Snapshots From My Week: A Visit to a Danish Castle

Press trip sponsored by Skovby

It's been a while since we've been able to go on any exciting trips, don't you think? So, when Skovby invited me to Jutland, Denmark for an event in a castle, I was heading over the Öresund bridge before they could say 'hej'! You'll likely recognise the name Skovby as I've been a proud ambassador for the danish brand for many years, and often capturing pieces from the collection in my home - like the display cabinet above and coffee tables below. One of the things I've always loved about Skovby is that the pieces are locally made in Denmark - and everything is designed to stand the test of time. Would you like to see a few behind-the-scenes snapshots from my trip? 

Sophiendahl castle 

It's not everyday you get to step inside one of Denmark's oldest buildings. Once a monastery occupied by English monks, the castle has a long history spanning 1000 years and today is home to Sophiendahl Slotshotel. This week, Skovby took it over to showcase their collection.

Would you like to come on a little tour of my humble home? Step this way! 

Most of the rooms are incredibly large with mesmerisingly high ceilings and views over the countryside. This room, at the back of the castle looks out over woodland and a church - and also serves as a conference room fit for royalty! 

The extendable #27 dining table is actually all one piece and can seat from 8 to 20 people (I so need one of these for my home at Christmas!). The #65 dining chairs are one of Skovby's best selling items - they are so comfy! 

Many of the old features of the castle are still intact - like this incredible spiral staircase. I didn't dare check out where it leads to - a haunted attic perhaps? 

A black leather version of the #65 dining chair and the new #243 coffee table with ceramic top made such a beautiful contrast with the grand space! 

Other Skovby pieces spotted against the magnificent backdrop of the castle was the new Sideboard #412. This fine specimen, with its smooth curves is part of a brand new collection launching this summer.  

I also love the #241 coffee table below. 

A family run business, Skovby started out in the basement of a house not far from the castle by cabinetmaker Thorvald Rasmussen. 

It was really inspiring to see the Skovby team at work in the nearby carpenters workshop - the level of care that went into every single piece was incredible. Danish design at its finest! 

One of the pieces that caught my eye was the sustainable #840 stackable stool, made entirely from leftover wood. 

I brought one home with me, and it feels extra special knowing that it has been crafted with love!  

Thank you so much to Skovby for inviting me - how great to be able to travel again! 

I hope you enjoyed these behind-the-scenes snapshots from my trip. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend! See you Monday! 

Niki

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A Cosy Beach Retreat In Inverloch, Australia

I actually wrote this feature a few months ago in the same week as a dreamy holiday let in Kefalonia (that pool!), a Mallorcan Finca and a Danish farmhouse. And today, with a touch of a chill in the air (is it the same where you are?) I thought we could all use a little 'beach retreat' dreaming! Inlet House is situated metres from magnificent Inlet beach in Inverloch, Victoria, Australia. Guests are invited to snuggle up on the sofa in front of a wood fire, or come summer, stroll on the beach before returning for a shower under the open sky. Sounds like heaven to me! Take a look through the pics, and decide for yourself whether you'll be adding this one to your travel list (perhaps I'll see you there!). 

How lovely - rain or shine! 

I guess the only question is, which book would you pack? 

I'm currently reading Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell - I can highly recommend it! 

Let's stay Down Under today with a look back at these wonderful residences (all available to book!):  

A cosy vintage-inspired holiday cottage on the Sapphire coast

A dreamy Swedish weatherboard cottage in Southern Australia

A rustic hideaway surrounded by rolling hills

And it's summer there right now too! 

Niki

PS I'll be back tomorrow with a rare Friday post - as I'd really like to share a few pics from my recent trip to a Danish castle! 

Photography by Marnie Hawson courtesy of Inlet House. 

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An Inspiring Pastel-infused Finnish apartment

Hands up everyone out there who loves dash of colour in the home. This pastel-infused post is for you! In her instagram profile, Finnish interior designer Emila K described herself as someone who 'loves colours, vintage and good breakfasts'. Her feed is a sea of pictures of her fabulously funky wardrobe and her apartment in Tampere - Finland's second largest city. Think shades of cotton candy, sherbet, lavender and baby blue, as well as on trend curves and playful pattern. Nauti kiertueesta (enjoy the tour)!

This has really brightened up my mid-week, I hope it has put a spring in your step today too! 

Check out more pictures from Emilia's Finnish home here. 

Why not pull up an Artek chair (like the one in the picture above) and check out these Finnish homes: 

Kati's rustic log house in Iitti

Step inside Maiju's charming house in Vaasa, Finland

Ilkka's charming rural retreat

What are your go-to colours at home? Are there some shades you would never use? I'd love to hear!

Niki

Credits: lead picture by @mariaputaansuu, remaining pictures by @emiliakokko_

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A Swedish Country House is Restored to Its Former Glory

Long term readers will no doubt remember this atmospheric Malmö home.  Owners Emelie and Magnus have since moved to North West Skåne, South Sweden and have been working their magic on a dilapidated country house dating back to 1910. I've been eagerly following their progress over at @foreningsgatan14 and am excited to share a sneak peek of their new home - from the mood boards and DIY, to the final result!

Before

"The house was built in 1910 and is a red-brick villa laid out over two floors and sits on a 1600 metre square plot of land."

"We fell for the exterior and the potential to restore it back to its former glory. We moved in 2.5 years ago - following in the footsteps of some friends who had also bought houses in the area. Now we live 150 metres from each other!"

"We have renovated most of the interior but still have a little to go!" 

Ready to take a look? Let's start with the kitchen! 

Emelie wanted the kitchen to have lots of traditional charm to match the era of the house, while still creating a highly functional space. 

The couple installed bead panelling and French black and white floor tiles which they combined with kitchen fronts from Järfälla Kök who make units designed specifically to fit IKEA kitchen cabinets. 

The house is full of vintage and antique finds - some of which they brought with them from their previous home in Malmö. The wonderful Beni lamp is from Dis Inredning. 

The sitting room wasn't perhaps the cosiest space to begin with.

But after some hard graft and a lot of patience, they eventually transformed it into this 'mysigt' space to curl up and chill! 

The cosy library, which leads of the sitting room, is one of Emelie's favourite rooms - understandably! 

The bathroom has been another huge project. 

"After an enormous amount of going back and forth, hesitation and sleepless nights, we finally created a moodpboard for the bathroom. We were looking to create something a little romantic and unpolished but at the same time classic and timeless." 

The look was created using bead panelling painted in a wheat hue, as well as tiles from byggfabriken and pronto kakel. 

I love how they have still managed to install two sinks in a small space. How I'd love my own sink - is it me or do children always leave dried toothpaste all over the bowl? 

The vintage storage totally completes the look - and it's practical too!

What a lovely transformation. It's so fun too see it take shape too, don't you think? 

You can follow Emelie and Magnus' renovation journey over at @foreningsgatan14.

Would you like to see other Scandinavian renovations? I love: 

A rundown cabin becomes a vibrant Danish summer cottage

A dilapidated property becomes a beautiful Swedish farmhouse 

Before and after: a traditional Norwegian cottage gets a beautiful colour update

Is there anything that stood out to you about Emelie's home - or any of the other before and after features? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Niki

Photography: picture 1 Jenny Baumgartner / BMB, the rest - Emelie Tjäder / @foreningsgatan14

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