A simply stunning and calm Swedish space

Sometimes, not very often though, I search and search for the perfect home to post and simply can't find anything. From experience, I know that often this is when the most beautiful home tours of all pop up. And today is one of those days. For me, this home is the epitome of calm, Swedish pared-back simplicity. It has just the right balance of traditional (beautiful period features and architecture, antique and vintage furniture) and modern (brass fittings, grey marble worktop, industrial lights, classic design furniture...) and a wonderful use of natural materials throughout. Beautiful styling by the team at Sarah Widman and definitely worth the wait, don't you think?!

Alvhem Mäklari. Styling: Team Sarah Widman.

To me this is one of those homes in which you could never feel anything but calm. Just what I needed on a rather hectic Thursday!

Could you live here?

Other lovely spaces for a touch of calm today include this striking danish home (cue: music from that piano), a lovely white and grey Swedish space and the serene home of a Swedish singer here in Malmö. Or perhaps a duvet day in this Danish bedroom could do the trick?!

Have a lovely, relaxed day!

PS If you find some time this weekend,  I'll be holding a fabulous give-away with a very cool, coveted Finnish design prize. I'm sooo excited as I think you're going to love it! Watch this space....

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The boho home and atelier of a Swedish artist & florist

I'm kind of loving the 'home visits' by Lovely Life right now. The way they capture homes is so natural and raw - almost like the owner has been caught off guard. The latest home belongs to Swedish artist and florist Marie Emilsson, Mikke and three year old Loui in the Lovely Life playground of Varberg on Sweden's west coast. When it comes to decorating, Marie gets her inspiration from nature, auctions, travel and meeting other people. Flowers and foliage are brought in from the garden year round to keep the space looking fresh and seasonal (spot the rhubarb in a vase). Let's take a tour of Marie's lovely life...

Styling: Johanna Bradford. Photo: Kristin Lagerkvist with thanks

What a lovely home, don't you think? Relaxed, unique and full of inspiration- black and white photos arranged on a gallery wall, painted and wallpapered accent walls, and many vintage finds. I also absolutely love the Loui's room with the owl wallpaper and ants painted on the floor - what a fab idea?!

One of Marie's biggest passions is her garden,  which you can see more of here. 

Could you live here? I certainly could! I'm often toying with the idea of moving out to the country, even just for a year or two. How about you? Do you live in the town or country?

The stylist Johanna Bradford and photographer Kristin Lagerkvist behind these pics are such a talented duo - see Johanna's former homes here and here and current home here and Kristin's home here. As well as the whimsical home of Sophia Bratt which they captured here. What a team?!

Have a lovely day! 

PS Thank you so much to Sarah (who I met at The Hive in Berlin) for featuring me on her fab blog yesterday!

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A beautiful Swedish space in calm greys

I've found a way to beat the Monday blues - bring on the greys! This home is the absolute picture of calm with it's all grey colour pallette. And looking at the home tour you'd never guess it's only 25 metres square (270 feet square) - which is itsy bitsy! So what's the trick? Joanna Bagge has decorated it with the same colour theme throughout which gives the space a sense of coherence, the sofa cushions are stored under the sofa-bed by night - ready for the daytime transformation. The dining table is extendable for guests. Wall to ceiling wardrobes have been installed the entire length of the hallway, and the entire home is clutter free. And I bet there's a TV hiding in that lovely cupboard - what do you reckon? Wonderful inspiration for anyone living in a small space or loving grey today!

Stadshem: Photography: Jonas Berg Styling: Joanna Bagge

I could kick of the week here, how about you?

I see they've got a book on noma - one of the world's finest restaurants, in Copenhagen. Oh how I'd love to go! Have you been?

Other details I love - the fresh bunch of peonies on the chair ('tis the season - yay!), the bentwood Thonet chairs. Miro miro  mirror.  Angle cushions / pillow. Hay gym hook (used as towel hook), House Doctor shelves with brass fittings. Hay Bent Wood mirror, Pina low table and beech tote bag (in hallway). Hay work lamp in brass. Artecnica Trianen pendant light. Soft linen bedding. Try Strong White for a similar floor colour.

If you're after more grey inspiration today I'm loving this Stockholm pad, a fabulous all grey Australian home and a small Swedish space.

Have a lovely start to the week!

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A 100 year old Southern Sweden house / give-away winner

Hello Monday, you've come around quickly?  I thought I'd kick off the week with a lovely house in Österlen, an area of rolling hills, fresh pastures and beautiful beaches East of Malmö. It's home to many artists thanks to the lovely light and so worth a visit if you're ever in Southern Sweden. This red brick home in the heart of Österlen is 100 years old this year and has been beautifully refurbished with careful attention to the detail and character of the original 'Doctor's House'. What a delight?!

Fantastic Frank

Oh, and did I mention it's for sale?! Could you live here?

I'm loving the raised den in the children's room - what a great touch?! The selection of different shaped vases on the dining table look so pretty and yet such a simple idea to recreate, and the Moroccan tiles (try made in mano for similar) used as wall decoration in the bedroom - what a fab idea?!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

A few items I know and love: Kitchen - House Doctor rug / series 7 chairs. Dining room: Normann Copenhagen Bell lights / try Farrow & Ball Railings for a similar grey and H&M Home for a selection of vases. Sitting room: Eames RAR rocking chair / Stockholm rug / Hay cushion. Bedroom: linen bedding, Moroccan tiles on wall. Children's bedroom: Hay cushions. 

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the weekend give-away - the winner has now been announced....here!!

Have a great start to the week. 

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