A Cosy Malmö Home In Rich, Earthy Tones

This lovely Swedish home reminds me of the beautiful words by Leonard Koren: "Pare down to the essence, but don't remove the poetry." Located on St Knuts Torg, a relaxed, 'mysig' (cosy) and hip square in Malmö, Hannah Ingelsten has taken a minimalist approach to her apartment, furnishing it with only items she needs and loves. Think vintage furniture, handmade stoneware and layers of natural textures against a backdrop of rich, chocolate tones. Granted these are snapshots rather than full room shots, I hope you can still get an idea of Hannah's cosy haven on a cold Southern Sweden day. Välkommen in!

Hannah has kitted out the kitchen with IKEA cabinets and sink, spruced up with traditional brass fittings. 

Patterned linen gives the dining table a lift in the open-plan living space. This striped tablecloth from Lovely Linen (who are offering 20% off with code myscandinavianhome until 21st march, 2021!) is similar - and this striped one* is also pretty. 

We all know TV inspiration can be few and far between on MSH (sorry!) - so I'm excited to include this snapshot of Hannah's - which rests on wall mounted shelves. I particularly love how an old dough bowl has been used to store extra cushions (this rustic handcrafted one is beautiful!) underneath. 

In the living room area, an IKEA Karlstad sofa with stocksund legs has been dressed in a Panama cotton cover in Sage Brown* from Bemz. 

The bedroom wall has been painted in ecological 'Granite Stone' from Byggfabriken - such a cosy shade! A single print: 'Reading' By Fine Little Day* has been hung on the wall beside a dry floral wreath, 

The pretty 'frilly' bedding is from online Swedish store Ellos. 

A simple hanging clothes rail* has been installed in lieu of a wardrobe, while a smaller vintage cupboard houses more clothes. 

So cosy, don't you think?

Such a perfect home tour for a cold, overcast day in Malmö! 

You can see more snapshots of Hannah's home here: @Hannah.vivere. 

I'm busy preparing for a photoshoot in my kitchen this afternoon. It takes a little extra work as my kids were obviously in a hurry when they left for school this morning. There's breakfast stuff everywhere *rolls eyes*! If only it looked like this set-up in Hannah's home, I'd be all ready to go:

Sadly, it looks nothing like this! 

Those plates! Beautiful! 

Right, better get on, there's lots of work to be done. 

Wishing you all a lovely, cosy day!

Niki

All photographs by Hannah Ingelsten, except the portrait which is by Amelia Barklid

*this post contains affiliate links

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Ida's Beautiful, Considered Southern Sweden Home (And 7 Tips On How to Create an Environmentally Friendly Space)

Remember Ida Magntorn? I first met the Lund-based photographer at an event a couple of years ago and I've been following her work ever since. Ida has always been passionate about creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly interior - which she demonstrates beautifully in her own Southern Sweden home. And now she has written a book dedicated to the topic: Ett Hem Med Omtanke - Hållbar och Miljömedveten Inredning (which loosely translates to 'The Considered Home - Sustainable and Environmentally Conscious Interiors'). The tome is dedicated to everything Ida lives by and covers  everything from buying second hand, managing your appliances, plants and flowers and growing your own fruit and veg as well as a room by room guide - arranged around series of dreamy Swedish interiors. Here are some recent snapshots of her lovely living space - and most importantly:

Ida's 7 tips on How To Create a Considered Home: 

1. Use what you have: it doesn't matter how environmentally friendly your new kitchen is if you rip out something that was already working. 

2. If you're tired of something in your home - think of ways to change it, upcycle it, paint it or even use it for something completely different!

3. Look for items that can be recycled - such as solid wood instead of veneer. The easier it is for you to care for, the longer it will last. 

4. Buy second hand - if you need anything new for your home. 

5. If you can't find something secondhand - invest in a design classic since they are often better quality and have a good second hand value. Of course, these can usually be found second hand on auction sites too! 

6. If you choose to buy something new - make sure it bears an environmentally friendly symbol - and check what components of the item are included in this. 

7. Take care of what you have - by looking after your furniture and other belongings, you will prolong their life and save energy and materials.  

I'm so excited to dip into Ida's book and discover her room by room guide!

Ett Hem Med Omtanke - Hållbar och Miljömedveten Inredning is currently available in Swedish. However, an English version will be available soon. Keep an eye on Ida's website and instagram for updates! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? I love the tip about looking after what you have. Sharing my studio with upholsterer Carina Grefmar has taught me a while deal about restoring furniture to make it look as good as new!

Also - isn't Ida's home beautiful? You'll likely recognise it from this feature, but I couldn't resist sharing a few more snaps! 

Looking for some more inspiration today? Check out these vintage-inspired Scandinavian homes: 

A warm, earthy, vintage-inspired Swedish home in the wing of a castle! 

A charming Copenhagen home full of vintage finds

A stunning Danish home with vintage treasures

On a separate note - my youngest daughter has just started piano lessons. I have to confess that I was particularly excited about this idea as it meant we'd have an excuse to buy a secondhand piano (such lovely pieces!). Of course, I love the sound too, though being tone deaf I think the family is relieved it's not me learning. The only place for a piano in our home is on the third floor - and I've heard these things weigh a ton. Pianist friends - do you think this will be possible? Please say yes! 

Happy mid-week friends!

Niki

Photography: Ida Magntorn - shared with kind permission

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A Warm Swedish Family Home Full of Texture

While yesterday's home tour was all about a Swedish cottage that has been moved to Australia (sounds crazy I know, but it's not the first time I've heard this. Even so, I still marvel at the logistics. Does someone spot a house, fall in love with it, and think "Hmmm, I'm not sure about the surroundings, I'll move it?"). Today I thought we'd take a peek inside a Swedish home IN Sweden! Caroline Borg is a Mother of two: Sam (6) and Lykke (2) and lives in Gamla Enskede, South Stockholm. The freelance PR manager, creative consultant and photographer / stylist has decorated her home in calm, neutral tones, while blending vintage and antiques with the occasional contemporary piece.  Welcome to Caroline's world! 

Caroline has used Jotun Lady mineral paint which adds a lovely patina to the walls. I have used something similar on my kitchen wall (but by Icelandic company Kalklitir) and I love how it changes with the light! 

I first came across these sofa beds by Karup at IMM Cologne furniture fair back in the spring and instantly loved them. This is the first time I've spotted one in a home! Check out their website here (they do great daybeds, beds and futons too!). 

The pretty duvet cover is from Swedish brand Garbo and Friends. This porcelain pendant lamp is similar. 

The children's room has been decorated with a bed canopy and an Afroart 'nature' garland. The basket is from Olli Ella. 

I hope this lovely home has brought an element of calm before the weekend! 

The mineral walls kind of make me want to go all out in my own home too - I love the texture! Are you tempted too? 

If you don't already follow Caroline on instagram, it's a must! I love her blog too, it's a real feast for the eyes (mainly because she shares some delicious recipes like these 'flower biscuits'!) - check it out over at The Way We Play (Its written in Swedish). 

Looking for a little more inspiration? These beautiful homes have a similar feel and are also full of inspiration:

A charming farmhouse in Piteå
A rundown house becomes a fairytale Swedish country home
The earthy green home of a Swedish interior designer

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends!

Vi ses på Måndag!

Niki

Photography: Caroline Borg

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Galleries Galore In A Creative Danish Home

'Copencabana' that's what everyone is calling Copenhagen right now due to a scorching summer finale! After work and school, adults and children alike are flocking to the water's edge for a cool dip in the Öresund. Further West in Fredicia, Jutland, Anne Romedahl and her family are no doubt doing the same. I featured Anne's wonderful townhouse back in 2017 - but as someone who loves to update her interior almost daily, so much has happened since then that I felt it was time to revisit! A teacher, Anne is passionate about interior design and her home is filled with flea market finds, Danish classics, art and many DIY items. She has also created an inspiring sunroom and outdoor space with which to enjoy the balmy evenings with her husband and three children. Ready to take a peek? Velkommen!

What a beautiful home! It has to be one of my favourites.

Danish style at its finest. 

I'd quite happily chill in one of those rattan chairs for the rest of the week too - how about you?! 

BTW the pretty floral cushions in the sun room are by Mette Frank (I looked them up as I thought they would be perfect for Allie's room!). Mette also sells fab liberty print eye masks laced with lavender - I spotted them in a shop in Hornbæk last week. 

Take a peek inside Anne's home back in 2017 to see what's changed - and keep an eye on her inspiring instagram feed @morrisseymmm and blog to see her latest home updates. 

Here are a few other Danish homes I love: 

A danish family's charming log cabin

Malene and Jeppe's pastel Copenhagen home

A sustainably decorated Aarhus home

Hav det godt! 

Niki

Photography: Anne Romedahl

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