A Home Filled with Art, Vintage Finds and Heart

I was quietly tapping away on my laptop a couple of days ago when a lovely message from Swedish artist and interior stylist Michaela Grut landed in my inbox, along with some beautiful new images of her home. A lot has happened since I last featured it seven years ago, so it definitely felt time for a revisit! 

If there are a few things that have remained the same about the home Michaela shares with her two daughters and two cats (she jokes that she's become a bit of a 'crazy cat lady' – and I'm here for it!), it's that it's deeply personal and filled with art (some of it her own), ceramics and carefully collected vintage finds. Michaela describes her interior style as 'curated Scandinavian eclecticism', and it's easy to see why. Every room feels thoughtfully layered, balancing clean Scandinavian lines with an eclectic mix of colour, texture, art and meaningful objects. Take a look at the kitchen shelves and you'll spot an array of one-of-a-kind serving ware, vessels, ceramics and other little treasures, each with its own story to tell.

She's also embraced a beautiful palette of muted yet confident tones throughout the apartment, giving each room its own distinct character. And, as with so many Scandinavian homes, designer lamps act like sculptures by day before casting a wonderfully warm, inviting glow in the evening (I noticed a discussion about this in the comments a few days ago, and it's true that many people here are happy to invest in good lighting, perhaps because of the winter darkness!). Finally, keep an eye out for the rugs – each one adds plenty of texture and softness underfoot.

Ready to take a look around?

The little guy perched on the sunny yellow (Velvet by Jotun - 10246) shelf to the left is one of Michaela's sculptures.

I love the sense that Michaela's home has been created over time, a brass bowl added here, a vintage chopping board there. As a result, it's truly personal and tells the story of who she is. 

The artwork in the top right of the gallery wall in the sitting room is by Michaela. Look closely at this shot and you'll see all the furniture, lighting and accessories are from different styles and eras, yet all come together so nicely. An art form in itself! 

The sitting room is painted in Soft Skin from Jotun.

The green snoopy lamp is one of my favourites! 

The combination of tones and materials in the bedroom is timeless yet with a contemporary touch.  The shell lamp is beautiful - especially against the blue wall (painted in Linblå from Jotun). 

Jewellery wearers, take note: a little tray on your bedside table is the perfect spot for the pieces you reach for every day.

Pom pom slippers. Why not?

Another bedroom – also painted in Linblå from Jotun – more beautiful art, lamps and objects.

Michaela has turned a plain box used to cover electricals into a work of art, while a bold rug adds a cool touch to the hallway. 

Michaela works from a studio in the same building. I actually have one of her pieces in my home - a white figurine, which I really treasure! 

Thank you so much to Michaela for inviting us into her home, such a treat! 

I hope you all enjoyed looking at all the details!  

You can find out more information about her art and see more pictures of her lovely home over at @michaelagrut. 

Fancy seeing more pictures from artists' homes today? Take a look at: 

A Danish artist's inspiring home in Copenhagen

The fascinating home of a Swedish artist

An artist's Swedish home in soft coral tones

A relaxed Danish artist's cabin in Copenhagen

I hope you are all full of inspiration for the weekend, have a great one! 

Niki

Photography – Björn Nordström

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An Art-Filled Industrial Apartment in Gothenburg

Finally Friday. The sun is shining and Malmö is a cacophony of horns, whistles, pumping music and students cheering as they graduate from high school, sailor hats perched proudly on their heads with their names emblazoned across the front. Do you have a similar tradition in your country?

Meanwhile, inside this wonderful apartment in one of Linnéstaden's oldest buildings in Gothenburg, a rather different atmosphere prevails. Once an industrial premises, the space is a beautiful blend of raw character and relaxed style. Exposed brickwork, hefty timber beams, original doors and soaring three-metre ceilings provide the backdrop, while a curated gallery wall, vintage furniture and splashes of cobalt blue add warmth and personality.

I love how the owners have embraced the building's history rather than trying to hide it. The result is a home with soul and full of character, creativity and charm. Welcome inside!

Such an inspiring home, don't you think?

Personally, I loved the play with scale, from the low shelving topped with oversized, bold artwork to the floor-to-ceiling gallery wall, as well as all the remnants of the property's industrial past. Wonderful!

Was there anything that caught your eye?

I feel this is the perfect excuse to share a few more fabulous homes with an industrial touch (it's been a while!):

Industrial meets cosy rustic in a Swedish home
The fabulous industrial style atelier of a creative
An artist's home in a former factory

And in case you missed it, I also shared a local guide to Malmö by the sea earlier this week, ideal if you're looking for vacation inspiration!

Wishing you all an underbar weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Alvhem, with thanks.

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Breathing Room: A Beautiful Swedish Home

I was so happy to hear that so many of you loved the Norwegian home tour earlier this week - it certainly helped that we had such a handsome guide!

Today, I thought we’d go for something a little different. One of the things I’ve always loved about Scandinavian design is the calmness that comes with the “less is more” philosophy. Walking into a decluttered home, like the one you’re about to witness, makes me instantly take a deep exhale in and out. It’s instantly calming!

I also love how, when a home is pared back, you can see each carefully selected item in its entirety - the colour, the form, the material, the texture - everything.

So, this Swedish home is dedicated to anyone who needs a little calm, or some breathing room, to take with you into the weekend!

Granted, this is even more decluttered than usual since it’s for sale, but I still love the light and airy feel, along with the lovely choice of furniture and colour. Plus, I’ll always be a big fan of a wall rack for wine glasses - especially on a Friday!

Are you also a fan of the pared-back look?

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tours on the blog this week as much as I have. As always, thank you so much for stopping by and for all your comments, emails, and messages. I love this positive community! 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem, with thanks. 

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A Lovely Swedish Home in Bloom

It’s Friday, the sun is shining, and Per and I are trundling up the motorway to Gävle, just north of Stockholm, to cheer on Alice at a gymnastics competition. As we go, I notice the grass turning greener and the buds on the trees growing fuller. Soon the landscape will burst into life again, and there’s no greater sign of spring in Sweden than that first hint of colour after months of grey.

Indoors, though, touches of colour have been quietly appearing for a while in many homes. True to Scandinavian style, they show up in botanical patterns on walls, textiles and everyday details.

In this Swedish home, a simple white and grey backdrop acts as a canvas for a chequered rug, a blue and white tablecloth, and vibrant patternts by Josef Frank and Svenskt Tenn, from trays and wallpaper to even the blinds.

Elsewhere, spring makes its presence known too, with a lemon plant here, vibrant artwork there and fresh flowers, along with pieces that hint at faraway travels, bringing warmth and life to every corner.

All in all, this is such lovely home that puts a little spring in your step and sets the tone perfectly for the weekend. Va bra!

Josef Frank is a staple in Swedish homes, but it’s so fun to see a growing interest among younger generations, and even further afield beyond Sweden. Are you a fan of Josef Frank’s designs too?

Another major comeback we’ve been seeing for a while now is blue and white porcelain by the likes of Royal Copenhagen. Of course, it has never really gone out of style in Denmark or the UK. My mother has always had a collection on her Welsh dresser. But it’s lovely to see it being embraced by a younger generation as well. I’ve had my eye on these mugs with initials in particular for a while now, but they are a little steep budget-wise!

Did anything stand out to you about this lovely home? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Would you like to see some other homes with Josef Frank designs today? Take a deco at: 

A Copenhagen filled with design treasures
A Swedish apartment fit for a princess
Light, calm and oh-so Scandinavian in Malmö

Thank you so much for stopping by today – I hope this tour made the perfect breather out of your day! 

See you next week,

Niki

Photography courtesy of Oscars

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