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:
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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