Dreamy Escape: The Cottage, Byron Bay

As far as holiday rentals go, The Cottage in Byron Bay, Australia is pretty much everything you could ask for! Not only is the location amazing (this coastal town is way up on my list of places to visit, is it on yours too?!), it's been decorated in true Byron Bay style - relaxed, open and friendly with a hint of tropical surfer chic. The cottage was re-designed to retain it's original timbers and features - but given a fresh, modern update with white washed walls and a load of natural materials and vintage furniture (we like!). Oh and did I mention the plunge pool and spa - as well as an outdoor bathtub and shower? I'm seeing a soak under the stars followed by an Aperol spritz on the terrace! Fancy joining me?!

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The linen sofa is so pretty! Try the linen Bemz Urban Loose Fit covers (which are designed to fit many IKEA sofas).

This bedroom set-up is so simple yet so pretty. I love the formula: white wood cladding, botanical oil painting, white linen bedding*, light grey pillows* and a hanging plant (this macrame hanger with glass pot* is similar). Perfect!

Rattan hanging chair*

I love an outdoor bathtub (who wouldn't love a soak under the stars?!). In fact, my dream summer cottage has an entire outdoor bathroom and a hot tub like this! What do you think?

Oh. My. Word. I need to book flights. This place is so worth the long haul from Copenhagen. That sun longer has my name on it!

Could you imagine hanging out here for a week or two too?!

For bookings visit The Cottage at  Byron Beach Abodes. It sleeps 6 but just in case all your mates want to come (and who can blame them?) it can be rented together with The Chapel (how nice is that?!). I also love Magnolia House!

Meet you for sundowners Feb 2019?!

More beautiful holiday rentals here!

Have a *dreamy* weekend friends!

Niki

Photography: Jessie Prince

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A Colourful Retro 'Funkis' Home in Norway

Green and pink accents are popping up everywhere this year - which makes me so happy, since it's one of my favourite combinations - are you a fan too?  We've seen everything from the darkest green and emerald to sage green and soft grey-green combined with subtle powder and dusty rose hues. But the 'deco pink' and pea green scheme in this house in Søgne, South Norway brings something new to the scene.

Etsy is a great source for mid-century teak furniture*, Eames dowel leg chair*

Bambi and Heels print by Julie Pike. 

The house was built in 2011-2012 and designed with large windows to capitalise on the stunning views over the Langeneskilen sea. Camilla, Henning and their son Storm moved in on Christmas Eve, 2012. "It really is wonderful to live so close to the sea," Camilla tells me, "sometimes, when we're having supper we can see fish jumping! Our son Storm is also very fond of the sea and loves to catch crabs and fish."

Camilla is a big fan of retro furniture (teak being a favourite!), contemporary art, and Scandinavian design classics - and of course, colour. "I need lots of colour in my home, I don't feel comfortable otherwise. My favourite hues are pink, turquoise and mint," Camilla explains.

Contemporary Art by Anetmai

Interior designers often suggest adding an element of surprise to a room to really bring it to life and make it truly unique. In this room a beaded, flamingo door hanging does the trick (and looks great next to the retro storage unit!). 

"The flamingo wall hanging I bought in Croatia. I love pieces like that, and when I saw it, I knew it was meant for me! The colours of the flamingos are beautiful, and I think it's a fun piece to have in our living room. It will certainly be moved around the house!

This is a perfect example of how you can transform a neutral space with a few accessories and a statement piece. In Camilla's bathroom a mint coloured retro chest-of-drawers, salmon pink towels and a rattan plant pot add a fresh and vibrant feel. I love the seascape too!

Is there anything that you love in particular from this home? I'm already wondering where to use that deco pink!

You can check out more snapshots from Camilla's home on her instagram @rainbowfunkis - and for other inspiring colourful Scandinavian homes I'm loving: bright colours in a Danish home 
(also featuring Deco pink!), a Danish home full of vintage treasures and 12 child-friendly ideas from a happy family home in Berlin. Oh hang on - why don't I just give you the link to the entire bright colour homes archive - far easier!

I hope you enjoyed the tours!

Vi ses imorgon!

Niki

Photography by Camilla / @Rainbowfunkis shared with kind permission

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A Scandi-inspired Family Home in a 1950's Bungalow

Looking at this home (which I discovered over at The Design Chaser), you'd guess it was in Sweden or Finland - maybe Norway, but definitely not Australia! It's perhaps little surprise that homeowner Nat Wheller is co-founder of norsu interiors, a Melbourne based Scandinavian interior homeware store. Nat and her co-founder Kristy Sadlier renovated the 1920's Californian bungalow over the space of 6 months, transforming it from an 'ugly duckling home' into what they describe as a 'norsu home', characterised by light grey and white hues and subtle, warm textures. They shared the process on instagram to show that a renovation doesn't have to be overwhelming. Today, Nat and her husband Dan and their two children Annabel (7) and Harvey (4) enjoy life in the family home. So, pop the kettle on - and enjoy the tour!

Wood cladding adds character and warmth to a room - while helping to maintaining a clean, calm look and feel.   

Loving that big ole' Smeg* in the kitchen and the chevron tiles! Check out the Swedish Rubn light fixture too!

How's this for a hallway with a calm feel?!Plus it has everything: closed storage for coats, scarves etc, somewhere to sit down and put on your shoes, and a 'landing space' i.e. the console which is the perfect spot for small items like keys. Not a scooter in sight!

Sliding doors are great - they take up less space and allow for a wider door way so more light can enter the room. I'm a big fan of barn doors like this one as they add so much character to a space too.

The wood cladding has been extended into one of the children's rooms adding to the cosy feel - love this!

As bathrooms stroke utility rooms go this has to be up there with one of the prettiest - and it's all in the tiles and clothes rack. We have a utility room in our home (it's never appeared on MSH because it's a total disaster area!!) - I'm so pinning this space. Perhaps I've found a project for this autumn! Anyone else feeling inspired by this?

What a beautiful space! Anyone else feel truly inspired and come away with a thousand ideas? I think I might just have finally cracked my hallway puzzle... (that's two projects this autumn - don't tell the man!).

I often think of wood cladding as a summer cottage feature but seeing it in this homes makes me realise it can look just as great in a modern home too - yay!

Is there anything you love in particular about this house?

If you're keen to see more, you can view the complete renovation process on film here and get the look room by room here (many items have been sourced locally down under). Oh and the guys are also offering norsuHOME styling services now too. How tempting!

More Aussie homes (where do I begin, there are so many rocking the Scandi style in a beautiful way!): the inspiring Melbourne of two architects, a relaxed beach home in earthy tones (there are those african baskets again!), a super relaxed boho cottage down under.

Have a lovely day!

Niki

Photography Lisa Cohen Styling Beck Simon

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Favourite Right Now: The African Basket Gallery Wall

There's been so much talk about rattan on here lately that I've neglected to mention another rustic bohemian item that's been rocking the home world over the past few years: African baskets. From kitchens and sitting rooms to staircases and bedrooms, these beautiful decorative handwoven pieces are giving traditional 'print' gallery walls a run for their money and adding plenty of warmth and texture to boot! Here's a round-up of some of my favourites.

There are tonnes of different types of African baskets. Binga baskets from Zimbabwe tend to be popular for walls due to their flatter shape and light weight, but there are many other beautiful handwoven designs which make beautiful decorative pieces too. They're widely available online - I like The Basket Room, Paulski Art* and Sekai baskets* (the latter sells baskets in sets which are great for gallery walls!).

To hang them, all you need to do is thread some multi-purpose fishing line through the centre of the basket, creating a loop at the back. Baskets tend to be fairly lightweight so a small tack / nail should be enough to bear the weight. Some people also nail baskets directly to the wall using a slightly longer nail, but be aware this will damage the basket in some way. 

1.  Anna Malmberg (see the full home tour of her lovely, natural home here) 2. Avenue Design Studio (see the rest of  Holly's sitting room here) 3. The Design Files 4. Can anyone help with the credits for this wonderful pic?!  5. Simply Chi Vintage 6. I'd love to know the credits for this picture too! 7. Chicville USA 7. Madam Stoltz 8. Couleur Locale 

What do you think? Could you imagine creating a basket gallery wall in your home?

I think they make a great addition to prints and paintings!

I'll be back tomorrow with a very exciting home tour! See you then!

Niki 

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