Our Landing Makeover with an IKEA Hack

This post contains press gifts marked with *

Do you have a space in your home which you've delayed decorating for years? In our house, I had completely neglected our landing, mainly because I didn't really know what to do with it! It's a tricky space, relatively narrow with five doors coming off it. 

But now, I've finally fixed it! I thought I'd share the new look with you, in case you're also struggling with a hall or landing and looking for inspiration! Maybe this will spark some ideas! 

Side cabinet

The main problem was finding a side cabinet that was slim enough to fit the space. The answer came in the form of a simple white BESTÅ cabinet in size 60 cm x 20 cm x 64 cm from IKEA and then I dressed it up using items from Superfront* (a Swedish cabinet that make doors, fronts, tops, legs etc for IKEA units - the wonderful team said they can offer My Scandinavian Home readers 20% off side boards with code scandi20 until 27th July, 2024). Above is a sketch by Helen Sturesson who helped brainstorm the project with me! 

I picked out Vertical doors in umber wood* with matching umber side panels and a portuguese limestone* top (which simply glues into place) below (it's such a lovely stone). I also added slender low stainless steel legs*.

Sidenote: My daughter says this isn't a good picture as I have my 'grippers' out. Have you heard this term? Apparently a TikTok trend amongst the young of Europe dictates that you shouldn't have your feet out in public!! Did make me laugh! 

I picked up a simple round mirror from Bauhaus and the fab lamp is the Double Bubble in size small* by Finnish Studio Eero Aarnio (available in the US here). 

One of my favourite updates has been switching out the old spotlight for two beautiful Danish Le Klint Lamella pendant lamps*. When lit they emit a lovely warm glow and they are so timeless. 

The landing finally feels complete - after 15 years (embarrassed to admit that!). I hope you like it as much as we do! 

Do let me know if you have any questions or I've missed anything and I'd be happy to help. 

Speaking of comments - thank you for all your lovely congratulations on our anniversary and sharing your thoughts on good presents for 'crystal' on Wednesday. We so appreciated it! 

Have a fantastic weekend, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography by me, styling by Helen Sturesson.

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A Charming Swedish Home in a Windmill

The Southern Sweden county of Skåne where I live is known for its flat land and steady wind - which is why you'll spot so many windmills! Although the majority are no longer in working order, some have been transformed into year-round dwellings - like this one!

Nestled in the countryside near Höganäs (see my travel guide here), this beautiful four-storey windmill is currently for sale - and when you see inside you might just be joining the queue to be the next owner! The windmill has been lovingly restored to ensure many of the original features are still intact, while the furnishings have been artfully placed around the angled walls to create a cosy home. 

Shall we take a peek inside? 

So lovely! It would be so fun to be able to invite people over and welcome them inside your very own windmill, don't you think? 

You can currently see the full tour and find out more details over at Nadjafi Kirstensen here. 

This is the perfect opportunity to take a tour of some other unusual dwellings today, don't you think? 

Check out homes inside a former....

Swedish fire station

Carpenters workshop

Bar

School

It might not be a windmill, but if you're visiting Skåne, you can stay in your very own tower just outside Malmö. 

Do you live in an unusual property? Or perhaps you dream of living in one? If so, do tell below, we'd love to hear more! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Niki

PS Per and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary tomorrow - it's crazy how quickly the time has passed. I understand that it's our 'crystal' anniversary. Any ideas for a fun present (yes, left it a little late....). Our neighbour's cat is called Crystal, but I have a feeling that might not work for many reasons. 

Photography courtesy of Nadjafi Kirstensen, shared with thanks.

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Emma Sundh's Beautiful Sustainable Swedish Country Home

Happy Monday! Sweden is still feeling the energy of Friday's midsummer's eve celebrations, and although the cut wildflowers have started to wilt, the memories of the day remain strong (although slightly hazy for those who imbibed a little too much aquavit!). 

Last Monday I featured a pretty summer cottage on the Swedish island of Gotland - which one eagle-eyed reader recognised as the former home of Emma Sundh. I've always loved Emma's projects, having featured her summer cottage (and pink caravan!) in the past. So, today I thought I'd share what she's been up to lately, and you won't be disappointed! 

Over the past two years, Emma and her partner have been busy building a house in Värmland. And not just any house. As a strong environmental advocate, the property has been built entirely from 'stone, clay, straw, recycled materials, laughter, hope, happiness and sorrow' (in Emma's own words)! 

Emma has covered the entire process in her new book Att Bygga ett Hem - halm, lera & återbruk (To Build a Home - straw, clay & recycling). Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful interior: 

Look closely at the sink and you'll see a crack in the sink. When Emma found it, there was a huge chunk missing from the front. Not to be deterred, she sought advice from expert friends and filled it in! 

I love these snapshots. It makes me want to see more and read Emma's book! Do you feel the same? I think it's only available in Swedish right now, but hopefully it will be translated to other languages soon! I'll keep you posted if so. 

We're about to head home from our own summer cottage now, life is whirring around me as we speak. I'd better close my laptop and help pack up! 

Wishing you all a great start to the week, see you Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: Emma Sundh, shared with kind permission. 

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Glad Midsommar! - And a Pretty Summer Table Setting

This Friday marks Midsummer's Eve, the most significant day in the Swedish calendar. The celebrations begin with the crafting of floral headdresses, followed by dancing around the Maypole, and culminate in a gathering with fun garden games. I've always cherished Swedish Midsummer's Eve – a joyful celebration of light and nature spent with loved ones, accompanied by plenty of Aquavit and singing! Emma Johansson's charming photographs, where even the glasses wear flower crowns, beautifully capture the spirit of the day.

If you'd like to join the festivities, here are some past posts for inspiration: 

A short and pretty guide to celebrating midsummer

6 simple foraged flower displays for Midsummer

5 simple steps to hosting midsummer

A mini guide for celebrating midsummer

Single? Don't forget to pick seven different wildflowers and lay them under your pillow on Midsummer's Eve. Swedish legend has it that you'll dream of the person you are going to marry! 

Glad midsommar! 

Niki

PS I'll be taking a short break over Midsummer - back on Monday! 

Photography: Emma Johansson, shared with kind permission

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A Perfect Swedish Summer Cottage For Midsummer's Eve!

It's the start of a new week - but not just any week. Here in Sweden, we're gearing up for arguably the biggest event of the year - Midsummer! On Thursday evening the city streets will slowly become deserted as folk flock to the countryside to spend 'midsommarsafton' (midsummer's eve) with family and friends on Friday. 

It felt apt to share this quintessential Swedish cottage on the island of Gotland to mark the occasion. You might just recognise it, it used to belong to Emma Sundh (previously featured here with a different layout and furnishings!). The pretty red and white cottage is every inch the archetypal Swedish summer cottage - and it has a large garden that's perfect for dancing around a maypole with flowers in your hair! 

Step inside to discover rooms painted in earthy tones to mirror the surrounding nature, simple decor, touches of floral wallpaper and the most beautiful masonry oven! 

So idyllic! And such a pretty cottage, don't you think? I'd be perfectly happy to spend my summer months here. It helps that Gotland is the most amazing island. Located in the Baltic Sea, the nature is verdant and wild, with rugged shores and sandy beaches, as well as wildflowers growing in the hedgerows. Small ateliers and farm shops are dotted along the roadside, and a cool eatery is never far away. If you'd like to visit, you can read more about the island in this travel guide I wrote a while back. 

Most importantly, it has so much space to dance around like a frog on midsummer (read more about hosting a Swedish midsummer celebration here). 

Step inside more beautiful summer cottages on Gotland today here: 

A rustic summer cottage with a pool

Elsa's inspiring summer cottage

A beautiful limestone barn

A converted school house

Speaking of summer cottages, Landfolk and swedish magazine Hus & hem are currenty seeking Sweden's loveliest summer cottage. You can see the shortlist (some of which you'll recognise from past blog posts) - and vote for your favourite here. 

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Länsförsäkringar Fastighetsförmedling (currently for sale). 

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