Splashes of Colour in a Swedish Home that Combines Old and New

My sister came to visit me from sunny Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain last month and she found the cold and darkness really refreshing (LOL!). She sent a picture of the landscape to her friends back home - and they assumed she had added a black and white filter to it. Nope, when there's snow on the ground and no leaves on the tree, the world is genuinely monochrome. The snow blizzard we are currently experiencing in Malmö is no different - my friend had to wear ski goggles on her bike to work wbich did actually add a rose tinted film to the world. And yes, the Swedes are still cycling!

It's in wintertime when I appreciate colour in the home the most. A pop of sunny yellow here, serene sky blue there. Maybe a splash of fuchsia pink and pea green won't go amiss either! In fact, this uplifting Swedish house has just the right amount of colour for me - and also boasts some lovely furniture too, much of which is vintage. 

Välkommen in! 

The pendant light is great, don't you think? It's the Filigrana light in Tobacco Canes by Sebastian Wrong. 

Kilim rugs with a hint of colour are becoming more and more popular. In fact, I was in a Kilim dream world at the Domotex floor fair last year! Try Etsy* for similar. 

Loving the layers of linen in the sitting room. If you have an IKEA sofa you can easily re-create this look by investing in a 'loose fit' slipcover in linen from Bemz*.

Most old houses in Sweden have a fairly steep roof (designed so that the snow falls off). The owners of this one has made use of the nooks and crannies to create cosy sleep zones for their little ones! 

Sky blue and pea green is a great, very 'now' combination! Are you a fan? 

Such a cute row of Fjällräven rucksacks too! 

This is one of those home tours which is worth going through several times - and each time you'll spot a new detail! 

For me, it's the mix of treasured second-hand finds or heirlooms with bang up to date, contemporary items that really stands out. The owners are clearly passionate about home decorating and spend time to source special pieces - some of which they have customised. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? Are you onboard with the wallpaper trend? I think it works best with older houses but who knows... we might see a revival in more modern homes too. After all, when I was growing up Laura Ashley wallpaper was EVERYWHERE - with lamps to match! 

Now, it's time for the owners to move on - and for someone else to take the reins of this beautiful house (see the listing here). 

Have a happy Wednesday vänner. Keep warm if you're here in the North - and cool if you're down in the South! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, found via Nordroom with thanks. 

*affiliated link

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Julie's Playful Yet Elegant Home Features Some of the Big Trends of 2024

Artist Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg has moved home quite a few times - each time weaving her magic with her unique sense of style. I have featured all three of Julie's Danish homes - starting with her flat in Aarlborg when she was a student (it's hard to forget the purple bike, right?), followed by the flat on the ground floor which she shared with her partner Mads and daughter Vanilla. 

And today, I'm excited to feature the family's latest home which Julie and Mads have been transforming into their family 'forever' home with two children in tow.

It's so fun to see the transition over the years, and seeing her style develop and morph into a mature and elegant living space, yet still bearing the signature Julie trademarks: pops of colour, playful touches and an eye for detail. 

Let's take a look inside! 

In the kitchen, Julie has installed a Reform kitchen (expect to see a lot more dark wood in Scandinavian homes moving forwards) and a beautiful light from NUAD. 

One of the big trends I witnessed at the international fairs in Germany last week (Domotex and IMM Cologne) was the mix and matching of different wood. Dark, light, mid wood - combine any way you like! 

A popular Valerie Objects wall lamp adds a contemporary touch to the space. 

The pair have put in a tremendous amount of work to renovate the house. I couldn't resist sharing the picture below to show how the kitchen looked during the building project. 

Compared to how it looks now....

The L-shaped kitchen also includes a dining area. The walls have been decorated with a beige shade from the up and coming danish paint brand Color Stories and sheer pink curtains from curtain.dk. 

The table bears a checkered pattern - which has been a big trend in Scandinavia for a while now. 

A wicker bench provides a spot for magazine, books, flowers and some of Julie's art. 

How cute are the little glass doorknobs by Danish artist Nina Nørgaard? It's such a pretty way to upcycle and personalise a vintage piece! Loving all the handmade ceramic cups too! 

The hallway has been decorated with 'Sibylla' wallpaper from UK based company Living Quarters. Wallpaper has been making waves in Scandinavian homes for a while now which is an exciting development I think!

A nook just off the kitchen serves as a spot for Julie to create had upcycled or handknitted art. 

A large antique patchwork quilt from Daisy and Beulah fills ones of the walls in the kitchen. At the nordic fair Formland last summer I noticed a lot of patchwork and embroidery, and it's exciting to see it take shape in homes like Julie's - the embroidery in particular is central to Julie's own work. 

A fabulous Ekstrem chair by Terje Ekstrøm awaits on the landing. 

The brown / light blue colour combination is a big trend right now in the world of interiors - as is pops of green. 

A bed by Karup works with the dark wood floor in the master bedroom. 

A wall mounted Montana drawer unit and retro Tulip chair make perfect companions in the bedroom! 

If you love Julie's style, you'll love her upcycled or handknitted art - here's a glimpse of her studio and one or two of her pieces. All her latest work can be found here. 

Julie's home and art have really brightened up a grey snowy day here in Malmö, Sweden. I hope they have also put a spring in your step and got your week off to an inspiring start too! 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular? If so, please do share in the comments below! 

Check out the Danish home archive for more Danish home tours today! 

Happy Monday friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg, shared with kind permission. 

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Pia's Cosy Country Home in Snowy Finland

It's been a very long time since I visited beautiful Finland - both in person and on the blog! While I'd happily hop on a plane, train or boat to Helsinki today, sadly it's not possible. But the good news is, Pia has welcomed us all into her cosy home today - so we can all pay a virtual visit! 

Pia lives in the Finnish countryside with her young family and has decorated her home with antique finds and layers of texture in earthy tones. You'll notice a few Christmas decorations still   - in Scandinavia it's customary to keep decor up until 13th January (a scary prospect when it's considered bad luck past 6th Januaary in England). I've grown to like this tradition as the pretty star lights really help to brighten up the winter darkness and create a cosy feel. 

Keep a look out for the walls - many of which have been decorated with botanical-themed wallpaper (Boråstapater and Sandberg sell classic Scandinavian designs like these) - while exposed wood beams add a rustic touch here and there. I also love the 'kakelugn' (masonry stove oven) and how Pia has created a reading spot beside it. A perfect place to relax while the snow falls outside. 

(Fun fact: Finland has 187,888 lakes, that's a crazy amount of water!)

Tervetuloa (welcome)! 

So pretty! Did you spot the family's four legged friend peeking here and there? So cute! 

A perfect tour to complete the week, don't you think? Don't miss Pia's instagram @pienimaalaistalo for more inspiration. And if you'd like to see a few other Finnish homes today, check out: 

Step inside Maiju's delightful home in Vaasa, Finland

Take the tour of Kati's rustic Finnish log house

Feel inspired by Riika's waterside cabin in the eastern Gulf of Finland

I hope you've enjoyed this virtual trip to Finland today. 

I arrived in Hannover, Germany last night and will be holding a talk at Domotex floor fair today - do come along if you're in town! If you'd like to see the latest trends in the world of rugs, carpets and floor coverings follow along on my instagram stories today! 

Have a cosy weekend, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @pienimaalaistalo, shared with kind permission

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