A fab swedish home in neutrals and a cute doggy!

Hello! I hope you had a great weekend?! I'm on an early morning train with Southern Sweden flashing passed the window as I type (and matchsticks holding open my eyes - I'm not a morning person, are you?!). But I can just about see enough to discover this lovely home in all it's soft grey, brown and blues. A couple of things struck me the most - firstly the use of natural materials throughout - rattan, leather, shells etc, and secondly the pages from a book used as a wall decoration. I've seen this before in the bedroom of an Australian home in 'Holiday at Home'. And spot the hungry doggy, waiting for her breakfast....

Alvhem

I wonder what book it is? Which would you choose? Something romantic perhaps?

I also love the industrial touches - the side table in the sitting room and bedside table are fab, dont you think?

Is there anything that struck you about this home? Apart from that very cute doggy of course!

This weekend I had a glance through my archive of Australian homes - they are just so fantastic! I really feel Australia is having a design moment right now. I'm a huge fan of the blog Design Files too - do you follow that blog too?

Have a great start to the week! 

PS Thank you to everyone who entered the Blackthumb / Sne Design give-away this weekend, the winners have now been announced here. Don't forget you can get 10% off all beautiful products at Blackthumb and Sne Design until 8th May!

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An elegant Swedish space with a mid-century touch

I do love a little high ceiling elegance and this apartment embraces it by keeping the walls white and the look pared-back, adding a only few select mid-century pieces. Combine this with original white washed beams and floaty linen curtains as room dividers and the result is a serene, grown-up living space. My eye is on the detail too - instead of one large landscape picture above the dining table the owners have used three portrait images. Herbs hang in the window and plants and flowers can be seen in every single frame. Lucky it's spring - as everything we need is right outside our door right?! Oh and did I mention this space is for sale....?

Entrance mäkleri

A little about where things are from: Source hanging plant holders here. Mid-century furniture is available at Lauritz and Live Auctioneers. The pretty brass light in the kitchen is similar to the golden bell and the chairs are series 7.

Other homes with a cool mid-century touch include this Berlin space, an apartment in gothenburg and this truly fabulous house. Or for something completely different -how about this surfers home in Australia? Now, that's brightened up my day no end, how about you?!

It's a short week here in Sweden as it's Valborg (or walpurgess night). A pagan tradition,  villagers gather around bonfires across the country to ward of witches, who were believed to ride on their broomsticks to higher ground and cast evil spells on the eve of 30th April. And tomorrow it's the May day spring festival - and I love any talk of spring!

But I would never leave you high and dry without a post oh no!  To celebrate, I'm holding an exciting give-away, so make sure you stop by - it'll be open to everyone!

Have a lovely day!

PS There's a 5 minute clip of me on TV channel Arte, showing my home and talking about the home  if you fancy seeing it here- (in german).

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Spring has sprung in a lovely Swedish space

 I love it when the doors and windows can be flung open, the sun streams in and you can pad about the place bare foot and fancy free. This Gothenburg apartment captures the spring vibe perfectly with it's light-filled open plan living space, balcony and bright pops of green. I love the mix of old and new - Scandinavian modern, vintage and industrial, what a perfect blend? And who needs a large backyard to have a herb garden - I really like the idea of using the full height of balcony railings for important culinary ingredients, how about you?!

Styled and photographed by the Alvhem team.

If you're looking for a big plant for your home why not source one second hand? One of my friends, Gen, bought beautiful greenery on Blocket (Sweden's version of Gumtree) - in fact you can see it in her sitting room here. You never know if someone in your neighbourhood or a local business are looking to get rid of some beautiful greenery?! (More plants and flower inspiration here).

Try Etsy for industrial pendant lamps.

Other lovely light-filled homes which are bound to brighten up your day include this idyllic Danish cottage, a back-to-basics Oregon cottage, and  a pared-back Finnish cabin. Or if you're thinking outdoors - this Montreal oasis will always be my favourite - imagine?!

Have a lovely sunny day!

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The tasty home of a Swedish food blogger

I actually once linked to this wonderful home of food blogger Sofia Wood and her family, but today I realised this South of Stockholm space deserves a post of it's own. I mean, look at that blue sofa for starters! Before I even comment on the decor though, shall we begin with the breakfast? I mean, cinnamon swirl, blueberrires, chocolate and figs? I know what I'll be eating for breakfast this weekend, you?! Anyways, the home. What can I say? It's lovely - pared-back, fairly monochrome but with a lovely touch of mint green and brass in the kitchen - what a wonderful combination? I could certainly pad around here this weekend, how about you?!

Photo: Amelia Widell shared with kind permission.

Back to the sofa. I note how she has added a dark grey sheepskin - which against the dark blue is very now. To take the whole look a step further I will always love this and this home, with their dark, brooding notes through out. Could you go over to the dark side?

This and this sofa are similar.

Another thing that stands out is the way the books are stacked in the bedroom. They've gone for a similar look in this home. I love this informal way of storing / displaying novels, how about you?

Is there anything that stands out to you?

More photos and full interview with Sofia (in Swedish) here.

This morning I'm on my way to the IKEA headquarters in Älmhult. Which is exciting but in one way a shame too - I was looking forward to making my mad dash to nab a limited edition street art print at my local store this morning. Will you be going? If so, let me know how you get on!

Have a fabulous weekend and see you Monday!

PS I've had lots of questions about the fab print in yesterday's post - anyone know where it's from?

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A home for a mid-week touch of calm

There are just so many lovely Swedish homes on the market right now I can barely keep up! Today, I'm all over this beautiful light-filled space in Gothenburg. The 1920's era in which it was built is still very much evident thanks to the serving cabinet, mirrored doors and cast iron radiators (I used to live in an apartment very similar to this and the tour makes me feel so nostalgic - I'd forgotten all about the blinds which are actually placed between the triple glazed window panes!). Stylist Emma Fisher, has given the space a cool modern touch with mid-century furniture, art and copper while the muted tones create a real sense of calm in the midst of a city. 

Stadshem. Photography: Janni Olander. Styling: Emma Fisher.Post inspired by (My) Unfinished Home with thanks.

For me the stand out piece has to be that copper light shade - don't you agree? Does anyone know where to find it? Other pretty copper lights, accessories and furniture for the home can be sourced here - where to start?!).

Did anything catch your eye?

More homes to add a little mid-week calm to your life include these spaces in pastels, this fab Danish home with a beautiful grand piano (oh how I'd love one of those!) and this serene white and grey Swedish apartment.

And if you're really in need of a little serenity this morning - I find dreaming I'm floating in one of these idyllic pools helps. And I could quite happily swap places with this girl or enjoy the peace and tranquility from one of these loungers, how about you?! *sigh* if only!

Have a wonderful, relaxing day!

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A calm Swedish apartment in green and cognac

Hello! I hope you had a great weekend? The sun's been shining here in Sweden and we went out for our first sail of the season- so exhilarating (do you sail too?). While we were out my little girl asked for our favourite colours. I was expecting The Man to say 'I've no idea' (he's more of a maths and science guy...) but he surprised us all by answering 'it changes all the time, right now it's green'. So today's Swedish apartment is for P, as it features the most beautiful green coloured walls. I now know what he means, it's such a perfect colour for spring, don't you think? I love the blue in the kitchen and the striking harlequin wallpaper in the hall too (what an entrance?!). Time to do away with those white walls?

Alvhem

Is there anything you love in particular about this space?

Apart from the touches of paint, I love the cognac leather theme throughout. Safari chair anyone?! The cactus in the glass jar is such a simple idea and yet it looks lovely too, possible DIY inspiration for the week?

The best thing about spring is that all the plants and flowers you need in your home can be found right outside your backdoor. I brought in a few branches from our japanese cherry tree at the weekend and the simple arrangement made me smile all day. If you're after a little more green inspiration this morning I love this really fab botanical inspired photo shoot by VT Wonen (I think I pinned every single picture!). 

Have a lovely day! 

PS If like me, you're stuck indoors but dreaming of being outside today - look at this magical picture, and dream - how idyllic?

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