A Vibrant Family Home in An Architect Designed Mid-century House

G'day! It's another absolute ripper here in Sweden - even so, I thought we could venture to Sydney's Northern Beaches (virtually of course - although wouldn't it be nice to stop by in person?) to visit the incredible mid-century home of Louise and Graeme Bell, and their children Jasper and Anoushka. The three bedroom, glass fronted house was built by Australian architect Loyal Alexander in 1957 and features the most fabulous butterfly roof. Their trades (Louise is founder of the popular homeware store Table Tonic and Graeme is an architect) have meant they have been able to thoughtfully renovate the house over time and create a beautiful, vibrant family home. Think classic mid-century furniture, contemporary art and luscious layers of texture. Let's dive in!

 I spy pretty juju hats (sold through Table Tonic), a Marshall speaker and contemporary art by Henry Curchord.

A Snakes Tongue plant (also known as mother-in-law's tongue!) is one of those wonderful house plants which can be neglected for weeks on end and still look fresh. Oh and it can also survive low light conditions. 

A vintage leather sofa (source similar here) and a pair of Moroccan poufs help to create a relaxed, cosy vibe. 

The pair installed a new 1950s-style sandstone fireplace and hearth in the centre of the house. Six Bertoia chairs have been placed around the dining table beneath a Louis Poulsen PH5 lamp. But above all else - I love how the bar has been designed so it can be accessed from both the sitting room and dining room. It's all in the details!

The sitting room has been kitted out with a corner sofa from King Living,  Mark Tuckey coffee table, Cross blanket by Pia Wallén and a Beni ourain rug (available through Table Tonic). But the real star of the show is the panoramic window offering views of the garden and lush surroundings.

 The family's adorable Italian Greyhounds Audrey and Lucia chilling in front of the classic mid-century house designed by Australian architect Loyal Alexander in 1957 for his own family. 

 I wouldn't mind sitting on one of these fabulous yellow butterfly chairs (source similar here) for a while and simply taking in the afternoon sun - fancy joining me?!

The front door has been painted in Dulux "Gold Rush" for a very sunny welcome! 

What a fabulous house?!  I love the architecture, it's just incredible. The pair have worked really hard to maintain the original features too, I really appreciate that!

Could you imagine living here?!

You can see more of Louise's home here - and shop the look over on Table Tonic.

For more mid-century inspiration today you might like to check-out this archive (if this home pops up first just scroll passed!).

I hope your day sparkles like the sun - or you at least get to kick back in a chair like those butterfly ones for a while!


Niki 

All photography: Louise Bell / Table Tonic

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Josi's Relaxed & Super Charming Berlin home

Hola que tal?! I'm on a mini break with my family in Spain right now soaking up a little half-term sunshine (the light, oh the light!). Although, this morning my mind is a few thousand kilometres away in Western Europe in this gem of an apartment in Berlin Mitte. And it's one beautiful home. Enjoyed by Josi (if you haven't discovered her on instagram hurry over now!) and her boyfriend Philipp, who are expecting their first child (how cute is that crib?! Find a similar ones here) and their two rabbits Püppi and Anton. The space is flooded with warm pools of light, which dance off a beautiful original parquet floor, mid-century and rattan finds against a backdrop of striking textures and deep hues. Possible one of my favourite apartments to date - I feel instantly warm and fuzzy just looking at it, how about you?!

Photography / Design: Josi / @jose_phiiiine

There are so many elements I love about this home. But that hallway is probably the most inspiring of all! Imagine being greeted by this view each day when you arrive home?

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look from Josi's home: hallway - Lyra rattan sofa (LOVE this!), light from Monoqui. Dining room - Starkey chandelier. bedroom - Java pendant light, print above bed from Desenio, source a similar crib here, Penn dressing table with mirror.

If you'd like to see more of Josi's home and find out where other items are from - nip on over to her Instagram feed here.

And for a few other lovely Berlin apartments (of which there are many - that city is so hot on relaxed, boho style, have you been? if not you must!) - check out this magnificent, bohemian pad, a mid-century inspired home and a fantastic Berlin home. Inspiring!

Have a lovely day!

PS Edition London & Country Living magazine shared an excerpt from The Scandinavian Home - and it features one of my favourite Danish homes ever (we had such a memorable day shooting it too!) - read all about it and take a tour here!

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A Striking Mid-Century Inspired Danish Home

Wow - I can't believe it's actually the end of the week. It's been getting darker by the day in Sweden which makes it almost impossible to get out of bed (and we're bad at the best of times - guh!). When I was doing research for my Lagom book (see also the US and French version), I discovered only 10% of us are natural early risers - are you one of them? If not I feel your pain - at least we have two days of lie-ins ahead - yasss! Anyway. On with today's tour. And I've got the most lovely, relaxed, Danish home to share with you. Birgit (also known as Fraubitte) has an expert eye at discovering all things mid-century and retro. Her home is full of treasures, set against a  striking backdrop of black and blue-green accents. Birgit loves to share snapshots of her home on her delightful instagram feed which is also peppered with pictures  of the Danish landscape, travel, design and art. Let's take a peek inside Birgit's world!

Photography credits: @Fraubitte

I love all her mid-century Danish furniture so much -  just how striking does the teak look against the back wall?! 

I also think the colours in the bedroom make a pretty combination.

Is there anything that you're loving about this space?

If you're looking to achieve a smiliar look, I find Etsy a great place source for mid-century furniture including dining chairs, credenzas and mirrors (I've had my eye on an asymmetric mirror ever since I saw one in this Danish home - aren't they lovely?)

If you fancy getting a little more Danish inspiration this weekend check-out this archive... one of my favourites...

Have a great weekend and see you Monday!

PS Don't forget to vote for My Scandinavian Home in the Domino Design Blog Awards (category 'Best International Design Blogs') if you have the time - it would make my day!

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A Mid-century Inspired Home with Beautiful Light

Originally from London, I get so excited when I come across a home from the Big Smoke  - and even more so when it's really lovely! Owned by Louis Hagen Hall and Catherine Verna Bentley - the creative duo behind architecture and interior design practice Bentley Hagen Hall - the super charming space is filled with unique treasures, mid-century pieces, plants and the most wonderful light (beautifully captured by India Hobson for Haarkon). Let's take a peek...

 

Photography:  India Hobson for Haarkon

I absolutely love this space - it's kind of homely and bohemian but with a hint of Scandinavian modern. I wasn't surprised to see that one of the pair has Norwegian heritage.

Is there anything you love in particular about this space?

Take a look at a load more pictures and read more about this beautiful home here. 

If you're after a similar look in your own home a few of these items will put you in good stead (unless of course you're UK based and can draft in the help from Bentley Hagen Hall- now wouldn't that be wonderful?!): pick up a mid-century side-cabinet here,  I love these Moroccan rugs. Source a vintage architect's swivel chair here, this white sheepskin is similar to the one on the windowsill.

I'm guessing I'm not alone in wondering where the brass pendant ceiling light is from - any ideas? UPDATE: This is the CVL Saturn brass pendant light and was sold by John Lewis a few years back but seems like it's no longer available (thank you Anon.).

If you love this home, you'll also like foodie Anna Jones' home in the same neck of the woods - so fab!

And finally - I am thrilled to see My Scandinavian Home has been selected as a semi-finalist in the first ever Domino magazine design awards in the category 'Best International Design Blog' yaaaay! It's all happening here if you fancy casting your vote (it only takes a second and I'd be so so happy!).

Have a lovely day!

PS looking to save your pennies this autumn?! The Swedish philosophy of Lagom is your answer (so says this piece in the Readers Digest - they might just have read it somewhere...?!).

PPS happy Diwali to all my Hindu friends out there! 

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The lovely, relaxed home of a Berlin DIY blogger

Helloooo friends! I hope you had a great weekend? Here, it's been an eventful one. On Friday evening I had a live radio interview about my new Lagom book. Except I got the time difference muddled up and when they called from Montreal I had a house full of kids. In my panic I ended up whisking them out into the garden in their socks!! You can just imagine the scene). Thankfully it did get a little more relaxing after that! And now Monday morning has rolled around again (I've got a feeling we're all going to rock this week?!). Despite doing my best to embrace the chill outside (I'm wearing my Swedish Shephards as I write) I am starting to wonder how I'm going to get through the impending darkness of autumn / winter. I'm thinking plenty of DIY and crafts? What do you say? If you're thinking the same - Laetitia Delorme of Monochrome DIY, is our girl! Berlin based Laetitia describes her DIY ideas as 'a world away from chichi and sequins - everything revolves around tinkering and self-making'. Think fab minimalist brass mirrors, semi-flower wreaths and decorative ice-cubes. You only need to a snapshot of her home - as well as pictures of the home of Berliner Claudi's (see the full tour of her home here)- to see examples of how her DIY ideas blend beautifully with mid-century finds an abundance of plants. Roll on Autumn!

Photography: Laetitia Delorme / Monochrome DIY

 Photography: Claudi - Do It But Do It Now

Despite being more of a close-up / snapshot tour of each of the homes rather than the complete picture, don't you find the style to give off  the loveliest vibe?

Get the look from Laetitia and Claudi's homes: Source fab mid-century modern teak furniture here,  mirror from Sissy-Boy, these terrarium's are similar, café notice board, string shelves, Eames side chair.

If you'd like to see a little more of Laetitia's home take a peek here and Claudi's home here.

Speaking of Instagram - I'll be taking over the reigns of the HarperCollins US instagram feed today where I'll be sharing snippets from my new Lagom Book - as well as talking more about the Swedish lifestyle (which, excitingly, seems to be on everyone's lips right now - which reminds me - I need to nip out and by a cinnamon bun in a minute, purely for inspiration purposes of course....). I'd love it if you have the time to stop by and say hi (it's my first ever take-over so it'll be great to see a friendly face!).

Have a great start to the week!

PS my top ten tips to a de-cluttered home.

PPS words to live by: "Be a cactus in a world of delicate flowers"

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