Step Inside Janniche's Delightful Swedish Home

Janniche Kristoffersen's home is one of those you can visit time and time again and never tire of. It's simply beautiful, in a relaxed, homely way. I nipped over to her blog yesterday to see what she was up to this Christmas and was excited to find she'd made some lovely colour changes (the 'melun' in the children's bedroom being my favourite) and added some cosy festive touches. Think stars, orange garlands, simple wreaths and candles. Ready for a return visit to Bagarmossan, Sweden? Let's dive in!  

What a cosy dining space! Look closely and you'll see the decorations are very simple - an orange garland, branches of pine in a vase and a wreath made from eucalyptus. Love the mix and match mid-century chairs too! 

Can you spot the TV? This setting would have fitted in perfectly in my 'stylish ways to display a TV' feature a few weeks back!

Janniche's Ikea Söderhamn sofa has been covered in a Simply Linen cover in Absolute white* from Bemz. 

The wall of books and magazines is one of my favourite things in this home. I love the idea of using books as art - plus you can really see all of the titles! 

Janniche's daughter's room has been painted in a beautiful combination of shiny melun and modest white from Nordsjö. 

Rug from Oyoy Living, 'hello' - playwood studio, print from Fine Little Day.

Oh, how I love this home!

Have you seen this before on MSH or is this the first time you've toured her home?!

Either way, I hope you enjoyed this space as much as I do!

You can see more pics of Janniche's home over at @bloggaibagis and her blog and also check out a load more Swedish homes (as always) in the archives here. 

For tomorrow's post I've gone down a slightly different track - and sharing an interview with Per about our Swedish Christmas and all the traditions he loves (along with pics of course!). I even learned a few new things! I've also got an exciting discount code to share which is perfect for very Scandi gifts! Hope to see you then! 

Vi ses imorgen! 

Niki

Photography Janniche Kristoffersen / Bloggaibagis

*Affiliate partner links

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11 Small Space Tricks to Learn From a Swedish Interior Designer's Home

How does a Swedish interior designer and visual merchandiser decorate a small apartment? With style (as you can imagine!) - but also by being incredibly smart! What Erik Josefsson's Gothenburg home lacks in square feet (it's a mere 52 - or 559 sq ft) it sure makes up for in texture, earthy nuances, beautiful vignettes, Scandinavian design, art and plants - all the while feeling calm and de-cluttered!  I went through it with a fine toothcomb and found 10 lessons we can learn to achieve that elusive balance between clutter-free and cosy! I hope you find something you can apply to your own home, I certainly have! 

1. Leave empty space: empty space (or 'negative space') is just as important as occupied space in a home (especially when size is an issue). It helps to focus the eye, create calm and give you room to breath!

2. Work with texture: even though the wall behind the sofa is blank, Erik has used a paint technique that adds texture to the wall which automatically adds interest without adding clutter. 

3. Display the things you love (and use a lot), hide the things you don't! Bit of an obvious one (sorry!) but if you surround yourself with the things you love, you'll feel happier. Store away more unsightly things behind cupboard doors or use nice storage boxes like the one on the floor (Etsy sell similar vintage ones here*). 

4. Tucked away but still at hand: In small spaces, you can find room for storage in the most unexpected places (I first learned that from the clever home of a danish architect).  It took me several goes before I noticed this little wall-mounted shelf by the radiator! 

5. Group art: This goes back to point number 1 (you know, the one about leaving empty space) - if you group art and other objects you then have more scope to leave an empty space elsewhere). Having said that, it's also nice to pick out one piece of art you really love and display it completely on its own. 

I shared a fail safe way to hang art here (Per breathed a total sigh of relief when I discovered that trick!). The Poster Club* sells prints and frames like these (and ships worldwide) 

6.  Think small and smart: some kitchens are so tiny you wonder if it's actually possible to fit in a table! Small, wall mounted tables like this one are perfect for saving space and creating a table for two! I like the Norbo wall mounted table from IKEA which you can paint any colour you like. 

7. Go dark! Painting a small space dark goes against every rule in the decorating book, but actually many have decided against this and in fact, going for a deep hue in small rooms in the bedroom can make a space feel extra warm and cosy. After seeing Erik's bedroom I kind of regret only painting one wall in my stepson's room - time to paint the rest!

8. Use the windowsill as a side table: I know from previous comments that not everyone has a windowsill (in Sweden we're kind of spoilt on this front) but when space is of a premium, if you do have one, a sill can double up as a great bedside table. 

9. Bespoke bedside shelf: No windowsill? Try a small wall mounted shelf cut to size, like the one seen to the left of Erik's bed. Painting it the same colour as the wall will help to keep the look clean and clutter-free. 

10. Lean-to shelves: narrow shelves that lean against the wall are great for saving space.

11. Hooks and more hooks: I can't tell you how handy I find long racks of hooks - I think we have them in every room of our house. This wooden rack in Erik's hallway is ideal for coats etc - but can also be used for decorative items when not in use. 

Source a similar one here. 

Isn't his home lovely? I love the use of colour too! 

Did you pick up any ideas for your home? I know what I'll be doing this weekend.... painting Albin's room! 

You can see more of Erik's home over at @erinterior and take a peek at his latest projects here. Incidentally Erik was one of the creatives behind this stunning Swedish home I featured last week (I'm still reeling from the tour, how about you? Wonder if anyone has snapped it up yet!).

Other small space inspiration:

10 small space hacks to learn from a Danish apartment
10 ways to turn a pokey top floor flat into a swoon-worthy living space
A tiny cabin and pottery studio in the woods

I see the tiny cabin has just come on the market - Vermont anyone?!

Ha det så fin!

Niki

Photography: Erik Josefsson shared with kind permission
*this post contains affiliate links which means I might make a very, very tiny amount of money if you click on the link and buy the item. 

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If you move to Gothenburg in Sweden, you could live like this!

I mean, seriously - look at this place! It's 184 square metres (1980 square feet) of pure heaven. I'm already picturing myself swanning (because that surely what's you'd in an elegant apartment like this, swan!) from room to spacious room, the parquet floor softly creaking under foot! Fires would crackle away in the wood burning stoves, casting shadows on the lavish 19th century period features! It's Monday, I'm in love! Let's take a tour and then decide which one of us will move in and invite the other for fika (and the odd party!). Deal?!

Be still, beating heart. I do believe it's a Grand Air love seat (Gen has one in her living room and I couldn't get out of it the entire shoot!). The rug is from Tisca. I also spy a Pion light by Hay.

I really love how the doors, doorframe and skirting boards have been painted in a mid-grey, it adds a contemporary touch to the room and helps to highlight the details of the magnificent doors. 

 

I'm all into blue velvet sofas right now having installed one in my own sitting room last week - are you a fan too? I'm not sure where this one is from (love the studs!) - any idea?

We have a rubber plant like this at home too. We call it 'Farfar' (which means Father's Father or 'Grandad' in Swedish) since Per inherited it from his grandfather who passed away many years ago. It's an amazing plant!

These Swedish masonry ovens are just so beautiful, don't you think? They are amazingly efficient too (the tiles retain their heat long after the fire has gone out).

Are you convinced yet?! 

I'd move in in a heartbeat!

Other fabulous historical properties to enjoy today:

A vintage inspired Swedish home full of soul (this one is soooo charming!)

A boho dairy in the Swedish countryside

An eclectic 19th century Swedish house

I hope you have a great start to the week, I've got a feeling this one is going to be a great one!

Niki

PS - I've had SO many questions about the Bemz covers from Friday's post. If you're stuck on which fabric to choose, I'd advise ordering a few samples. They're very quick to send them out and you should still be able to order in time to receive the 25% discount. 

Photographs courtesy of Entrance, with thanks.

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A Charming & Relaxed Swedish Home In Blue And White

Hejsan! It's one of those weeks where I'm constantly on the back foot - anyone else experiencing that? I'd never leave you high and dry without some beautiful interior inspiration though - besides this lovely Swedish space has been the highlight of my day! The blue and white colour scheme and relaxed nature of the space caught my eye. There's also a load to love - including the mix and match furniture, books, plants and art  which give the place in Kungsladugård, Gothenburg it's soul! I hope you feel as inspired as I do by this lovely home! 

It's so hard to find lovely old tables - but a close-up of this one reveals it's been handmade (possibly using IKEA legs and a door or other reclaimed item). So clever - and actually not that difficult to cobble together if you fancy doing something similar. 

The sitting room reminds me a little of the beautiful Varberg home of Kristin Lagerkvist 8(you can see a glimpse of her living room here). 

There are a few lovely things at play in the space above - including a wooden cabinet which has been painted in the same colour as the wall, Elfa shelves lined with books and other treasures and a simple grey sheepskin* draped over a mid-century chair - all of which make it feel personal and cosy!

So charming, don't you think?

Is there anything that stood out to you?

I'm still thinking about the Elfa book shelves (not just in the sitting room, but also in the hallway) - and wondering where I might be able to fit more shelving in my own home (so many books, such little time... and space!).

The blue and white theme has me thinking about the subtle coastal tones in this danish cottage, a striking blue and white Swedish home full of contrast and the details in this striking Danish house. Blue will always be one of my favourite shades - are you a fan too?

Right, better get on, so much to do! Eeeek!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Kvarteret Mäkleri

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A Monochrome Swedish Home Where Creativity Shines Through

Maria Karlberg describes herself as a creative Mamma to her magical daughter, an interior designer and a furniture store salesperson. Looking at the wonderful monochrome apartment in Örebro, a few hours West of Stockholm, it's easy to appreciate this. Despite the pared-back nature of the space, Maria's home oozes creativity. Art, ceramics and sculptures appear on every wall and surface and there's something refreshing about the stacks of paper on the floor and desk. Keeping it real. Yay! Not tom mention making me feel way better about my own "filing system" or lack of! From now on, I'll be following Maria's instagram and blog - Studio Naya avidly. She has me sold! I hope you feel inspired by Maria's home too!

This is the second time this week we've seen a polished concrete floor (remember the fabulous Sydney home?!). I've always been a fan (if accompanied by under floor heating, especially in Sweden) - how about you?

Also spotted: a Marshall speaker*.

In Maria's home office candlestick holders, frames and sculptures (try Love Warriors) line a concrete worktop sourced from Conceptbetong. 

This is one of the stacks I was talking about! And guess what? It seems if you put a pretty vase of flowers on top, no one will notice it. Are you feeling as inspired as I am?!

Check out that candlestick holder to the right, too! It's available here. Just saying!

Cork boards are ideal for mood boards (Allie has one in her bedroom and loves it, and I've always been a little envious of it!) - try combining these tiles to create similar. 

I hope you feel inspired by Maria's home and have picked up lots of ideas! 

I'm so happy to have been reminded of the Swedish online shop Love Warriors. It's a PERFECT place to pick up art and sculptural pieces. It should come with a warning sign, if you're like me, you'll want everything in the shop! 

There are a load more pictures of Maria's home over on her instagram and blog (so worth a peek!). 

You might also like to take a peen at Anna Kvarnström's stunning home in the same Swedish city!

Have a lovely day!

Niki

PS I'm having so many problems with my blog comment section this week - GRRRRR! I can't seem to leave a comment, it just disappears, is anyone else finding this? If you have time to test it by leaving a comment and then send me a mail if it's not working, I'd be sooooo grateful. Anyhow, I just wanted to let you know that I'm enjoying reading your comments even if I can't respond!

Photography: Maria Karlberg shared with kind permission
*Affiliated links

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