Marianne's Art-filled Apartment in SOFO, Stockholm

Sweden might be a big country geographically, but the population is small:10 million (the same size of London), which means never more than a few degrees separation from anyone. Interior and graphic designer Marianne Wikner and I first connected when I reached out to feature her beautiful home in Mariefred (which she has since sold). I instantly fell in love with her love of art, sculpture and antique pieces - and a home tour of her and her husband's charming country escape in Österlen, southeast Sweden quickly followed. 

So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Marianne has a flat in Stockholm! Located in SOFO (the quarter south of Folkungagatan in the hip neighbourhood of Södermalm), the apartment has all the hallmarks of Marianne's signature style including plenty of antique and vintage finds as well as paintings, busts and figurines, but it also has an air of calm, ensuring it's the perfect oasis to return too after a day in the city. Welcome to Marianne's Stockholm home!

You'll recognise this table from her Mariefred home. This time, Marianne has opted for a soothing beige backdrop as opposed to the striking deep tone seen in her previous dining room area. 

The trick to creating a gallery wall like this is to include a variety of different styles of art (oil painting, illustrations etc), as well as mix and match frames (some without too!). I also like the way Marianne has included objects. 

The entrance hall is wonderfully clutter free - a calm welcome after shutting the door on the buzz and whir of Sweden's capital city! 

The sitting room is made up of a selection of times collected over time including a leather Chesterfield, cane chairs and poufs. 

A collection of well loved coffee table books, sculptures and treasures have been displayed on the table in the corner. 

What a perfect oasis! 

Marianne's interiors have got me so excited about 'Konstrunda' next week. Every easter, it's time for the big art exhibition across Skåne, south Sweden. There are five different tours to choose from, and we usually pick one each year, travelling around the countryside dropping in at the ateliers and galleries of painters, potters and sculptures. It's one of my favourite events of the year. 

Do you have something similar in your area? 

I'm particularly excited about heading to Norrviken to see Sara Bergman's exhibition - I featured her lovely home in Höganäs last year, and her art is wonderful! 

In case you'd like to see more of Marianne's home - check out her instagram here, and take the tour of her Österlen home and former house in Mariefred. 

On another note, I know I usually write posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday but this afternoon the crazies and I are heading off on a long weekend to Berlin (very exciting!) with my Mother so this post is a little earlier than usual! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Marianne Wikner, shared with kind permission. 

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A White Swedish Home In An Attic

Homes come in all shapes and sizes - some of which can present challenges! But help is at hand: there are plenty of tricks you can use to create a beautiful interior no matter how awkward the space! This delightful Swedish home is tucked under the roof tops of a 1920s townhouse in Gothenburg. Fairly small (it measures 44 m2 / 473 f2 but bear in mind Swedes don't count areas under a certain a ceiling height), with angled ceilings and smallish windows, the living space could feel dark, and pokey had it not been for the fantastic Dormer windows, white walls and floors as well as the light coloured furniture. Keep a look out for other touches such as mirrors and internal windows which help the flow of light, while subtle shifts in tones ensure the space remains interesting and cosy. 

In smaller spaces, furniture with 'gaps' that you can see through help to create an airy feel and ensure the light can flow. 

Storage is key to keep the space clutter-free. 

A mix of white with wood creates strikes a perfect balance between clean and bright and cosy and warm. 

A sage green brings a soft, calm touch to the living space. 

Blue is also known for its calming affects. A darker shade helps to create a lovely 'cocoon' affect in the bedroom, while a window ensures the light flows through. 

Skylight windows are really affective - and often come with built in blinds for bedtime! 

Here is a look at the layout: 

What a perfect pad! I'd be so happy come back home here each day after a long day of work, how about you? 

Is there anything in particular that you love about this home? 

I hope this serves as perfect inspiration for anyone dealing with awkward angles, low ceilings and smallish living spaces! The Swedes certainly are a dab hand at this. 

Would you like to see some other attic apartments today? Here are a few of my favourites: 

A smallish Danish home with a vibrant sunny feel

A 19th century Swedish loft apartment

7 great ways to make the most of an attic / loft space

Oh, and did I mention this home is on the market? Gothenburg is a great city - and a perfect gateway to the archipelagos in summertime. Just saying! 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography: Jonas Berg

Styling: Livindeco

For Stadshem

Found via Nordroom with thanks

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Shades of White in a Swedish Country Home on Gotland

In need of a little escape today? Buckle up friends, we're off to a serene country home on the Swedish island of Gotland! 

Julia Khouri lives in the North of the Baltic island with her husband and four children. Her home is a sea

of serenity with milky white shades throughout. "A light and simple look has always appealed to me and gives me a harmonious feeling at home," she explains.

Keep a look out for the mix of materials and texture which help to add interest and cosiness, the tiled masonry ovens and the blend of old and new (that bathroom cabinet!).

Have you noticed fee-standing range-style ovens creeping into Scandinavian homes more and more lately? This one is by Smeg.

The mix and match items - including a Little Petra armchair and antique table in the sitting room are lovely! I really appreciate a combination of old and new. 

It's not always easy to throw objects of different styles and eras together, but it works really well here because they share similar tones. 

You'll spot vintage glass cabinets throughout Julia's home. Not only do they look nice, but they also provide great storage. They are also hot property right now, but if you're prepared to get the paint brush out, you can still find one for a steal! 

I don't feel like I show enough TVs in the home tours - so here is an example! I like it when they are more of a side show than a focal point, as seen here, do you agree?

The master bedroom is also on the ground floor. Notice how Julia has added lace inside the cabinet, which adds a soft, romantic touch and also helps to hide the items inside for a calmer look. 

I really appreciate the way Julia has found furniture to fit all kinds of nooks in her home - seen here in the window (old Gotland homes often have deep walls like this), and also in the bathroom. 

It's no easy feat when you are working with vintage / antique finds. If you're looking for an item in particular for your home, it's important to know the measurements in advance and carry a tape measure with you. Or you can do what I recently did, find something you absolutely love, buy it and THEN work out where to put it. After all, a coveted second-hand item of beauty is not always easy to find, so you have to seize the opportunity when it arrives (if you have the space to store it)!

The bathroom has been renovated in a classic, timeless way. 

I have to say, out of all my years of blogging, I've never seen a bath this small in Scandinavia! I have been in one though - many years ago as a child on a visit to Morzine, France. I found it very relaxing - mainly because I didn't need to share it with my sister for once! It's a great idea if you'd love a bath but don't necessarily have the space. 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Julia's home as much as I have, and it has left you feeling inspired. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more country homes today - or if you're looking for urban inspiration, check out the Danish apartment archive - it's one of my favourites! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography Julia Khouri, shared with kind permission

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