A Home Filled with Sunshine: Inside Ebba’s Vintage-Inspired Haven

It’s Friday… and I’m in love. In love with the tiny shoots sprouting on the rose bushes outside. In love with the fact that March arrives tomorrow, bringing us one step closer to spring and summer. And in love with the idea of a weekend stretched out before us—not because anything special is planned, but simply for the slow mornings, the little household projects, the chats with my family, and the joy of popping out for errands. Are you feeling the weekend vibes too?

I’m also in love with Ebba Barkenbom’s house. Ebba—a certified doula and photographer who specialises in capturing the first moments of a baby's life—shares her home with her photographer husband Oscar and their three children, Ingrid, Maj-Britt, and Bertil. Every room in their beautiful family home is sprinkled with yellow, filling it with sunshine even on the cloudiest of days. It’s brimming with charming vintage touches, and there's the sweetest DIY idea in the children's bedroom—how I would have adored a nook like that as a child!

Ready to take a peek inside and soak up the sunshine-filled charm? Let’s dive in!

Ebba has painted the wood panelling in Claro from Jotun and the cabinets in NCS 1015-Y20R. 

The table is a DIY project - combining a worktop with the base from another table. 

The sofa is from IKEA and has been transformed with a linen cover and cushions from Bemz. 

The very cool hand-built bed nook has been made using wood panelling painted in linseed poil paint in tone burnt terra 15% and Green earth 7% from Gysinge Byggnadsvård. 

I love the sky blue on the floor and yellow touches around the window in the little bathroom, it may be a small space, but it sure is pretty! 

A charming family home, full of unique finds. Just lovely! 

Did you appreciate the touches of yellow too? 

It's time to wrap up here on the blog for the week, so I'll leave you with some Danish homes to dream about in case you find a quiet moment to browse with a coffee this weekend: 

A small-ish Danish apartment with a vibrant sunny feel

Spring has sprung in a Copenhagen home full of pastels

Warm, earthy tones in an international family home in Denmark

Happy weekend friends, thank you so much for stopping by! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @ebbabarkenbom, shared with kind permission. 

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Swedish Charm: Step Inside An Idyllic 1907 Villa

Do you live in your forever home? As someone who loves change, I find it remarkable that we've lived in our Malmö townhouse for seventeen years. While I love it and cherish the many memories we've created here, I can definitely see us moving once our children grow up. Perhaps it's because it's modern (built in 2001), and I've always been drawn to older properties—homes with charming details from a time when architects added decorative touches purely for the joy of it.

For this reason, one of my favourite pastimes is scouring real estate sites in search of forever homes, daydreaming about what could be! Admittedly, I may have even signed us up for the odd viewing—much to Per’s bemusement! And today, this lovely villa popped up—one I would undoubtedly consider a forever home!

Painted in the traditional Swedish red and white, the house sits just outside Stockholm and dates back to 1907. It has been beautifully maintained by the current owners, who have created a light-filled space with soft, muted tones, patterned wallpaper, and a mix of designer pieces. In the summertime, there are so many inviting spots to soak up the warmer weather—from quiet nooks and social gathering spaces to a sun-drenched terrace, all framed by a charming heart-motif fence.

The downside? It’s 620 km away—which is quite a stretch (Per would say impossible!)—but I thought maybe it might entice one of you, or at the very least, we can dream away together!

Ready to take a stroll on the sunny side?

In Swedish houses sun rooms like this one are extremely popular as they provide a sunny, sheltered spot to enjoy the garden, even on cooler or rainy days—which, as we know, can be quite frequent!

Note the calming shade of blue in this room. We painted Liv's room (old pictures now but you get the idea!) in a very similar shade called 802 clouds and it remains one of my favourite shades. 

A pair of classic Swedish DUX Karin chairs and a Gross ceiling light add a cool design touch to the room.  

Where would we be without wishbone chairs? Here, sheepskins help to create a cosy touch in winter. 

The pantry has had a huge revival in recent times - with many new kitchen designs incorporating once in some shape or form. I always look on in envy at my friends pantry's - some of whom have an entire little room (larder) dedicated to dried foods! 

PS I'm happy to see they love a Hellman's mayonnaise - as unhealthy as it is, no sandwich would be complete without it! 

Svenskt Tenn Klöverblad wallpaper adds interest to the otherwise fresh white stairwell and landing area. 

Notice how a children's storage unti from IKEA has been given a nice update with linen fabric. I'm also loving the striped wallpaper! 

This bunk bed is from Oliver furniture. 

 

A beautiful home - don't you think? It seems to tick every box - it's traditional yet brought up to date, features lovely wood floor and high ceilings, has working fireplaces and is filled with light. Plus the outdoor space is great too! Yes please! 

Could you imagine living in a house like this too? More images and information available here. 

See more lovely houses in this archive today. 

Wishing you all a happy Wednesday!

Niki

Photography Samuel Uneus for SkandiaMäklarna

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An Enchanting 1930s Swedish Cottage Filled with Colour, Charm, and DIY Creations

Oh, have I got a charming cottage to share with you today! Built in the 1930s, this beauty looks like something straight out of a fairytale from the outside, and the magic continues inside with a joyful mix of colour and pattern. Every room has its own unique charm, making this home a true delight.

Sandra Serefia, who lives just outside Gothenburg in Lerum with her young family, has a real talent for DIY. She creates everything from hand-painted patterns on floors to crafting her own dining table, all with a keen eye for design and plenty of creativity.

Keep an eye out for floral ceilings, dreamy pink shades (like the walls i the sun room below painted in NCS 2020-Y80R), checked floors, cosy cotton lampshades (a must-have right now!), and the sweetest children's bedroom you ever did see!

While the above shows the main sitting room, below is a glimpse of the cosy TV room  with layers of lovely textiles. Notice how all the bright coloured toys are concealed in a cabinet when not in use! 

Pink stairs? Why not! I love the pale pink (NCS code S3020-Y50R), white and green combination–how about you? 

A nook at the side of the bedroom has been transformed into an ensuite bathroom. This is the second time in the space of a week that we've seen a lovely bathroom with sloped ceilings (here's the tour with the other one), very inspiring!  

Here's another lovely pink shade (NCS 1820-Y97R), which goes beautifully with the blue (Icey blue by Jotun Lady). 

Are you even Swedish if your child doesn't have a Kånken mini rucksack? I love this one in yellow - my daughter had the very same one when she was small!

Even the dressing room / walk-in-wardrobe in the children's room is pretty!

This home is such a dream! I love how Sandra has thought about every detail and there is something fascinating to look at around every corner. 

Is there anything that caught your eye? Perhaps some details I missed? 

See more corners and discover from of Sandra's recent DIY projects over at @sandraserafia. You won't be disappointed! 

Fancy a longer mid-week break? Feast your eyes on these pretty country homes: 

A dated house is transformed into a charming country home

The idyllic thatched cottage and garden of a Danish artist

Emilia's laid back Swedish country home

Spring time in a rustic Swedish cottage

Have a happy mid-week.

Kram! 

Niki

Photography by @sandraserafia, shared with kind permission.

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