my scandinavian home

It’s Friday, friends – yay! I’m keeping it local today… very local, in fact!

A few weeks ago, I moved into a new studio on Lilla Torg – a picturesque old square right in the heart of Malmö. I feel so lucky to be sharing the space with some truly lovely, inspiring, funny, and all-round awesome people – one of whom is Rene Humphrey.

Rene has a background in landscape garden design and now works as an interior designer and stylist. Needless to say, the home she shares with her partner Aron and their two little girls, Bonnie (4) and Billie (3), is beautiful in every way.

Set in a leafy villa area, the family moved to the house in 2022. Since then, Rene has been adding her signature touch to the space with an earthy palette, lush textures, and a wonderful sense of warmth. She also loves playing with shape and symmetry, bringing depth and personality to each room. All around the house, you’ll spot her collages-in-progress – mood boards that not only guide her interior projects but also shape her own home, one room at a time.

Dark wood has made a strong comeback in recent years, and it’s lovely to see how it adds contrast and character throughout Rene’s home.

The house is very much a work in progress, with some rooms still waiting their turn. I’m already looking forward to sharing an update when the next chapter unfolds! For now, here are a few lovely angles from Rene’s place to enjoy on this fine Friday!

So calm and serene! If I know Rene right, the garden will also be transformed into a complete oasis. But as a (rookie) gardener myself, I understand the length of time it takes. It's definitely more about the journey than the end destination!

Did anything stand out to you about Rene's lovely home?

You can see more pictures from Rene's work and home, fashion tips, and delicious-looking culinary creations here.

I must take some snaps from the new studio I work in soon, I think you'll like it. If you're curious about visiting Malmö, check out my city guides, including 30 things to do for design lovers and 15 favourite local hangouts - although so many cool places have popped up since then, I think it's time for a new one! Have you ever been to Malmö?

It's a small place, and everyone in the design world is connected somehow. For example, Rene is great friends with Natalia Andersson, whose former home I featured here. Another Malmö home I think you'll love is Natalie's cosy city apartment where old meets new - who happens to be best friends and business partner to Patricia Rodi, a Swede living by a Scottish loch. I told you it's a small world!

That's it from me this week. I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend? It's been a long week of work for me so I am looking forward to kicking back in the sunshine with a glass of rosé!

Skål from Sweden!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @rene_humphrey, shared with kind permission.

It’s a beautiful, sunny day in Scandinavia, which means my mind immediately drifts to the idyllic life at a Swedish summer cottage. Over Easter, many spent time preparing theirs for the season, and now we’re all counting down the days until July, when we can close the doors to our city homes and head to the countryside.

Since summer cottages are all about slowing down and spending quality time with family and friends, many choose to expand their living space by adding small garden dwellings – known as an attefallshus (25 m² / 269 ft²) or komplementsbostadshus (30 m² / 323 ft²). These charming little houses offer a perfect spot for extended family or visiting friends to stay.

I recently featured Frederika Palmstierna’s boho Stockholm apartment, and today, I thought I’d share the beautiful cabin she recently built on the grounds of her family’s summer cottage. Inspired by a design from Sommarnöjen, the cabin’s green wooden façade blends effortlessly into the surrounding woodland.

On warm summer days, large glass doors open wide, creating a seamless flow between indoors and out – making the most of the compact living space. On chillier days, meals are enjoyed in the cosy kitchen area, or the family (including their lovely dog!) likes to curl up by the wood-burning stove. Simply furnished yet wonderfully inviting, it’s the perfect little retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Let's take a peek!