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A Relaxed Swedish Family Home, Where Sofa's are Part of the Fun!


What month is considered the height of summer in your country? In Scandinavia it's July - which I always struggle to adjust to considering throughout my childhood in England, it was always about August! While my instagram feed is flooded with summer holiday pics from Europeans, here in Sweden, we're eking out the late summer and sneaking moments outdoors at lunchtime or after work - acutely aware that our summer will aoon be over, and Autumn is just around the corner. 

Perhaps that's why I've been drawn to Swedish villas with pools lately? I even had a dream that my family and I had bought a house with a pool AND a sea view last night (imagine my disappointment when I woke up?)- what does that mean I wonder? 

Alexandra Isaksson and her family are no doubt enjoying their pool in the late summer sun - but their beautiful home in Alingsås, Northeast of Gothenburg is also perfect for cosy autumn days. Natural materials seen in the vintage wood furniture, textiles and stonework help to create a cosy feel and botanical-themed wallpaper ensures that nature, although faded, is never far away. 

I love that in this home, nothing is too precious - true to the Scandinavian design ethos, everything is there to be used and enjoyed. You only have to look at the little children jumping from sofa to sofa (this would never have washed with my Mum and her upholstered antique chesterfields nor with my grandmother where the living room was for special occasions only!). Enjoy the tour! 

Wall mounted shelving like this has made a major comeback in Scandinavia lately and it's a great way to keep everything to hand. Keep a look out for vintage ones at flea markets - they're easy to personalise with paint! Or, do like Kristin Lagerqvist and make your own


I have always loved the use of curtains in replace of wardrobe doors, it adds a really soft touch to a space and can be a great quick fix to hide junk!

You might well recognise the sofas - they are the popular Söderhamn from IKEA covered with linen from Bemz - I have changed up my sofa a number of times thanks to the Swedish brand (who sell worldwide) ! 

I have always loved this Flos Gatto Piccolo lamp, it's soft yet makes a statement.


Do you recognise the wallpaper in the little girl's room? I recently used this in the bedroom makeover at our summer cottage. I love how Alexandra has paired it with a pink accent.


The bedroom got a small recent update to include shelves over the desk too - practical and pretty. 

I hope you liked this tour of Alexandra's home today! It's certainly brightened up my mid-week. 

Please do share your observations / comments below - whether about this home or even general stuff (feel free to start your own thread!), I'd love to hear from you. I really enjoyed reading about your childhood nostalgia in Monday's post (and happy you agreed that the little chair I featured is lovely in every way!). 

You can see more pictures from Alexandra's home over on her instagram feed @alexandraeleonor.

Would you like to see a few more homes with wallpaper today? Take a peek at:


Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @alexandraeleonor, shared with kind permission

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Ylva's Lovely Swedish Family Apartment with Blue and Yellow Accents

Final stop for the week: this beautiful family apartment by the harbour in Gröndal, Stockholm - a perfect oasis for Ylva, her husband and their two children Maj and August. 

The pad itself is quite the find. Not only does it occupy a corner in a building dating back to 1913 - meaning light from two sides, it also boasts not one, not two, but three beautiful kakelugn (tiles masonry ovens). While bones are important, what you do with it and how it works for you as a family is crucial, and Ylva's home is full of lovely corners and inspiring details. Let's delve a little deeper. 

The dining area in the kitchen might not be big, but it certainly looks cosy thanks to built in seating and plenty of natural light. 



The cosy sitting room is arranged in a sociable way, with two sofas facing one another and cushions, blankets and a fluffy rug for maximum comfort! Notice the pale yellow and light blue tones which act as a the red thread (refer to my previous post for more info!) throughout the apartment. 



A simple wooden IKEA stool can be painted in whatever colour you like and is a great way to add in an extra touch of your chosen accent colour. 

The rug from Nordic knots is a nice twist on the usual Jute mat. I have this exact blue Flowerpot lamp by &Tradition in my home too! The bench table is from IKEA

Baskets are a popular storage choice in Ylva's home - used above to store firewood. I love the addition of the little children's chairs in the sitting room - a sign that are all are welcome and catered for. Keep an eye out for my post soon featuring a wonderful danish design classic which is now available in a children's size. Can you guess which one it is? 



A classic Swedish bumling light in brass can be seen over the dining table and mix and matched chairs create an informal, relaxed touch to the space. 

Bedding is a fantastic way to quickly update a room (look closely and you'll notice two single duvets instead of one double as is customary in a Swedish home - and something I've expanded on in my book: Lagom*). Here, a yellow duvet cover matches the art work over the bed - and ties the room in with the rest of the flat. 


The children's bedrooms are the exact mirror reflection of each other. 

Yellow curtains offer a cheerful, sunny feel even when the sky is grey, and an array of baskets make the ideal storage for bears and other bits and bobs (this type of storage is particularly good as children can just chuck things in - which makes tidying up quick and easy). 


The yellow and blue theme is carried through to the bathroom in the form of paint work and art, while the maroon chequered floor is a wonderful nod to the age of the building. If you look back through the pictures, you'll notice this hue in other rooms too, albeit in very subtle ways. 

All in all, a truly lovely, well thought out home, do you agree? I'd love to hear your thoughts and what you have observed, always so interesting! 

If you'd like to see more of Ylva's home, hop on over to @doneriet on instagram where you'll find a ton more images. 

Right folks, that's it from me! Lot's to do today with work to finish off, a daughter's birthday to plan (Liv turns sweet 16 tomorrow!) and packing for my trip to Denmark for Formland on Sunday. All fun things, but I'll really appreciate that Friday glass of wine (or two) this evening!

Skål to the weekend! 

Niki

Photography: @doneriet, shared with kind permission.

PS Just a heads up that there is only two weeks left to make the most of the Skandinavisk 20% discount (myscandinavianhome20). You can read more about my two of my favourite fragrances for hand soaps, body washes, candles etc and see pics of them in my cabin from this sponsored post here

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Tour Helena's Pool Villa Overlooking the Gothenburg Archipelago

Hello, I'm back! Thank you for your patience - and for all your kind comments on my travel guide to Bodø and Lofoten in Northern Norway, I'm so happy you felt inspired! 

Scandinavia is slowly cranking back into action - with many heading back to work today and school starting later this week (can you hear the audible sigh of relief?). But at this beautiful home in Gothenburg, it will feel like summer for far longer thanks to the pool nestled among the rocks and views over the archipelagos! 

The 'svarta ladhus' (black barn), belongs to Helena Fältivar Bundgaard and her family who have built the house from the ground up, personalising it every inch of the way. Here's their faithful hound Beppe who will take you on today's tour! 

The spacious kitchen from Himlekök is an absolute dream, featuring everything from a wood cabinets, open shelving, a bench seat and fireplace. Beppe's favourite though, is the stone island which mirrors the cliffs outside! 




Classic Danish Wishbone chairs have been placed around a large wooden dining table made by Joakim Løth


In the sitting room area, a pair of iconic Danish Spanish Chairs designed by Borge Møgensen sit side by side.  



A second living room area featuring a Cuba Chair has doors open to the pool area. 

In the bedroom, sound proofing in the form of oak panelling from WoodUp helps to create a restful space. 

A desk area with a series 7 chair capitalises on natural light in the bedroom. 

Bathroom cabinets also by Himlekök, have been designed to match the Kitchen. 

The practical laundry room features a shower area for Beppe - complete with his own shampoo! 

Outside, a pool has been nestled among the cliffs, with views over the archipelago. 


Wow! What a fabulous home, thank you so much for the tour, Beppe! 

I would happily laze by that pool all week long, how about you? Is there anything that stood out to you about Helena's black barn? 

You can see more pictures of this lovely home and keep up to date with Helena's latest projects at @villanordrevik

Perhaps you'd like to feel inspired by a few more Scandinavian pool villas today? Here are a few of my favourites: 


In case you are considering a pool but only have limited space, here's my guide to small pools for every budget and shaped garden! 

This morning, I'm on the early train to the IKEA headquarters in the forests of Älmhult - the early start was a total shock to the system and I'm already two coffees down, but I'm excited about the project that lies ahead! I hope you have a more relaxing start to the week! 

Niki

Photography by Helena Fältivar Bundgaard, shared with kind permission. 

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