Jessica's Beautiful Nature Inspired Swedish Home

Jessica Berglund describes herself as a photographer, visual storyteller, knitter, potter, and mother, and you can see hints of all of these throughout her beautiful country home in Ulricehamn, Sweden. What she doesn’t explicitly say, though, is that nature inspires everything she turns her hand to.

From strawberry-themed ceramics and home-baked bread delicately decorated with flowers, to botanical wallpaper, fresh and dried flowers and subtle touches of green paint throughout the house, her connection to the natural world is everywhere. 

Keep a special eye out for the gentle hints of Easter, spotted in the daffodils just beginning to bloom here, even if these ones are charmingly made from paper, and the “semlor”: traditional Swedish soft cardamom-spiced buns filled with almond paste and whipped cream, typically enjoyed in the lead-up to Lent. They are so delicious! I am looking forward to enjoying some myself in the next few days.

And of course, you might catch a glimpse of their dog, Flora, and their fabulous cat, both of whom look completely at home in Jessica's cosy home. 

Välkommen in! 

Beautiful! I absolutely love homes inspired by nature, which is perhaps no surprise since I wrote an entire book about it!

I also found myself completely in awe of the arched cabinetry. It has such a soft, handcrafted feel to it, and I can’t help but wonder if it might have been a DIY project. Are you a fan too? 

There is so much to take in, but what really stood out to me was the way every detail feels intentional yet effortless. Jessica’s home manages to be both creative and calming at the same time, which is no easy balance to strike.

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular? 

On another note...

Here in Sweden, the sun is shining today and we are up at our little cabin. My mother arrives from London tomorrow and we are hoping to enjoy some simple traditions together, including the “konstrundan”. This is a much-loved Swedish Easter tradition where local artists open up their studios and homes to visitors. You can wander from place to place, discovering artwork, meeting the creators, and enjoying the spring atmosphere. It is such a lovely way to celebrate creativity and the spring sunshine (although the weather forecast might say otherwise!). 

Since I am running out of time this week, this will sadly need to be my only post. However, I will leave you with some pretty Easter decorating ideas in case you feel like adding a few Scandinavian “påsk” touches to your home:

Swedish easter traditions including feathers and hags
Pretty and fun easter decoration ideas
8 pretty Easter decorating ideas 

If you'd like to give the semla buns a go - you can find a recipe here.

And there's so much more Easter inspiration in the archives here!

Glad Påsk! See you next week!

Niki

Photography by Jessica Berglund / @fruohlson

READ MORE...

15

A Danish Home With Easter Touches

Looking to get into the easter spirit? Mette Norrild has filled her 1970s house on the Danish island of Fyn with pastel hues, spring flowers (including Forsythia, cherry blossom and Magnolia) and pretty Easter touches. Oh, and don't miss the quirky details like artisan mugs, colourful glassware and twisted candles - they add such a fun touch! Here are a few snapshots to feel inspired by this weekend: 

So many pretty ideas!

Decorative mugs have become such a big thing in Denmark lately that I feel tour requires a roundup! 

From top left: Royal Copenhagen, Studio Palu (twisty handle), Krøllet Keramik (with cherries, sweets etc), Les Gens Heureux (pointed handle / splashes). 

It's made me want to start decorating my home this weekend, how about you? 

If you're curious about where any of the items are from, Mette's great at tagging her photos on instagram. 

For other pastel homes see:

A delightful family home in a converted Swedish schoolhouse

An inspiring pastel-infused Finnish apartment

Danica's Danish home in cotton candy shades

And for some great easter decorating ideas take a look at: 

Swedish Easter traditions

7 beautifully simple Scandinavian craft ideas for easter

My big easter DIY edit

I hope this post has put you in the mood for the easter holidays! My girls break up tomorrow so we're looking forward to decorating the house a little. Maybe the rain / snow / everything the swedish weather gods wants to throw at us will clear up at some point too! 

Do you decorate your home for Easter? If so, I'd love to hear about your decorating traditions! 

Have a great weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Mette Norrild / @mettenorrild, shared with kind permission

READ MORE...

4

A Warm Home Which Nails the In-Between Season Vibe!

Hi campers! How was your weekend? Ready for a home tour with some inspiring details? This lovely space in Heidelberg, Germany belongs to Danilo and Paolo. The duo are passionate about the home, flowers and travel - all of which come together in this harmonious living space. I particularly love how they have mastered that 'between season vibe' when the light returns, the spring flowers have bloomed, and yet there's still a bite in the air.  Keep a look out for kilim rugs, spring flowers, candles and blankets, a beautiful bathroom cabinet and a ceiling height palm. Ready to feel inspired? 

This home has such a lovely feeling. The spring flowers, blankets and candles certainly help - a perfect between season combination! 

Tip on plants: mature greenery like this palm can be expensive. Keep a look out for similar plants on budget-friendly second-hand sites such as gumtree and eBay - here in Sweden businesses are often selling off plants like these when they update their office). 

Another tip: Annie at We Are Here Now sells lovely vintage kilim rugs.

Is there anything that caught your eye?  

See more of Danilo and Poalo's home over at @homeinheidelberg. 

BTW thank you so much for your positive feedback on my 2022 organisation series with Elfa on Friday. I'm excited too - just feeling a little overwhelmed by tackling my attic! Gaaah! 

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @homeinheidelberg

READ MORE...

2

10 Ways To Bring Spring Hygge To Your Home, Anna Kvarnström Style!

Someone once told me that there are two seasons in Sweden: winter and July. I know it was said in jest, but sometimes I do wonder! In honour of a chilly spring day, I thought I'd share some beautiful pictures from the cosy home of Anna Kvarnström in central Örebro, a few hours West of Stockholm. Simply decorated, her home has a wonderful sense of calm thanks to the warm neutral tones and layers of texture. On sunny spring days, the balcony doors are thrown open to welcome in the fresh air - while blankets lie in wait. If you're looking to enjoy a little spring hygge Swedish style, here are ten lovely ideas to feel inspired by!  

1. A simple linen tablecloth like this striped one adds immediate warmth to a space as well as a sense of occasion to an everyday tea break! This striped tablecloth* is similar. 

2. Cream coloured cushions add a wonderful softness to hard chairs - and mean you can enjoy sitting around the table for way longer! This spring it's all about the texture with lush, tactile, raised patterns (also seen in rugs - I love the ones by Cappelen Dimyr). This cushion is from H&M Home. 

3. Vintage tea plates bring an immediate sense of nostalgia to teatime - and these ones are so pretty!

4. It may be spring - but it's still a bit nippy in the air (at least in Scandinavia!), light coloured linen blankets are ideal for the changing season. I love this one*. 

5. Linen curtains* are idea for inviting the spring sunshine in, yet adding warmth and sound dampening to a space. Plus, they look so pretty swaying in the breeze. 

6. Pluck delicate spring flowers on your way home and dot them around your home in little vases. 

7. Sheepskins are often considered a winter accessory - however, the treatable quality means they work equally well in spring. 

8. Candles are a given - why not invest in scented candles with subtle spring fragrances. 

9. White linen bedding* looks really fresh in spring. Add cosy cushions and a blanket to ensure you stay toasty until the balmy summer weather arrives! 

10. The most wonderful thing about spring is finally being able to throw open the windows and doors - and maybe even enjoying a glass of rosé in the sunshine! Just add spring blooms - and maybe a blanket! 

***

What a lovely home! Anna has such a natural, effortless sense of style and it feels both fresh and cosy at the same time - a perfect balance! See more of her beautiful living space and summer house over at @annakvarnstrom. 

Looking for more ways to cosy up your home this spring? How about: 

5 beautifully lagoon ways to bring spring into your home

Spring has sprung in a delightful Copenhagen home

Danish blues and spring pastels in a Copenhagen home

Happy hump day! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Anna Kvarnström - shared with kind permission.

*This post contains affiliate links

READ MORE...

3