Julie's Playful Yet Elegant Home Features Some of the Big Trends of 2024

Artist Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg has moved home quite a few times - each time weaving her magic with her unique sense of style. I have featured all three of Julie's Danish homes - starting with her flat in Aarlborg when she was a student (it's hard to forget the purple bike, right?), followed by the flat on the ground floor which she shared with her partner Mads and daughter Vanilla. 

And today, I'm excited to feature the family's latest home which Julie and Mads have been transforming into their family 'forever' home with two children in tow.

It's so fun to see the transition over the years, and seeing her style develop and morph into a mature and elegant living space, yet still bearing the signature Julie trademarks: pops of colour, playful touches and an eye for detail. 

Let's take a look inside! 

In the kitchen, Julie has installed a Reform kitchen (expect to see a lot more dark wood in Scandinavian homes moving forwards) and a beautiful light from NUAD. 

One of the big trends I witnessed at the international fairs in Germany last week (Domotex and IMM Cologne) was the mix and matching of different wood. Dark, light, mid wood - combine any way you like! 

A popular Valerie Objects wall lamp adds a contemporary touch to the space. 

The pair have put in a tremendous amount of work to renovate the house. I couldn't resist sharing the picture below to show how the kitchen looked during the building project. 

Compared to how it looks now....

The L-shaped kitchen also includes a dining area. The walls have been decorated with a beige shade from the up and coming danish paint brand Color Stories and sheer pink curtains from curtain.dk. 

The table bears a checkered pattern - which has been a big trend in Scandinavia for a while now. 

A wicker bench provides a spot for magazine, books, flowers and some of Julie's art. 

How cute are the little glass doorknobs by Danish artist Nina Nørgaard? It's such a pretty way to upcycle and personalise a vintage piece! Loving all the handmade ceramic cups too! 

The hallway has been decorated with 'Sibylla' wallpaper from UK based company Living Quarters. Wallpaper has been making waves in Scandinavian homes for a while now which is an exciting development I think!

A nook just off the kitchen serves as a spot for Julie to create had upcycled or handknitted art. 

A large antique patchwork quilt from Daisy and Beulah fills ones of the walls in the kitchen. At the nordic fair Formland last summer I noticed a lot of patchwork and embroidery, and it's exciting to see it take shape in homes like Julie's - the embroidery in particular is central to Julie's own work. 

A fabulous Ekstrem chair by Terje Ekstrøm awaits on the landing. 

The brown / light blue colour combination is a big trend right now in the world of interiors - as is pops of green. 

A bed by Karup works with the dark wood floor in the master bedroom. 

A wall mounted Montana drawer unit and retro Tulip chair make perfect companions in the bedroom! 

If you love Julie's style, you'll love her upcycled or handknitted art - here's a glimpse of her studio and one or two of her pieces. All her latest work can be found here. 

Julie's home and art have really brightened up a grey snowy day here in Malmö, Sweden. I hope they have also put a spring in your step and got your week off to an inspiring start too! 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular? If so, please do share in the comments below! 

Check out the Danish home archive for more Danish home tours today! 

Happy Monday friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg, shared with kind permission. 

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12 Playful Design Trends in Sussie's fabulous Danish Home

Every time I head over the bridge to Denmark I come back feeling really inspired. I simply love the way people dress, the lifestyle they lead and of course, the interiors in Copenhagen. Last week I felt no different when I returned from Formland - a fantastic Nordic design fair. Researching for my panel discussion about minimalism or maximalism', I learned so much about the latest trends that are rocking the design world and would love to share a few of these with you today! 

I couldn't think of a better way to do it, than through the lens of Sussie Frank, an interior designer, photographer and stylist as well as co-founder of paint brand Colour Stories who lives in a beautiful house in Aarhus on the Danish mainland. Sussie's house was built in 1917 and measures a tremendous 382 m2 / 4111 f2 laid out over four floors. Sussie renovated the house for 6 months, while being careful to honour the time and age of the house before moving in in January 2021. Today the family of four enjoy an incredible home that's full of surprises - and a perfect example of what's happening in the Danish design world. 

Here are 12 trends I spotted:  

1. Anything goes 

I bet you weren't expecting the pink stairs. I certainly wasn't! 

But why not? I mean we only live once, right?

In fact, this reflects the sentiment of the fashion and design world right now - go your own way, work hard on making your home as personal as possible. Mix and match colours, patterns, shapes and texture to create your own world. 

Looking to add joy? Bring in playful touches. Looking for calm? Think about adding soothing tones and furniture with soft round edges.  

But above all else decorate for your, and don't worry what others think!

As I write this it feels ridiculously obvious, but I think it's been easy to forget this over the years with so many supposed design 'rules'. It was only during the pandemic where many of us started to think 'hang on, is the decor I want? Are these the colours that make me feel at my best'? Have I surrounded myself with meaningful items? Or can I do more to my home to make it feel personal? 

The time is right, right?

2. Eclectic dreams 

Every piece in Sussie's home is unique - and this is very much the direction of homes today, as people strive to create a home which is unique and packed with personality. 

3. Art is everywhere

Art is everywhere - it's in the furniture which has taken on all kinds of fabulous forms (like the Puffy Chair designed by Faye Toogood), it's in the rugs, lamps and even the staircases, doors and architraves.

4. Folk art

We're bringing more folk art into our homes. Patchwork (like this quilt by Instabydomi) is becoming more popular and a great way too upcycle scraps of fabric. I love the work by Danish brand Jou Quilts. 

We're also seeing more embroidery which has a wonderful sense of nostalgia. But forget 'fuddy duddy' - it's all about 'newstalgia' and bringing a modern touch to old pieces. 

5. Mix and match pattern

Oh, and pattern. Lots of pattern. Mix and match dots, checks, stripes... anything goes! 

6. Upcycling

In the past, some might have seen painting an antique or vintage piece as sacrilegious. But as we move more and more into creating a more sustainable home, up cycling is a great way to breathe new life into an  old piece. Keep a look out for the less attractive items at the secondhand store (usually in the back corner / bargain basement) - with a little vision and an artistic touch, they can quickly become a unique treasure! 

7. A load of texture

The home has become more and more textured and yep, you've guessed it, any type of surface goes. Think everything from mirror, chrome and brass to leather, 'fluff', boucle, marble, glass, paper, and wood. 

8. Playful accessories

Small items are a great way to add a play touch to the home. Decorative  lamps, crazy mirrors, and colourful and crazy shaped vases are all great ways to play around with your home and add a personal touch. 

9. Newstalgia

Spot the chair above? The red legs give it more of a playful touch from what we're used to seeing. It's 'newstalgia' at play - taking something old and giving it a modern lease of life. Expect to see more of this in the design world moving forwards. Although don't worry, if you're like me, there'll always be the iconic, tone on tone, natural classics too! 

Another nod to embroidery that's slowly creeping into homes in both modern and traditional ways. 

10. Patch and repair

This also transcends into 'fixing' things - like socks, cushions, bedspreads etc it's time for a 'repair and re-wear' mindset, and best of all, your sewing doesn't need to be perfect. Phew! 

11. The unexpected

Small elements of surprise go a long way towards creating a personal space. I love this view of Sussie's bathroom with luxury marble walls, gold trims and a playful vintage pendant. 

Take a closer look at this collection of items - including a jute holdall, contemporary sculptural stool and a traditional Nordic basket - it demonstrates the mix and match ethos. 

12. Go wild with paint

Do you remember when painting one accent wall in a room felt like the wild thing to do? Well, today, absolutely anything goes. Bannisters, architraves, radiators, windowsills, ceilings. And don't worry about 'just' going for pastels or tone on tone. Playing around with contrast is the way to go! It's such an exciting development and has me looking around my own home thinking what to paint next, how about you? 

What an absolutely incredible house! I love how Sussie has added so many interesting pieces. And the paintwork is fab too! 

See more of her wonderful home over at @sussiefrank. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts about these latest developments that are rocking the danish design world. I think they are so fun and playful. Who doesn't want to walk into a room and feel joy? They also make me want to go a bit more wild in my own home - while maintaining the calming sanctuary I've created - of course! 

Wishing you a fabulous start to the week! See you Wednesday! 

Niki

PS The mail subscription is up and running so do sign-up below if you'd like to receive my blog posts directly to your inbox! 

Photography: staircase - Anitta Behrendt. All others: Sussie Frank. 

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5 Cosy Autumn Trends, Scandinavian Style

With the temperatures set to drop to a high of 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) here in Sweden next week, it's time to make the home extra cosy. Here are some of the key Autumn trends from this part of the world. Think plenty of texture, warm and inviting hues and wonderfully tactile materials - with a few shapes thrown in! 

1. Earthy tones: think a neutral base with warm brown accents and plenty of texture.

2. Wood: tables, chairs, lamps, bowls, picture frames. mid-to dark wood is exceptionally popular right now and fits beautifully with the earthy tones while adding warmth. 

3. Fluffy rugs with contrast: get toasty with shag-pile rugs on the floors and walls!

4. Triangles: think lamps, vases and chair legs.

5. Arches and soft, round edges: the interior world's gone soft. Update your home with arched shape mirrors and rugs or furniture with rounded edges for a contemporary look. 

What do you think? Will you be adopting any of these trends in your home this Autumn? 

I love the earthy walls (check out my bedroom make-over post to see how to achieve the patina look), arched mirrors and fluffy rugs! Cosiness and natural light in one: just what we need here in Sweden this autumn. 

For more Autumn inspiration check out: 

11 autumn update ideas to steal from a Danish home

5 'mysiga' autumn styling tricks, Swedish style 

How to turn your outdoor space into a cosy autumn / winter haven

Here's to cosy times ahead. Unless of course, you're in the Southern hemisphere in which case, welcome to the joys of spring! 

Niki

Photography credits: 1. The Österlen home of Ellen Dixdotter taken by Petra Tungården 2. Linda Haglund 3. Anna Malmberg 4. Ellen Dixdotter with rug demo Cappelendymr 5. Sedsel Roug 6. @scandinavian.interior

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All Fluffed Up: This Autumns Cosiest Trend (And The World's Most Simple DIY IKEA Hack!

I've kind of got over my end of summer angst and finally starting to embrace the chillier Autumn days, dhow about you? There's something about the idea of layering the home with cosy blankets, warm chestnut tones and lots of candlelight that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! But there's also another cosy item to hit the scene and it's fuzzier than ever. It all started with the re-emergence of the short faux furry Teddy jacket back in 2016 (so called for its 'teddy bear' appearance) - an item that has become a bit of a wardrobe staple in 2019. And now stools, armchairs and sofas are being upholstered in undeniably cosy, super fluffy fabrics too. From The Tired Man armchair to the Banana Sofa (great names!) - this Autumn's seating is akin to a big bear hug - just add tea! 

1. &Tradition 2. Oliver Gustav 3. Paustian 4. Jesper Florbrant / Lovisa Häger 5. Louise Holt Design 6. Suite NY 7. The modern House 8. RandCompany 9. Warm Nordic
Get the look

1. &Tradition Little Petra Chair
2. Paustian Arctander Chair
3. DIY Stool by Lovisa Häger
4. Flemming Lassen Easy Chair
5. By Lassen The Tired Man Chair
6. Danish Cabinetmaker Banana Sofa
7. Pierre Yovanovitch Pappa Bear Armchair
8. House of Hans Olsen Fried Egg Sheet Chair

How To Make Your Own Faux Fur Stool

Looking at Lovisa Häger's beautiful Stockholm home, you'd never guess that many of the pieces are handmade. Stools, tables, paintings - she is without doubt one of Sweden's queen of DIY! If you're feeling inspired by the fluffy furniture in today's post but a little tight on budget, Lovisa's DIY faux fur stool is super simple to make and looks fab!

What you need: 

• Frosta stool from IKEA
• A section of thick foam 
• Black paint
• Faux white fur 

What to do

• Before assembling the stool, cut the foam so it's the same shape and size of the seat surface 
• Glue the section of faux fur to the foam and the foam to the seat
• Paint the legs black
• Assemble the stool

Et Voilà!

If you love this, you might like to check out other DIY ideas on Lovisa's beautiful blog An Interior Affair and see more pictures of her fabulous Stockholm home here and on Instagram.

Could you imagine curling up in one of these seats this Autumn?! I most certainly could!

Niki

PS Thank you to the wonderful Ana Degenaar for helping me to compile this post! 

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