A Light And Elegant Swedish Home

Tjena! I thought we'd nip to Sweden's capital city for today's post and check out the recent work by Refine Design Studio. What do you say?! The Swedish design studio created this incredible space for one very lucky family who are returning home from overseas. The family were keen for the apartment to combine Swedish design with subtle influences experienced during their time abroad. The design worked with the spectacular 19th century bones and full ceiling height (imagine?!), while also adding elegant, contemporary design pieces. Clearly, these pictures have been (beautifully) styled for the shoot, but can you imagine returning home and unpacking all your books, clothes and other belongings here?! Heaven!

This is one of my favourite tables right now. It's the Palais Royal designed by Anya Sebton and Eva Lilja Löwenhielm for Asplund. Isn't it fabulous? Understandably, it's making waves across the interior world right now.

It's a fairly small master bedroom, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in clever furnishings - and has everything you might need: plenty of storage, black-out curtains and compact bedside tables. Loving the contrast between the Lampe Gras 214 wall light* and linen Ghost headboard - perfect! 

We often have friends and family over from the UK, and since it's usually for a couple of days at a time, they don't need an entire wardrobe - a simple hanging rack like the one below is ideal! I found a great DIY post here in case you're considering one too!

What do you reckon? Could you imagine moving into this space and making it your own? I certainly could!

Check out other places in Sweden's capital city here (love Amelia's home full of books and Lovisa's stunning apartment!).

Have you ever been to Stockholm? If not, it's an absolute must but definitely wait until the summer so you can venture out to the islands too!

Haj så länge!

Niki

PS this has got nothing at all to do with Scandinavian design - but have you see 'A Star Is Born'? I was in bits!! Brilliant though!

Photography: Clearcut Factory / Styling Johanna Larsson found via TDC with thanks.

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2019 Colour Trend: Rust And Other Earthy Tones

I have just arrived back from a fun, yet massively intense few days in Germany, attending Domotex floor-covering fair and IMM Cologne. I caught up with a load of brands, met inspiring people from the world of interiors, chatted with bloggers and journalists and checked out the latest design news on the stands (cue biggest step count ever - bonus!). It was a great way to get the low down on what to expect in 2019 and it was the colours that really struck me. As always there are a fair few different directions, but the one I felt super excited about was the palette I'm going to refer to as 'Earth Year'!

Reflecting Nature
There's no denying the climate is changing at an alarming rate and we need to act, fast. Sustainability will continue to be a key focus in 2019 (thankfully!). This could be why we're looking to the 1970's for inspiration (it's the decade in which 'Earth day' was. born and homes were awash with earthy brown, rust, beige, harvest gold and greens. Yep, the trend colours for 2019 are all about nature and climate change - from rust (symbolising decay), terracotta (meaning 'baked earth'),  harvest gold (to reflect the sun), green (plants), and teal / blue (the oceans).  Nature also has a calming effect on our soul. In a world where we feel permanently connected and more than a little stressed, these gentle, earthy tones will help turn our home into a temple: creating a calm sanctuary in which to unwind.

Rust
Out of all the brown tones, rust seemed to be a firm favourite this year - it was everywhere at the fair - from velvet sofas and armchairs to table lamps and book shelves - this tone has hit the big time!

A touch of orange
As a throw-back to the 70's era, orange will most certainly pop up here and there. I have to say I've never been a fan, but when I see it in combination with rust and mustard yellow I could well be swayed, how about you?!

In the pink 
Every revival has a modern twist - and the dusty rose / dirty pink accent will continue to provide a pretty touch to interiors. As we've seen, it fits beautifully with the earthy browns - but also helps to soften the look. Go all out with a subtle tone on tone and you'll be bang on trend!

Feel the Teal
A new addition to the look, teal offers a fresh, spa-like feeling and helps to create a space where we can breathe thanks to it's gentle, nurturing tone.

Ocean blue

A mid-tone grey-blue is also in the mix. Whether in the form of paint (try Denim Drift by Dulux), accessories (the baby duvet below is called Ferm Living Moon*) or wallpaper (Raphael by Sandberg),  it offers a subtle retro vibe and is a fine match with rust, dusty pink and harvest gold. 

Finally, if you're feeling bold - you could throw in an electric blue. As mentioned in Friday's home tour, the 1990's is a rising trend - and you may remember (depending on your age!) there was a 70's revival in the 90's, so it all ties together!

What do you think? Are there any accents you're thinking of adding to your home. this year? Any shades you think will be big? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Niki

Credits: Jotun lady / Design Seeds / Millenium Contracts / Ferm Living / Ferm Living / Unknown / Dulux / Dulux / Ferm Living / Unknown / Ferm Living / Wunderblumen

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