my scandinavian home

A Playful Danish Home With The Cutest Boys' Room

Up for something playful today? In her Instagram bio, Julia describes her content as ''fairly ordinary every day and motherly life'' but looking at the pictures, her cheerful home on the Danish coast is far from it. In fact, there's a joyful touch around every corner thanks to Julia's ''great penchant for quirks, colours, flowers and nice finds' - not to mention art! I particularly like her son's room which is bursting with eye catching pieces from prints and planets to playful patterns and lots of furry friends. These cheery touches transcend into other parts of the home in the form of colour, pattern, flowers and art. Ready to take a tour?

Rather than covering the entire room in colour, Julia has selected accent walls and worked with them to create a focal point.

Her son's room has been painted half blue for to create a cosy zone - and then dots have been added for a playful touch.

Pick up a planet / solar system mobile on Etsy*.

Julia has sourced items for her sons room from the likes of Faun & Luna, Bobles (tumbling furniture) and Maileg. The blackboard with oak frame is by Sebra.

Try PSTR, The poster club, Minted, Postery and Desenio for fun children's prints.

I hope Julia's Danish home has put a smile on your lips today! It certainly has mine.

Oh to have small children again so I can decorate their rooms - so much fun!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Take a peek inside more playful homes today here:

The wonderful playful loft of a furniture designer (that swing!)

A charming French family home full of inspiring details

Snapshots from a cheerful Copenhagen home

Thank you for all your comments yesterday about wanting to see more of Alexandra's vintage-industrial inspired home in France. There are lots of lovely pictures to look at on her instagram @belettepetite. She also wrote to tell me that she's thinking of creating a masterclass in English - might that be of interest?

Goddag! (Good day!).

Niki

Photography courtesy of Julia / @smaaglimtaflykke, shared with kind permission.

A Beautiful Vintage-industrial Inspired Living Space in France

Hej, or should I say 'bonjour! in the language of love - something of which I am hoping to spread today on Valentine's Day with this dreamy open-plan room in France! Alexandra - who owns online antique furniture boutique Petite Belette and runs online 'upcycling' masterclasses - describes her home and workshop as "a universe made of forgotten furniture, of raw and simple materials that respond to the adage: 'nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed,' (Antoine Lavoisier). I couldn't resist sharing this light-filled room, packed with personality - and yet at the same time cosy and calm. A perfect place to curl up with a book!

Eclectic furniture, industrial touches and rough walls rich in patina all help to create this wonderful room!

A library of books wait to be plucked from the shelf before curling up on the sofa.

Beautiful.

Imagine all that light!

Could you imagine pottering around this room today?

Wishing you all a happy St. Valentine's Day and a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography picture 1: Audrey Fitzjohn - Home magazine. Other images courtesy of @belettepetite

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

FILED UNDER: Danish shopping

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.

FILED UNDER: Holiday homes holiday rental International homes outdoor shower

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)!