My Latest Bedroom Update (+ Get The Look!)

Sponsored by Nordal*

As you know, the top floor of our townhouse is one big room which we use as our bedroom and home office. Open plan is wonderful - it creates an airy, light-filled space. But at the same time I've learned it can also present challenges - like less privacy, the need to carve out zones and create cosiness. But I think I've finally found the solution: a rattan room divider from Danish brand Nordal. It makes a PERFECT screen - and I think it's so pretty too! While placing my order, I couldn't resist throwing a few other pieces into my cart (as you do!). And now I can lie in bed without looking at my huge pile of 'things to do' on my desk and wake up to fresh blooms instead. Phew! Here's a glimpse of my latest bedroom update. 

I love the imperfection in the rattan - my entire bedroom felt instantly more relaxed when I added it. It was like it had always been there. Don't you love it when that happens?

The stool is made from solid teak and I love the irregular shape. I picked up the vase years ago in a flower shop (you've probably spotted it in other parts of my home before).

I'm still so happy with the wall colour (Blushing Peach)  - can you hear Per breath a sigh of relief?! FYI: our floor colour looks white but it's actually Strong White by Farrow & Ball which is a very pale grey. You can find out more about the armchair and linen bed cover here.

A while back I remember a reading a birthday card that said 'Dot went out to the shops to buy a chocolate bar and found a dress to match' - and that was completely the the case with this amber vase. I felt it went so nicely with the 70s vibe of the rattan screen, and it adds something sculptural to our windowsill too! So pleased with it! 

In case you're curious about all the items I've added, here's the complete low down:

GET THE LOOK

1. Burgundy cushion cover
2. Rattan divider
3. Teak wooden stool
4. Rilla vase (medium)
5. Rilla vase (small)

Nordal has an online store in Denmark. If you live outside Denmark, search for your nearest stockist here.

If you're wondering about anything else in my bedroom just give me a shout below!

Have a 'dejligt' day!

Niki

*This post is in paid partnership with Nordal, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Photography and styling: Niki Brantmark / Felicia Alm

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My Home: Beautiful Limited Edition SKY Lamps From Bornholm, Denmark

Collaboration* In my mind, lighting is one of the fundamental ways Scandinavians create such beautiful homes. As soon as the sun dips beneath the horizon, the living space becomes bathed in a soft warm, golden light which is as cosy it is calm. The design of the light itself is of equal importance - it's form, style and colour adding something to the space when unlit. Listening to recent trend talks, I was excited to hear lights are set to be a big thing everywhere in 2019 - with every light becoming art in itself. Over the past year I've become a big fan of lighting by Danish glass-blower Pernille Bülow (remember these beautiful SKY pendants over my dining table?). To celebrate 30 successful years since opening her glassblower workshop in Svaneke on the island of Bornholm, Pernille has launched the limited edition SKY lamp. And it's so beautiful! The mouth blown pendant lamp comes in three sizes and has a smoky glass and brass finish - with every piece numbered one to one hundred! I've been looking for something to go over my bar cart for what feels like forever  -  and I think these lights are perfect. I particularly love them clustered together, what do you think?

I am thinking of combining these with the three I already have at some point to make a cluster of 6 - for even bigger impact! You can also add different colours from the collection too.

The mouth blown limited edition SKY lamp is available through the Pernille Bülow webshop. My cluster is made up of a size small (14 cm), medium (18cm) and Large (22 cm).

You'll need to be quick, I've got a feeling these are going to sell out very fast!

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!

Niki

*This post was brought to you in collaboration with Pernille Bülow, however all words and pictures are my own and I only ever work with brands I truly love and think you will too! 

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My Gallery Wall Updated In Blues + 15% Off At Posterlounge!

Sponsored* - Last Friday I chatted to the Danish girls behind kunstsalonen - curating public art exhibitions in private homes. One of their best tips for arranging art is to choose pieces you love and group them according to colour. I took this to heart this week when I updated the wall behind my sofa with four prints from Posterlounge. Inspired by this Norwegian home in beautiful shades of blue, my new gallery wall combines art inspired by nature (Mountains and Flow) as well as a beautiful illustration by Sophie Schultz and abstract art resembling glass architect. My daughters' faces lit up when she came home from school to discover the transformation! I hope you like the update too!

I love using art to update my home (as you know!) and Posterlounge has an absolutely huge collection of around 80,000 artworks in different sizes. You can also choose which material to print on!

Great news too - they're offering My Scandinavian Home readers 15% off with the code MYSCANDI15 until 31st March, 2019.

In case you're curious about the ones I picked, here's a little more information:

1. Mountains
2. Flow by Laura Marshall
3. Standing by Sophie Schultz
4. Construction (glass architecture) by László Moholy-Nagy

Do you have a favourite?

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Niki

*This post is sponsored by Posterlounge, however all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the wonderful businesses that make My Scandinavian Home blog possible.

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My Swedish 'Fika' Just Got Peachy!

Sponsored* Have I mentioned how much I love a  Swedish fika?! For those of you in the dark - fika essentially means to enjoy a coffee break, often accompanied by a small treat of some kind. Yes, this happens in many cultures, except in Sweden - absolutely nothing, but nothing gets in the way of the fikapaus. It can occur any time of the day - morning, noon or night. It can be enjoyed at home, work, in a café or even by the side of a road. And it's not unusual to down your tools several times a day! As you can imagine, it was a ritual I was quick to adopt (when in Rome!). And today my fikapaus just got a tad peachier thanks to some pretty items from Danish brand Nordal's spring collection! Yay!

Those biscuits really did taste as good as they look (that moment when they melt in your mouth....). I can't help with the recipe I'm afraid (you know how bad I am at baking!) - BUT I can help you with a few of the items!

Stoneware mug

Stoneware cake plate
Terracotta napkin
Tea ball
Cast iron tea pot
Clip and spoon for coffee / tea

These links lead you to the wholesale page, however Nordal do sell throughout Europe. You can find an online stockist in your region here.

What's your favourite sweet treat?

Niki

PS I hope this post has inspired you to take a Swedish fika today too!

*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Nordal. All words and pictures are my own. Thank you for supporting the hand-picked brands that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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Our Home - All Set For Christmas!

I might not have bought any Christmas presents yet (aaaaagh!), but I have decked the halls with boughs of holly (fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!). Actually, that's not strictly true, there's none of the prickly bush in sight. Instead a king spruce (which we chopped down at a local sustainable tree farm last weekend) stands proudly in the corner (I think she's a beauty - but that might be because of all the effort we went to sawing away in the rain!!) and I threaded my new hanging brass candle wreath with fresh eucalyptus. I only noticed afterwards that I've gone all out gold (mainly thanks to wonderful Danish brand Nordal!)! But it's not all bling, I like to think the pure linen tablecloth and sheepskins  give our open plan room a touch of cosiness too. Here are a few snapshots, I hope you like our Christmassy home (and holiday table) as much as we do!

It all feels especially cosy at night when all the candles are lit and the Christmas tree is twinkling (I love the dark evenings in the run up to the holidays, how about you?!). If only it could all quickly change back to summer time on Boxing Day, and then everything would be perfect!

I have to say, I'm especially happy with my new hanging candle ring! It was so easy to wire the eucalyptus to it (I used two branches which I placed opposite each other and bounded them to the ring using a thin wire). I then hung the ring a safe distance from the wall (around 30 cm) which seems to have done the trick. It's the first thing I light each day!

Could you imagine having one of these in your home too?

In case you're curious about some of the other items, here's the low down:

Get the look

1. Xmas deco tree
2. Hurricane glass
3. Circle candle hold (hanging)
4. Christmas hanger tree
5. Silver glass hanger
6. Brass trolley
7. Circle candle holder (on trolley)
8. Stoneware cake plate
9. Stoneware dinner plate
10. Clear cocktail glass with gold pattern
11. Clear glass with gold pattern
12. Cement candle holder
13. Tulip candleholder
14. Pure linen table cloth

I've mainly linked to the Nordal online Danish store, however they do have retailers throughout Europe - you can find your nearest one here.

Give me a shout in the comment section below if you're wondering about anything else. I'd be happy to point you in the right direction!

Right. I think its time to go and pour myself a nice glass of glögg and put some Christmas music on, what do you think? Oh no. Hang on. I've got a mountain of holiday shopping to do. Eeeeek! 

Niki


This post is brought to you in collaboration with Nordal. All words and creations are my own. Thank you for supporting the hand-picked brands that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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My Favourite Corner Right Now!

My bedroom always becomes a bit of a haven in the winter time, do you find the same? There's something so toasty about climbing under the duvet and reading a book or watching a Netflix series (we're currently watching Shooter, have you seen it?). Given the temperatures right now in Sweden (it was minus 3 when I left this morning - brrrrr!) and the fact that we happen to have the most comfortable bed in the world (thank you Carpe Diem Beds) I could quite happily stay in this very spot until spring! Here are a few latest snaps from my favourite corner of our house right now.

Do you have a favourite corner right now?

If you're looking for a new, ultra cosy bed, I can HIGHLY recommend my Sandö bed (read more about it here). It's like a cosy nest!

Carpe Diem Beds have also recently released this beautiful short film which describes the handcraft that goes into each bed and the connection with the incredible nature on Sweden's West Coast.



Other items include the Portrait H print in wood frame*, wooden stool*, waffle throw from Granit (I'm not sure if they still sell this), natural linen throw. The lamp was made by a friend in England. The wall is painted in Blushing Peach and the floor in Strong White. If I've missed anything, just give me a shout in the comment section below.

Stay toasty!

I'm Moscow bound! Yay!

Niki


This post is brought to you in collaboration with Carpe Diem Beds. As always, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love. This really is my favourite corner of my bedroom, and the bed really is the most comfortable one I've ever had the pleasure of sleeping in! Thank yo for supporting the hand-picked businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

Affiliate links marked with *

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DIY Christmas Advent Calendar

I got a little creative yesterday and made an advent calendar. I think this is first one I've ever completed before 1st December, let alone ten days in advance! It's certainly going to keep them enticed! The idea all started when I spotted the super cute white and gold Christmas Advent Calendar Bags from Danish brand Nordal. I wanted to create something modern, but with a rustic touch.  I loaded each bag with sweets for every member of the family. I have to confess I was one set short so one bag has potatoes in it - I can't tell you how much I laughed at the thought of them opening it. Finally I get to prank back. I do have a set of back-up sweets up my sleeve though! Just in case you'd like to create something similar - here's the low down.

What you need

- Nordal Advent Calendar Bags* (the 24 stickers are included)

- A long, sturdy branch (this one is 110 cm)

- 120 cm white rope (for hanging)

- Tack / nail (for hanging)

- Brown string

- Presents / sweets (make sure they are not too heavy!)

- A few sprigs of fir

*The Nordal advent calendar kit is available in online shops across Europe (find your nearest retailer / online store here - I spotted some in Denmark here and the UK here). If you live outside Europe you could try 24 white or brown paper bags and use postage tags or stencils for the numbers). 

What to do

I wanted the advent calendar to have a rustic touch - and the answer came in the form of a stick which Allie brought back from the woods a few weeks ago (any stick will do as long as it's relatively long (this one is 110 cm) and strong enough to hold 24 bags).

I tied a length of nylon rope (you can pick up similar in all good hardware stores) to each end of the stick and then hung it from a tack in the wall - forming a triangle.

After filling each bag with goodies, I added the number stickers and then used simple brown string to hang each one from the stick. Instead of creating holes, I threaded the string under the fold of the bag before sealing it.

Rather than preparing them all in advance I found it easier to to cut the string as I went along so that I could check how low I wanted to hang each bag. They were then tied to the stick using a really simple knot (let's hope they hold - my sailor husband would be less than impressed if they're all on the floor tomorrow!).

And finally - I found a few sprigs of fir (which I picked up in a flower shop in town) and tied them to the centre of the branch for a festive touch!

And now, all we need to do is wait until 1st December!

If you've got any questions about the DIY just give me a shout in the comment section below and I'll be happy to help!

Do you make / buy an advent calendar each year? If so, I'd love to hear about it. One of husband's mates gets one from his wife each year with an IPA for each day (how's that for a great idea?!).

Niki

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Nordal. All words and creations are my own. Thank you for supporting the hand-picked brands that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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My Autumn Sitting Room Makeover

I love this time of year. The yellow of the leaves, the darkness rolling in at 4pm, the chill in the air (trust me, this feeling only lasts until January!). So, when Bemz, who make design covers and legs for IKEA furniture, asked if I'd like to update my sitting room for the winter and make it extra cosy, I was already flicking through their fabric samples before we'd said hej då! As you know, I'm a big fan of Bemz (you only have to look at my bedroom and reading nook to see!) and it was a perfect opportunity to try something new and amp up the hygge! So, here it is, my new, updated sitting room with warm light wood, natural linen and touches of spice and sage brown. Oh and a candle or two!

I opted for the Bemz cover in Natural Brera Lino linen by Designers Guild for my Söderhamn sofa. Although I also love the Urban Loose Fit I had before - the regular fit gave the room an instant lift and the linen means the look still remains fairly relaxed, which I love.

I chose cushion covers in Spice Linara (this one is no longer available but this Cocoa linen one is very similar) Spice Linara by Romo, Sage Brown and Unbleached Rosendal linen as a nod to the rich colours of the season (I talked about 'brown' being the 'it' linen right now in Wednesday's home tour and the warm tones are so perfect for this time of the year, don't you think?). 

I also swapped the original metal legs which the sofa came with for these pretty pins (namely the Terence legs that were designed in collaboration with Apartment Therapy). Aren't they fabulous?! These are a fairly new addition to the Bemz collection - see the full range here. 

All that's left to do is light a few candles! If you're looking for me this weekend, you'll find me right here!

In case you're curious about any of the items I picked, I've created a little 'get the look below.

Get the look 

Brera Lino Natural linen from Designers Guild, in a regular fit cover for my Söderhamn three-seat sofa and chaise longues
Terence, Chunky Wooden Furniture Leg 18cm/ 7"
Spice Linara by Romo
Sage Brown
Unbleached Rosendal linen

Funnily enough, a friend popped in for a cup of tea yesterday and said "wow, I love your new sofa!" She was so surprised to hear it was the same lady underneath!

Don't own an IKEA piece? Try your local online second hand store, you could always pick one up for a song and give it a designer revamp!

More Bemz inspiration to be found in my bedroom and reading corner. I also still love the previous cover I had on my sofa which you can see here.

Do you have a favourite look?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend - vi ses på Måndag!

Niki

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Bemz, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the hand-picked businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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Super Quick Survey: I'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!

If you have the time, I'd be so happy if you could participate in this super quick survey for a new project I'm working on (I think you can guess what it is from the questions!). I'd love to hear your thoughts!

All entries go into a draw to win a signed copy of my book The Scandinavian Home - by way of a thank you!

Participate in the survey here.

Tusen tack! 

Niki

PS Home tour to follow later today! 

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Before + After: Allie's bedroom make-over

Just as I feel I've got to grips with one stage of my younger daughter's life she suddenly shifts a gear and moves into an entirely new phase! It's Allie's 8th birthday today (happy birthday wonderful girl!), I'm really not sure where the time has gone (this was her at Christmas two years ago)! She suddenly feels so grown-up! Allie's been wanting to update her bedroom for a while now as she's grown tired of her bunk bed and outgrown many of her toys. So, over the past few months we stripped it bear and donated old toys to charity and started all over again. I know I've shared a few snippets on here over the past few weeks, but I thought it'd be fun to run through the complete make-over from start to finish. I hope you enjoy the tour!

Before

The last time we decorated her bedroom was in collaboration with Genevieve Jorn in 2014 - and I still think it has a fresh, vibrant look. Allie had simply grown out of it and wanted something a little calmer and more mature. Gen also gave her fabulous interior design guidance on her new room too.

During

Allie was the cat that got the cream when she got to paint some of the lower sections of the wall (heavily supervised by the ever-concerned man!). We used Jotun Lady 1059 - Complexion on three of the walls (seen here to the left) and Minty Breeze 7163 on the back wall - seen to the right (both kindly gifted by Jotun). Complexion has a subtle pinkish tone to it which was unexpected but creates a lovely, soft feeling the room.

After

The room only came together once the rug and Industriell pendant lamp were in place. It's amazing how that can happen. At night, the lamp fills the room with the warmest light and pretty shadows dance on the ceiling. 

The rug* was handmade by Etsy shop So' Homeso*. it's really soft and made from 100% recycled cotton and fringes of linen. The one thing I haven't done yet is buy an underlay to stop it slipping around. I always forget this but they're so important for a clean finish (and safety!). We've had the wooden blocks for as long as I can remember - they're so simple yet so popular!

I picked up the row of hooks (two combined) from local Malmö shop Geijersgatan 53 (these ash hooks are similar)- I think I've pretty much installed a row of these in every room of the house now! Here is the same set in my  kitchen! The pretty jumper* is from Danish brand Molo this season.

A collaboration with Montana came at the perfect time to swap out the large bunk bed for a single bed and make place for open shelving (Montana Free System Shelving in New White with two Rust panels). I can promise you now, they're not going to stay this tidy! Allie has had the Apple Papple print by Fine Little Day your years - she tells him all her secrets - apparently, he's a great listener!

Allie's always drawing, writing and cutting things out - and now she can pin them onto a cork board - as well as write messages on her pegboard (both from Granit). I was kind of hoping she'd write reminders like 'remember PE kit' - but it looks like that's not gonna happen! 

I can't tell you how many paper fortune tellers the girls make - they're all over the house!

 Allie can't go more than 5 metres without doing a cartwheel. She loves gymnastics! This set of wooden gymnastic rings from Lillagunga were a special request and have been such a hit!

Another hit, is her new rattan bed.  It was originally a daybed (from Nordal), so we added a 105 cm mattress to make it comfy enough to sleep on. In case you missed it, I wrote a post about it here. 

The bed is made with Hanako duvet cover and pillow case from Camomile London. The white linen curtains were made to order by Not Perfect Linen* - I always buy my curtains from them since they are high quality and beautifully made.

And finally, a little place for Allie to sit and write etc (I have to confess she rarely sits at her desk - often preferring the floor instead, but still, I thought she might need it one day!). I was so excited to find the secondhand chair at AB Småland in town. I've seen a load of similar ones here*.

 In case it's been difficult to keep tabs on what's what - here's a quick round-up of the items:

The kit!

From top left: Jotun Lady 1059 - Complexion / Minty Breeze 7163 
/ rust panels from Montana Free System Shelving / green clamp light (Granit) / cork board / pegboard / gymnastic rings / hanako duvet cover & pillow case / Ypperlig mirror (IKEA) /  ash hooks / rattan daybed / rug*

I hope you like Allie's new room as much as my daughter does!

If you're wondering about anything, just give me a shout in the comment section below and I'd be happy to help!

Right, better run. the sun is shining and we've got a birthday to celebrate :)

Have a fabulous weekend!

Vi ses på måndag!

Niki

A special thank you to all the amazing brands that made this bedroom make-over possible and made one little girl super happy! 

Affiliate links marked with *

Photography: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home. Interior design: Genevieve Jorn. 

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