A Warm and Inviting Home in Södermalm, Stockholm

There's plenty to love about the summer - but one of my favourite things is the light. You simply don't get that wonderful golden light in Sweden any other time of the year - and it gives everything such a wonderful, warm feel. 

This apartment in Stockholm has been captured at exactly the right time of day to capture it in all its glory. And I love the way the golden light hits the touches of colour: a red chair here, a yellow flower there to make it pop. Also, keep a look out for classic teak furniture, bold patterns (by the likes of Svenskt Tenn), the eclectic blend of furniture and playful details - as well of course, as the lovely balcony, which looks like a perfect spot for a Friday night drink or two! Skål!  

This is the second time in the past two weeks that we've seen a home with red accents - could it be a growing trend in Sweden perhaps? Either way, it definitely adds energy to each room! 

Is there anything in particular you love about this home? 

Here are a few other warm and inviting homes to put you in the mood for the weekend: 

Alva's inviting cottage and farm shop in Sweden

Imke's warm and inviting family home in Geneva

A boho apartment in Södermalm, Stockholm

In our house today it's a hive of activity since Hilton Carter (AKA the famous plant man from the USA!) is coming to visit and shoot something in our home for a forthcoming project. I've been a fan of Hilton's ever since I featured his former home which of course, was full of the most incredible plants! So the pressure is on, especially as Per and I only remember to water our plants when they're on the sad side! 

And then, I am looking forward to a very relaxing weekend with my family. Phew!

I hope you have a lovely few days, thank you for dropping by - see you Monday!

Niki

Photos: Therese Jahnson, Styling Thomas Lingsell - for Historiska Hem. 

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This Magazine-Ready Cabin on a Swedish Island is on Airbnb!

Can you work from home? Or more importantly, need a holiday? If so, this lovely Swedish cottage on the island of Dalarö in the Stockholm archipelagos for you.  At the top of the Airbnb checklist is 'dedicated workspace - a room with wifi that's well suited for working'. But when you read the full description, it's enough to make you want to switch off your laptop and soak up the tranquility of the surroundings instead! 

Built in 1968, the cabin is surrounded by the ocean, forest and nature, and the grey and wood interior has been designed to mirror the beautiful rocky cliffs and woodland, giving it a subtle raw, masculine touch. 

On sunny days, life moves out onto the terrace where a bed swing (such a great idea!), hammock and barbecue awaits. On colder days, a wood-burning sauna offers a respite from the chill. Oh, and dogs are welcome too! 

Feeling tempted? Wait till you see the pictures!

Could you imagine swapping your desk for the one in this cabin? Or simply booking this stay for a relaxing holiday? If so, you can find more details here. 

I was in the Stockholm archipelagos recently and I can't tell you how tranquil it was - rain or shine! it's a great place to hike (there are trails everywhere) or sunbathe on the warm rocks. If you're visiting the Swedish capital, make sure you stay a few more days to explore the islands! 

Looking for more wonderful 'stays' in Sweden this summer? I love these lets: 

A limestone barn on the island of Gotland

The stonecutters farm on the island of Öland 

Get away from it all at a lakeside cottage in Sweden

Just a word of warning - always check with a Swedish airbnb if they provide bedding. In Sweden, you are often expected to bring your own sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases so it's good to ask the hosts to make sure you don't get caught out! 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

PS I am exciting to be heading to 3 days of design in Copenhagen, Denmark tomorrow, let me know if you're in town too! 

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A Calm Swedish Home in the Heart of the City

Hej there! I hope you had a fantastic weekend! I'm at Bodø airport in North Norway waiting for my flight back to Malmö. I've had such an amazing time in the Arctic circle and can't wait to share more with you once I've had a chance to process my billion pictures! It is a truly awe-inspiring part of the world. 

Today, I'd like to shift our gaze to Sweden, and a beautiful, serene apartment nestled away in a quiet courtyard in Gothenburg. 

It's a living space where sculpted shapes, plants and texture punctuate a milky background to create living space that's calm and cosy. Keep a special look out for the wall art and interesting lighting fixtures, and also the small bedrooms - which are small, but thanks to a clever design by no means feel pokey. 

Välkommen in! 

This window seat has everything you might need for a quiet moment - books, music and a view out over the street below. Perfect spot for a Monday, do you agree? 

The bedspread makes me think of a Danish home. These type of quilts are extremely popular in Denmark and can be picked up from Jou Quilts. 

Look at vase! So fun! Sadly, I am not sure where it's from - if you know, please do share in the comments below. Jonathan Adler makes a similar lip vase. 

IVAR storage units from IKEA are great for hiding small items while also serving as a place to display favourite objects. Plus, they are easy to personalise with paint. 

A pop of red has been one of the big micro trends of the year, especially in Denmark! I love how a single red chair spices up this little room! 

Lovely apartment! Such a calm space right in the heart of the city. Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more homes with pops of fire engine red here: 

The eclectic home of a jewellery designer

12 playful ways to add colour to your home, from a Danish home

A home with red floors - with surprising results

Are you a fan of red? 

Happy Monday!

Niki

Photography Maria Sahlander, styling JosefssonLjung for Stadshem, found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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A Warm, Bright and Cosy Swedish Home

It's Friday! Time to hang up your work hat, pull up a seat and sip coffee... or something stronger, and indulge in a little Swedish interior inspiration. 

Today that comes in the form of a warm and inviting apartment in Mösebacke, Gothenburg that's full of art, playful patterns and splashes of colour that breathe life and personality into the living space. In the sitting room, a traditional masonry oven adds a toasty feel in Autumn, while come summer the windows can be thrown over to allow the buzz of city life float in. 

Note the antique Swedish 'kökssoffa' (kitchen sofa) - also seen in last Friday's home tour, which adds a cosy spot at the table, but also plenty of storage too! But also keep an eye out for modern finds such as a stool / side table made from 100% recycled plastic. All in all, a lovely, personal space that's full of a wonderful golden light! Välkommen! 

Really loved many elements about this apartment. But I think what especially stood out was the yellow heart themed wallpaper in the bedroom, I've never seen that before! 

Did anything catch your eye? 

This is a quick post from me as I've just arrived on Lofoten in Northern Norway and am sitting in the klatrekafeen - a little cafe by the water to write this post - I'll share a picture in my instagram stories so you can see what I mean. It's been a lifelong dream of mine to visit this spectacular part of the world in the Arctic! 

I've loved reading all your comments as always - and promise to respond soon. Thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts and observations, it means a lot! 

Wishing you all a really fantastic and relaxing weekend - see you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem (it's for sale!), with thanks. 

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Feel Inspired by Charming 'The Station House'

This morning, I've woken up in Bodø, North of the Arctic Circle. It's flanked by spectacular mountains, deep fjords and the North Sea, which gleam under the midnight sun - which won't set again for three months. It's an awe-inspiring part of the world (do follow along on my instagram stories if you'd like to follow my journey!). Meanwhile, in the land down under, our Aussie friends are inching towards winter - which is one of the crazy things about our magnificent planet. As they say: the only constant in nature is change.

And today, I've got a beautiful 19th century cottage in Daylesford, Australia to share with you. Captured by Marnie Hawson, The Station House it is set in 3 acres of land and was built around 1853 making it one of the oldest houses in Daylesford. A few years ago, it fell into the hands of talented Theresa Albiloi who has renovated it to perfection! Walls were torn down to create an open-plan living space and the cottage was transformed to include five bedrooms and three bathrooms, all of which are full of vintage picked up  locally at Mill Market. 

Ready to feel inspired? 

It's the bathroom that does it for me. The vintage bath and stain-glass window - wow! I'd also be perfectly happy to sit and look out over the fields and relax too. 

Is there anything that caught your eye about The Station House? 

If you're visiting the area and would like to stay here, you can find more details here. 

Marnie Hawson has a knack for finding the most incredible properties - here are a few other houses she has photographed in recent years: 

Marnie's very own home in a former post office

A beautifully restored country retreat in Burrawang

The Whale Song Shack

A Swedish-inspired weatherboard cottage in South Australia

Right kompisar, I'd better get ready for my day out in Bodø - I've got lots of research to do for the magazine article and hoping to fit in a hike in the mountains tomorrow. Go, go, goooo! Luckily, the light is on my side for once! 

Happy midweek friends. 

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

Interior / bookings: The Station House

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