My book - Modern Pastoral (sneak peek!)

Christmas has come early in my house.  After an entire year of shooting (with photographer James Gardiner) and writing, the first copy of my interiors book - Modern Pastoral has finally arrived! Although it doesn't launch until 11th February 2016 I couldn't wait to give you a sneak peak!   Modern Pastoral is published by CICO Books and features homes in Scandinavia and the US which embrace the pared-back lifestyle of living in the country. The homes take nature as the main point of inspiration - from exposed wood and rugged stone surfaces, to neutral textiles and rooms filled with light. They evoke an ideal, rural life adapted to modern living. Here's a sneak peek, I hope you like it!

These two photos were taken by My Scandinavian Home blog.

Finally having it in my hands is such an amazing feeling. When I look through it, it's like re-living the journey - from a day at a breathtaking house on top of a hill in Vermont to a cool cabin in the Catskill mountains and a pretty Danish summer cottage by the sea. I hope this book will inspire you to bring a touch of nature into your home too!

Thank you all for all your tremendous support without which I would never have had this opportunity! And to the generous homeowners who opened their doors to us and made us feel so welcome.

If you are interested in pre-ordering a copy please click the 'pre-order now' button in the top left of this blog page. If you would like a signed copy please send a mail to myscandinavianhome@gmail.com along with your order confirmation, I'd love to hear from you!

Modern Pastoral is published by CICO books and will launch on February 11th, 2016. 

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The winner of a signed copy of my book - Modern Pastoral

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the give-away to win a signed copy of my book, Modern Pastoral (published by CICO Books) . I absolutely loved reading all your comments and kind words. I'm happy to announce the winner as.....

Picture from the book Modern Pastoral. Photo: James Gardiner. Stylist: Niki Brantmark. Published by CICO Books.

......Kim den Hartog - I hope this book inspires you!


I wish I could have let everyone win a copy.  However, if you're interested Modern Pastoral is available to buy online in many places including my bookstore and Amazon. I really hope you enjoy it!

This lovely picture is of the wrap-around porch at the Hudson Farmhouse. I remember sitting on that very wicker chair enjoying an early morning coffee looking out over the undulating hills - so peaceful!

PS Thank you so much to Jeska at Lobster & Swan who has written a lovely review of my book here.

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Sneak peek / Win a signed copy of my book - Modern Pastoral

Do you ever feel the urge to up sticks and move to the countryside? Somewhere perhaps, that's just you and your family, and the bears, deer, and foxes outside your window? Although I live in the city, my family and I love to head to the nearby forest or our cottage on Sweden's west coast at the weekends. This desire for a pared-back lifestyle and allowing nature to help eradicate the stresses and strains of daily life inspired me to write Modern Pastoral, published by CICO Books. Photographer James Gardiner and I visited 10 beautiful homes across Scandinavia and USA (all in the name of work - honest!). Although varied in style, the homes are centred around a back-to-basic lifestyle and embrace the nature on their doorstep. The book is available in stores now! Here's a sneak peek....

Images extracted from Modern Pastoral by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books, photography: James Gardiner.

These images bring back so many wonderful memories! Here's a picture by picture run down:

1. (Front cover). The beautiful stone cottage belonging to Fabio, Laura & Matteo Ferrara who divide their time between New York City and the fabulous Westwind Orchard in the Hudson River Valley, Upstate New York. When we arrived they made us the most delicious brunch using fresh produce from the farm.

2. Striking Milkweed Barn in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Delaware County which Bill Hovard (Hudson Made) has transformed into a permanent home.

3. A study / dining room in a Scanian farmhouse (those beams), here in Southern Sweden owned by the Montan family (if you like the look of this room you should see the barn!).

4. The magnificent rustic barn on Westwind Orchard used for entertaining friends, family and guests as well as testing ingredients for produce sold in the farm shop.

5. A light and airy bedroom in the afore-mentioned Scanian farmhouse. When we took this picture it was pretty much dark outside. James took this image with a really long exposure and we couldn't even breath we had to be so still!

6. A cosy wood burning stove and reading corner in a cottage on the North coast of Zealand, Denmark.

The give-away is now closed

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A Magical Farmhouse on a Hill In Vermont

One magical, sunny day in 2014, photographer James Gardiner and I made our way up a long, winding track in Vermont, USA. Eventually we came to a clearing, and there at the top of the hill amidst 100 acres of luscious New England pasture stood Nadine Dole's farmhouse. We spent the day shooting the house known as 'The Hill' for my book Modern Pastoral (now re-named to Relaxed Rustic). It would be a day I'll never forget. 

The remote farmhouse is simply furnished with a mixture of antiques, handmade items, vintage finds and wonderful pieces of art. Natural materials and a neutral colour scheme unify the eclectic pieces and work in harmony with the surroundings. The windows open inward and upward, filling the living space with a wonderful cool breeze - and providing uninterrupted views over open fields towards distant mountain ranges. 

Meals and afternoon tea are enjoyed at a 19th century pine harvest dining table. The natural woven seating of the dining chairs is slowly coming unraveled, enhancing the relaxed nature of the home. 

The kitchen is simple yet purposeful and made entirely from salvaged items. 

A row of linen aprons (this lovely linen apron* is similar) in muted makes a delightful display on the back wall. Vintage rolling pins are stored in the pockets. 

A Kasanof's & Paramount Bakeries tin bought in an antique store sits above the green armoire. The impressive 'Blueberry' painting is by John Young. 

Nadia collects art from all over the world. The nude portrait was found in a brocante (a secondhand market) in Maussane, France. Dried honeycombs found in the garden in winter rest on a table found at auction. 

An old schoolhouse light hangs above an ornate mirror and porcelain sink and a simple lion claw tub provides a perfect place for a soak while looking out over the pastures, where black bears, coyotes, wild deer and chickens wander freely. 

You can see more pictures of Nadia's magical home in my book Relaxed Rustic (formerly known as Modern Pastoral). 

I also love following Nadia's latest projects on her instagram. 

If you're as taken with her style as much as I am, you might also like to keep an eye out for one of her workshops - and if you're lucky enough to be in the area a little birdie tells me she might be opening a small shop, cafe or bakery (or perhaps all three?) soon! 

Discover other incredible country homes in the archive! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

PS There's currently a give-away over on instagram to win Relaxed Rustic along with five other interior books. 

PPS If you are one of the first to pick up a copy of Relaxed Rustic online and enjoy it, I'd be so happy if you could leave a review - thank you so much :)

Credit: Relaxed Rustic by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books (19.99 GBP). Photography by James Gardiner - copyright CICO Books. 

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Book Update News: Meet Relaxed Rustic

I've got some exciting news to share with you today! My first book Modern Pastoral has had a make-over! My publisher in London (CICO Books) decided to give it a new name - changing it to 'Relaxed Rustic' and they've also changed the cover to this shot from a stunning Skånegård near our cottage (the full tour is in the book) - the content inside remains the same. 

I wrote this book in 2014 and it was released in 2015 (remember the sneak peek? I was crazily excited!). Having opened it for the first time in ages this morning, I was happy to find that the nature-inspired interiors are still just as relevant today - they have a beautiful, timeless appeal. 

If you didn't pick up a copy of Modern Pastoral - perhaps you might like to treat yourself to a copy of Relaxed Rustic this summer? It's available on all the usual sites such as Amazon, but you can also go closer to home and ask your local book shop or library to order a copy. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it / styling the pictures! 

Niki

PS My publisher is giving away a copy of Relaxed Rustic along with a selection of other interior books on instagram this weekend - keep an eye on @myscandinavianhome to enter! 

PPS I'm looking forward to sharing one of my favourite home tours from the book on Monday! 

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A Frisian stolp farm becomes a beautiful home

Hello! I hope you're having a great start to the week? Thank you so much to Johanne for the guest post yesterday - doesn't she have a fab home? We're heading up to the hill-country village of Ella here in Sri Lanka later today and hoping to visit some tea plantations - as a Brit the prospect of being surrounded by tea all afternoon sounds like heaven! It's also a far cry from the flat lands of North Holland, which is beautiful in a different kind of way. And the owners of this Dutch residence, Rixt and Arjan have found their own beautiful spot close to the sea in Frisian Hemelum.  The duo were living in Curacao when they took the big step to buy a stolp farm along with vestibule and convert it into two unique places to stay. The spaces have been decorated with vintage pieces found on the internet and a mix of materials such as wool, cotton, felt, glass, marble, stone, and wood for a warm and relaxed, homely feel. Enjoy!

Styling: Sabine Burkunk. Photography: Hans Mossel, shared with kind permission. VT Wonen Aug 2015. 

I think I'm in home heaven! This is exactly my kind of style. Personal, relaxed and brimming with personality. 

What do you think?

Get the look: Source beautiful kilim rugs here, I love these vintage school charts, this 50's rattan plant holder is similar (there's only one though.....). Palma lounge chair. This hand blown demi-john wine bottle is similar. Round rush floor mat. 

You can see more pics of these two lovely spaces over at VT Wonen here. 

I always get really excited by the homes photographer Hans Mossel and Sabine Burkunk capture- they're often relaxed and cheerful and always unique. Another example includes this quirky home. Fab colours!  

Other links I love today: 

Thank you Valentina Fussell for this review of my book - her photographs (as always) are stunning and I wish I could look that glam reading my book! I was also thrilled to see this piece about Modern Pastoral in Architectural Digest too! 

37 outfits that are so New York (but wouldn't look out of place in Sweden either....).

A serene white and brown living room in Copenhagen.

An office in nudes (no, not that kind of nude!).

How about these yummy looking mini pavlova's for pudding (or, just whenever really - one every hour?!) this week....?

Finnish designs for the little ones.

Have a lovely day! 

PS If you've taken any photos of your copy of Modern Pastoral I'd love to see / share them! 

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My Scandinavian Home - Best of 2016

Well friends, this has been one crazy year. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed blogging in 2016 - it's been a little oasis of calm each day (I hope you've felt the same).  I've absolutely loved reading all your thoughts and ideas on here, Facebook and Instagram (if I've missed your page please leave your link in the comment section below, I'd love to check it out!). It's been a wonderful year of home tours, styling updates and give-aways. Here's a round-up of the...

Top six My Scandinavian Home blog posts of 2016:

 1. Serene, small space living in Gothenburg. Photo Alan Cordic, styling Emma Fischer for Bjurfors.

2. My home at Christmas - photo - me with help from my little six year old), styling Genevieve Jorn.

 3. Six beautifully simple DIY Christmas decorations - credit: Marij Hessel for VT Wonen. 

 4. My bedroom tour - photo by me, styling Genevieve Jorn.

 5. Decorating my home with posters - photos / styling  by me

6. A romantic Swedish home with vintage touches - home-owner - Cattis sold through Entrance.

I've also developed a slight Instagram obsession (haven't we all?!) and am so happy to have amassed over 50,000 friends! It's a perfect place to share little snippets of Scandinavian life  - including rustic cabins and wonderful corners of Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Looking at the top five most popular instagram posts of the year it seems you share this passion too...yay! Here's a round-up of my...

Top 5 Instagram posts of 2016

 1. A canoe trip in Finland - Photography - Henrik Koskelo / @hentus (featuring Konsta Punkka)

2.  Christmas in a cosy Swedish home - photo Carina Olander stylist Anna Truelsen.

 3. A snapshot of Nyhavn, Copenhagen I captured on a visit to Denmark's capital city.

 4. Pink chair by a desk - Photograph - Anders Bergstedt for Kverteret Mäleri.

5. A charming Little red cabin - this little pic has been separated from it's owner- can anyone help?


And last, but not least - Pinterest!! Where mood boards come together and ideas come to life (if you can tear yourself away from the screen!). Here's a round-up of the My Scandinavian Home...

Top 5 Pins of 2016

1. This little pic I took of a corner of my home has had over 1.5 million impressions in the last month alone! It must be that little guy at the top?

 2.  Quite a few (million) of you like the idea of a bench at the end of the bed like in this Swedish home captured by one of my favourite duos photographer Carina Olander and stylist Anna Truelsen.

 3. Stonewashed linens have been everywhere this year - and these lovely ones in the home of Vintage Piken are possibly yours and my favourite!  Photo by Line Kay.

 4. On Pinterest it's all in the pink it seems, as the fourth most popular pin was this lovely picture of an Amsterdam bedroom captured by my talented friend Holly Marder.

 5. And finally, we do love a gallery wall - and Maaike Koster of My Deer certainly knows how to create one! See the rest of her wonderful home here.

I have to say, these are also my favourite posts and pins from 2016 too! But do you have an absolute favourite?

On a different note, back in the spring I was excited to launch my first interiors book - Modern Pastoral (exploring my passion for rural retreats, and sharing beautiful homes like Milkweed Barn in the Catskill Mountains below!) it was such an amazing feeling to finally get it in my hands and I'm so happy to see others around the world enjoying it too! Thank you!

Photography: James Gardiner from Modern Pastoral by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books.

This summer we photographed 10 more fabulous homes across Scandinavia for my second book The Scandinavian Home - which will be out in the shops next March - I am so incredibly excited as I know it will be right up your street! Creating the book was the most amazing experience, even when lost on a Norwegian mountain in the dark. I tell you, the site of that magical rustic ski cabin full of layers of sheepskin at the end of the dirt track at 1 am is one I'll never forget! But more on this in the new year....

Before I head off I'd also like to say a huge thank you to all the amazing photographers, interior designers and stylists out there who have filled us with inspiration this year - and also to my wonderful sponsors who make My Scandinavian Home possible. Many of them are small online shaops, and when you buy something an actual person does a little dance!

And finally - thank you to you all for all your wonderful support and words of encouragement this year, you're wonderful!

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a *fabulous* new year!

PS If you feel like being horizontal this holiday (isn't that what they're for?!) but would still like to feel inspired, you can always explore my archives (full list to the left) - days of inspiration, I promise! And don't forget to enter the HUGE Houseology give-away to win an amazing gift voucher to spend on your home in 2017 (think all those Scandinavian design items you've always wanted!).

PPS see you on January 9th!
 

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