Cosy 'Fika' at Home on the New Iconic PK1 chair

Sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Things are getting cozy at home now, and with the darkness settling in, we're spending so much more time around the table enjoying fika (coffee and cake) by candlelight, playing games, helping with homework, sharing lovely dinners with friends, and just about anything else! Does this happen in your home too?

This weekend, we had the pleasure of enjoying all these moments on the newly launched Carl Hansen & Søn PK1 dining chairs. Designed in 1955 by Poul Kjærholm, one of the pioneers of Danish modernism, the PK1 was his first-ever design and reflects his functionalist approach to furniture, emphasising simplicity and lightness. Kjærholm was passionate about combining his favourite material—steel—with organic elements.

The re-launched PK1 chair beautifully combines stainless steel with natural paper cord, resulting in an elegant, lightweight form. Let’s take a closer look!

Originally made from wicker, the updated version is crafted from FSC-certified weaved paper cord, using the original weaving technique and takes a skilled craftsman 15 hours to weave! I have seen them in action in Copenhagen, and it's so impressive! I love it when craft techniques like this are kept alive. 

I am always fascinated by how furniture designed in the mid 20th century can stay so relevant - I believe it's because they were designed for both comfort and aesthetic value but they are also simple in their design which gives them a timeless appeal. 

Oh, and it's also stackable which I always think is extremely handy. 

The chair is considered an icon, so I am so happy it has been given a new lease of life this year! 

I hope you enjoyed these pictures of the new chair - and my dining area at home.

What did you think of this chair? 

You can read more information about the PK1 dining chair over at Carl Hansen & Søn. 

I have featured lots of beautiful items from Carl Hansen & Søn in the past including the cute new wishbone chair children's version in my cabin, the fabulous CH07 Shell Chair in my sitting room, and my all time favourite possession - the FK10 Plico Chair by the fire in our little cabin. 

Thank you for stopping by today. I'll be back again tomorrow with a beautiful home tour which I think you will feel very inspired by. See you then! 

Niki

READ MORE...

10

Autumn Fika in our Little Cabin - and a New Danish Dining Chair!

Sponsored by Skovby, all words are my own and I only work with brands I love. Thank you for supporting the businesses which make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

Hejsan! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! We spent the past couple of days at the cabin, enjoying plenty of walks, fika (coffee and a small bite), and games of Yahtzee by the fire. Leaving last night was bittersweet, especially with a stormy week ahead in Malmö and even a hint of snow on the horizon.

Before heading back, I captured these pictures of our kitchen/dining room and cosy bed nook (if you’re not familiar with our little cabin, you can check out the full tour here). The focus of these snapshots is the beautiful new 842 chair by Skovby—a Danish brand renowned for its craftsmanship and, true to Scandinavian design, the perfect balance of form and function.

The chairs are on loan (though luckily, the Skovby table and stools are permanent, much-loved fixtures—you can see how the table miraculously extends here), so we were keen to make the most of them!

Here are some more glimpses of our dining area, along with a little more info. Enjoy!

The stackable 842 chair launched in August and is available almost worldwide. The design is inspired by a classic danish dining chair, with a contemporary touch. 

Per doesn't get too involved with the design in our home - but he does have one key request: a chair should be comfortable—which, of course, includes having an armrest! 

The sculpted armrest on this chair was a big hit—it adds comfort while seamlessly connecting to the backrest. To me, it feels like a warm embrace, adding both function and a beautifully light, airy aesthetic to the overall design.

Candlelight is an essential element at this time of year, and the moment I arrive at the cabin, I can’t help but flit around lighting everything! I have a particular fondness for oil lamps—they have such a nostalgic feel. Do you like oil lamps too? 

The branches are from the garden, gathered beneath the oak tree. Per’s brother planted the oak seed 50 years ago when he was just a young boy playing in the garden, and today, it’s one of my favourite features and never fails to provide a beautiful centre-piece for our table, no matter the time of year. 

The 842 chair is available in seven different type of wood finishes - this is the oak natural oil version. For added comfort, you can also opt for a removable seat cushion (also available in a few different colours), which as you can imagine - made Per very happy! 

All in all, it was such a cosy weekend! I hope you liked these snapshots. 

You can find out more info about the 842 chair and your nearest stockist here. 

I have had the honour of collaborating with Skovby for many years, in fact I am currently seated at a Skovby chair and desk in our home office, featured here (check out a smaller, foldable space-saving desk which I captured in Helen's studio too). I have also photographed a beautiful glass display cabinet in our sitting room - as well as a large dining room and chair set here. There have also been coffee tables (also captured with a Christmassy touch in our cabin), a bench in my bedroom, bar stools in my kitchen - you name it! 

Do you have a favourite Skovby item? Or perhaps you have invested in a Skovby piece for your home? If so, I'd love to hear about it.

Do let me know if you're wondering about anything else in the pictures, I'd be happy to help in the comments below. 

Would you like to see what it looked like when darkness fell and I was all cosied up in bed in our cabin? 

Aaaaah, there's nothing like a fire on a cold Autumn day. 

I hope you had a cosy weekend too! 

I'll be back with a home tour on Wednesday, until then - stay toasty friends. 

Niki

Photography by me (Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home) 

READ MORE...

10

Meet the Danish Classic That Now Comes in a Children's Version!

Kindly sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, all words are my own, and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too.

If you're a fan of Scandinavian design, you'll no doubt be familiar with the Wishbone chair - it's one of the most iconic chairs ever made. You might even be lucky enough to own one (we have a blue version in our dining room). Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949, the chair is just as popular today as it was back then because it's beautifully handcrafted, comfortable and it's timeless.  

There's one problem though - it's a little too big for the smallest members of the family. A problem that has now been rectified by Carl Hansen & Søn in honour of Hans J. Wegner's 110th birthday. Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding (we wouldn't fit in it anyway) and say 'hej' to the CH24 Children's Wishbone Chair!

It's not often that I get completely over excited by a piece of furniture (Oh, OK then, it is!), but when this little beauty - designed for children aged three plus, appeared fresh out of the box in our little cabin,  myself, Per and my Mother-in-law all oohed and aahed and fell completely and utterly in love! It's the exact replica of CH24 Wishbone Chair in every way, and equally beautifully crafted, just scaled down to perfection - and it's very very cute! 

The frame is made from the same solid oak with just as much care put into the carpentry, and the seat has been handwoven from paper cord - just like its mummy version! One of the things I love about these materials and the good craftsmanship is that it will withstand time and can be passed from one generation to the next. 

Sadly, my children are way too big for it (Liv turned sixteen on Saturday and Alice will be 14 in October), but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about having it around - not only for little visitors like my nieces, but one day for my (whisper it) grandchildren! Just like Ylva had mini wooden chairs on standby in the living room of her Stockholm home. Could you also imagine owning one of these? 

While you can't keep everything from your children's childhood, there are a few items that are close to my heart. These pretty hand painted clogs were Alice's when she was small and this well-loved Elsa Beskow children's book has a permanent space on the bookshelf. Are there items like this that feel particularly nostalgic to you - or perhaps there's something special that your parents saved from your childhood that you cherish? 

Oh, and do you recognise the chair beside it? It's the FK10 Plico chair by Jørgen Kastholm, also from Carl Hansen & Søn - a Danish classic, and probably one of the most precious pieces of furniture I own - although I rarely get to sit in it as it's everyone's favourite! I shared a few more pictures of it in our cabin here, in case you'd like to see! 

For now, I do have it to myself, and I'll happily sip my tea in peace!

What do you think of this CH24 Children's Wishbone Chair? Could you imagine having it in your home for little ones? If so, you can find out more information about it here. 

Looking for more inspiration today? You might like to see a few other Danish classics I've featured in the past including the Windsor Chair in our cabin and a peek behind the facade of Hellerup manor, which I snapped on my visit to film with Knud Erik Hansen, the CEO and grandson of the founder of Carl Hansen & Søn. It's a day that remains etched in my memory as I felt so welcome and Knud Erik is so passionate about furniture and such an interesting man - always with a fascinating story to tell. 

Have a great start to the week all! 

Niki

All photography and styling by me 

READ MORE...

8

Scandinavian Design Icons: CH07 Shell Chair

Sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, with thanks

One of the things I appreciate most about good Scandinavian design, is the dedication to making furniture that is both practical and aesthetic. Combine this with high quality natural materials and a timeless appeal and you have a masterpiece on your hands that can be loved for generations to come. 

Danish furniture designer Hans J.Wegner was one of the distinguished designers of all, and helped to put Danish design on the world map. His work is widely recognised for its organic functionality and with items such as the Wishbone chair, CH25 Lounge Chair and Elbow Chair part of his portfolio, it's little wonder he's known as the 'King of Chairs'! 

Today I'd like to pay homage to one of his finest designs: the iconic CH07 Shell Chair. 

The three-legged chair was designed in 1963, but despite positive reviews for it's avante-garde look and feel, it was only when Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell Chair in 1998 that the general public appreciated its distinct expression. Twenty-five years on it's one of the most well-loved, iconic chairs of our time!  

The Shell chair is instantly recognised by it's wing-like seat and curved backrest which is supported by three arched legs. Its testimony to Wegner's mission to ensure a chair should be beautiful from every angle. 

The chair has been around for sixty years, and to celebrate the occasion Carl Hansen & Søn have launched this 60th anniversary edition of the Shell Chair in rosewood and oak (with the option of adding seat cushions) - available until December 31st 2023. A small brass plate with Hans J.Wegner's signature can be seen back making it a true collector's item! 

Imagine having a piece like this in your home? I've certainly loved looking after this masterpiece in our sitting room these past few days (sadly it's only on loan!). 

It looks mighty fine beside some of my favourite smaller items which include a vase by my dear artist friend Jennifer Idrizi in nearby Lund and two darling figurines by local Malmö artist Simon Vendin - the latter of whom keep a good eye on things when we're not home! 

I hope you enjoyed reading about the magnificent CH07 Shell Chair! If you're curious, read more about it over at Carl Hansen & Søn.

I have had the great privilege of capturing quite a few iconic danish design pieces in my home over the past few years - here are some of my favourites: 

Wishbone chairs in my dining room

The Plico chair in our cabin sitting room

The Windsor chair in our cabin dining room

Do you have a favourite item of furniture that you dream of owning one day? If so, do tell us more below! 

I hope you have a 'trevlig helg' (lovely weekend)! See you Monday!

Niki

READ MORE...

8

Preparing for 'Fredagsmys' at the Cabin!

Kindly sponsored by Skovby 

One of the things I love most about being up at our cottage are all the local farm shops. A short cycle ride along the road will take you past honesty stalls selling locally produced delicacies such as potatoes, corn of the cob, honey, eggs, strawberries and all other kinds of goodies. It makes grocery shopping a pleasure!

To top off my raid, I always head to Myltes Blomfältet (flower field) to see what's in bloom! 

The flower farm always has the pick of the in-season blooms. This time round it was resplendent with dahlia, cosmos and gladiolas! Well-worth the hay fever induced sneezes! 

Once you've picked the flowers, you measure the thickness of the stems that make up the bouquet and leave the corresponding amount (you can even wrap up your bouquet and add a label to make the perfect gift!) - my girls love coming with me! 

Do you have something like this near your home?  

How pretty are the dahlias on the table? They are possibly my favourite blooms - and one day I've promised myself I'll grow my own, despite the faff! Do you grow Dahlia? 

A word on the table, after all, it is beautiful! The Skovby #33 dining table is Danish made. This particular version is an anniversary edition (Skovby has been producing beautifully crafted furniture for  90 years!) with an oak white oil base and a green laminate top. It's an incredible table aesthetically, but there's also more than meets the eye. 

It's extendable! The leaves are hidden within the plinth and with a few smooth, moves (there's a turn table underneath the table top which causes the top to split into three and reveal hidden additional plates which pop-up and fold out!) you can extend the table from 123 cm - 149 cm - providing space for 6 to 9 people! In a small space, this is a dream!

Perfect for guests in the late summer sun! 

You might notice that the chairs are also new! This fine oak and wicker #827 dining table chair was recently unveiled by Skovby and are already iconic. True to danish design, it's impeccably handcrafted crafted and made from really high-quality wood.  The rounded back makes it very comfy too - so Per's happy! 

And with that friends, it's time for 'fredagsmys' (cosy friday!). 

Thank you so much for stopping by this week and for all your kind words about my new book! I forgot to mention that the English version will also be available through Waterstones and Amazon in most countries at the end of December ( available to pre-order now). 

Have a cosy weekend! 

Niki

PS The beautiful Skovby #33 dining table and #827 dining table chair are available in many different versions and Skovby have retailers throughout the world. Find your nearest dealer here. 

Thank you so much to Helen Sturesson for your help with these pictures! 

READ MORE...

6

A Magestic Butterfly in our Little Cabin!

Sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, all words and pictures are my own. I only work with reputable brands I love and think you will too! 

When something was designed in 1944, can you still call it a 'latest offering'? Probably not. But I was very excited to get my hands on the beautiful VLA61 Monarch Chair from Carl Hansen & Søn! Designed by one of the pioneers of danish modernism Vilhelm Lauritzen, only ten chairs were originally produced. And now the carpenters at Carl Hansen & Søn have worked their magic to produce the chair with a modern touch and of course, impeccable craftsmanship. 

The chair comes in an amazing variety of colours and wood finishes. We had the pleasure of living with the oak oil and Baru 0410 in our little cabin for a few days, and it quickly became a part of the family beside the Plico chair (yes, we're still fighting over the coveted spot!). Read on to discover why this fine specimen is named the 'Monarch' and take a closer look at the details! 

From the front you can clearly see the shape of the chair which was inspired by the majestic monarch butterfly!

Carl Hansen & Søn don't do things by halves. I've had the pleasure of watching their craftsman in action several times and to say they are masters in their field would be an understatement. The Monarch Chair has been reborn in collaboration with Vilhelm Architects with a modern perspective in terms of material and details. And each chair has received hours of undivided love and attention at the hands of a skilled craftsman. 

For example all of the oak parts have been hand polished several times and the top rail is only upholstered once the chair is assembled to achieve a perfect finish. A true masterpiece! 

I love that in Denmark they are still practising the art of craftsmanship and working with good, solid materials to create furniture that is built. Do you appreciate this too?  

It'd be rude not to pour a cup of tea, pull up a seat and enjoy it for a while, don't you think? 

Could you imagine having a chair like this in your home? Check out the ten different versions here and let me know your favourite! 

Niki

Ps Friday will be my final blog post before I take two weeks off to spend time with my family and enjoy the disastrous Swedish weather (our anoraks look like they'll be a staple). See you then!

READ MORE...

5

A Scandi Love Affair at our little Cabin: Carl Hansen & Søn Nesting tables

Paid partnership with Carl Hansen & Søn, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love

Hello, how are you this bright and sunny day? 

Do you live in a small space or have small rooms to finish? When you only have 30m2 / 322 ft2 to play with, like we do at the cabin, you're constantly on the lookout for furniture that works well in a compact living area. And these CH004 Nesting Tables designed by none other than Hans J. Wegner - one of the most prolific furniture designers of all time, couldn't be more perfect! 

I've always been a big fan of nesting tables since they are so versatile - and it's incredible to think that this particular set was first launched in 1952! The beauty of good design is that it's timeless, and the lightness, distinctive craftsmanship and classic Scandinavian minimalism of these fine specimens, ensure they work equally well in homes today - and no doubt fifty years from now too.  Which is why Carl Hansen & Søn has recently relaunched them. 

Here's a closer look: 

For a small space, compact and multifunctional furniture is key, and the Nesting Tables come in a set of three different sizes which nestle together to create one smaller unit, or they can also be pulled out for a larger surface area. 

Sidenote: The little ceramic plate is by Sara Bergman, who's home I featured here. Sara is currently exhibiting at Norrviken - a beautiful garden down the road and I couldn't resist picking this up in the museum shop! The knotted candle is by Swedish ceramicist Emmeli Hultqvist. 

You can also choose to divide up the tables and use them as a side table and coffee table. 

In the background you can catch a glimpse of the FK10 Plico Chair which is also from Carl Hansen & Søn - sadly I rarely get to sit there as it is highly coveted by the entire family - and I'm never quick enough! 

The craftsmanship that has gone into the tables is incredible. Look closely and you'll see the subtle rounded corners which means there'll be no sharp in-take of breath should you bump into them (easily done in a compact space!), and the joinery and oak finish is so ultra smooth (this kind of thing warms my design heart!). 

If you love these Danish beauties as much as I do, you can find out more about the CH004 Nesting Tables here - and check out the other finishes, which include oak, soap, oak / walnut, oil and an incredible, dark walnut, oil. 

Could you imagine having these nesting tables in your home? 

We are so looking forward to heading up to the cabin tomorrow for the night. It's forecasted to be 22 degrees Celsius / 71 degrees Fahrenheit - an absolute corker considering the winter we have just had, and we need to make the most of it before it drops by 10 degrees nest week - baaaah! Barbecue at the ready! 

Speaking of our little cabin, we were so happy to see it featured in the summer edition of Simply Scandi magazine in the UK this month. I wrote a guide to dreamy Scandinavian summer destinations in the same issue if you're looking for inspiration! I believe there's a digital version available here. 

The next step is to work on the garden. The neighbours put up a chicken wire fence and every time I see it, I weep a little inside! I'm thinking a hydrangea hedge will do the trick, but maybe you have other suggestions? I'm all ears!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend. See you Monday! 

Niki

A big thank you to Helen Sturesson for helping me to capture these nesting tables, it was such a fun day! 

READ MORE...

6