Take Inspiration From A Lovely White, Blue and Wood Swedish Home

Why, hello there! I hope you had a great weekend and ready for some Scandi home inspiration today?! When I choose homes it's usually down to one or more factors: the feeling, the story / history, armchair escape (frequent right now - te he he!), the take-home details, or simply the colours or design pieces. This Swedish apartment designed by one of my favourite interior stylists Emma Fischer for Bjurfors falls into several categories. First of all, I have a real thing for blue kitchens (aren't they lovely?), secondly this home in Gothenburg features some really inspiring details which are easy to take home and implement, and finally, I spy some great (local!) design pieces! Ready for the tour? 

The small blue kitchen is by Swedish brand Vedum. I love how Emma has added a wooden rack for utensils - a great and simple way to add instant warmth and a relaxed touch. This peg rail* is similar. 

A set of four iconic danish J39 chairs have been arranged around a simple, round table. 

I fired of a message to Emma this morning to find out more about this striped pendant lamp . It's the first time I've seen it so I was really curious to know who it's by - turns out it's by danish brand Bloomingville and can be found here. 

FYI Stripes are set to be big this Autumn / Winter! 

Spot the fab DBKD vase with the 'ears'?! Coveting this now! 

The wonderful Torso chair was designed by fellow Malmö gal Lisa Hilland. I'm always amazed by how designers can take a simple piece of furniture that has been around for hundreds of years and still come up with an entirely new design. The Torso chair is a real beauty, don't you think? 

I spy the classic Mantis table lamp (I have the same in my home office - and sometimes bedroom, depending on my interior design mood!). 

I also love the climber, I'm thinking that as we start to head into autumn, and in Sweden there'll be nothing but bare branches and twigs outside the window soon (gaaah!), now is the time to start adding a lot more greenery indoors - especially in the form of climbers, hanging plants or even a mini greenhouse (as seen in Karolina's Stockholm home!). Who'll be joining me?!

I also really like this little shelf in the bathroom - it's perfect for potions, plants and candles (hygge vibes, friends, hygge vibes!). 

I hope you found some great inspiration for your own home today.

I promise to stop back once I have details on the striped lamp. In the meantime, why not pull up a chair and scroll through the Swedish apartment archives - there are so many beautiful tours in there! 

See you tomorrow folks! 

Niki

Photography: Alen Cordic Styling Emma Fischer for sale via Bjurfors. 

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A Small Swedish Home With A Clever Loft Bed

Usually I'd say start the week by going big, but today - I say let's go small! The reason? This quirky apartment in Södermalm, Stockholm is a teeny 33 m2 (355 f2), and perfect fodder for anyone looking for ways to make the most of their small living space. Built between 1904-1907 the tremendous 3.20 metre high ceiling has allowed the owners to build a loft bed with built in storage - while saving much needed floorspace. Despite the home staging and pared-back look, there are some fairly quirky touches. I'm particularly curious to hear what you think of the peeling kitchen wall: design feature or in need of a fresh lick of paint? The jury's out! Join the debate in the comments! 

 

 

 

I'd love to know (and be able to advise) on the paint colours, but I'm not entirely sure since I found this little apartment on Swedish estate agent site Historiska Hem where it' is currently for sale. But you never, know - often when I feature a home the home-owner steps forward, so we'll see! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this space?

Take a look inside a few other small spaces in the archive, there are some really beauties in there! 

I have to confess, I'm in a bit of a rush today since the crazies started school today (late morning) and it's also Liv's 12th birthday - happy birthday to our wonderful girl! - so there's lots to do before they get home! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

PS - I'm looking forward to sharing some pictures of our new wood floor tomorrow, we're so happy with it, I hope you're going to like it too! 

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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The Incredible Earthy Green Home of a Swedish Interior Designer

A few years ago I was at our summer cottage when I stumbled across a beautiful photo shoot on the beach. Feeling intrigued (OK, nosey!) I strolled over to find out more. It was the work of Swedish interior designer Sofie Izard Høyer. We've been messaging each other back and forth over the years and I was excited to discover she's recently completed the renovation of her Gothenburg home. As with everything Sofie turns her hand to, it looks incredible! Located in Vasa in the heart of Sweden's second largest city, Sofie lives with her two daughters Mira (14) and Siri (11) surrounded by a wonderful blend of old and new, against an earthy green backdrop. Welcome to their world!

Sofie on furniture: 

"I love to blend old with new and am completely crazy about Danish design, which could be due to my half Danish heritage. 

On colour:

"I love green, the colour of nature! I've used different shades of green from Jotun Lady throughout my apartment as well as a touch of grey. In the open-plan sitting room and dining room, I've used Organic Green. We don't have a TV here, instead we like to hang out, play games, read, and sit and chat for hours. In my bedroom I've applied Green Leaf. In the kitchen I opted for Vallmofrö - which I also applied to the dresser to create a greater sense of calm. In the children's room I went for a lighter Minty Breeze."

On materials:

"I love natural materials with lots of texture such as untreated leather, wood, oxidized brass etc. It's important to me that furniture is sustainable and beautifully made so that it stands the test of time."

On bedrooms: 
"In my daughters' room (below) we didn't want to make it so dark because they often spend time in there during the daytime. In my own bedroom (above), I decided to go for a slightly darker green as I love to lie on my bed and listen to podcasts or audio books by candlelight." 

On decorating: 

"When decorating, I think it's very important to unite the building, furniture and people who live there in order to create a sense of harmony."   

On the future: 

"I love out apartment, but one day, I dream about building and decorating my own house - I love the sea and would love to live near the water." 

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What a beautiful home. A sense of calm oozes from the pictures, don't you think? I love the idea of the three girls hanging out, reading, playing games and chatting! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Sofie's home? 

Oh, and that beach shot I was telling you about? I managed to find it in her portfolio....

The evening really was as magical as it looks :)

For more of Sofie's work, check out her instagram and website - where you can also find out information about her interior design work. 

Looking for a little more inspiration today?  I love these homes from deep within the My Scandinavian Home archive: 

A cool Swedish home with inspiring touches (that shoe display!!)

A beautiful Gotland home in shades of grey

A danish island summer oasis

Small side note: We're now in the Gothenburg archipelagos, winding our way up through the islands by boat. I brought my camera so I can hopefully put together a guide once I'm home - everyone should visit this part of the world at least once! 

See you Friday friends1 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sofie Izard Høyer, shared with kind permission. 

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Feel Inspired By A Beautiful Stockholm Family Home

On Monday I featured the beautifully calm Stockholm home of Emilie and Fredrik Carmén. And I also promised to share their new home. So vänner (friends), here it is! The family moved to one of Södermalm's oldest houses which was built in 1640 by a bar tender by the name of Hans Marschalk. It's fair to say the bones of this Stockholm pad are incredible: staggeringly high ceilings, eye-catching grid windows, ornate panelling and an original parquet wood floor (I can almost hear that wonderful creak as you walk across it!). The family have opted for a calm, earthy green-grey-beige palette (Almond beige by Jotun) - which they've applied throughout the home with the exception of one of the children's rooms. I have been musing over whether she / he point blank refused! Blue it is then! Industrial Blue to be precise :) Pull up a chair, pour yourself a coffee and enjoy the tour!  

Table from Hay, chairs by Asplund. 

A shaggy rug sets the scene for a cosy sitting room complete with a Normann Copenhagen circus pouf and IKEA sofa (it's the same deep, Söderhalm one I have!). 

The fabulous Monkey Lamp* by Seletti looking cheeky in the corner!

This organic light grey linen bed set* is similar.  

I love the Industrial Blue in the children's room above (with the IKEA desk and storage units painted to match), especially with the pink-brown tones in the chair (from Ikea believe it or not!) and rug. My Allie has the same 'apple apple' print in her room and tells him all her secrets. Apparently, he's a very good listener - despite the small ears! 

All in all, a wonderful, elegant home, don't you think?

Oh, to have bones like that to play with.

Is there anything that stood out to you about Fredrik and Emilie's home?

It's a hive of activity in my own home today since we're leaving for the cottage today - and guests are taking over tomorrow. #SOMUCHTODO! Gaaaaah! I'd better go and help poor Per! It will be so nice once we finally arrive and can put our feet up a little. I hope you've got some nice plans for the weekend too!

Due to the school summer holidays, I'll be winding down the blog a little to three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) until August. I promise to make the posts I do create EVEN MORE inspiring! 

Trevlig helg! 

Niki

Photography: Jonas Gustavsson 

Styling: Charlotte Frey Svidén

Shared with kind permission

*This post contains affiliate links

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A Beautiful Stockholm Pad In Calming Green and Grey Tones

Why, hello there! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I'm not sure what's happened to the Swedish summer - it seems to have disappeared!! We've all retreated from the bathing platforms back into our homes and spending summer holiday days (it's not unusual to take up to 4 weeks off and 'staycate' here) cooking, reading and meeting friends for a 'fika' (coffee and a cake) - which, thinking about it, doesn't sound so bad! Some of my friends have actually shut down their summer cottages for the week and reappeared in the city. In honour of the occasion, I thought it would be nice to share a beautiful, calm turn-of-the-century Stockholm apartment with you! Located a stone's throw from Mariatorget ('Maria Square') in the relaxed Södermalm district, Emilie and Fredrik Camén have decorated their living space in calming, earthy tones of green and grey. I particularly love the kitchen, it may be small, but it makes up for it in style and ceiling height! Enjoy the tour! 

 

What a difference the William Morris wallpaper makes in the hallway! I love the way it matches the kitchen cabinets.

Is there anything that stands out to you about this home?

Incidentally, the word on the street is that Emilie and Fredrick have since moved - and their new place has also been captured by Jonas Gustavsson and Charlotte Frey Svidén. I can't wait to share their new home with you next week - keep your eyes peeled! 

In the meantime, do you fancy taking a nose around a few other Stockholm homes today? 

Get the look from a the fab home of a design hunter

7 small space tricks to learn from a beautiful Stockholm space

The fabulous Stockholm home of Lovisa Hager

Wishing you a great start to the week! Hope you're having better weather than us! 

Niki

Photography: Jonas Gustavsson

Styling: Charlotte Frey Svidén

Shared with kind permission. 

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7 Great Ways To Make The Most of An Attic / Loft Space!

Good morning friends! I'm feeling extra sleepy today after relaxing over the four-day bank holiday in Sweden. Two super strength coffees down and still no affect. What is a girl to do?! Maybe make my way to Gothenburg so I can hang out in this beautiful apartment? The wonderful space is currently on the market (any takers?) - and a great lesson in how to make the most of an awkward attic / loft space. Got a room like this in your home - or thinking of finally converting that attic? Here are 7 tips to learn from the Swedes! 

1. Skylights and dormer windows: the lower side of the sloping roof is incredibly low and could prove a real challenge, especially for taller folks. This is where the skylight and dormer window come in handy. Not only do they flood the space with light, they also help to create extra head room. notice how the sofa and dining table have been placed by the windows - capitalising on the extra height and natural light! 

2. Go high! Knocking through the ceiling to maximise height helps to add a light and airy feel to the space (which is crucial as attic spaces can feel really pokey). The beams also help to add character. 

3. Park life: I love how the space is dotted with plants (and even a small tree). It helps to draw nature closer (especially which it can feel so much further away when you're living amongst the rooftops!). 

4. Storage that blends in: shelving and other cupboards that match the colour of the wall (in this case white) will help a small space to feel less cluttered. 

5. A bespoke kitchen: Just because you have a tiny space it play with, it doesn't mean you can't have a practical kitchen. Invest in custom-made units that ensure you make use of every last inch (or if you don't have the budget, chat to the kitchen planning team at IKEA, they're likely to have some great solutions). 

6. Double skylights: placing your bed under a double set of skylights will feel less claustrophobic and help you to capitalise on the big plus of living on the top floor: sleeping under the stars! Skylight brands such as Velux do great blind solutions for them too, so you don't need to worry about losing any shut-eye! 

7. Custom wardrobes and cabinets: in small spaces, every nook counts! Get handy and build units that perfectly fit the space you have, or invest in someone to build them for you. Having lots of storage will make your home feel more practical and organised as well as less cluttered. 

We do actually have two spaces on the top floor of our home like this. They're full of stuff - but seeing this, makes me wonder if we should finally do something with them. Hmmmm. Suddenly feeling alert after all! 

Did any if these ideas spring out to you? 

In case you're struggling with a small space - or simply looking for ways to make it even more beautiful, take a tour of the small spaces archive, there are hundreds of stunning Scandinavian spaces in there! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Alen Nordic 

Styling: Nouvel interior

For: Bjurfors 

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