Marilou's Wonderful Canadian Home - And Feline Friend, Denise!

As pretty as Marilou's Canadian family home is, I have a feeling a certain somebody might just steal the show. You'll see what I mean when you reach the end of the tour. But first, more on Marilou. An entrepreneur (edit: and well-known pop-singer), French-Canadian Marilou Bourdon is the author of four cookbooks, and runs the wonderful online store Trois Fois Par Jour. Despite a full family life with children and pet cat Denise, Marilou also finds the time to share delicious, healthy weekly recipes. But today, it's all about her home in Quebec. Whitewashed inside and out, the house is a perfect blend of vintage, mid-century and modern pieces. Outside, you'll discover vegetable patches, cosy spots to relax and a dining area designed to celebrate birthdays.... welcome to Marilou's world! 

What a lovely home! I particularly like the piano, children's bedroom and the bathroom! 

And of course, DENISE!! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?  

There are so many other lovely Canadian homes in the archive too. Here are a few of my favourites: 

Artist Anna Church's modern-vintage home

The lovely home of Émilie Desjarlais

A cosy Toronto Home with a Scandinavian eclectic mix

Wishing you all a great mid-week! 

Niki

Edit note: this post was updated on 8th July to include that Marilou is a pop-singer. Also the facade of the house shown was not Marilou's, rather an inspiration image she had used (eeeek) so it has now been deleted. Sorry about that! 

Photography: @mariloubiz, shared with kind permission. 

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A Beautiful, Elegant Copenhagen Home Revisited!

A beautiful day in the Öresund region calls for a beautiful home tour. And what better than the Copenhagen home of Simone Polk Dahl. I've been following Simone on instagram (@polkenstudio) ever since I featured her home in 2019, and I am always excited to see her latest home updates. While you'll recognise the statement bookshelves and the fabulous daybed, the Danish artist and interior stylist has added some fabulous touches to her apartment including a Ligne Roset Togo chair and Hay Mags sofa  - as well as made some calming colour updates in the bedroom. I love her ever-changing display of art too (keep an eye out for latest editions to her gallery on IG). Enjoy the tour! 

Second-hand table, rug from Jotex, Gubi 9602 lamp. The art is Simone's own work. 

The bookshelves are from Trævarefabrikernes. In front, a daybed has been covered in simple linen fabric from HM Home. 

Classic vintage tables and chairs, Ferm Living Arum floor lamp* and bespoke shelving from Borg & Berg. 

A lounge chair from Sofa Company rests on an old rug from Ellos. A Hay pendant hangs overhead. The wardrobe was handmade by a local carpenter. 

So beautiful! 

If you love Simone's home as much as I do, you might also like to check out her dreamy Danish summer cottage. I love how it has a slightly different feel. 

You can also get your fill of beautiful Danish design in this danish home tour archive (if this pops up first, just hop on over). 

Before I head off to enjoy the sunshine with my girls (who are standing beside me in their swimming costumes!)... I have a couple of things to say: 

Firstly, thank you SO much for all your helpful comments on which doors to get for our summer cabin. Not only was it SUPER helpful, but it also filled me with joy to see so many people joining the discussion! 

And secondly, as per every summer, I'm winding down to blogging three days week to spend time a little time with swimming costume-clad family. After all, on a slight a twist in the words of Ferris Bueller: The Swedish summer moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it! 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography: Simone Polk Dahl, shared with kind permission.

*this post contains affiliate links. 

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Latest Tiny Cabin Update: I Need Your Help!

It's been a while since I've updated you on the little cabin we're building in the grounds of Per's family's summer cottage (see our plans here). Word on the street in the Bjärehalvön is that the build will start in September (so exciting!). It's kind of crept up on me though and now I'm in a panic. This week, I started looking at windows and doors. It's safe to say, I'm starting from scratch with this, but learning fast. And I've narrowed it down to two options (hopefully): 

1. Doors that concertina up - like these fine specimens from Outline, seen here in a small Danish cabin of Lena at Peekaboo design. The beauty with these is that they still have a traditional touch but create a wonderful seamlessness between inside and out. 

2. The other option is to go for doors that open separately, like in this charming summer cabin below owned by Lina Kjellvertz (I once featured her fabulous Mallorcan house), designed by Sommarnöjen (Velfac sell similar doors). 

At this stage, I'm not even sure if option one is possible with, but it's worth investigating - so I thought I'd throw it out there.

Which do you think would work the best? 

Curious to see more Scandic-inspired tiny cabins today? I love: 

Small space inspiration from Swedish attefallshus

An idyllic Finnish summer cabin

A little Danish cabin in the woods

Or for something a little different, the before and after pictures of a Mercedes sprinter van which was converted into a tiny camper van are incredible! 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

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Period Charm, Pattern and Fabulous Paintwork in a Striking Swedish Home

I've been curious to know who is behind the interior design of this red brick Malmö house ever since it came on the market. Whoever it is has a passion for interior design - and worked really diligently to tell the tale of the property's past, which I absolutely love! From the outside, the classic green sash window frames and scent of traditional roses set the early 20th century scene, while inside, striking paintwork helps to enhance the period features. Keep a look out for smaller details such as the handprinted hall floor, stair rails and wallpaper - all of which help to tell the story of its past, while bringing a contemporary feel to the space. 

The entrance way sets the scene for a home that's full of contrast. 

At first glance it looks like tiling but look closely and you'll see the geometric pattern has been hand painted on wood. 

Side note: did you know, Sweden has a long tradition of painting wood floors? It dates back to the 18th century when simpler wood floors were painted to emulate more expensive materials such as stone or tiles. 

Notice the darker paint around the sash windows - which helps to make them more of a focal point. You can see the same idea in a more traditional environment in this Norwegian cabin. It's such a clever technique! 

A traditional masonry oven helps to heat both the sitting room and kitchen (although these days it's more for the 'mys' (cosy) factor!

I love the incredible windows in the dining area, which open right out, creating an indoor and outdoor feel in summertime, while complimenting the style of the house. 

Striking details and patterns! 

I love it when a small downstairs loo / guest bathroom is done up in a dramatic way - the bolder the better! 

The dark theme is carried through to the bedroom in the form of a vintage wardrobe - as well as in the hallway. 

The garden is filled with traditional lavender and roses (imagine the wildlife!) - which contrasts beautifully with a more contemporary outdoor seating area. 

Such a stunning house and garden. I am very tempted to go and see it, I must say. What do you think - worth a viewing? 

Is it me, or does it also have an English look and feel about it? Perhaps that's why it caught my eye! 

You can find out more info about the house here (in Swedish). 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bolaget

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Before and After: A Traditional Norwegian Cabin Gets a Beautiful Colour Update

A few years ago, Berit stumbled across her dream croft surrounded by forest in Lunner, Hadeland, South-east Norway. The 50-metre square (538 sq.ft) cabin had great bones, but was in need of an update. Keen to put her own personal mark on it, Berit turned to Hytteliv magazine and interior designer Siv Brenne, who together with paint brand Jotun set to work on transforming the space while working to highlight the original features. The result is a peaceful retreat in soothing tones, and the perfect place to unwind. 

Kitchen before: 

Kitchen after: 

The kitchen has been given a fresh, calm update with wall panels in 1140 Sand, the ceiling in 471 Lys Antik (both LADY supreme finish matt) and the kitchen cabinets are from Bærum Kjøkkensenter, painted in colour s3005-B8OG. 

The sand shade has also been applied to the traditional-style sitting room area to give the living space a cohesive look. 

Master bedroom before:

When Beret bought the cabin, the small master bedroom was a sea of blues ranging from a more earthy shade to a bright sky blue. 

master bedroom after:

A soothing blue-grey tone (6315 Jade) was applied to the walls while the window frames were painted with a slightly darker 6232 Sjøalge to ensure the original features pop. Furniture and accessories in white and sand help to carry the theme through from the kitchen and sitting room. 

Guest bedroom before:

The guest bedroom was a riot of blue and red - which I am not opposed to since it gives it an air of traditional Norwegian country. However, the transformation is so charming....

After:

The top bunk is mounted on the wall to give an airy touch to the small room (I'm curious to know if the walls would hold this at our summer cottage - I'd love to do something similar!). The walls and beds have been painted in a lovely light 1376 Froströk, while the door and window frame have been given a darker 6232 Sjøalge treatment to match the master bedroom). 

Bathroom before:

After: 

The bathroom has also been given a traditional touch with antique furniture against a backdrop of wood panels painted in calming 4017 Pilasterblå. The blind is from Green Apple and bench is from Lama. 

The exterior was also given aan update. A dramatic 734 Brunsvart (brown-black) was a applied to the wood panels and been paired with window frames in a softer 1376 Froströk and shutters in 4252 Kimrök Dämpad - creating a wonderful cohesive look between outdoors and indoors. 

What a lovely update! I love the soothing palette. It demonstrates just how important it is to work with a cohesive colour scheme before you start to decorate. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

For more fab before and afters, check out this archive - some really incredible ones in there! Also, take a peek in the Norway homes archive - a favourite of mine! 

A couple of other things before I head off:

If you subscribe to My Scandinavian Home via e-mail, the feedburner will no longer work from tomorrow onwards (unfortunately) so I'm working on a new solution in order for you to continue receiving my posts straight to your inbox! I'll be back soon with more info!

And secondly, my article: Handmade Tale: The Rise of Handcrafts for the Home is now live over at IMM Cologne online magazine if you fancy a read! I love this movement, it makes me so happy! I hope it inspired you, too.

I'll be back tomorrow with a beautiful Scandi home tour. See you then! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Hytteliv & Jotun

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