An Idyllic Rustic Swedish House In The Countryside

Tjena! I hope you had a great weekend! I might be at my studio in the heart of the Malmö right now, but my mind is distinctly in the quiet of the countryside - or at least, that's where I'd love to be today. And when you see this rustic cottage, I've got a feeling you might feel the same! This traditional red and white Swedish house has been decorated in muted greys and fresh white and filled with antiques, vintage finds and lots of interesting art. I could quite happily pad around here all week - working from that desk, tinkering away on the piano, enjoying coffee on the terrace and taking leisurely walks by the water. How about you?! 

What an idyllic retreat! 

Could you imagine spending your week here too?

I have always been a fan of a simple white and light grey combo! 

Incidentally, a friend of mine is moving into a new home this week and asked me to recommend a white paint. In Sweden the most popular seems to be 'Stockholmsvit' (Stockholm white) code S0502Y. It has a warm tint to it which adds a homely vibe of the living space. It also works in well with warm textures such as wood, rattan and other natural, earthy materials. 

I'll be quiet now and leave you to dream! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week. I hope it's as peaceful as this very house! 

Niki

Photography: Fantastic Frank found via Nordic Design with thanks

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A Charming Swedish Home Full of Pattern and Plants!

Fancy a trip to the North of Sweden today? Actually, the East coast city of Sundsvall is only halfway up the country (it's one EXTREMELY long land mass!) - but living in the South, it feels a long way North - so wrap up, we're in for a long ride! Johanna and Aron used to live in an apartment, but when their dream house came on the market, they jumped at the chance to move in with their children Elsi and Jack and poodle Louie (look out for him in the snapshots below, he's so handsome!). The previous owners had done a wonderful job of renovating the property, which allowed Johanna and Aron to focus on the fun part - like "choosing wallpaper and adding colour, pattern and plants!" The pair are extremely passionate about furnishing their home with secondhand pieces "that have a history" - which, in my experience, is key to creating a beautiful, interesting and personal home! Välkommen in! 

I can't believe it's September already! Eeek! This is just the type of climbing plant I was talking about in yesterday's home tour. Plants like these, combined with fresh flowers and cushions with botanical motifs (like this William Morris one) will help to feel the transition into Autumn and winter less severe (especially if you're a summer babe like I am!).

Johanna and Aron have created a BEAUTIFUL conservatory using rattan furniture and an abundance of cushions and plants -  giving a feeling of being outdoors! Imagine how cosy this space is on a sunny Autumn day, or all lit by candles in the evening?! 

This leather pouf* and jute rug* are similar. 

Johanna has chosen two different William Morris wallpapers for her bedroom and the guest room.  

I'm a big fan of the glass cabinet - look out for my post over the next couple of days and you'll see why! The one in this bedroom (could it be from IKEA?) serves as a great place to store creative kit which is way to pretty to hide away.

What a lovely, relaxed home!

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

I think all the plants add such a great feel! Some say you can never have too many plants  - just look at the home of Caroline Reichel, Hilton Carter, and the Arctic Gardener!

Are you a big fan of greenery too?

See more of Johanna and Aron's home over at her inspiring instagram feed @kvarteret_krukan.

Thank you for joining me on our armchair trip to Sundsvall today - I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! I hope one day, we can all visit in person, I think I'd feel right at home here. 

Niki

Photography: @kvarteret_krukan

*affiliate links

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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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The Earthy Stockholm Home of a Vintage Shopkeeper

I'm getting all the Friday feels from the wonderful pop-up shop (above) and Stockholm home of Elin Jensdotter - and couldn't resist stopping by to share a few snaps with you! Elin runs Bodil Vintage, a fabulous vintage shop in Stockholm. Many of the secondhand pieces have also found their way into her delightful, earthy home. Despite the eclectic mix, the pieces blend perfectly with her the dark brown, chestnut and cream touches that make up her interior. I think vintage shops and flea markets will be on the itinerary this weekend, how about you? Enjoy the tour! 

Is it just me, or are we seeing a lot of wall-mounted vintage cabinets right now? Etsy* is a great source! That table is beautiful too! 

A simple pom pom throw* helps to protect the sofa while adding a relaxed feel to the space, while a low shelf on the back wall provides plenty of space for decorative items. 

The family have access to a small balcony - which despite its size, is big on style. Think string lights*, rattan, a small mounted table, a little parasol and candles! Perfect! 

I love this! 

.... and kicking myself for giving away a wall mounted cabinet lately. Think I'm going to have to go on a hunt for another one! Vintage shops here I come! 

For more inspiration take a look at Elin's drool worthy instagram feed @longingforlennon - and discover what she currently has in her shop! 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends! See you Monday! 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Elin Jensdotter found via SF Girl By Bay.

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A Warm Swedish Family Home Full of Texture

While yesterday's home tour was all about a Swedish cottage that has been moved to Australia (sounds crazy I know, but it's not the first time I've heard this. Even so, I still marvel at the logistics. Does someone spot a house, fall in love with it, and think "Hmmm, I'm not sure about the surroundings, I'll move it?"). Today I thought we'd take a peek inside a Swedish home IN Sweden! Caroline Borg is a Mother of two: Sam (6) and Lykke (2) and lives in Gamla Enskede, South Stockholm. The freelance PR manager, creative consultant and photographer / stylist has decorated her home in calm, neutral tones, while blending vintage and antiques with the occasional contemporary piece.  Welcome to Caroline's world! 

Caroline has used Jotun Lady mineral paint which adds a lovely patina to the walls. I have used something similar on my kitchen wall (but by Icelandic company Kalklitir) and I love how it changes with the light! 

I first came across these sofa beds by Karup at IMM Cologne furniture fair back in the spring and instantly loved them. This is the first time I've spotted one in a home! Check out their website here (they do great daybeds, beds and futons too!). 

The pretty duvet cover is from Swedish brand Garbo and Friends. This porcelain pendant lamp is similar. 

The children's room has been decorated with a bed canopy and an Afroart 'nature' garland. The basket is from Olli Ella. 

I hope this lovely home has brought an element of calm before the weekend! 

The mineral walls kind of make me want to go all out in my own home too - I love the texture! Are you tempted too? 

If you don't already follow Caroline on instagram, it's a must! I love her blog too, it's a real feast for the eyes (mainly because she shares some delicious recipes like these 'flower biscuits'!) - check it out over at The Way We Play (Its written in Swedish). 

Looking for a little more inspiration? These beautiful homes have a similar feel and are also full of inspiration:

A charming farmhouse in Piteå
A rundown house becomes a fairytale Swedish country home
The earthy green home of a Swedish interior designer

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends!

Vi ses på Måndag!

Niki

Photography: Caroline Borg

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