Subtle Nuances in a Beautiful Mid-Century Inspired Home

Why hello there! Everything's been so rushed today - and then I discovered the home of historian Tara Mayer in the moutains in North Vancouver, and everything came to a grinding halt. As pared-back spaces go, this one is breathtaking! If you love incredible architecture, rich textures (light wood, concrete, marble, wool...), neutral nuances, mid-century furniture and worldly art pieces, you're in for a real treat! Relax, put your feet up and enjoy!

Concrete floors add a surprising amont of texture to a space, even so, a fluffy, cosy rug like this beni ourain (this one* is similar) is a must!

Be still my beating heart! Just how beautiful is this marble kitchen sink?! I love the wooden worktop too (do you think it slides?).

I am currently collecting handmade ceramics for my own kitchen - but seeing Tara's it looks like I've got a long way to go! They look so pretty as a complete collection, don't you think?

I love how Tara has used simple oyster and cream sheepskins to cushion the mid-century furniture - they add just the right amount of softness to the space. 

 

Get the look

1. Carl Hansen & Son CH25 Easy chair
2. Custom made Beni Ourain rug 
3. Nambé Kyoto Tea Pot*
4. Notary ceramics

Isn't this space beautiful?! I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did.

If you'd like to read a full interview and see more pics - check-out this feature over at Jenni Kayne.

Have a lovely evening!

Niki

All photos by Gillian Stevens.
 

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A Dutch Home Infused with Warmth and Harmony

Hello Monday! I hope you had a great weekend? It was midsummer here so we're all nursing slight schnapps hangovers (lethal stuff that!). Nothing a double shot of coffee and a beautiful home tour can't fix though, thankfully! And have I got a charming home for you this bright, sunny Monday! Located in Monster (amazing name!), close to the Hague in The Netherlands, Tinta Luhrman's abode has a tremendously calm and harmonic feel thanks to the touches of beautifully crafted wood throughout. It's little wonder the owners have turned woodwork into a successful online business. I caught up with Tinta to find out more about interior design, her love of 'brown' tones and working with wood.

// affiliated links marked with *//

Who do you live with?
I live with the most special man, Rutger, the most beautiful girl Dieuwertje and the best dog ever, Paxi!

Dining chair*, Era armchair*, Natural linen table cloth*

Selenelion Moon print by Stella Marie Baer, Olly Wood Surf Board


What do you do for a living?
My husband and I design and make furniture and also have a webshop selling handmade products. I am an interior designer and Rutger is a carpenter. After years of working independently, we decided to combine forces and start working together.

What is the essence of Woodchuck? 

Simplicity and natural materials are at the heart of our business. We live and breathe wood, literally ;-). From early on, I was drawn to the colours, smell and look and feel of wood and Rutger loves to work with his hands. Woodchuck is a concept that is 100% us. Everything we sell is created by us and passes through our hands. We love this old school way of working and believe putting that extra bit of love into a product gives it something special - both for us and the clients.

"Design is an ongoing process that keeps growing until it's finished. Nothing is so subject to change as wood and a creative mind."

Mobile by Laine Maison Makes, Art by Lily Nichols

You have a beautifully unique interior, how has this evolved?

Since I was little I have always surrounded myself with natural materials. I've always been into Scandinavian and Japanese style. I don’t follow trends, I've always stayed true to myself. I have a penchant for vintage items but also new designs. Every house needs a uniqueness. I always start with a white canvas and then I let the interior evolve. Every room has a different light and feeling so I use this as my base. The same goes for the colors I use.

"Everyone has his of her own color: brown is mine. It's a hue that brings me a sense of calm and happiness. And I eat chocolate every day ;)" 

 

Woodchuck shelf

Vintage fans*

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

I think wood gives your home warmth and the combination of using different kind of wood enhances this. But not every one loves it. Choose the wood you like the most to create your own look.

Bespoke wood wall by Woodchuck, Natural linen bedding*

Do you have any general interior styling tips?

Decorate your home in a way that feels good to you and dare to be different. Stay true to yourself. Surround yourself with beauty and try to have less storage space so you don’t buy a lot of things you don’t use. That’s why we have an open kitchen: we only have things in our kitchen that we use, not a pantry full of things we don’t.

Swedish Linens bed sheet

Thank you for welcoming us into your home Tinta. 

Anyone else tempted to add more wood to their home now? If you're looking for me today I'll be over on the Woodchuck website (or Tinta's instagram feed - looking for inspiration!), see you there?!

I also love the floor in the children's bedroom - I've got such a weakness for painted checks! Is there anything that struck you about this home? 

In case you're feeling inspired by all things wood you might also want to check out a Brooklyn home with reclaimed wood and the lovely home of ÉmilieDesjarlais (in case you missed it last week!) and also this guide to parquet floors.

Oh and this Dutch home features some lovely pieces from Woodchuck too.

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

All photography: Tinta Lurhman / Woodchuck

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The Lovely Home of Émilie Desjarlais

Why, hello there! How's your week panning out? Mine seems to be disappearing at a rapid rate, but I did find myself stopping for a very long breather when I stumbled across this beautiful home (take a look below and I'm sure you'll totally understand why!). I also couldn't resist getting in touch with the French Canadian owner Émilie Desjarlais of Brook & Peony to a find out a little more about her wabi-sabi home, which she shares with her adorable little girl. Enjoy the tour!

Where do you live?
In a 700 feet square studio in Saint-Lambert, Canada.

What do you do for a living?

I'm actually trying to figure out what would be the ideal career to have and a healthy balance with my young daughter. I'm currently doing visual content creation and interior styling.

Can you tell us a little more about your home?

I'm renting an apartment in a building from 1900. The owners kept most of the original structure including the claw foot tub, windows and floors. I'm very lucky to live in such a beautiful house and neighborhood. 

How would you describe your style?

My style is very bipolar. I can't stick with one particular style! It's influenced by inspiration, trends and my travels. I would say it's Minimalist/Scandinavian/ Beach shack/ Antique.

Has living in Montreal influenced your style?

Yes because our rents aren't as expensive as the rest of Canada so we can live in a place with a lot of space without going bankrupt! Since I've only lived in old apartments, I have learned how to make the most of what I have. Old apartments don't necessarily mean they're clean and in a good condition. This is actually the first place I haven't had to fix anything. I only need to paint it and change the light fixtures. 

What is important to you when creating a family home?
Since my daughter is very young, making it accessible and safe was my top priority. To keep my sanity I also made our living space very minimalistic. To make it feel like a home, I believe you need to surround yourself with objects and furniture you love and put your heart into it.

Your home has a lovely, organic feel to it. Do you have any tips for anyone looking to create a similar look and feel?

My best advice is to take your time. In August, it will be one year since we moved in and it's only just starting to feel like home. To create an organic feel you have to live somewhere for a while and observe the way you use the space. 

I understand you have a background as an artist, can you tell us a little more about your work?

I haven't created for two years. This is why I have turned my creative energy to content creation. I hope to be able to create again soon. For now Instagram is the best place to follow me.

Which are your go-to instagram accounts for inspiration? 
I'm very lucky to call @kara_bino, @audreyrivet and @oohdearjade my friends. And my favourite Instagram feeds for Scandinavian inspiration are @hej.mia, @mamoesjka_nl and @tintaluhrman. 

And finally, do you have any shopping tips for anyone visiting Montreal? 

I work at @cheznouschezvous a brick and mortage boutique in my town . The owner has a lot to do with my passion for scandinavian interiors! If you're in downtown Montreal you have to stop at @maison_pepin (www.thepepinshop.com), @prunellefurniture and @commedesenfants.

Thank you so much for welcoming us into your beautiful home Émelie! 

If you don't already follow Brook & Peony on instagram - it's an absolute must!!

And for more Canadian inspiration today I absolutely love this studio apartment in Montreal and an idyllic Scandinavian-style cottage overlooking Lake Huron. Guh! I'd so love to visit Canada , it's a dream of mine (and now we've got a whole load of shopping tips for Montreal too!). Have you been?

I'm heading off for a photo shoot on a beach this evening. The sun doesn't set until 10.00pm and it never really gets completely dark right now - as a result the light is absolutely magical! I only hope I can capture it (I've never done a beach shoot before - eeeek - wish me luck!). I'm looking forward to sharing the results with you in few weeks time, in the meantime, feel free to follow along on stories (all tips welcome!).

Have a beautiful evening!

Niki

All photography  © Émilie Desjarlais / Brook & Peony

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A 1960's bungalow gets a make-over

How about something a little different today? The interior design brief behind this 1960's bungalow in Holland was to create somewhere humble and back to basic - preferably with a hint of a holiday feel. Dutch designers Studio Slow (you might recognise the name from this fab workspace tour) hit the spot using an abundance of pure materials to create a living space which is characterised by its lack of  doors and large windows which flood the space with light. The result is a warm and inviting family home - with a lovely unique and personal touch.

Photos courtesy of Studio Slow.

What a great space! I know it's only a small part of the design but I love the kitchen sink curtain - it ties in nicely with the 'back-to-basic' vibe and yet also adds a soft touch to the space.

Is there anything that catches your eye?

Get the look: office space - Eames wire chair, Octo pendant light. dining area - tulip table and the DCW chair is similar. Kitchen - pick-up beautiful vintage chopping boards here, vintage school poster. Update - the Copenhagen poster by Ferm Living can be found here!

If you'd like to see a little more interior inspiration that features lots of wood today you can always check-out this archive (I particularly like Holly's calm, natural kitchen, the cosy home of a Norwegian blogger and a converted merchant builder's garage in Melbourne.

Oh and you can see more of the residential work by the wonderful Studio Slow here (don't miss this farmhouse kitchen!).

Have a great day!

PS I don't usually talk numbers, but I was thrilled to see the My Scandinavian Home instagram feed reach 100,000 followers yesterday - weeeeeee! It's kind of exciting and yet terrifying to put yourself out there in the public sphere (I'm in awe of all the artists, musicians, writers and other creatives who do this on a daily basis). And I'd like to say a huge thank you to you all for your amazing support and for making the feed what it is (it wouldn't be anything without all your interesting comments, thoughts and ideas!). Here's to many more Instagram moments to come!

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A charming Swedish home in white, wood and ochre

Sometimes the most simple schemes can be the most beautiful. Like in this space. A relatively titchy (44 m2 / 473 f2) Swedish apartment where white walls, wood furnishings, and ochre accessories come together to create a lovely, warm and cosy home. I particularly love the mid-century touches (seen in the kitchen and sitting room) and the shelf with hooks in the bedroom. So charming and full of lovely ideas, don't you think?

Photography: Maria Sahlander Styling: Emma Fischer for sale through Bjurfors. 

Such a lovely, cosy home!  

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look: kitchen - source mid-century dining chairs here, this glass teapot is similar. Sitting room - this is a great place to pick up a mid-century credenza, the poster is by Berit Mogensen Lopez available here.

Yesterday was a completely crazy day, thank you so much for all your warm wishes and congratulations on my new book both here, on Instagram and Facebook it meant so much to me! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! Unfortunately I haven't got time to relax and dwell on the good feeling this morning as I'm waiting for the imminent arrival of a crew from the German International TV channel DW-TV who would like to interview me for a documentary - exciting! More info soon, I promise!

In the meantime, today is the last day to receive 20% off a wonderful signed, limited edition print by Ruvan Wijesooriya from Absolut Art! Simply use the code MSH20 at checkout to redeem the discount. I've got my eye on Girl and Window....

Have a lovely day!

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