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! 

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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

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Mathilda & Anton's Serene Apartment in Southern Sweden

Hello friends, happy Monday! I was always get a little extra excited when I discover a home tour in Malmö - and this one is SO beautiful! Plus, it has a wonderful, serene vibe which I thought would help us launch into the week on a lovely, calm note! Tucked away on a quiet street in the leafy district of Rörsjöstaden, this turn-of-the-century apartment has been given some real TLC from owners Mathilda and Anton. The newly renovated living space has been decorated in a sea of neutrals, with warm wood playing a central role. Look closely and you'll also spy Scandinavian design pieces (I've done my best to include some links!), high street finds, vintage pieces and plenty of art! Välkommen in! 

The bamboo lamp, believe it or not, is from HM Home - what a find (currently out of stock, which doesn't surprise me)! The light oak table is from JYSK and the chairs are classic wishbone. The wooden kitchen cabinets are from IKEA. 

A vintage wall catches the light in the corner of the sitting room (source similar here*) while at is piled up beneath, waiting to be hung. 

An IKEA sofa and two armchairs are arranged around an IKEA coffee table. A String shelving unit runs along the back wall beneath a series of paintings and a Samsung Frame TV (cleverly disguised as art in the centre of the gallery wall). 

Mathilda has set up a home office on a fold-away vintage table by the window. 

Striped linen bedding from IKEA catches the light in the bedroom. The linen cushions are from Swedish brand Granit. 

There's something about this home, with it's beautiful natural light and soft tones that has made me feel ultra-calm this Monday, hope about you?

See more pictures of Mathilda and Anton's lovely Malmö hope over at @sekelskiftsdagboken

May this feeling of calm remain all week!

Having said that, I have a feeling I might just get pulses racing tomorrow. I'm busy preparing a post about an awe-inspiring Swedish holiday home in a former fire station (including before and after pics)! Whatever you're doing tomorrow, make sure you stop by!

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Mathilda / @sekelskiftsdagboken

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A Cosy Malmö Home In Rich, Earthy Tones

This lovely Swedish home reminds me of the beautiful words by Leonard Koren: "Pare down to the essence, but don't remove the poetry." Located on St Knuts Torg, a relaxed, 'mysig' (cosy) and hip square in Malmö, Hannah Ingelsten has taken a minimalist approach to her apartment, furnishing it with only items she needs and loves. Think vintage furniture, handmade stoneware and layers of natural textures against a backdrop of rich, chocolate tones. Granted these are snapshots rather than full room shots, I hope you can still get an idea of Hannah's cosy haven on a cold Southern Sweden day. Välkommen in!

Hannah has kitted out the kitchen with IKEA cabinets and sink, spruced up with traditional brass fittings. 

Patterned linen gives the dining table a lift in the open-plan living space. This striped tablecloth from Lovely Linen (who are offering 20% off with code myscandinavianhome until 21st march, 2021!) is similar - and this striped one* is also pretty. 

We all know TV inspiration can be few and far between on MSH (sorry!) - so I'm excited to include this snapshot of Hannah's - which rests on wall mounted shelves. I particularly love how an old dough bowl has been used to store extra cushions (this rustic handcrafted one is beautiful!) underneath. 

In the living room area, an IKEA Karlstad sofa with stocksund legs has been dressed in a Panama cotton cover in Sage Brown* from Bemz. 

The bedroom wall has been painted in ecological 'Granite Stone' from Byggfabriken - such a cosy shade! A single print: 'Reading' By Fine Little Day* has been hung on the wall beside a dry floral wreath, 

The pretty 'frilly' bedding is from online Swedish store Ellos. 

A simple hanging clothes rail* has been installed in lieu of a wardrobe, while a smaller vintage cupboard houses more clothes. 

So cosy, don't you think?

Such a perfect home tour for a cold, overcast day in Malmö! 

You can see more snapshots of Hannah's home here: @Hannah.vivere. 

I'm busy preparing for a photoshoot in my kitchen this afternoon. It takes a little extra work as my kids were obviously in a hurry when they left for school this morning. There's breakfast stuff everywhere *rolls eyes*! If only it looked like this set-up in Hannah's home, I'd be all ready to go:

Sadly, it looks nothing like this! 

Those plates! Beautiful! 

Right, better get on, there's lots of work to be done. 

Wishing you all a lovely, cosy day!

Niki

All photographs by Hannah Ingelsten, except the portrait which is by Amelia Barklid

*this post contains affiliate links

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Lotta Agaton's Elegant, Earthy Stockholm Home

Remember Lotta Agaton - renowned Swedish interior designer and the woman behind THAT dark interior trend a few years back? Well, her latest home in a former factory went on the market this week - and sold in the blink of an eye! Located in Kungsholmen, Stockholm, the apartment has a far lighter look than the cocoon-like aesthetic she rocked in her previous apartment and is awash with earthy tones, natural materials and layers of luscious of texture. Keep an eye out for the statement art, sculptures and fabulous lighting as well as the solid oak Tre Sekel kitchen and custom-made sink! Loving the outdoor space too!  

If you're looking for inspiration for your backyard, this last picture is great! Talk about moving life outdoors (which is key right now as we do our best to social distance!). Love the layout, sofas and table, but most of all the lighting! 

All in all, a beautiful space, little wonder it was snapped up so quickly!

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

Other beautiful Stockholm homes to feel inspired by this weekend: 

Get the look from the home of a Stockholm design hunter

A white Stockholm home in wintertime

A charming apartment where past meets present

By the way, I have exciting news for anyone looking for gorgeously soft linen bedding (seen in Liv's bedroom), easter table linen etc! Swedish brand Lovely Linen are offering 20% off with code 'myscandinavianhome' in their online shop until 21st March - and they ship worldwide! 

Right folks, that's it from me this week. I don't know about you, but I'm SO ready for a lie-in. The weather is set to be terrible here in Southern Sweden which I'm seeing as a perfect opportunity for an extremely last, relaxing weekend! I hope you have some great plans - or like me, get the R&R you need! 

Vi ses på Måndag (see you Monday!). 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Per Jansson with thanks. Design By Lotta Agaton. 

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