A Soothing White and Caramel Swedish home

So the 'beast from the east' has arrived. How are you coping European friends (I hear there's even snow in Rome!)? Keeping toasty? In Sweden it's been snowing all night and all day and it's minus 9 (here in the south!). Crazy! Still, I do love a proper winter, how about you? All this snow has meant I've been completely distracted (my Swedish friends on the other hand, are completely unfazed by it all - proof that you can take a girl out of London, but you can't take London out of the girl!') and left hardly anytime for today's post (squeezed in between an afternoon coffee and collecting the girls with their toboggans in 30 minutes time!). But this home tour is a goody and totally worth stopping by for nevertheless, especially if you love a calm, white, minimalist home with warm caramel accents! It's been styled for sale viewings, hence the more minimalist look and feel, but I think there's plenty to feel inspired by all the same. Enjoy!

Pick up similar abstract artwork here. I'm so curious about the armchairs - if you have any idea where they're from it would be wonderful if you can let me know in the comment section below and I'll update the post. 

The Gubi semi-pendant is a favourite of mine, it comes in a load of colours but the white option keeps it classic.

If we think it's cold in Europe right now, we'd better be thankful we weren't around for Europe's mini ice age between 1500 and 1800! There'd have been no choca mocha lotta lattes to warm our cockles. But there was an invention in the 18th century which we'd have been grateful for - the Swedish 'kakelugn' (seen above). Considered a heat efficient way to warm a home at the time - many masonry ovens are not in working order today but look super pretty all the same!

These warm brown linen duvet cover and pillow cases are similar. And I'm a big fan of the Cord lamp by Design House Stockholm! 

 Photography courtesy of Stadshem.

Oh so lovely. The apartment has such a soothing feel to it, don't you think? I love the space-saving fold-away chair in the hall  - so handy for tight spots. The closest I've found is by Henrybuilt - any tips where this one's from?

Is there anything you love about this home?

Have a lovely day and stay warm friends! 

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Is Embroidery the New Avocado Toast?!

In my Lagom book I talk about the importance of swapping screen time for analogue activities such as reading, writing a diary and handiwork before bedtime in order to feel more relaxed, doze off quicker and enjoy an improved quality of sleep. So you can imagine how excited I was to see embroidery popping up more in the social media sphere! Pinterest, Instagram (6 million hits!), blogs, DIY magazines, you name it. For those of you shuddering as you cast your mind back to a cold classroom with pricked fingers - fear not, we're talking embroidery with a modern twist and a Swedish start-up has you covered! Founded by Sofia Magnusson, The Folklore Company combines the digital world with old school cross stitch embroidery, meaning that anyone who hasn't done a cross-stitch since primary school can still enjoy the mindful activity and create something wall-worthy too! How fab is that?!

When Marielle at The Folklore Company first approached me I was quick to notice you can buy ready made embroidery patterns too - the 'busy' person in me was incredibly tempted! But then I realised I'd be missing out on the whole relaxation side  plus I'd never find out if embroidery truly was the new avocado toast! I fired off a mail with my concerns and was assured: "it’s really not hard to embroider your own, it’s a little time consuming but a very soothing activity, which is made even more cozy with a cup of tea."

Being a Brit, she had me at the tea. Here's how I got on:

1.  Selecting the pattern. The Design Editor offers a large variety of patterns ranging from more traditional flowers and lace to swallows, hearts and even unicorns! I went for the The Malta pattern - which is one of their best sellers since it's a relative simple pattern (best not to run before I crawl!). 

2.  Selecting the colour: I opted for the pewter grey thread, which I'm really pleased with. On the home run I exchanged one of the birds for a pink thread which I found at home. I think it added a nice little twist do you?!
3. Adding your text, favourite quote or poem: (remember the longer it is the more hours it will take, but then again, the task is not meant to be rushed and March is one looong month!). 
4. Choosing the text style: I chose the Primus Script as I kind of wanted the juxtaposition of the modern quote with the traditional lettering.
5. Ordering the kit: The embroidery kit contains everything you need to get started right away including a needle, fabric, yarn and pattern but I kind of got carried away and ordered the pretty peacock scissors (was tempted with the Eiffel tower ones too), a wooden embroidery hoop, and a thimble!

6. The process: I was so grateful for the very straight forward instructions and the embroidery was truly therapeutic (it's a perfect activity for a long journey, wiling away a few hours at the weekend or simply kicking back in the evenings!).

Once finished I placed the fabric in a black frame and hung it on my bedroom wall! I have to say, I'm so happy with the result!

Keen to make your own? All the information you need to get started is right here
- and the fab team are offering you 15% discount with the code: 15%SCANDINAVIAN up until 31st March. You The Folklore Team girls rock!


Don't forget to share a picture of your masterpiece using the hashtag #folklorecompany, we'd love to see it!

Thank you to the fab girls at The Folklore Company for setting me on the embroidery path and sponsoring this post - I'm already wondering what pattern to create next. Something for my daughter's room perhaps?! Watch this space!


Photography credits: 1 (montage) & 2 courtesy of The Folklore Company / 3, 4 & 5: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home.

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