Bedroom Details: One bench, Two Different ways

Sponsored by Skovby, all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I love

Do you find that you only know something was missing until you add it - often by accident? I was asked by Danish brand Skovby to photograph the beautiful #833 Bench. I was originally considering placing it by the kitchen table, or in the hallway - but following my bedroom make-over last week, I realised where it really belongs is at the foot of my bed! If you have the space for one, benches are ideal as they can be used for so many different things - a place to sit and get dressed in the morning, somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee (it makes a great midpoint between languishing in bed and entering the world!) - or a perfect place to store books and other treasures. Here's this beauty of a bench, styled two different ways: 

1. The dressing bench 

Why hop about the room trying to put on socks when you can chill on a bench in style! Place a little basket underneath for slippers or chunky knit socks and blankets. If you feel the chill in the night, you can reach down and grab it, without even rustling the covers! 

Any bench will do, as long as it's the right length. But I have to say, the Skovby #833 Bench is absolutely beautiful - and ideal. It's crafted from solid wood and 170 cm long making it a perfect three-seater and an ideal length for a180 cm wide bed (it's little sister, the #832 bench is 120 cm is suitable for narrower ones). 

If you prefer a darker look, it's also available in oak oil and black oak versions - all with the lovely brass detail. 

2. The storage bench:

The long surface makes this bench an ideal place for books and other items - a little like a mini library at the foot of your bed!  For this styling we also added a vase with lilac from the garden - but I am the first to admit it's not entirely practical as Per pointed out (while removing countless cushions before settling in for the night!!). I was merely exercising a little artistic license, and it does look pretty, right?

Not only does solid wood have a beautiful patina, it can also last a lifetime when handled with care. Soap and vegetable oils can help to impregnate, nourish and maintain the wood so it stays beautiful. 

Needless to say, I'm keeping this bench right where it is! 

Which look / use do you prefer ? Could you imagine having a bench at the end of your bed? Or perhaps you already do! 

If you're feeling inspired, hop over to Skovby to find your nearest store. 

See also: the perfect counter stool in my kitchen, Per's home office, my temporary dining room update and  a new glass cabinet. 

Have a fabulous, relaxing weekend - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark

Styling: Helen Sturesson

This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Skovby. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the exceptional Scandinavian businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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Great Stays: A Rustic Hideaway Surrounded by Rolling Hills

Feel like getting away from it all? This wonderful rustic hideaway is available through Airbnb! Set high up on rolling hills, The Wensley is architecturally designed with an Oregon and Ironbark timber exterior and offers everything you might need to switch off - including cosy sofas with panoramic views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a wonderful indoor and outdoor bathroom (my eyes are on that zinc tub!) - all with a timber and stone touch to emulate the surroundings. Such beautiful work by Lisa Buxton Interiors! OK, there might be a slight catch (at least for the time being) - it's in Wensleydale, around one and half hours from Melbourne, Australia! Yikes! But that shouldn't stop us from dreaming about a future stay, right? 

In my mind, I'm already soaking in that tub - the odd kangaroo hopping passed. Heaven! 

Could you imagine staying here?

If you'd like to do a little more mid-week 'escape' dreaming, here are some other places I'd love to stay at one day:

A Swedish weatherboard cottage in South Australia

A bohemian hideaway in the desert, in USA

A rustic summer cottage on the Swedish island of Gotland

A dreamy Scandinavian-inspired ski chalet in whitefish, USA

An earthy pool villa in Bali

A Swedish run B&B in the South of France

Do any of these capture your imagination? 

Wishing you a fabulous mid-week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Wensley

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A Swedish Country Home That's Charming Inside and Out!

Let's go on a trip to Borås, West Sweden today and stop by at the fairy-tale home of  Evelina Lovisa Lind, her husband, two boys and cutest pups Tage and Tore. A photographer, Lovisa takes daily snaps of their home and life in Västra Götaland County while she studies gardening. The family home is a wonderful blend of antique and vintage finds set against a 'moody' backdrop of greys combined with accent walls adorned in William Morris. Evelina has drawn the surrounding landscape indoors using botanical prints, nature inspired wallpaper, climbing plants and fresh flowers from the garden. Keep a special lookout for the beautiful pendant light (I'd love one for my own home!) and the whimsical DIY idea! 

Intercepting the tour to point out the beautiful recycled Tropez pendant lamp - made from paper mâché and inspired by a floppy sunhat! The botanical prints are by Swedish artist Jonna Fransson. 

So beautiful - indoors and out!

Greenhouses are having a real moment in Sweden - popping up left, right and centre and used for everything from traditional gardening to a garden room. Are they popular where you are too? 

And now for the simple, yet pretty DIY idea: a candle wreath wrapped in dried Pearly Everlasting flowers. It's a perfect way to prolong the summer, and it'll stay in place for years!  Here's how: 

1. Pearly Everlasting is known for its excellent dried flowers. To dry them out, cut the stems before the blossoms are fully open and then hang them upside down in a dark place.  

2. Weave the dried flowers around the candle wreath as you would when making any other wreath and keep them in place with a thin wire (see this tutorial for more guidance). make sure you give the candles plenty of space to avoid a fire risk (never leave naked flames unattended). 

Lovely idea!

Is there anything that stood out to you about Evelina's house and garden?

If you'd like to see more snapshots, hop on over to her instagram @lovisalind. 

Ha en bra dag! 

Niki

Photography: Evelina Lovisa Lind shared with kind permission. 

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This Romantic Swedish Art Nouveau Villa Could Be Yours!

Good morning friends, how was your weekend? Monday morning has only just begun and I'm already at my desk in our urban townhouse, dreaming about a move to this romantic Swedish countryside villa (so, that's new? LOL!). But when you see the pictures, you'll probably understand! The early 20th century art nouveau villa dates back to 1910 and with a heavy heart (I'm sure), the artist owner has decided to put it on the market. They say fortune favours the brave, and for anyone willing to take on the project in rural Flen, in Södermanland County, west of Stockholm, this magnificent property is all yours! Think large spacious rooms and magnificent windows which flood the space with light and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Many of the original features are still intact including the large masonry stoves and wood floor are still intact, so it's just to add your very own personal touch! 

Could you imagine moving here just in time for winter? 

Oh, the ways I could make this place my own. And don't even get me started on the garden. I'm not sure we're quite ready to move 500 km though! 

More details here. 

Dream about other Scandinavian country homes today in this archive.

And a quick reminder to make the most of the 20% discount at Bemz with code MSHfall - a perfect opportunity to get a new slipcover for your sofa like these, update with cushions, or refresh your bedroom in time for autumn (see my recent makeover)! 

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem. 

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7 Styling Tricks To Learn From a Serene Swedish Apartment

While yesterday's home tour was all about colour and playful elements, this Swedish apartment is all about serenity. When I pour over the pictures of the milky white tones, minimalist decor and soft touches of light wood I feel my shoulders instantly relax. So, what's the trick to creating an oasis of calm for one? Here are seven clever styling elements at play: 

1. Keeping key furniture white helps to keep the look uncluttered, while mixing and matching different designs helps to keep the look interesting. 

2. A very large white fluffy, shag-pile rug adds texture and warmth as well as helps to dampen sound. 

3. Playing with scale immediately adds interest to a space. In the main living room / bedroom a large pendant lamp floats in the centre. 

4. Elfa storage is hugely popular in Sweden as it's really practical and can be tailored to the space you have. These shelves maximise storage by extending all the way up to the ceiling. And great storage also means a clutter-free room. I'd love to see a little more this space, preferably with some closed storage to hide a load of stuff! 

5. A mirror doubles up as a 'looking glass' but also as a tool to reflect light inwards, visually enlarging the room 

'You' print by Sofia Lind*

6. Bucket storage is ideal for storing books and magazines (I also love to use it in children's rooms as it's so easy to find what you're looking for!). This one is the Douve by Bloomingville*. 

7. Soft earthy colours help to break up the white look while keeping the aesthetic calm and natural. 

Arum wall lamp* by Ferm Living (I have the same one in my bedroom but in beige). 

Beautiful! I could totally imagine rocking about here, could you? 

It's a bit small for my family, but if you're interested, it's for sale here. 

On a different note - I'm not sure if you noticed my announcement the other day - but I'll be blogging four days a week for the time being, with Fridays off. So on this note - I'll leave you to have a fabulous weekend and see you on Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Alvhem

*This post contains affiliate links.

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