions from Fabrek can be seen in almost every room. 

Lamps and colourful vases catch the light on the windowsill and add a fun touch to the bedroom. 

An antique desk painted in vibrant pink livens up a corner in the master bedroom. 

A mid blue adds colour and a fresh touch to the bathroom. 

What a vibrant home! All the colour would really help to brighten up the greyest of days, don't you think?

Is there anything in particular that caught your eye? 

See more of Ann-Sophie's home over at @fieulka and check out all the fabulous homeware items over at Fabrek - who ship worldwide from Denmark! 

Would you like to see a few more vibrant, colourful homes today? Check out: 

Maria's colourful apartment will brighten up your day

Feel inspired by a beautiful, colourful family home

15 fabulous danish homes which will put a smile on your face

Looking for some tips? See 12 simple ways to add colour to your home, Danish style!

Have a fabulous day!

Niki

Top picture by Mia Mortensen, remaining by Ann-Sophie Ulka

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A Danish Summer Cabin with 10 Garden Elements for a Dreamy Oasis!

Are you a fan of instagram? I have to confess I find it a little hit and miss these days, but right now it's fantastic as I'm trying to figure out what to do with our garden at the cabin and my feed is full of dreamy garden inspiration. Which is how I stumbled upon this Danish cabin! 

Lærke Hentze and her family bought a piece of land in the beautiful village of Gilleleje, North of Copenhagen in 2017 and have since built a charming cabin from the ground up. You'd be forgiven for thinking it's old thanks to a traditional Danish coastal vibe - in part due to the beaded wood panelling and earthy tones which have been carefully selected to reflect the surroundings.

In Scandinavia, summers are sacred, and the garden is an important part of the living space! Scroll on down to discover ten ways Lærke has made the most of their outdoor space to ensure a true summer oasis.  

But first, let's start with the indoors: 

The darker blue cabinets in the kitchen help to add contrast and interest and also nod to the nearby Kattegatt sea. 

The main living area is completely open-plan with a kitchen, dining room and sitting room in one - emphasising the idea of togetherness, an important element of the Scandinavian summer cottage. 

A wood-burning stove is an essential piece of kit for a touch of Danish hygge! 

A striped sofa cover adds a subtle coastal vibe while a designer lamp and safari style chair elevate the room. 

Books are an essential element of any summer cottage, as hopefully you finally time to catch up on some reading! 

I love how vases are filled with flowers and foliage from the garden - no matter the time of year. 

A bar? Now we're talking! 

And how beautiful is the vintage rattan bar cart? There are lots of similar ones to buy here* (affiliate link).

Rattan has been hugely popular for a while now, and I can understand why, it adds an instantly relaxed atmosphere, and on warmer, dry days it can be moved outdoors too! 

Possibly one of the most popular lamps in Denmark (and something I covet for my own cabin, is a Le Klint scissor lamp - beautiful! 

Time to move outdoors? Lærke has created a dreamy oasis from scratch. I discovered ten elements she has included for an idyllic Scandinavian summer cottage garden:  

1. The outdoor kitchen: When you have to endure the long winters that we do in Scandinavia, it's important to embrace every moment of the warmer weather. Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular and don't require much in the way of equipment. Freestanding units, a sink, and a gas or electric stove should do the trick. 

A spot under the eaves is used to dry flowers such as crown dill. 

2. Dining area: an obvious one, but oh how I dream about meals alfresco! Do as the Scandinavians and add cushions, blankets, oil lamps and lanterns so you can stay outside for longer after sunset.

3. A parasol: while we all love sunshine, it's not so comfortable if you're feeling the heat! The best parasols have a tilting function and should be around 50 cm to 1 metre wider than the space you would like to cover. 

4. An outdoor living room: why lounge around on the sofa indoors when you can lounge around outside in comfort! The rattan outdoor chairs are from Cane-line and the table is by Fermob. 

5. Summer flowers: the key, I have learnt from my Scandinavian friends, is to create a garden that requires as little maintenance as possible (after all, you're there to relax!) and also flowers when you intend to use it - which in most cases in Scandinavia means June, July and August. 

'Annabelle' hydrangea, with its spectacular white pompoms is hugely popular here - and requires little maintenance. Lærke has combined hers with tall grasses for a more wild, natural look. 

6. An annex: seen here across the flower beds, an annex is ideal for extra guests and afternoon siestas - if you have the space! 

7. The fire pit: a log fire is great way to spend time outdoors in wintertime without feeling the chill! But they are also lovely on chillier summer evenings too. Keep it simple and surround the fire with a few logs for seating. 

8. The sleep shelter: If you head out into the wilderness in Scandinavia, you'll spot these open-sided shelters along the trails. Made from wood, they provide shelter over lunch or at night - just add a sleeping bag and pillow for a good night's slumber! I love how Lærke has included one in her garden so her family can sleep out under the stars. 

9. A hammock: so simple, yet so perfect to spend some alone under the boughs of a tree with a book! 

10. Somewhere to take a dip: Since a morning and evening dip are an essential part of summer life, Scandinavian summer cottages are rarely far from water - whether a lake, river, fjord or the sea. No water nearby? Add a simple bath like this danish cabin - or a small plunge pool! 

I hope Lærke's idyllic summer oasis has given you some inspiration for your own home / outdoor space today. If you'd like to see more pictures, hop over to her instagram at @creating_a_cottage. 

Could you imagine spending your summers here? 

Would you like to see more today? Take a scroll through the Scandinavian cabins archive - there are so many dreamy ones in there! 

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 ,15 by Copenhagen based photographer Chris Opander Tonnesen. Others by Lærke Hentze / @creating_a_cottage. Shared with kind permission. 

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