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15 Small Space Hacks To Learn From a Beautiful Danish Home

Hej, hvordan har du det? I have to admit it's really hard to concentrate today - it's such a beautiful day! And when the sun shines in Scandinavia it's not something to be taken for granted! I was thinking of taking the Stand Up Paddle out at lunchtime ('thinking' being the operative word since it's still a bone-chilling 12 degrees in the water - eeeek!). While I procrastinate - I have a space to share with you which totally makes staying indoors worthwhile! This is the home of Danish model Johanne Landbo and her boyfriend.  Located high up in the eaves in the city of Ã…rhus, Denmark, what the home lacks in size and ceiling height, it makes up for in clever small space solutions and beautiful design. Velkommen!



1. A clutter-free home creates the illusion of space. Johanne has used wall mounted floor to ceiling shoe cabinets to banish shoes from the floor. 

2. Simple hooks hung over a door are really handy for everyday items (I use them in the bathroom and bedrooms in my own home) - they also don't require any drilling, making them ideal for rental spaces!

Shoe cabinet, door hook and Sinnerlig stool all IKEA. This round basket bag is similar. 


3. Raising the ceiling to it's full height and adding skylights helps to generate a loftier feel. Plus if you're lucky - you might end up with beautiful beams like these (well worth their weight in hygge!).

Green Forest poster, this pendant light is similar. Source a runner like this here.

4. I love these old warehouse windows between the bedroom and hall. Replacing an internal wall with windows (new or vintage!) allows light to filter through to darker areas and widens the look of a narrow space. Drawing across a curtain is a great way to add a little privacy and darkness at night time.





5. Multi-purpose furniture helps each item to go that bit further, for example, this Gjöra bed doubles up as a place to hang plants (or clothes).

6. Installing minimalist, bespoke wall-to-wall wardrobes helps to make the most of every inch of a room and create a clean look and feel. 

7. Johanne's home has been painted in a fresh, matt white throughout which bounces the light around.




8. Flat wall-mounted book shelves provide a less intrusive place to store magazines in a dead space between the radiator and eaves. 

9. Stackable furniture is a small space's best friend! Here, the lower nest table can be tucked under the higher table when not in use.


10. If your sofa is in the middle of the room, break up the (often cumbersome) back of it with a bench that can also be used for coffee table books and other items.

11. Make full use of ceiling height. Lesser used items can be stored higher up. 

12. Wall mounted, flexible lighting (such as the Mantis) helps to clear floor space and reduce the number of directional lights, since they can be rotated to where ever you need the light. 











13. Stackable, modular shelving like Omar from IKEA help make the most of awkward corners.

14. Opting for less bulky / more streamlined furniture like the Adam stool by FRAMA CPH will achieve a clutter-free, airy look and feel. 

15. Keeping the view clear on the balcony gives a continuation of space (and means you can enjoy it even on a rainy day). 

Aaaa, I was so happy to discover so many great ideas to steal from Johannes home! Is there anything you found particularly helpful?

I also liked Charlie Cameron's tip on Thursday: to use negative space throughout your home (I've been thinking a lot about this). 

You can see more pictures of Johanne's beautiful home over on instagram - and for more small living space inspiration today I can totally recommend these home tours too: small space that's big on cosiness, a tiny one room flat in Finland and Clever small space style in Stockholm

Have a great start to the week!

All Photography: Johanne Landbo

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Igor's Happy, Plant-filled Space

Tjena! It's been great to get to know other bloggers over the years. I can go a little stir crazy at home day in day out by myself sometimes and these guys have become an amazing support network. We often get together in person or online to share ideas (and have a laugh). A few months back I met Igor Josifovic (such a great guy!) - creator of the hugely popular Happy Interior Blog and co-author of the best selling book Urban Jungle. Igor recently moved apartments in Munich and has set about turning his new place into one happy home too. I caught up with him earlier this week to find out more about his home and love of all things green (and blue!).




How would you describe your style?
I would say it is a very personal style above all full with details and hints about my character, my interests, my passions. I like to describe it as an eclectic bohemian mix of vintage and contemporary items with a nod to timeless Scandinavian design.




Would you say you are quite thrifty?
I think so as I really enjoy thrifting and finding items for the home with a previous life. But I love to combine - I like to match vintage finds with new items for a more contemporary look.








Where did your love of plants come from?
I think it is something that reaches back to my childhood when my mum had lots of plants in our home. In general I love the nature and anything natural so plants are an obvious obsession. And I enjoy the fact that you can bring in a bit of nature into your home with houseplants. A home without plants feels utterly void to me.



Do you have a favourite plant?
Oh this is like asking a parent if they have a favorite child haha. They are all special and unique in their way and I love them all. I tend to have some inclinations to certain plants or plant families from time to time though. Currently I enjoy my Staghorn fern with its lush and crazy foliage as well as my tropical Philodendron Red Emerald.






Do you have any tips for anyone looking to start their own urban jungle (or simply introducing more plants to their home?
Tip number one is our book Urban Jungle - Living and Styling with Plants. Together with my Urban Jungle Bloggers friend and co-founder Judith I wrote this book for anyone looking to introduce more plants into their homes and lives. I also encourage people to go step by step and refrain from trendy impulse shopping. Give it some thought and inform yourself about the plant in order to keep it happy and thriving and avoid any disappointments. After all a plant is a living thing too and it is great if we manage to keep them alive, right?!






I love the deep blue hues in your home, do you have a go-to paint colour?
I tend to look at the hues offered by Farrow & Ball as well as Kolorat, a young and up-and-coming German paint label. I have opted for two blue hues from Kolorat in my new apartment and I love them - the paint codes are K/74-46-10-59/T in the bedroom (dark blue) and in the kitchen and hallway (medium blue).




All photography: Igor Josifovic / Happy Interior Blog


GET THE LOOK
book

1. Antique Persian Area Rug
2. Wooden Monkey
3. KALLAX Shelf Unit
4. Velvet Cushion Cover
5. Cotton Velvet Cushion Cover
6. Bommel Korb
7. String Pocket
8. 3-Sitzer Tom Sofa
9. Cotton Tablecloth
10. Rattan Basket Square
11. Kissenhülle T-Bamboo
12. Tabouret pliable
13. Korb • RAUTEN
14. State of Independence
15. Tropical Green Rug
16. Bølling Tray Table

Thanks so much for showing us around your home Igor!

You can follow his latest renovations and projects over on his blog and instagram - and find more urban jungle inspiration in his wonderful best selling book here.

Have a lovely day!

PS I'd love it if you have the time to pop into my blog survey - it only take a few minutes to complete and it would be really helpful to find out your thoughts on My Scandinavian Home and ways I can improve it. As a thank you I'm giving away three signed copies of my Lagom book too!

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Small spaces: A Dreamy Swedish Pad

It can be so tricky to strike the right balance between cosy and calm in a small living space, don't you agree? But I think the owner behind this dreamy apartment in Gothenburg has totally nailed it! Measuring a teeny 42 square metre (452 square feet), the early 20th century two room flat is fresh and light, yet a wonderful cosy, calm and serene soul. How I'd love to be padding around here while the snow falls outside today, fancy joining me?!


The beautiful chestnut throw (similar here) and linen cushion help the cosy living room corner to pop - and don't you also love how the blush linen table cloth adds subtle colour to the dining room. 


Classic Ant chairs are stackable making them the perfect option for small spaces. I also like the climber in the window (remember this post I recently dedicated to the 'indoor climber'?! Such a big fan, how about you?). 

 The rug is perfect for carving out a distinct living room zone and helping to make it feel snug. I also like the use of multi-purpose furniture like the tray table (this is a fab one).




Using book shelves as a bedside table is also a great space-saving idea. You could also add a clamp lamp (like this one) to use for reading. 


I love the hallway in this home - The wood cladding on the wall-to-wall wardrobe adds such a cosy touch and the built-in seating nook is perfect for getting dressed or getting out of the door! Slim furniture like this desk are perfect for narrow spaces (shelf desks are also handy!).

Photography courtesy of Alvhem where this lovely apartment is currently for sale.

All in all, a perfect little living space - don't you think?!

Could you imagine living here?!

In case you're look out for more inspiration, you can find a whole load of small home tours here (scroll passed if this comes up first!). 

I hope you have a wonderful start to the week!

PS In case you didn't get a chance to stop by on Friday, there's an interview with the creative duo behind Our Food Stories and a tour of their lovely Berlin apartment and countryside retreat here (you might just get an idea for tonight's supper too!). Hope you feel as inspired reading it as I did creating it!

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A Small Swedish Space, That's Big on Cosiness!

Hejsan hoppsan (says no one in Sweden really!). What do you say about coming on a virtual journey to Stockholm with me today? I've got a very cosy, small space to show you! The apartment in question belongs to Christina, an avid fan of do-it-yourself (or at least not afraid of fixer uppers!).  When Christina's not tinkering away with beautiful fabrics and covers at Bemz (where she works with social media)  - she's working on a total gut renovation of a loft in a former water tower dating back to 1910 (follow the journey here). In the meantime, Christina and her partner Tor are living in a 35 square metre (376 square feet) apartment built in 1872. Amazingly they've also found the time to do this little joint up too - and it looks super cosy! I caught up with Christina this morning to find out more and get her top tips on decorating a small space.





What's the best way to create a cosy feel without making a small home cluttered?

Take time when decorating and try to source as many second-hand and vintage items as possible. It's better for your wallet and the environment and helps to create a personal look and feel. 

What gives a home it's soul? 

Layering tactile textures and adding a good dose of greenery will breath life into your home. 





 What are your three top tips for anyone decorating a small space:

1. Get organised. Reduce visual clutter and highlight pieces that you want to showcase.   
2. Create a feeling of space. Work with negative spaces to create a more lofty feel. 
3. Don't choose smaller pieces of furniture just because you have a smaller home, fewer, larger pieces are often a better use of space and help you to focus on the most important features of the room.





Photographer Mikael Lundblad  / @_mikaellundblad Interior design: Christina. Featured in Apartment Therapy.

Such a lovely, personal home, don't you think?

In case you're curious about any of the items or feel inspired to steal a few ideas for your own home, we've gathered some items which we think fit the bill perfectly!

Get the look

 

1. Genuine Icelandic Sheepskin Chair Cover
2. Project 62 Madrot Glass Globe Floor Lamp
3. Lulu & Georgia Rug
4. KINS - African Mudcloth Cushion
5. Brass Candlesticks
6. Star Voyager Hand Crafted Star Theme African Mask
7. Afro Art Candlestick
8. Cabin Porn Book
9. Misses Flower Power Vase
10. Bemz Cushion Cover
11. Nelson Daybed
12. Bemz Cushion Cover
13. Mateo Grazzi Vintage Chair
14. Candle Holder
15. Broste Copenhagen - Caspa Desk Lamp
16. Linen duvet cover
17. Food52 Grey Splatter Enamel Serving Utensils
18. Serax - Terra Watering Can
19. Poppi Serving Plate
20. Olive Wood Chopping Board
21. Salt Dining Chair

You can read more about Christina's home over at Apartment Therapy and follow her Water Tower project here

Have a lovely day!

PS  Don't forget - you can get 15% off at Bemz with code 15myscandinavianhome until 11th Feb (see my picks for my sitting room, bedroom armchair and window nook!).

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Beautiful small space inspiration - Swedish style!

Hejsan hoppsan! When we were in Norway last week we shared a tiny log cabin with friends. At first we were in a bit of a panic about the size, wondering how we were all going to survive in such close quarters without a bun fight or two! Amazingly, it totally worked out and we put it all down to the owner's clever use of space (and one very relaxing sauna!). I wish I'd taken pictures now (although it does give me an excuse to return, right?!). I'm forever fascinated by small living spaces - and love how even the teeniest spaces can be beautiful (and practical to boot). This apartment in Gothenburg is a mere 38 square metre (409 square foot) and consists of one room and a kitchen, yet it looks spacious and calm thanks to muted, light colours and natural textures (loving the leather chairs!). I could totally imagine rocking about it here today, how about you?!









 Photography: Maria Sahlander Styling: By Bon interior for Bjurfors.

Oh, how I love this space! The tones (white, cream, tan, pale grey), the lovely light fixtures, the textiles. Everything! What a perfect little pad?!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look:

Main living room: white linen bed set, try My Own Bali for a similar wood and teak chair, ash hooks, the Schooley pendant lamp is similar, Söderhamn sofa (opt for 'without arms'), this blanket is similar.  Kitchen: pestle & mortar (love this!), Era chair, Georg Jensen candle holder (another favourite of mine!).

There are so many small spaces to love in this archive too. What they say about the best things and small packages - there's certainly some truth in that, wouldn't you say?!

Have a lovely day!

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