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My Swedish Summer Cottage Kitchen Renovation (Before)


In paid collaboration with Bosch
I am so excited to introduce a new series today. If you've been following My Scandinavian Home for a while, you'll likely know my family and I have a very small summer cottage on the West coast of Sweden. I've never actually showed pictures of it before because it's in major need of renovation. I mean MAJOR! But all that is going to change! Over the next twelve weeks I'm going to be renovating the kitchen. I know in these pictures it looks surprisingly OK - but trust me, at a closer glance it's not! Firstly, it hasn't been touched since the 1970s - the wallpaper is peeling away in great swathes, the units are all frayed and sometimes the handles have a habit of falling off. Secondly, the current kitchen doesn't use maximum use of space (kind of important in an L-shaped room that measures 8 square metre / 86 square foot) - it could be waaaay more efficient. And finally, none of the appliances work properly (I can't tell you how annoying it is to leave a casserole on the stove for an hour, only to find the hob hasn't been working!) Oh and did I mention there is a family of mice lurking somewhere behind one of those cupboards? I think you get the idea!


The plan
My goal is to transform the space into a fresh, practical, well functioning, beautiful kitchen (big plans, huh?!) in time for the family to descend on the cottage at midsummer. It's also important to ensure the look fits with the rest of the cottage (the house was built in the1930s by my husband's Grandfather and holds lots of fond memories!).



The Partner
One of the reasons our summer cottage has been somewhat neglected over the years is that we're only there a few weeks a year and share it with other members of the family, so money is always invested elsewhere. Back in our kitchen in Malmö we've had Bosch appliances for over 12 years (oven, hob, fan, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher.... you name it) and we've always been so happy with them, it therefore felt like a natural step to partner with Bosch for this project and install Bosch appliances in our summer cottage kitchen too. Since we are keen to keep the costs down, it helps that Bosch appliances are a seamless fit with IKEA kitchens too!



Grand plans indeed. I'm feeling very excited and at the same time just a teeny bit daunted!

Over the next twelve weeks I'll be sharing my renovation here on the blog (as well as over on Instagram) including my inspiration, plans, the design, expected surprises (of which I'm sure there'll be plenty!) and of course, with any luck - the final reveal! Please do weigh in - I so welcome your tips, advice and opinion on decisions along the way! And if you're planning a kitchen renovation of your own, I hope you'll find the series helpful.

Time to hit the grindstone!

Niki

*This series is in paid collaboration with Bosch. However, all words and pictures are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

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A Swedish Home In Soothing Neutrals

Men hejsan! I hope you've had a lovely, relaxing time over Easter? It's our last day in London today (we're flying back to Malmö this afternoon) and I'm writing this post surrounded by cousins chasing each other around the house with Badminton rackets (where are my noise cancelling headphones when I need them?!). As great as it is to see them happy,  I'd very much like to crawl into the sofa in this Swedish apartment, put my feet up and have a cup of tea right now! Although staged for sale (and I know we all prefer a real 'lived-in' home) - I do love the effortless nature of this space, and I felt it might offer inspiration in terms of working with a subtle colour palette, how to inject natural materials (I spy wood, marble, jute, wool, clay etc) and how to creating a calming oasis! Välkommen!

Menu table light*, Muuto table*, Karlstad sofa (source a beautiful linen cover for it over at Bemz*), light blue velvet cushion*

 Such a pretty radiator cover! 

Although small, this reading corner has everything you might need: books, flowers, a blanket and no doubt, noise levels under 85 decibels! 

I absolutely love this bedroom with its bench, linen curtains (clever how they've used both nature linen and white linen - source similar made-to-measure here*), dark grey linen bedding and jute rug. Oh, and there's a balcony leading off it too - perfection! Could you imagine waking up here?! I certainly could!


And relax

Did you find any ideas to steal? I really love the dual shade curtains in the bedroom. I was trying to see if there was a black-out blind above the window too (does it look like there's one to you?). 

If you'd like to escape for a while longer and take a peek inside more Swedish homes today, you could always take a leisurely scroll through this archive

And guess what? The kids have moved outside and are actually playing badminton rather than just chasing each other with the rackets. I might just be able to have that cup of tea in quiet after all! 

Vi ses imorgen! 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Alvhem (through whom this home is currently for sale). 
Affiliate links marked with *

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Spreading A Little Easter Bunny Love!

As we pack our bags for London, I thought I'd spread a little Easter bunny love with my simple DIY bunny ear napkin creation I made for last year's table. It's super quick to create too (find out how here).

Wishing you a very happy and relaxed Easter / Spring break!

See you Tuesday!

Niki

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10 Ways To Style The Iconic Snoopy!

And I'm not talking 'Woodstock' Snoopy (although that would also make a fun post - did anyone else have 'Bella' as well as snoopy?!!). I'm talking the iconic Snoopy lamp* designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in 1967.  Recognised by its unique dome top and white Carrara marble base - the lamp celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017 and has since re-emerged as one of the must-have task lights right now. Whether you're a black and white type of person - or prefer a pop of colour (it's also available in a very cool green and a fabulous orange) - the lamp looks equally great in the kitchen, sitting room or home office and even in a children's bedroom. Here are ten of my favourite looks! 








Could you imagine having a Snoopy lamp* in your home? If so, what colour would you go for?

I'd love to say the orange one - but we all know I'd freak out at the last minute and opt for the black version! All the same, I'm very tempted, it really is a stunning light! 

There's a load more fabulous lighting inspiration to be found in this archive

I hope the sun is shining where you are too!

Niki


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