A Harmonious Swedish Home With a Blend of Old and New

Never judge a book by its cover. Isn't that what they say? From the outside, this attractive three-floor property looks like a neat 70's Swedish terrace house but open the door and you'll quickly discover a home full of charm. It belongs to interior designer Marianne Wikner, co-founder of creative Studio Fabrikören. Marianne has carefully curated her home in Mariefred, West of Stockholm, with beautiful items - filling it with art, vintage finds, books and beautiful stoneware. Over the past twenty years it's been a wonderful family home for their now, grown up children, and a place for entertaining friends under the warm glow of candlelight. And now, it's time for them to discover pastures new (in US I think you say 'greener pastures') and with a heavy heart but a flutter of excitement, they've put it on the market. Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner was there to snap these pictures of her dear friends' home. 

"As an interior designer and stylist, I have a great interest in creating harmonious environments. Which of course, also applies to my own home".

"I keep a uniform style in the choice of materials and colours. I love the mix of old and new, green plants and materials from nature. Beautiful art is also important to me". 

"We have a wonderful backyard with glazed doors that blur the line between outside and inside. Here it is like a green oasis; its own world. When we're out here we like light fires and lanterns and enjoy the warm summer evenings."

"We bought our house nearly twenty years ago when our sons were 10 and 12 years old. We really love the house, but we're starting to long for something new. Plus, it's way too big for two people."

How lovely! I really appreciate how unique all the items are, I'd love to take a peek inside Marianne's little black book of flea markets, how about you?

You can find out more details about this home over at Bo Sthlm - and also see daily pics on Marianne's instagram. 

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We're heading home from Stockholm today, feeling a little weary after my niece's graduation party! As the Swedes say 'borta bra, hemma bäst' (to be away is nice, but being at home is the best!) and I'm looking forward to my own bed and also creating some inspiring blog posts for the week ahead - including the latest developments on our tiny house! 

Ha det fint! 

Niki

Photography: Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner Interior design:Marianne Wikner / Bo Sthlm

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A Beautiful, Light-filled 19th Century Swedish Loft Apartment

Why, hello there! I hope you had a wonderful weekend (if I've got this right, I think many of you are off today too? In which case I hope you're having a fabulous day and the sun is shining for you like it is here Sweden!). I'm kicking off the week with this beauty of an attic apartment, tucked under the rooftops of Gothenburg. The building dates back to the late 19th century - and still bears many remnants from the past - including beautiful beams and a traditional Swedish tiled masonry oven. The simple white theme ensures a light-filled space and creates a beautiful contrast with the dark wood structure, while Swedish interior designers Emma Fischer and Linnéa Manaberi have worked around the low slanted ceilings and little nooks to create a practical living space. Ready to take a look around?

How lovely! It just goes to show how, with a little help from skylights and a white scheme, you can create beautiful light-filled home in an attic! 

I also love the beams, white wood panelled walls and fig tree! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Maybe you can imagine living there? In which case, you might want to head over to Alvhem as it's for sale! Yep, I know! 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few more attic spaces today? Here are a few beauties: 

A small-is Danish home with a vibrant, sunny feel

Before and after: a loft becomes a light and airy guest bedroom

A mini yet mighty one room Swedish attic apartment

It's also worth taking a look at: 

15 small space hacks to learn from a beautiful Danish home

7 great ways to make the most of an attic space

Honestly, today is the warmest, sunniest day in Sweden we've had since last September. It's almost cruel that it's landed on a Monday! Should I take the day off? I'm very tempted! 

Wishing you a lovely, sunny start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Anders Bergstedt

Interior design / styling: Emma Fischer & Linnéa Manaberi

For: Alvhem 

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A Fabulous Swedish Home In A Converted railway Station

Warehouses, firestations, schools, post offices - there's something so special about these structures when they are converted into a living space. This former railway station in Ösmo, south of Stockholm has been transformed into a beautiful home -. and yet still bears evidence from it's former life. Instantly recognised by its yellow tiles, red windows and A-symmetric exterior - the station was designed by Ferdinand Boberg - an esteemed architect - and completed in 1901. Today it's been converted into a fabulously unique living space and has been causing quite a stir since the owners put it on the market! Could you imagine living here? 

What an incredible place! 

If you'd like to see a few more pictures - hop on over here. 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few other conversions over the weekend? Some of the ones in these archives are simply amazing: 

Converted schools 

Converted warehouses 

Converted factories

So friends, that's it from me this week. Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you've enjoyed the eclectic mix this week - from a serene, dark apartment in Kiev and creative apartment in London and a Danish manor, we really have been around the block! 

Have a great weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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A 20th Century Swedish House - That's Like Something Out of a Fairytale

If this wonderful house in Gamla Björknäs, Sweden had been yellow, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was Villa Villekulla - the home of Astrid Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking! It actually belongs to a ceramicist (the clue is in the pottery wheel in the basement) - although I am not sure if he / she enjoys it as a hobby or profession. Either way, the turn-of-the-century villa just East of Stockholm is bursting with character - from wood panelled walls, countless nooks and a spiral staircase to turrets and a magical roof terrace - all of which embrace the original 1909 structure. Ready to take a look around? 

A spiral staircase leads up to a turret which houses a desk area - and leads out onto a roof terrace which can also be accessed from the other upper floor area. 

The main staircase leads up to a series of bedrooms - including the master. 

As with many old houses in Sweden, a basement provides extra space for a second sitting room and / or a hobby area as well as a bathroom (as seen in this home) - and quite often a laundry area. 

I couldn't resist including this shot of the small guest loo. I love it when people use these spaces to do something fabulous. Unfortunately, I don't know where this wallpaper is from, if anyone can help please do leave a comment below! 

What a really special home - and such a rare opportunity, don't you think?  

You can find more information about it over at Historiska Hem - including the floorplan (I can understand it might be a bit confusing from the pictures!). 

Wishing you all a lovely day! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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