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A Design-Filled Hamburg Apartment, with Fabulous Sky High Ceilings

Sometimes the world is smaller than we think. And since moving to Sweden, I am still amazed at just how near other European countries are. Hamburg in Germany, for example is a short 4 hour hop on the train. But there's no train ride needed today as we can look inside an interior from the city through the lens of freelance photographer Oezlem Oezsoy (working name Mia Takahara). 

Oezlem has a beautiful apartment that's full of fabulous designer pieces and funky touches. A neutral background ensures the magic of these items remain star of the show, although it's also hard to ignore the beautiful architecture and period features (some of which are painted gold!) which do wonders to take the apartment to a next level of fabulousness! Welcome to Oezlem's inspiring world! 

Stunning! 

I love the furniture and smaller accessories (every time I look through the pictures, I spot something new!). You can find the source of each item over at Oezlem's instagram - or please do ask below in the comments section and I'll do my best to help you. 

I also really like the tones and textures she has used on the walls and the tiling in the kitchen - very cool! 

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

Would you like to peek inside a few other Hamburg apartments today? Here are a few tours I've shown in the past: 


Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

PS After a weekend of not one but two big competitions for my girls (swimming for Liv and gymnastics for Allie) from 15.00 on Friday finishing 21.00 last night on opposite sides of Skåne - I am wiped. I wouldn't change it for the world, I'm so happy they have found their passion, but I think I age at least two years every competition from the nerves! To the unsung sports parents out there, ALL parents out there, I commend you! 

Photography: Oezlem Oezsoy / Mia Takahara

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Helen's Malmö Studio in a Warehouse, And a Smart Space-saving Table!

Paid partnership with Skovby, all words and pictures are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

A few days ago, I spent the day at my friend Helen Sturesson's beautiful studio across town. Her studio occupies a section of the ground floor of an old warehouse - and all the lovely old touches including a tiled stone floor, round radiators and pipes are still intact. 

Her room is quite narrow, so space saving furniture is the order of the day. Danish brand Skovby launched a new multipurpose table earlier this year, and I knew it would be perfect for the space - both as a side table / desk, but also as a larger table for collaborative work. So, I rolled up with it in my car (as much as I love to cycle, it was a push by bike, even by Swedish standards!) and after a 'fika' (a lengthy chat and copious amounts of coffee), we snapped these pictures - I hope you like them! 


Helen hard at work! 

True to Danish design, and as with all things Skovby, it's beautifully made and really high quality. It comes in a few different versions - this is white oak oil with a white laminate surface.  

I love the brass hinge detail. 


Best of all though  - once you've finished creating, eating, or eh hem, drinking copious cups of coffee, you can fold it up and move it to the side of the room and use it as a side table or desk. Smidigt (smooth)! 

Oh, and just one more thing, for all those of you who love a nifty piece, it also has built-in storage. 

Remember these stools? I basically have them in every room of my house - not kidding. Also from Skovby, they're made from leftover production wood. 


I hope you liked this glimpse inside Helen's studio - the site of many interior meetings and coffee drinking, and feel as excited as I am about new danish design pieces such as this one! 

Could you imagine having a table like this in your home or office? It would actually be ideal for our cabin too - maybe you'll see me heading up the E6 with a full boot soon! 

More info about the #104 multipurpose table here in case you're interested (Skovby have dealers almost worldwide). 

Right friends, it's time for the weekend - and I've got some halloween costumes to make. Are you doing anything in your home?

Have a cosy, not too spooky, couple of days. See you Monday! 

Niki

Photography Niki Brantmark
Styling Helen Sturesson 

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A Visit From Two Grand Old Danes At Our Little Cabin


This post is kindly sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, all words and photos are my own

While we're at the cabin, friends and family often stop by. But it's not every day we get the pleasure of a visit from two grand old Danes (not to be confused with Great Danes - which would have been fun if not a little chaotic in such a small space!). I'm talking about the furniture variety. Last week I had the honour of capturing the iconic FH38 Windsor Chair around our cabin table. Designed by Frits Henningsen in 1938, this fine specimen has recently been reissued by Carl Hansen & Søn - and it's just as delightful and beautifully crafted today as it was back in the thirties. Read on to see more pics and find out more! 


The designer
Often, when it comes to understanding the history of these fine iconic design pieces, the designer is a good place to start. Frits Henningsen had a passion for high quality craftsmanship, and unlike most cabinetmakers at that time, always designed his own furniture. He had a vibrant personality and liked to give new expressions to traditional designs, taking his inspiration from the French Empire, Rococo and British 17th century furniture. 

Nostalgia
The moment I took these fine high-backed chairs out of the box and examined their solid wooden saddle-shaped seats and spindles, familiarity washed over me and I was immediately transported to my childhood in England. Variations of the Windsor chair are said to have been in British homes from as early as the 17th century. Even so, I'm not sure I remember them being quite as elegant as this! 


The details
Frits' take on the Windsor chair is really special. Made from solid FSC certified oak using multiple carpentry techniques, it's a perfect example of traditional craftsmanship fine-tined over centuries. I particularly love that it's still sanded by hand today. 

The design is somewhere between a dining chair and a lounge chair, so theoretically, you could use it in the kitchen or sitting room (a leather seat cushion is available for extra comfort, although the gentle curves do mean it's surprisingly comfortable as it is). 


What a great visit, and an honour to shoot such an iconic chair. Who knows, maybe I'll invest in my own FH38 Windsor Chair one day (they come in the choice of three different types of oak - oil, smoked oil, and soap oil, this is the oil version, in case you're also curious). 

Very tempting, I must say! 

Oh, and in case you're wondering what's in the bowl on the side: 

Our neighbours have an incredible plum tree. Every morning they leave a basket of the most sweet and juicy plums by the fence for us. My mother-in-law made a great batch of plum chutney with them last week so we'll be enjoying them well into the autumn now! 

Right (slaps thighs English style), time for the weekend! I hope you've got some relaxing plans ahead? We'll be spending some days up here, most likely reading in the Plico chair, while eking out the last few days of summer - I spy a 13 C / 55 F on the forecast next week - worrying indeed!

Vi ses på Måndag, vänner!

Niki

Bedroom Details: One bench, Two Different ways

Sponsored by Skovby, all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I love

Do you find that you only know something was missing until you add it - often by accident? I was asked by Danish brand Skovby to photograph the beautiful #833 Bench. I was originally considering placing it by the kitchen table, or in the hallway - but following my bedroom make-over last week, I realised where it really belongs is at the foot of my bed! If you have the space for one, benches are ideal as they can be used for so many different things - a place to sit and get dressed in the morning, somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee (it makes a great midpoint between languishing in bed and entering the world!) - or a perfect place to store books and other treasures. Here's this beauty of a bench, styled two different ways: 

1. The dressing bench 
Why hop about the room trying to put on socks when you can chill on a bench in style! Place a little basket underneath for slippers or chunky knit socks and blankets. If you feel the chill in the night, you can reach down and grab it, without even rustling the covers! 

Any bench will do, as long as it's the right length. But I have to say, the Skovby #833 Bench is absolutely beautiful - and ideal. It's crafted from solid wood and 170 cm long making it a perfect three-seater and an ideal length for a180 cm wide bed (it's little sister, the #832 bench is 120 cm is suitable for narrower ones). 

If you prefer a darker look, it's also available in oak oil and black oak versions - all with the lovely brass detail. 

2. The storage bench:
The long surface makes this bench an ideal place for books and other items - a little like a mini library at the foot of your bed!  For this styling we also added a vase with lilac from the garden - but I am the first to admit it's not entirely practical as Per pointed out (while removing countless cushions before settling in for the night!!). I was merely exercising a little artistic license, and it does look pretty, right?

Not only does solid wood have a beautiful patina, it can also last a lifetime when handled with care. Soap and vegetable oils can help to impregnate, nourish and maintain the wood so it stays beautiful. 

Needless to say, I'm keeping this bench right where it is! 

Which look / use do you prefer ? Could you imagine having a bench at the end of your bed? Or perhaps you already do! 

If you're feeling inspired, hop over to Skovby to find your nearest store


Have a fabulous, relaxing weekend - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark

This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Skovby. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the exceptional Scandinavian businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

A Peek Behind the Facade of 'Hyggelig' Hellerup Manor, Denmark

MSH Partnership*
Last week I paid a very exciting visit to Hellerup Manor on Funen, Denmark. The very fact that I was leaving the country at all was cause for major excitement, but to be headed to this historical gem was a true honour. Once the home of prominent Danish noblemen, the beautiful Neo-classic manor dates back to 1670 and is the home of Knud Erik Hansen, the CEO and grandson of the founder of Carl Hansen & Søn. I was there to record a film with Knud Erik about The Danish Concept of Hygge for our live session at the Carl Hansen & Søn digital Open House event next week (sign up here if you're curious - I promise it'll be fun, insightful and it's open to all!). 

When Knud Erik and his wife Inger acquired the L-shaped building, it required extensive renovation. They employed the help of conservation architects Bue Beck and later Thomas Hillerup - who peeled back the layers and helped preserve the manor to its former glory.  Standing in front of the 40-room manor, I was eager to discover if a home of this size could contain the famous 'hygge' (cosy, comfortable and feeling of general contentment) that Danes are so famous for. Ready to take a peek?

I felt immediately at ease with Knud Erik Hansen. He was a true gentleman and I delighted in his stories about the manor and the objects within, as well as his numerous encounters with some of world's most highly revered designers. 


The conservation architects scraped back the paint on the walls in search of the original colour. In the library (seen above and below) the walls feature a warm orange-yellow tone, reminiscent of the 'golden hour' - that magical hour after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset where the sun emits a delightful glow. 

The homely tone set the scene for a room that could be considered the epitome of 'hygge' - from the circle of handcrafted CH25 Lounge Chairs, arranged beside a traditional masonry tiled oven and the vast library of well-thumbed books to the cosy array of blankets, sheepskins and rugs. After dark, the room is lit with a warm, soft glow from a PH lamp and an array of candles. 

The library is also dotted with playful elements such as the famous wooden apes (also seen in many other places around the home) and colourful song birds by Kay Bojesen as well as a vintage abacus - giving the sense that everyone's welcome - young or old! 

The great big windows slip in an abundance of natural light and the surrounding nature, while the deep windowsills provide a perfect spot for treasures collected during Knud Erik's time working abroad. Elsewhere in the room, a vase bought in Morocco on a wedding anniversary, a Korean medical cabinet and silk embroidery from Vietnam help to create a relaxed, eclectic vibe - while the muted, earth colours and natural materials help to bring the entire look together. 

Above: a Colonial Chair by Olle Wanscher, designed in 1959 awaits, blanket at the ready! 


Stately homes often lend themselves to large floral displays, so I was immediately intrigued (and delighted) by the understated floral arrangements. Rosemary, apple blossom, lilac and wisteria from the garden had been placed on every surface, helping to harness the relaxing power nature while ensuring a  homely, lived-in vibe. 

Knud Erik represents the third generation of the family-owned furniture company, and the manor is the perfect backdrop for many fine examples of exclusive Danish designer furniture, much of it original or an early prototype from the Carl Hansen & Søn collection (such as the Wing Chair above). The carefully edited selection bear all the hallmarks of great Danish design: simplicity, aesthetics, and functionality, skilfully made from the highest quality natural materials. Such iconic, sought after pieces, could well belong in a museum, but Knud Erik is adamant that they remain a functional part of the house - and guests are invited to enjoy them as if they would any other piece of furniture. After all, they are designed to be used as well as handcrafted to withstand the test of time! 

The rooms are connected by long hallways which run the length of the L-shaped manor. The incredible original wood floor squeaks affectionately underfoot and lean, along with the walls towards the rooms, pulled by the weight of immense chimneys. The stairs also bear evidence of centuries of use! 

The attic has been converted to form a vast L-shaped room, where the magnificent, original axe-cut beams take centre stage. Although Knud Erik also has an office elsewhere in the house, he likes to sit here in the quiet of the attic on an iconic Red Chair designed by Kaare Klint. An animal skin has been casually draped over it for warmth. The magnificent desk has been decorated with treasured pieces including an engraved cigar box, a gift from former Carl Hansen & Søn employee. 

"I love the atmosphere of the 500-square-metre attic room. It's cosy and welcoming and one of my favourite places to spend time."
Knud Erik Hansen.

A pair of Propeller Stools by Kaare Klint have been placed to one side in case of extra guests - and a blanket is ready to unfurl on colder days. 

A social area beside the guest kitchen features a pair of Colonial Chairs and the popular classic KK47000 Safari Chair opposite an Addition Sofa. I love how you can see the patina on the leather - it's a material that ages so gracefully over time! 

A guest bedroom lies at the far end of the attic. Formerly the maids quarters (imagine how cold it must have been several centuries ago!), it's the only room in the house with windows looking out over the graveyard. Today a pair of dragons have been placed on the windowsill to ward off evil spirits. Knud Erik joked that when the dragons disappear, it's your cue to leave! 

Knud Erik, Inger and their young German Shepard spend most of their time in the kitchen - a warm and inviting room with a door out to the garden. I enjoyed some delicious Smørrebrød (open sandwiches) and Danish pastries during my time at their house - but most of all I loved the warm and inviting atmosphere and all the wonderful stories that Knud Erik had to tell! 

I hope you've enjoyed this peek behind the scenes of Hellerup Manor! 

If you'd like to see more of the manor and hear about The Danish Concept of Hygge (including tips and tricks on how to bring a hyggelig vibe to your home), come and join our online Live Session at the digital Open House event on 2nd June at 7pm GMT+1. There are plenty of other inspiring talks taking place over the two days too. I can't wait to show the film during the session too! Sign-up here

Wishing you all a great day! 

Niki

*This blog post is part of a paid partnership with Carl Hansen & Søn. All words and pictures are my own and I only ever work with brands that I love and think you will too. 

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