A Small Swedish Apartment, Packed With Charm (And Sunlight)

Tjena! Hur är läget? We've woken up to a beautiful sunny day here in Sweden and our homes are pooled with golden light. This small 25 sq.m (269 ft.sq) apartment in Stockholm (in an area called Midsommarkransen meaning 'Midsummer crown' - how lovely is that?) is blessed with windows from two directions, capturing the beams as the sun moves through the sky and casting an ever changing array of shadows.

The owner has artfully worked with the one-room living space to incorporate a kitchenette, dining space, and a bed that doubles up as a sofa. High shelves help to make the most of the full height of the room - while plants, flowers and mid-century teak furniture add to the charm of the home. 

In the midst of a conundrum about how to arrange your small apartment - or trying to get your head around awkward angles? This lovely Swedish home is for you! 

Glossary: Rum - 'room', kök - kitchen, Badrum - bathroom. 

I poured over the pictures to suss out clothes storage. I think the best place for a wardrobe would be the hall (it looks like there are two rails as well as quite a few shelves there which could well be used for clothes). Under-bed storage is also optimal in small spaces. 

All-in-all a charming small space, with such a lovely feel. I'd be perfectly happy to come home to this apartment each day, how about you? 

More small space inspiration can be found in this archive.

On another note, something very exciting happened this week. I was at my daughters swimming gala (these things take up the entire weekend and the highs and lows are unbelievable - there were smiles, tears and everything in between from Liv! - Are there any other swimming parents out there?), and scrolling through instagram during the very long poolside hours, and lo and behold, I spotted Kelly Clarkson reading my book Relaxed Rustic. What a crazy moment! It certainly put a shine on my weekend, along with my daughters smiles! 

I hope you have a great start to the week! 

Niki 

Photogrtaphy courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

9

A Warm Apartment in Berlin with Mid-century Touches

It's Friday, the sun is shining in Malmö (for what feels like first time in months!) and we're pedalling a little extra fast as we move into the weekend. Woohooo! I hope you've got some relaxing / fun plans! Before we all hit the pause button, here's one final home tour for the week. 

Eagle eye readers might recognise the living space, as I featured Tim Labenda's home a few years ago as part of a feature about my friend Igor Josif's book Plant Tribe. So much has changed in terms of the furniture arrangement and style that I felt a new tour was definitely in order. Captured by Laura and Nora (of Our Food Stories fame), Tim and his boyfriend Hannes Kraus' Berlin home is full of contrast, mid-century furniture, danish design (including my favourite Hans J. Wegner Flag Halyard Chair) plants and quirky touches (look out for the fabulous art behind the bed - more details at the bottom!). Buckle up friends, you're in for a treat! 

I have to say, I especially love the main living room with a dining area, work space and sitting room combined. It looks so warm and inviting! 

We've been seeing dark wood in the kitchen a lot lately, and I'm a big fan. Do you like them too? 

And of course, there's the art behind the bed. It took me a while to figure out what it was - a mural? A rug?  A painting? Nope, actually it's a strip of Heron wallpaper by Gucci. Smart idea! The side lamps (I couldn't resist finding out more about those too!) are Satellite pendants by Gubi. 

Read a full interview with Tim and see more pictures of his home here. 

Got a little more time today? Why not look back at the other home tours I've shown this week including a wonderfully charming rural cottage in Norway and a dream holiday cabin in Latvia. You might also like to check out the archive full of Swedish homes and small spaces. 

Right friends, that's it from me this week. Have a fabulous weekend, see you Monday!

Niki

Photography: Our Food Stories - shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

8

A Bright, White Swedish Home With Mid Century Touches

There is something very special about the spring light in Sweden. Even my mother commented on it when she was over recently. On some days it can be pin sharp on others, it's soft and filtered! It's at this time of the year our homes really come into their own with the dappled light leaving ripples on the light wood floors and white walls. It's a time when we can finally open the windows and invite the crisp, clear air indoors and marvel at the lime green leaves and blossom (after a long spell of dormancy!). This lovely apartment in Gothenburg caught my eye this morning for that very reason. Look out for the simple yet lovely spot in the kitchen window, ochre vintage chairs, mid-century touches, beautiful tiled masonry oven and William Morris wallpaper (a popular choice in Swedish homes these days!). Enjoy the tour! 

How lovely! 

I'll never tire of old light wood floors, how about you? 

For more swedish pads today - why not delve through this archive, there's SO much inspiration in there! 

Kram! 

Niki

Credits: Entrance 

READ MORE...

9

6 Ways To Create A Timeless Home - Scandinavian Style!

You're likely to have seen this apartment before. I first featured Karen Maj Kornum's home back in 2015, and then again in 2017 and even included it in my book The Scandinavian Home (I'll never forget the day I spent there!!). The fact is, I could probably feature this home in ten year's time, and it would still feel relevant. So, what makes Karen's living space stand the test of time, while others feel distinctly out of date after a few years? I've compiled a list of 6 'timeless' lessons to learn from her stunning Frederiksberg home! 

1. The neutral backdrop: Colours and wallpaper patterns come and go (think Laura Ashley in the 80's!), but white and off-white shades will never go out of style and serve as a perfect blank canvas with which to layer the home. 

2. The statement piece:  Look closely at the back wall and you'll see that it's a picture (or 'wallscape') rather than extra room (Karen picked it up at Bless in Berlin and feels sad that if she ever moves she won't be able to take it with her). Whether in the form of a one-off work of art, unique textiles or a piece of unusual furniture, adding something eye-catching like this will give your home its own distinct character while still maintaining its timeless vibe. 

3. Make it personal: I love the idea that a home is never 'finished'. It might seem obvious, but it's so important to remember to take your time to layer a home over the years with pieces you've collected on your travels, things your children (or ancestors) have made, photographs and favourite books. Sure, you might like to add the odd on-trend accessory, but the bulk of the look should be truly unique and personal to you. 

4. Mix it up: When I interviewed Karen about her home for my book, she said that she loves to blend styles and furniture from different eras. Look closely and you'll spot an entire blend of antiques, vintage finds and contemporary pieces - all of which help to give the interior longevity - and ensure your space doesn't lend itself to one particular era that could quickly become out of date. 

5. Invest in timeless, iconic design pieces: Furniture that has been made by a reputable designer / craftsperson and made from good, solid natural materials can be maintained over time. If you opt for pieces with a simpler design, they'll blend into any room, while still adding a magical iconic touch. 

6. Follow your heart: Sometimes this is easier said than done (trust me, I often feel blinded by trends, especially when I work in the industry!). The thing is, trends are designed to come and go - where as your natural sense of style will likely stay quite consistent over time (give or take - I mean, I wouldn't have a poster of Morten Harket (of A-Ha fame) on my wall these days - yep, clearly always been drawn to those Scandinavian men!)! 

I have to add, I love trends and I notice some wonderful on-trend pieces in Karen's home too (like the Berber rugs) but if you truly want to create an easy-to-maintain timeless home - it's important to decorate the bulk of your home with pieces that you love simply because they hit a chord. 

What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions about what makes a home timeless? If so, please do share in the comment section below! 

If you love Karen's style as much as I do,  check out her online shop (for the most beautiful rugs!) and see more of her interior styling work at Another Ballroom.

In other news, I'm excited to take you on an armchair journey to Norway tomorrow - and have some exciting news which will allow you to bring a little piece of Norway home. Intrigued? Stop by to find out! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography: Home / styling: Karen Maj Kornum. Photography: Jonas Lundberg

READ MORE...

6

Where Raw and Refined Meet In The Middle - Danish Style

In the interior world you hear a lot about people choosing to renovate rather than relocate. Not this sassy lady. I've featured both of Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg's past homes (here and here) - and last summer she upped sticks again and moved to a new gaff fifty metres down the road. Located in the Danish city of Aalborg, the move was down to her passion for her business Another Studio - a creative content and product development business which she co-founded with Mikkel Dahlstrøm. The apartment features towering ceilings, period features and original parquet flooring. Combine this with her fab, eclectic style, love of vintage classics, plants, books and art and it's hard not to do a twirl in delight (like one happy, little girl in these pictures AKA Julie's daughter Vanilla!).

J39 chair

Art by Rikke Jacobsen and Line Højmann (among others!)

Formakami pendant light

Art by Line Højmann, shelve02 white left, camel velvet pillow / cushion*

How fabulous! 

There's something special about following Julie's style updates over the years, her new apartment feels distinctly grown up, albeit with a touch of that edginess that we so love!

Do you find this home inspiring too?

If you'd like to see more pictures of Julie's apartment hop on over to instagram.

Have a dejlige day!

Niki

Photography: Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg, shared with kind permission

READ MORE...

1