Peek Inside A Dreamy Turn-Of-The-Century Swedish Villa

In my mind there's no better way to finish off the week, than with a beautiful country home tour. And this one in Västra Götaland County, Sweden is positively dreamy. Maria Sundberg Holm has taken a personal approach to renovating her early 20th century house - and thinks nothing of constructing wall panelling, painting radiators and adding DIY touches by hand. Look closely and you'll also spot wonderful traditional touches - including ceramic doorknobs, vintage cabinets and William Morris wallpaper. Enjoy the tour! 

There are so many pieces to love in Maria's sitting room including: Petito sofa in sand from Furnova, lamp from Hallbergs of Sweden and Copenhagen rug.

'The Attentive One' character sculpture* by Kähler Design catches the light in the window - isn't it beautiful? 

Got any leftover wallpaper from a recent project? Why not repurpose it as art like Maria has done with her William Morris paper! 

A simple curtain in the landing helps to hide unsightly storage (source similar linen curtains online here). 

A bed layered with linen (if you're quick, you can still make the most of the 20% discount at Lovely Linen - the Swedish brand I used on Liv's bed and which she's been enjoying ever since) - they do the softest linen in really pretty muted shades. Use the code 'myscandinavianhome' at checkout to claim your discount (expires 21st March). 

Aaaaa, what a lovely home! So may lovely details - and such a serene feel.

I hope you felt inspired too! 

See more pictures and follow Maria's latest DIY projects over at @tradgardsgatan6. 

It's my lifelong dream to live in a turn of the century house like this. There are a few villas like this in Malmö but they're a little out of reach right now. But a girl has got to dream, right? That or a little cottage by the sea. 

What does your dream home look like? 

You might also like to pull up a chair, stay a while and enjoy these Scandinavian country homes:

Right, vänner! That's it from me this week! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend - vi ses på måndag!

Niki

Photography: Maria Sundberg Holm, shared with kind permission. 

*Affiliate link 

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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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Tiny Home Inspiration: A Beautiful Swedish Studio With A Great Storage Solution

A tiny, one room studio apartment with lots of storage and a beautiful aesthetic? Yes, it IS possible! if you're dealing with 28 square metres / 300 square feet or less and struggling to find a place for all your things, I have a feeling you'll find this beautiful Gothenburg apartment truly inspiring - and I couldn't resist adding a few more ideas to the mix too. Oh, and I added the floor plan at the end a first from my side, but I felt it could be useful (courtesy of Entrance). Don't live in a confined space? Lots of homes have compact spaces such as a box room - so I have a feeling this tour will come in handy for most of us! 

Unless you're a true minimalist, there's no going for the trendy 'no upper cabinets' look that's so hot right now. Instead, it's all about maximising height and wall space - and in my humble opinion, upper cabinets can look just as good! If you have a lot of kitchen utensils, opt for closed cabinets for a less cluttered look.  

This kitchen could have looked a little cold had it not been for the beautiful warm natural textures seen in the stone worktop and wood dining chairs. 

The stylist behind this apartment hasn't utilised under-the-sofa storage here, but if you need the space, opt for sofas and coffee tables with built-in storage. 

Again, not seen here, but if you are a book lover or would love to display personal items, the enclave in the picture above to the right of the wardrobe (where there painting is) would be a perfect spot for narrow vertical shelling that extends the full height. See this beautiful Stockholm family home for some great 'small space' bookshelf inspiration! 

No matter your ceiling height, the vertical space in a small apartment is one of your greatest assets - use to  the full by ensuring wardrobes extend all the way to the ceiling. You can always hang a ladder on the wall to the side for access. 

The space under the bed is another great place for extra storage. For a neater look, add a bed skirt - it will add a soft touch to the bedroom area and cover up whatever is underneath. 

Wall-mounted furniture and accessories: if your walls allow it, hang lights and other furniture on the wall to clear floor space. 

And in case you're curious - here's the 27 square metre floor plan: 

I hope this has been helpful. A special thanks to all of those who have e-mailed me /  requested inspiration for living spaces smaller than 30 square metres! Please do feel free to email me anytime with ideas and requests, it's really helpful! 

Oh, and for another serene smallish space - did you see Sarah's Copenhagen home yesterday? So serene! And of course, there's always the archive too! 

Wishing you all a great day!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Entrance 

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