The Cosy Vintage-Inspired Home of a Swedish Artist

I love a home that feels truly personal. One of those cribs that has you marvelling at the details, a little like a (very relaxed) museum! I'm a firm believer that creating an entirely unique space takes years. Years of hunting for second hand pieces and offbeat furniture. Years of collecting art and little accessories that touch you in some way. It also takes a yearning to create a nest that's full of history and sometimes a certain artistic talent too. And that's when I stumbled across the home of Swedish artist Michaela Grut. Michaela lives in Lindingö, Stockholm with her two children and little kitten. Her style is very much about "decorating in a way that lasts" - opting for vintage furniture, interior details and art "that feels special, unique and a bit odd." The result is a rather eclectic home which blends colours, patterns and furniture from different moments in time to create a cosy family home in which to build new memories. Let's take a peek! 

A wood and marble vintage piece pops against Pomona wallpaper. 

When Michaela bought her first home she found it hard to find affordable art and began creating her own paintings and sculptures instead. her work immediately became popular among other and her online shop was born (I've just commissioned the sculpture in the above picture - I couldn't resist! Isn't it beautiful?!). 

Michaela's art is inspired by everything around her: "shapes, colours, structures... and the human body is a huge inspiration. I often exaggerate or understate the shapes to make it more interesting."

The children's room has been decorated in pretty Lilja wallpaper. Michaela designed the bunkbed herself and then got someone to build it. 

Take a closer at the 1940s kitchen (painted in Velvet 10246 by Jotun Lady) and you'll spot 'Staffan' a clay figure by Michaela casually perched on the open shelves! 

The sofa is in fact the IKEA Söderhamn wrapped beautifully in a loose fit Rosendal pure washed linen cover* from Bemz. The walls have been painted in Senses 2024 by Jotun lady. 

Both the artwork and clay bust are by Michaela and can be commissioned through her shop (particularly tempted by the bust, how about you?!). You can find all items in her shop or e-mail her directly to commission a piece (you can find her contact here and here). 

In fact, there are just SO many lovely pieces in this home. It makes me want to spend the whole of next weekend scouring flea markets and second hand shops for furniture and art, how about you? 

Other inspiring Scandinavian artist's homes to love today: 

The beautiful home of a Danish artist

The relaxed Oslo home of a Norwegian artist (I visited this home for my second book and still think about it today!).

Although not owned by an artist, this wonderful Copenhagen house is designed for an artist with its North facing windows (and lived in by an industrial designer) - that counts, right?! It's one of those places that never comes on the market, it's just passed down from generation to generation. 

This Stockholm home is also not own by an artist - but Karolina Modig is the author behind two art books so I think that totally counts - I love the way she's hung art really low in her home. 

Have a wonderful start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Michaela Grut - shared with kind permission.

*Affiliate links

READ MORE...

4

A Fabulous Vintage Inspired Loft in a Former Textile Factory

Last night I was under pressure. I searched high and low for a special home tour. One that would end the blog week on an inspiring high. And then, just as I was about to give-up, this place showed up. It was everything I was looking for: packed with personality, unique, and inspiring. It's also in a city close to my heart, Philadelphia - where I spent a year in my teens (I still miss those cheese steaks!). Looking at this incredible loft, I'm wondering why I left? Could I really have lived in a 2400 square feet (222 square metres) Northern Liberties loft like Liz Sparacio?! Maybe not, word on the street is these rentals in a former textile factory are hard to come by. But I am delighted to see this space has fallen into the right hands. Liz, who works at Philly's number one second hand store Jinxed, has ensured there's something fascinating to look at at every turn: from the 'hand' chair and mannequin sculptures to the art, plants and vast array of wonderful vintage finds. I'll say no more, just leave you to enjoy the tour. Happy Friday friends!

Wow. Just wow! This totally brings out the wannabe artist in me (you know, the one wearing paint splattered dungarees with a scarf in my hair working from my own ceramics atelier in Österlen!). One day, one day!

For now though, I'll settle for admiring the fabulously quirky and delicious second hand pieces in Liz's loft. The chairs, the mannequins / sculptures, the paintings, the vintage finds. It's a complete feast for the eyes.

Anyone else feeling a tad inspired?!

If you'd like to see more of Liz's home check out her instagram feed really_really_Lizzy for daily updates (she's so funny too!).

And for more creative spaces this weekend I love:
A Former factory becomes an inspiring home
The lovely home of a Danish artist
An artist's home in a former factory
Pretty blues and greens in a former artist's atelier in Copenhagen
A Finnish home in a converted factory
A Parisian artist's home in a former button factory
An artist's studio and home in Stockholm

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Niki

PS Just heading to Copenhagen for a meeting with Skandinavisk - exciting! I might have to treat myself to an after work (or "AW" as they call it in Sweden) by the canal. I'm looking forward to it already! Are you up to anything fun this weekend?

PPS If you haven't filled out my survey yet, I'd be so happy if you could take a mo to look at. Thank you!

Photography 1& 2 Love Me Do Photography the remaining: Liz Sparacio 

READ MORE...

5

A Relaxed Danish Artist's Cabin In Copenhagen

Do you love a relaxed, creative home as much as I do? If so, you're going to find this lovely little oasis near Copenhagen utterly charming! The allotment house (in Scandinavia many allotments have little cottages on them which you're allowed to stay at during the summer months - much like a Dacha in Russia), provides a space where artist Mie Olise Kjærgaard can paint and create sculptural installations as well as relax in the garden with her five-year-old son Neo. Mie bought the 50 m2 (538 f2) cabin in 2005 and worked with the original 1933 structure, adding on a living room and bedroom using recycled materials. The bright living space has been simply furnished creating a wonderful, warm and inviting atmosphere. Karina Tengberg was there to capture these lovely pictures. Welcome to Mie's creative world! 

Mie has an MFA from the St. Martin School of Art in London and has exhibited her paintings, sculptural objects and installations internationally.  

The high ceiling and wood floors have been painted in a fresh white, which instantly creates a light and airy feel, despite the small living space. 

A tea set, found in a nearby 'loppemarked' (flea market) hangs from a simple metal rod, so that it's easy to grab when a friend stops by. 

Mie's work hangs on the wall beside a piece by Mia-nelle Drøschler. 

The err, eye-catching breasts are made from mouth blown glass at The Glass Factory in Sweden. 

In the garden is a small lean-to / conservatory which is a perfect dining spot in warmer weather.

It's hard to imagine that this gem of a cabin is located in Denmark's capital city - what a find! 

It reminds me a little of some of the houses and boathouses you find on the small islands on the river Thames in London (I used to paddle passed as a kid and be fascinated by the relaxed way of life in the heart of the city). I guess properties like these are like gold dust! 

Do you live somewhere like this? Or perhaps you feel inspired by some special and unique properties near your home. if so, I'd love to hear more! 

Shall we revisit some other Scandinavian artists homes today? I love the cosy vintage inspired home of a Swedish artist, the lovely home of a Danish artist and an artist's home and studio in a converted workshop. 

I hope you have a great start to the week, I have a feeling this is going to be a good one for us all. Stay well, stay safe! 

Niki

Photography: copyright - Karina Tenberg, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

1

A Danish Artist's Beautiful And Inspiring Copenhagen Home

God morgon! Oh, have I got a beautiful home tour for you today! Located in Østerbro, Copenhagen, the Danish home of Marie and Jacob is full of everything I love: sun light, mid-century pieces, Danish design, art, and a very handsome furry friend! Twenty-eight-year-old Marie works as an information security consultant and loves to paint in her spare time. Her paintings can be seen throughout the 100 square metre space - and are part of what gives their home a wonderful, unique and personal touch. The recently renovated space also features beautiful second-hand / vintage pieces as well as statement lighting and soft serene shades. Velkommen!  

An IKEA kitchen has been combined with a natural stone worktop from Zurface, giving it a luxurious finish. 

Marie and Jacob have made the most of a wide windowsill - turning it into a space to sit with a coffee, soak up the sunshine and watch the world go by. 

The chairs and table were picked up second-hand online and a Drop Chandelier from 101 Copenhagen hangs overhead. 

A painting by Marie takes pride of place in the sitting room - adding a wonderful element of colour. The seating is from the Sofa Company. 

I love how Marie and Jacob have made full use of the windows in every room. In the sitting, a Coventry chair and Arum table lamp* have been combined to create a perfect reading corner. 

In the spare room, the couple have capitalised on the natural light to make a home office. 

I love this rack (source a similar solid oak rail here*) - we could really do with this many hooks in our bathroom (there are always about 15 towels on the go - it drives me nuts!). I'm also itching to put up some art but Per is not happy about drilling into the tiles. What are your thoughts on this? Is it a bad idea? Or should we just go for it? 

How lovely! 

I especially appreciate how Marie and Jacob have added just the right amount of furniture to fit their needs and nothing more! It strikes that perfect balance - pared-back yet warm, something I talk about in my Lagom book.  

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more pictures of their lovely home - and keep up to date with Marie and Jacob's latest renovation projects over at @strandboulevardan.  

Shall we take a peek inside homes of a few other artists today? Here are a few I love: 

The cosy vintage inspired home of a Swedish artist

A relaxed Danish artist's cabin in Copenhagen

The charming creative home of a Polish artist

The lovely home of a Danish artist

Do you have a lot of art in your home? 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @strandboulevardan shared with kind permission.

*This post contains affiliate links

READ MORE...

6

A Danish Artist's Home in Copenhagen - With Lots of Angles and Oodles of Charm!

It takes a lot of imagination, vision and patience to take on an apartment with quirky angles. But fortune favours the bold, and Danish pair Mikala and Mark Brunsvig (an artist) were willing to take on the challenge! Located in the hip Copenhagen neighbourhood of Nørrebro the apartment is located on the fourth floor of a block dating back to the 1800s. Mikala and Mark were keen to create a personal, cosy and relaxed home which is also highly practical. Measuring 76 sqm (818 fsq), the creative couple have ensured no space has gone to waste - creating a series of zones and using every nook and cranny for storage. The result is a warm and inviting home filled with books, art, vintage finds and splashes of colour. 

It's not often I start with a floor plan, but today, I thought it might be helpful to understand the layout and angles before you take the tour. 

Quick Danish glossary; køkken - kitchen, stue - living room, værelse - room, altan - balcony. 

Now that you've had time to study the lay out , it's time to enjoy the tour! 

There are just SO many ideas to steal from this lovely apartment. I've been through it several times and always spot something new! 

Above all else, I love the feeling you get from the pictures - the home oozes charm and a wonderful sense of ease.

Is there anything that stood out to you? Perhaps something that has given you an idea for your own home? 

See more pictures of Mikala and Mark's home here and Mark's art here. 

I've got an exciting long weekend ahead with a trip to Kullaberg, Helsingør and Helsingborg on the itinerary (do follow along on my Instagram stories if you'd like to see one of my favourite corners of south Sweden and Denmark!). But before I shoot off, here are a few other homes of Scandinavian artists: 

The cosy vintage-inspired home of a Swedish artist 

A danish artist's beautiful and inspiring Copenhagen home

The relaxed home of a Norwegian artist 

Beautiful! 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Mikala Brunsvig

READ MORE...

10