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Before & After: A Rundown Cabin Becomes a Vibrant Danish Summer Cottage

It's safe to say that when Ida Lundsteen and Edward first bought their summer house in Ejby Ådal - an hour west of the danish capital - it needed a lot of work! But the handy Danish pair could see its potential - both inside and out - and set to work themselves to transform it. Today, their hard work has paid off and they have an idyllic retreat in which to unwind in their spare time. Read on to see the before and after pictures and feel truly inspired!

Dining area before

Dining area after

The wood panelling was painted white, and the floor sanded down and treated with a white soap finish. A window was added to allow light to flow through from the side extension. Today, the dining area is bathed in natural light - a perfect spot to enjoy meals on chillier days! 

Kitchen before

Ida and Edward reconfigured the house, moving the kitchen to an area in the sitting room - formerly occupied by an old electric heater. 

Sitting room before

Looking at the pictures above, you can understand the sheer level of work that they have put into the renovation - completely gutting parts of the house. 

In the sitting room they added a lovely nook (with storage) in which to unwind with a book.   

Sitting room nook after

Bathroom before

Bathroom after
The small bathroom was completely updated. The sink was moved to the opposite side of the room, tiles ripped out and a new floor laid. Today it looks fresh and modern in black, white and brass. 

Side extension before

Side extension after
Ida and Edward built an extension onto the side of the house - adding a work space and practical mudroom. 

Garden and terrace before

Life at a Scandinavian summer house is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Doors are thrown open in the morning - and life spills outside to take in the long summer days. 

But for Ida and Edward - there was work to be done. The garden was completely overgrown and although there had been some form of patio, it needed to be worked over from scratch.

The pair built a large wood deck completely by hand - almost doubling their living space in summertime. They also capitalised on sloping land by adding built-in seating to the side of the decking. 

But my eye is on the sunk-in bath. So simple, yet such a clever idea. 

Patio before

Patio after
After a lot of hard graft, clearing foliage, pulling up the old patio and creating new decking - the family now have a wonderful outdoor dining area where they can gather and enjoy summer days long after the sunsets! 

How incredible! It's even more impressive knowing that they did it themselves, don't you think? 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular?

The decking before and after couldn't have come at a better time for Per and I as we were discussing laying our own decking up at the cabin this summer. We were already feeling inspired by Per's brother who laid decking himself last summer - and now, after seeing this, we're feeling really empowered! 

I hope this lovely danish cottage as given you plenty of inspiration too. You can see more pics over at @bare_byg.

Other Danish summer cottages to love: 


You also might like to check out the before and after archive for other renovations. 

And finally, I can't sign out without a final comment on the bath. I've seen many outdoor baths before (see 15 outdoor bath and shower ideas) - and the incredible wood burning bath at Settle hideaway, but this is the first time I've seen a simple, ordinary bathtub sunk into decking. What a great idea! I could just see myself having a soak there, glass of wine in hand. How about you? Would you like to see how it looks in winter? Here goes: 


Perfect! 

Niki

PS I mentioned yesterday that I would be sharing my latest studio update today, but the post isn't quite ready - sorry! I look forward to sharing it on Monday instead! 

Photography: Ida Lundsteen, shared with kind permission. 

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A Serene Stockholm Apartment In Neutrals

This incredible Stockholm apartment might seem tight in places (check out the angles in the kitchen and bedrooms), but don't be fooled - the two-floor maisonette actually has 5 bedrooms - which for Sweden's capital city is immense! When I stumbled across it, an incredible sense of calm washed over me, which I put down to the lovely pools of sunlight, wide open-plan living space and the soft putty shade throughout. I could quite happily see myself flitting about in this wonderful oasis, how about you? 

Note the rounded shape of the sofa - curved edges are set to be a big trend in 2022. 

I am guessing the fluffy rug is from Cappelen Dimyr - a popular Swedish brand co-owned by Elin Dixdotter who's wonderful Copenhagen home I featured here and incredible country kitchen here.



When you choose a monotone palette, it's critical to shake things up a little and add interest with texture - clearly seen here in the bedroom. 

So beautiful! 

I know this type of monotone look isn't to every taste - how do you feel about it? 

Tomorrow I'm hoping to share some snapshots from the latest update I have done in my studio - I hope you're going to like it as much as we do! 

Vi ses! 

Niki

Photography Nestor Fastighetsmäkleri found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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A Swedish Apartment with a Great IKEA Hack - and a Small Pink Bedroom!

Today I'm taking you on a journey to an apartment dating back to 1900 in the boho district of Södermalm, Stockholm. What caught my eye about this wonderful Swedish space (apartment from the sky-high ceiling and big windows, of course) is a great IKEA hack, the choice of colours - and a cosy, small master bedroom - as well as various other factors! Ready to take a closer look? 

I love the placement of the dining table by the window. In a capital city outdoor space is limited if not non-existent - and I am already imagining the windows thrown open in summertime, giving the illusion of dining alfresco. And in winter, any tasks at the table can be carried out under the natural daylight. Perfect! 

THIS is the IKEA hack I was talking about. I have done exactly the same thing in Liv's bedroom. The IVAR cabinets are from IKEA and have been painted to match the wall and then wall-mounted. So simple and yet so lovely - plus they're nice and narrow so can fit just about any space. 

I love the print too - anyone have any idea who it's by / where it's from? 

A cosy sitting room area has been created further from the window. Notice how the gallery wall helps to create a separate zone. 

The master bedroom may be small - but it's also very cosy. I love how the windowsill doubles up as a bedside table on the far side and the pink hue helps to add a soft, romantic touch. 

A lovely space!

Oh, and it's currently for sale.... just saying! 

Is there anything that stands out to you about this home? Could you imagine going pink in your bedroom? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Other homes in Södermalm you might love: 



Niki

Photography: Fredric Boukari 

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6 Smart Ideas To Steal From a Small Danish Apartment


Goddag, goddag! I'm going straight in this week with the delightful Copenhagen apartment of Büsra Demirhan. A student living in a 47 metres square (505 foot square) apartment with her boyfriend, Büsra was selected by Danish magazine Bolig Magasinet as instagrammer of the month thanks to the clever way she has designed her small space on a tight budget, without compromising on style. Here are six very smart small space ideas that make a big difference! 

1. Round table: Round tables have a smaller surface area than square tables and therefore take up less space - and can squeeze into a tight spot. Plus you avoid the risk of walking into a corner with your thigh (winces). 

2. Extra storage: Büsra has used used dead space above the kitchen cabinets to store little used items. A wooden cup holder (this one is by Sætter and is taking the Danish interior world by storm right now) slots in neatly between the upper and lower cabinets. 

3. Think slim: Narrow furniture - like this glass cabinet is ideal for small spaces. 

4. Wall mount where possible: a flat screen TV has been tucked in among frames on the wall of the sitting room, leaving the floor clear. Wall mounted furniture is especially great for small spaces as it helps you to make full use of vertical space and creates a more airy feel. 

5. Wall to wall, mirrored storage: one whole side of the sitting room area has been reserved for much needed storage. Using closed storage not only helps to keep a space looking clean and clutter free - but the mirror helps to visually enlarge the room. Perfect! 

6. Get creative: A cupboard / wardrobe space off the corner of the sitting room has been reserved as a bedroom for Büsra and her husband. A simple curtain across the doorway helps to keep the space private without feeling you're closed in. 

I hope this lovely space has given you plenty of ideas if you're currently furnishing a small space - or have smaller rooms in your home! 

You can see more snapshots of Büsra's home over at @busrademiirham

And there is a LOAD more inspiration in the small space archive (if this pops up first just scroll on over!). 

Wishing you all a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @busrademiirham, shared with kind permission. 

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An Incredible Workspace / Studio and Gallery in Delft Holland

Many moons ago interior designer and photographer Holly Marder of Avenue Design Studio came and shot my home for a magazine feature and we've been in touch ever since. Not only is Holly a lovely, funny person, she's also amazingly talented. Every interior she touches turns to gold and I've featured so much of her interior work here in the past. I was so excited to discover that Holly recently opened a new studio and gallery space in a Dutch canal house in Delft, Holland. The building itself is incredible and boasts soaring ceilings, sash windows and an original parquet floor. And true to style, Holly has used the natural light that floods through the windows as a backdrop for a gallery of "curated collection of art, objects, furniture and design" as well as a design studio. Ready to feel inspired? 

The design studio

I remember when Holly worked from an attic space which doubled up as a guest room. Naturally it was a lovely space - even so, I think we can all agree that the new Avenue Design Studio headquarters is a step up! Connected to the gallery via an outdoor patio, the space is used for presentations, meetings and consultations surrounded by a "rotating collection of curated objects and art which are collected for projects in the process of being finished" as well as samples and materials. 


The magnificent studio table is a travertine piece which has been custom made for the studio. A large mood board (try Ferm Living for similar pinboard) serves as inspiration for various residential interior design projects. 





Gallery by Avenue

Holly is forever sourcing unique pieces for projects as well as collaborating with artists, so a gallery space next door was a natural progression and a long-term ambition. 

The gallery, which is open to the public (I need to visit ASAP!), showcases a collection of vintage and contemporary design as well as furniture and objects designed in the studio. Think earthy tones, natural and tactile textures and a serene look and feel. 

How beautiful! To think people work in spaces like this - gaaaah!

I'd love to visit the gallery too - the only problem is I'd want to buy everything so it would be very dangerous! 

You can see more Avenue Design Studio projects here.

And Holly's own living spaces:

Looking to revamp your home office or workspace? There's plenty of small space inspiration here: 

And other, larger studios / workspace inspiration here: 

And of course, I can't resist including a link to my own studio in Malmö. I moved in three years ago having worked from home for several years. It took me ages to decorate it, and I'm even doing a bit of a reshuffle here tomorrow (you know me!). I can't wait to share more pictures with you soon. In the meantime, you  might like to see the behind-the-scenes tomorrow over at @myscandinavianhome stories. 

That's it from me this week friends! Thank you for your kind comments, I'm so happy you've enjoyed the tours this week (if you've missed them, hit the 'older posts' button below - they're not to be missed!). 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Avenue Design Studio / Studio Artspret / Fanny Hååg / Rachel Terpstra 

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