A beautiful back-to-basic Finnish cabin

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Minna of Time of The Aquarius. Her style is stunningly simple, and everything she touches turns to gold. Minna and her family have been renovating their beautiful Finnish summer cottage (seen here, here and here) for some time and today I can reveal a glimpse of parts of the new monochrome living space. It's everything a Scandinavian retreat should be and more. Oh how I'd love to visit one day! How about you?

Time of The Aquarius - shared with kind permission.

I do love a back-to-basic minimalist feel. So airy and light. How about you?

Although around 80% of the items in the home are vintage finds, there are a few pieces we can readily find - the kitchen is from IKEA. The worktop is from Bauhaus and painted black using Osmo Color. The dining chairs are Bertoia. There are several lovely items by the lovely Finnish brand Verso Design too. But what I really want to know - (and I'm pretty sure you do too?) is where that light in the kitchen is from. I'm working on it I promise - and will be back shortly! Do let me know if there is anything else you're wondering about.

You can see more pics of this lovely cottage and keep up to date with their renovation project on Instagram. Or take a peek at Minna's year round home here.

More stunning Finnish homes here (scroll passed the first as it will most likely be this one) and if you're in the mood - you might want to check out the log cabin and rural retreats archives too - soooo idyllic!

Have a lovely day!

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A light Danish home with a dreamy bedroom

There's a beautiful light here in South Sweden today (this was taken on my morning walk along the beach). In the distance I could see Denmark over the sound - and one of the roof tops could quite possibly have been this home (through a strong set of binoculars!!). Located just North of Copenhagen, the space has been designed in consultation with Natalia Sánchez Echervarria of Spatial Code and beautifully captured by one of my favourite interior photographers - Line Thit Klein. Such a lovely, light-filled space don't you think? And that bedroom *sigh*?!

Design: Natalia Sánchez Echevarria / Spatial Code. Photographer: Line Thit Klein. Shared with kind permission.

Lovely!

I'm extremely partial to an all white, uncluttered bedroom - so serene! In this instance I love the exposed beams painted in white, light wood floor and french balcony. On a day like to say the doors could be thrown open - what a lovely room to wake up to, don't you think?!

We've been seeing a few white spaces with earthy aubergine / mauve coloured curtains in Denmark lately (remember this beautiful bedroom?). It's a lovely way of bringing colour into an all white space, especially when matched with a throw.

I love the paint colours on the gallery wall (try Borrowed Light) and stairwell (try Lulworth blue) - so calming!

More lovely Danish homes to drool over today: an idyllic summer cottage,  a home with a warm soul and quirky touches and a Danish retreat.

Have a lovely day!

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A magnificent brownstone with striking contrasts

This magnificent brownstone in Clinton Hill, New York has the most incredible rich, colour pallette.  It's home (and studio) to event planner, interior designer and stylist Melissa Lee owner of Bespoke Only, and her husband Keye. With the help of Simpson Jacoby they have turned the 100 year old house into an elegant, calm space using striking dual-toned, colour blocked or nuanced lime-washed walls and furnished with a wonderful mix of second-hand, vintage and reclaimed items throughout. I love the way it's been captured by Ty Cole too. Let's take a peek....

Homeowner: Melissa / Bespoke Only. Architect: Simpson Jacoby. Photography: Ty Cole - shared with kind permission. Post inspired by Design Sponge with thanks.

This home has finally tipped the scales for me to give my home a lick of Railings Farrow & Ball. It has to be done. What do you think, could you paint parts of your home in this shade?

I also love the mosaic floor in the entrance way - try Encaustic Tiles for similar.

Other wonderful homes which have gone over to the dark side include this striking dark grey and white home, a fabulous grey australian home and a Swedish home in blue, grey and white.

Have a lovely day!

PS I hope it stops raining soon, this is meant to be our summer. Come on Sweden!

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A dream houseboat on lake Eildon

Hello! Happy Monday! If you're at the office starting a long week of work, don't worry, I've got just the home for you. Sit back, and dream you're actually here, in this magnificent houseboat overlooking Lake Eildon, Australia. Designed by Pipkorn & Kilpatrick for a family looking for a place from which to wile away a lakeside holiday, the houseboat is made with natural, sustainable materials which reflect the light from the lake. It's simplicity let's the beautiful vistas do the talking. I could spend my entire summer on that deck, how about you?

Pipkorn & Kilpatrick. Photography: Christina Francis. Post inspired by Coco Lapine Design with thanks

Imagine sitting out on that terrace with a book and glass of something cool? *Sigh*. Could you wile away a summer here?

The folklore-style cushions on the sofa are not unlike the beautiful ones from Saana Ja Olli (see the Finnish couple's home here).

Another houseboat I've show of late is fabulous for other reasons here.

As you've probably read before, my family and I are keen sailors and love to spend our summers sailing around the Swedish islands on our boat A La Vie (named after our children). That's why I was completely taken by this beautiful sail boat - so idyllic, right?! After seeing this, I might just spend the winter working on the interior of our boat. Watch this space!

Have a dreamy Monday!

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A happy Swedish home with black floors and bright colours

As I finally complete my off white floor  - this Swedish home comes along and throws everything up in the air! GRRR! Will you take a look at those glossy black floors?! What a striking backdrop the black and white makes for all those bright splashes of colour and lush plants?  Owners Hannah and Don Billberg are an impressive duo. Using a shoe string budget they set about building the home and then furnishing it with flea market finds and items bought second hand online -  and a bucket load of imagination. The result is a truly inspiring, vibrant family home. What a perfect tour for the weekend, let's take a tour....

Homeowner: Hannah Billberg Stylist: Anna Mård. Photographer: Karin Foberg - shared with kind permission.
/ Hus o Hem. Post inspired by inspired by Desire to Inspire with thanks. 

Wow, I love this home. It's so refreshing! I love the creativity with which it's been put together. How about you?

I first visited Sweden when I was around seven years old to visit Ullis and her family (who are still great friends today). Her mother Yvonne, has a loom and she'd make these wonderful rag rugs. I've been a huge fan of them ever since - they're just so simple and such a great way of brightening up a space. I love how the colourful rag rugs in Hannah's home pop against the black floor too. Try Etsy for similar.

Other simple ideas to steal from this lovely home:
- Create moodboards using colourful pictures to brighten up a hallway, or delicious looking recipes cut out from magazines in the kitchen.
- Add a touch of comfort to bent wood chairs with fluffy, bright colour seat cushions.
- Adding a splash of paint to a simple box makes a fab wall-mounted bed side table.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

You can see more of Hannah's charming home on Instagram. 

For more inspiration this weekend I'm loving this cheerful Swedish home with bright splashes of colour and another home with black floors but in a whole different style. Or perhaps you're inspired by green floors or even red floors?!

Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday! 

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