A Playful And Relaxed Family Home That's Bound To Put a Smile On Your face!

Thursday totally calls for a little colour, don't you think? After all - we need to start gearing up for the weekend - only one day away friends, one day away! PHEW! I can't think of a better way to get into the spirit than by taking a peek inside the wonderful home of Ulrike Lea who goes by the hashtag #coloursaremytherapy. Ulrike, who describes herself as an 'interior design lover, cyclist, crafter, Mamma and nature addict' has decorated her lovely home in Aix La Chapelle, Germany using a mainly neutral backdrop and then add splashes of primary hues in the form of furniture, accessories, ceramics, art and flowers. The look is playful and relaxed - and offers great inspiration to anyone looking to add cheerful tones without going all out!

Tulip chairs* and table*, source a vintage filing cabinet here*.

Ceramics by Foekje Fleur and Can Family

Knoll womb chair*, ceramics by Elise Lefebvre

One of the key kitchen trends this season is to do away with upper cabinets (not entirely practical if you have a small kitchen, I know! But Ulrike gets away with it beautifully in this space). 

Plates by Donna Wilson

This is a great source for boucheroute rugs*, pick up a vintage school chair here*, Love x Play poster from Odot studio. Source a vintage wooden racket here* (or just look in my Mum and dad's upstairs cupboard in London and you're bound to find a whole selection complete with towelling grips - John McEnroe style!!). 

A wall of art by Marta Abad Blay

My home suddenly feels so serious. I might just head on over to the websites of some of the artist's featured in Ulrike's home! So many fabulous ones here, and I've tried to name as many as I could!

Has this home inspired you too?

If you'd like to see more (and I can't blame you!) Ulrike shares daily snapshots of her home over on instagram: @donnerstagsonntag 

Happy Thursday guys!

Niki

PS I'm writing this post in the Malmö IKEA store restaurant having used my 'family card' to buy a great big semla (swedish easter bun-type thing) and a coffee (bargain!). It's surprisingly calm in here (I DEFINITELY wouldn't do the same at the IKEA on London's North circular!!).

Photography:  Ulrike Lea
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An Idyllic Swedish Apartment In A Hidden Courtyard

I'm working from a little cafe by the sea this morning and the water is sparkling like diamonds. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin again! Spring is also in the air in this idyllic little apartment in Haga, Gothenburg. The wooden house is over 160 years old and still bears many original features including two lovely tiled stoves, wood floorboards and architraving. I particularly love the idea of sitting at the table by the window and looking out over the picturesque courtyard with a coffee right now, how about you?! 

I really like the idea of placing a shelf across the middle of a window for plants. I might do this in our summer cottage kitchen! Have you done this anywhere in your home? 

The wooden cabinet adds a lovely romantic touch to the bedroom. It's almost worth decluttering the wardrobe so you could down size to a unit like this - or perhaps create an overflow somewhere else in the home (Marie Kondo need never know!). 

This solar system mobile seem to be popping up everywhere right now. Are you a fan? If so - you'll be happy to hear it's available here*. 

How pretty is this courtyard? Just outside the muse gates are a load of little cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. 

I think this is my dream 'city' apartment. It's like a total oasis and just so pretty and full of light. I've always dreamed of living in a London Mews - but perhaps this is the way to go?! Slight problem with space - with one bedroom. Hmmm. Is it OK to an acquire a 'mammas escape'?! Perhaps we could do a time share?! 

Could you imagine living here too?! 

For more pretty Swedish homes to feel inspired by today, take a peek at an idyllic Swedish cottage (and funky pink caravan!), a fisherman's cottage on Sweden's West Coast and a charming 19th century house on Gotland. 

Ha det så bra! 

Niki

PS I've teamed up with a small local family run Malmö design firm to offer your the chance to win two lovely wool trivets over on instagram today. 

Photography: Anders Bergstedt,  Styling:  Nouvel Interior For Entrance

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