A Warm and Inviting Home in Södermalm, Stockholm

There's plenty to love about the summer - but one of my favourite things is the light. You simply don't get that wonderful golden light in Sweden any other time of the year - and it gives everything such a wonderful, warm feel. 

This apartment in Stockholm has been captured at exactly the right time of day to capture it in all its glory. And I love the way the golden light hits the touches of colour: a red chair here, a yellow flower there to make it pop. Also, keep a look out for classic teak furniture, bold patterns (by the likes of Svenskt Tenn), the eclectic blend of furniture and playful details - as well of course, as the lovely balcony, which looks like a perfect spot for a Friday night drink or two! Skål!  

This is the second time in the past two weeks that we've seen a home with red accents - could it be a growing trend in Sweden perhaps? Either way, it definitely adds energy to each room! 

Is there anything in particular you love about this home? 

Here are a few other warm and inviting homes to put you in the mood for the weekend: 

Alva's inviting cottage and farm shop in Sweden

Imke's warm and inviting family home in Geneva

A boho apartment in Södermalm, Stockholm

In our house today it's a hive of activity since Hilton Carter (AKA the famous plant man from the USA!) is coming to visit and shoot something in our home for a forthcoming project. I've been a fan of Hilton's ever since I featured his former home which of course, was full of the most incredible plants! So the pressure is on, especially as Per and I only remember to water our plants when they're on the sad side! 

And then, I am looking forward to a very relaxing weekend with my family. Phew!

I hope you have a lovely few days, thank you for dropping by - see you Monday!

Niki

Photos: Therese Jahnson, Styling Thomas Lingsell - for Historiska Hem. 

READ MORE...

6

A Calm Swedish Home in the Heart of the City

Hej there! I hope you had a fantastic weekend! I'm at Bodø airport in North Norway waiting for my flight back to Malmö. I've had such an amazing time in the Arctic circle and can't wait to share more with you once I've had a chance to process my billion pictures! It is a truly awe-inspiring part of the world. 

Today, I'd like to shift our gaze to Sweden, and a beautiful, serene apartment nestled away in a quiet courtyard in Gothenburg. 

It's a living space where sculpted shapes, plants and texture punctuate a milky background to create living space that's calm and cosy. Keep a special look out for the wall art and interesting lighting fixtures, and also the small bedrooms - which are small, but thanks to a clever design by no means feel pokey. 

Välkommen in! 

This window seat has everything you might need for a quiet moment - books, music and a view out over the street below. Perfect spot for a Monday, do you agree? 

The bedspread makes me think of a Danish home. These type of quilts are extremely popular in Denmark and can be picked up from Jou Quilts. 

Look at vase! So fun! Sadly, I am not sure where it's from - if you know, please do share in the comments below. Jonathan Adler makes a similar lip vase. 

IVAR storage units from IKEA are great for hiding small items while also serving as a place to display favourite objects. Plus, they are easy to personalise with paint. 

A pop of red has been one of the big micro trends of the year, especially in Denmark! I love how a single red chair spices up this little room! 

Lovely apartment! Such a calm space right in the heart of the city. Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more homes with pops of fire engine red here: 

The eclectic home of a jewellery designer

12 playful ways to add colour to your home, from a Danish home

A home with red floors - with surprising results

Are you a fan of red? 

Happy Monday!

Niki

Photography Maria Sahlander, styling JosefssonLjung for Stadshem, found via Nordroom with thanks. 

READ MORE...

12

Gen's Playful Swedish Summer Cottage

Only three weeks to go until midsummer and Swedes are counting down the days until they lock up their city homes and head out to the country to relax! My dear friend Genevieve Jorn will be spending her last summer with her family at her summer cottage in Almåsa, just outside Malmö - as they have decided to put it on the market. 

An interior designer and creative director at Farniente Beach Club, Gen has added her signature style with pops of colour and pattern throughout the little 40 metres square (430 foot square) cottage - giving the space a fun and playful touch, while the predominance of white, natural materials and wood panelling ensures it remains somewhere you can come to relax and kick back for the weekend or entire summer.

Let's take a little look around! 

What a lovely getaway! And so near Malmö too. 

It must be with a very heavy heart that Gen has decided to sell up - but I am looking forward to seeing what she does next. 

Find out more about this summer cabin here. 

Did the playful touches and use of colour resonate with you? 

Up for more inspiration today check out the entire summer cottage archive, other popular archives include before and after renovations, vintage inspired homes and small spaces. 

Happy Lillördag (little saturday)! 

Niki 

PS (AD) I am so happy to see so many of you have made the most of the 20% off voucher in yesterday's post, I hope you enjoy the Skandinavisk fragrances as much as I do! 

Photography courtesy of Eric Olsson with thanks 

READ MORE...

3

A White Swedish Apartment with A Small Space Hack

Anyone in need of a little calm this Monday? This elegant apartment in Södermalm, Stockholm is blessed with 3.30 metre high ceilings and beautiful period features. Plus, if you're looking to make an extra bedroom out of your living space or work wonders with paint, this is the inspiration for you! Let's take a look at what's at play in this 75 metres square (807 ftsq) apartment. 

In an open-plan space, it makes sense to place the table in the natural light of the window and the sofa in a cosier spot with less light. I love how the living room is full of contrasting textures too - something you'll see throughout the apartment. 

A subtle hint of colour in the children's bedroom does wonders to the overall look and feel of the space. 

I'm guessing the kitchen previously occupied the entire space just off the living room and now carved into two - a children's bedroom and a small space to cook. Once again, contrasts are at play - with the use of both industrial stainless steel and painted wood cabinets. 

Old wood windows allow the flow of light into the kitchen. 

Paint is a budget-friendly way to breathe new life into a space. In the hallway, the owners have painted a geometric pattern on the hall floor and also added a fun modern twist to the doors and cabinets by painting the lower section green. I love this! 

The owners have adopted the same industrial feel in the bathroom for a cohesive look. 

The children's bedroom may be small, but it's certainly pretty, cosy and well organised! The use of white helps the storage to melt in while splashed of colour draw the eye in. 

Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out a layout from the pictures, so here's some more info courtesy of Historiska Hem: 

Glossary: sovrum - bedroom, kök - kitchen, vardagsrum - sitting room, badrum - bathroom.

Absolutely lovely space - it's a total breath of fresh air and I really like the mix of materials. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

The room shuffle reminds me a little of the home I featured recently in Copenhagen here.  

Have a fabulous start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography: Historiska Hem

READ MORE...

5