A Small Swedish Space, That's Big on Cosiness!

Hejsan hoppsan (says no one in Sweden really!). What do you say about coming on a virtual journey to Stockholm with me today? I've got a very cosy, small space to show you! The apartment in question belongs to Christina, an avid fan of do-it-yourself (or at least not afraid of fixer uppers!).  When Christina's not tinkering away with beautiful fabrics and covers at Bemz (where she works with social media)  - she's working on a total gut renovation of a loft in a former water tower dating back to 1910 (follow the journey here). In the meantime, Christina and her partner Tor are living in a 35 square metre (376 square feet) apartment built in 1872. Amazingly they've also found the time to do this little joint up too - and it looks super cosy! I caught up with Christina this morning to find out more and get her top tips on decorating a small space.

What's the best way to create a cosy feel without making a small home cluttered?

Take time when decorating and try to source as many second-hand and vintage items as possible. It's better for your wallet and the environment and helps to create a personal look and feel. 

What gives a home it's soul? 

Layering tactile textures and adding a good dose of greenery will breath life into your home. 

 What are your three top tips for anyone decorating a small space:

1. Get organised. Reduce visual clutter and highlight pieces that you want to showcase.   
2. Create a feeling of space. Work with negative spaces to create a more lofty feel. 
3. Don't choose smaller pieces of furniture just because you have a smaller home, fewer, larger pieces are often a better use of space and help you to focus on the most important features of the room.

Photographer Mikael Lundblad  / @_mikaellundblad Interior design: Christina. Featured in Apartment Therapy.

Such a lovely, personal home, don't you think?

In case you're curious about any of the items or feel inspired to steal a few ideas for your own home, we've gathered some items which we think fit the bill perfectly!

Get the look

 

1. Genuine Icelandic Sheepskin Chair Cover
2. Project 62 Madrot Glass Globe Floor Lamp
3. Lulu & Georgia Rug
4. KINS - African Mudcloth Cushion
5. Brass Candlesticks
6. Star Voyager Hand Crafted Star Theme African Mask
7. Afro Art Candlestick
8. Cabin Porn Book
9. Misses Flower Power Vase
10. Bemz Cushion Cover
11. Nelson Daybed
12. Bemz Cushion Cover
13. Mateo Grazzi Vintage Chair
14. Candle Holder
15. Broste Copenhagen - Caspa Desk Lamp
16. Linen duvet cover
17. Food52 Grey Splatter Enamel Serving Utensils
18. Serax - Terra Watering Can
19. Poppi Serving Plate
20. Olive Wood Chopping Board
21. Salt Dining Chair

You can read more about Christina's home over at Apartment Therapy and follow her Water Tower project here. 

Have a lovely day!

PS  Don't forget - you can get 15% off at Bemz with code 15myscandinavianhome until 11th Feb (see my picks for my sitting room, bedroom armchair and window nook!).

READ MORE...

3

A Dreamy Scandi Inspired Beach House

Hello there! I can't believe it: we've woken up to clear blue skies, bright sunshine and a dusting of snow here in southern Sweden (it's also minus 5 Celsius but we'll let that pass!!). It's got me dreaming of summer by the sea. Which is probably why this fabulous Scandinavian inspired Hamptons beach house caught my eye. Designed by interior designer Jessica Helgerson and Chelsea Lee, who partnered with architects TBD Design Studio, the 275 square metre (3000 square metre) white Amagansett house is characterised by large, open spaces, a light-filled, white-washed aesthetic, hints of warm wood and brass and beautiful, classic Scandinavian design pieces. Prepare to be inspired!
 
I spy the Hans Wegner design classic Circle Chair (perfect for achieving a beach house vibe!), the statement floor lamp from here and a square leather ottoman in cognac. Tisca sells rugs like this one.

Plants and hand loomed cushions add a soft, textured feel to the living room area. We found a similiar cushion while working on the Greenhouse make-over last summer. Tisca makes a similar rug.

The large dining table was sourced at Another Country and surrounded by the Sibast no8 chair (LOVE these!) and a fabulous Trapeze chandelier

When the doors are pulled back you almost get the impression you're eating alfresco - and I can feel the cool summer breeze drifting through the room - how about you?!

A simple circle in blush painted on the wall - how's that for a simple, yet striking way to add interest to a bedroom?! This colour is similar but I'd always advise testing a few samples to get the look you're after. Elsewhere in the room: SINNERLIG pendant light by IKEA, light grey knitted bedrunner, upholstered bench. 

A hint of light wood (oak?) in the form of a bathroom sink cabinet and touches of brass add warmth to another wise white, minimalist space.

I love the soft pink, yellow and cream hues in this bedroom. For similar try this pink chunky knit blanket and this sea-grass basket with white rim. Danish brand Lucky Boy Sunday makes similar (very soft) cushions.

What a dreamy beach house?! I can just imagine locking up the NYC apartment in the summer and heading out to this lovely space near the water to wile away the summer  - how about you?!

Have a great start to the week!

 Photography: Matthew Williams. Interior Design: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Architects: TBD Design Studio

READ MORE...

4