Designer Notes: At Home with Gabriella Belin

Why hello there!

It's raining here for the first time in weeks and, to be honest, it's so welcome. The humidity is finally lifting, and it means you can actually get a few things done around the house. Even so, I hope it doesn't last too long!

In Gothenburg, I know two children who'll be happy to be staying indoors today, the three daughters of interior stylist Gabriella Belin. Their bedroom is so lovely, with its big desk, open shelving, and playful bed (all of which I would have absolutely loved as a child!).

Signs of Gabriella's talent as an interior stylist shine through in the rest of her home too, with its beautiful earthy tones, clever design solutions, effortless style, designer lighting, and a very cool ceramic shelf, as well as carefully chosen furniture sourced from antique and vintage shops. I also spotted the Gotain Sweet pea fabric in the kitchen once again, it's definitely the curtain of the moment! I'm tempted to follow suit. How about you? I hope you enjoy these lovely corners.

Happy scrolling!

Beautiful home. 

There's an ease about it that I love. Do you agree? 

In case you're wondering about any of these things: the kitchen is from Vedum, the chairs are Borge Mogensen.

And for the colours: 

Sitting room – Coconut, cabinet Olive

Kitchen – walls: Claro, beading: Lys Toscana, cabinets: Hummus

Children's room - walls: Scandinavian light, darker colour on the bed: Humble yellow, beading: turkey. 

If you don't have access to Jotun paint, you can always google search the colour codes and your nearest dealer should be able to match it. 

You can see more of Gabriella's home and work here. 

And how about a few more lovely apartment tours today? Take a peek at:

Hannes' cosy Swedsh apartment

A cosy Swedish home with earthy tones

Hanna's Swedish city home and country cottage

Thank you so much for stopping by, as always. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Gabriella Belin

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A Charming Summer Cottage Outside Ystad

Has anyone else been melting this week?! This heatwave sweeping across Europe really has been something. I hope you're managing to keep cool! 

We are are actually in Mallorca for a few days, visiting my sister and celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary. Per and I were married here, in the beautiful north of the island, so it's always great to come back. But here's the funny thing... while we're enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine, it's actually going to be hotter in southern Sweden tomorrow than it is here! 

The good thing about a Swedish heatwave is that you're never far from the water. Whether it's kayaking, sailing or an evening swim, there's always a cool lake or stretch of coastline waiting.

Today's home is just outside Ystad, one of Sweden's prettiest medieval towns, on the edge of Nybrostrand and only moments from the cool blue Baltic Sea. With open fields all around, a lovely garden and a charming guest house for summer visitors, it feels like the perfect place to enjoy these long, sunny days. Shall we take a look around?

I can imagine the lack of clutter and the calm, airy feel of this home makes it wonderfully cool on a hot day. Don't you agree?

I really like the darker colour of the skirting boards, door frames and even the ceiling in places, this is something I am planning to do in our cottage too. I also love that final touch of green in the guest house, it adds a time-honoured feel. 

Was there anything that particularly caught your eye about this Ystad home?

Right friends, I'd better dash! My family are downstairs waiting to head into the square here in Pollença for a light aperitivo, and who am I to argue on a beautiful Friday evening?

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

¡Salud! Until Monday!

Niki 

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks.

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A Warm and Inviting Stockholm Home with a Lived-In Feel

I'm writing this as we head down the motorway, heading back to Malmö after a wonderful Midsummer weekend at our cottage. There were wildflowers in our hair, garden games on the lawn and a long, leisurely feast outdoors, scenes not unlike those I shared with you last Thursday.

As we settle back into city life, I thought we'd take a peek inside an apartment in the heart of Södermalm, Stockholm. While the setting is urban rather than rural, there's something about this home that feels equally relaxed and inviting. Perhaps it's the warm earthy palette, the well-used kitchen, or the way everything appears collected over time.

This Södermalm apartment has that lived-in look, thanks to the open shelving, wooden island worktop, aged cutting boards, visible cables and tactile textiles that bring warmth and character.

What I love most is the unpretentious approach. Open shelves lined with everyday glassware and pantry staples rather than carefully styled displays, and earthy shades of olive green, ochre and rust add depth throughout. Art, plants and vintage finds lend a personal touch to the rooms, creating a home that feels creative, practical and welcoming. 

Let's take a closer look.

A rare peek into a bathroom on here! I was drawn to this one because although it is simple and unfussy, with exposed pipework, classic white tiles and straightforward fittings, it's a great example of how you can elevate a practical space without spending a fortune. A striking shower curtain, nice towels, artwork, baskets, a few hooks, a plant and a pretty robe all help to add personality and warmth.

All in all, there are plenty of ideas to steal from this lovely Stockholm home, do you agree? Is there anything that caught your eye?

I hope you enjoyed the tour!

Here are a few more Scandinavian apartments to feel inspired by today: 

Soft greens and floral dreams in a Gothenburg apartment

A small, cosy Swedish apartment with earthy tones

Sarah's calm Danish apartment

Ha det så bra!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks.

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A Final Peek Inside Kristin Lagerkvist's Beautiful Swedish Home

If you're a long-term follower of My Scandinavian Home, you'll almost certainly have heard of Kristin Lagerkvist. Kristin is a content creator with the most beautiful, relaxed sense of style and runs a store in Varberg, on Sweden's west coast, through which she sells lovely linen clothing. She also has an impeccable eye for interiors, creating spaces that blend Scandinavian design with a laid-back bohemian touch.

I first featured her Swedish home back in 2016, and since then she has also bought and lovingly renovated a house in France, which I've shared here and here. Today, I read that she is selling her Swedish home in pursuit of new adventures. I'm not sure what they are just yet, but I can't wait to see where life takes her next. Until then, I thought we'd take a fresh peek inside her home, ten years on from when I first featured it.

And what a home it is. Built in 1926 in the elegant Swedish Grace style, the yellow villa is brimming with character, both inside and out. There are beautiful original details at every turn, a pool and greenhouse nestled among the roses and lilacs, and, of course, Kristin's signature blend of Scandinavian simplicity and relaxed bohemian style, which makes the whole place feel effortlessly warm and inviting.

Ready to take a peek?

Such a dream!

It must feel like the end of an era for Kristin and her family. But I'm sure whatever they do next will be exciting! You can see more pictures and find out details about the sale and viewings here.

I'm especially envious of the garden. I love gardening and do my best with our summer cottage garden, but the soil is almost entirely sand, which makes it rather challenging! I dream of creating an English country garden right here in Scandinavia, filled with billowing peonies, hydrangeas and other romantic blooms. To me, that would be the best of both worlds! Do you enjoy gardening too?

A special mention, too, for the beautiful dining area and those blue and green doors - I absolutely love the tones.

Was there anything that particularly stood out to you?

It's a busy day here as we've been packing for our summer cottage, and Alice and I will be hitting the road this evening. The rest of the gang will follow in time for Midsummer celebrations on Friday - my favourite day of the year! Will you be celebrating too?

Niki

Photography by Kristin Lagerkvist, for sale via Bjurfors Varberg.

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