A Dutch artist's atelier and home

From stormy Southern Sweden to a calm oasis in Laren, Holland. This artists atelier was built in 1913 and  has been converted into a beautiful apartment by owners Pam and artist André Wiegel (much of whose work you can see on the wall today). The large windows and North facing facade create the perfect light to work in. The dark wood floors and white walls are complimented by warm Turkish textiles and wooden furniture, books and vignettes. Such a lovely, homely space.

Styling Frans Uyterlinde. Photography: James Stokes with kind permission. VT Wonen 2012

I could live and work here, could you?

The rug in this home is so beautiful I can't help think a long weekend in Istanbul is on the cards...

Other beautiful items? The dining chairs are awesome. The Tom Dixon pendant light always a favourite. I also like the touch of linen in the bathroom. How about you?

See other beautiful ateliers here.

Don't forget to enter the exciting give-away to win a Ferm Living Candleholder, still a few days left!

Have a lovely day!

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A split machiya home in Tokyo, Japan

Hej hej! I'm back and as promised this will be a bit of an Asian interior week! Last Monday I visited Tokyo, Japan for 24 hours. It was a fantastic city and perhaps the most intriguing culture of all. Japanese are guided by the 5s principles: Seiri: Tidiness, Seiton: Orderliness, Seiso: Cleanliness, Seiketsu: Standardisation, Shitsuke: Discipline which are reflected in the home. Interiors are based on natural materials wood and stone and designed to encourage a respectful relationship with nature and bring balance and harmony to your life. This beautiful split machiya home in Tokyo, Japan from  Atelier Bow Wow is in two parts and connected by a lush courtyard.

'split machiya' by atelier bow wow, shinjuku, tokyo, japan
photographer: Manuel Oka via Design Boom

Can you see any reflection of the 5s principles in your home?! Every one minute I step on a piece of lego or trip over a barbie car which is followed by a string of expletives, so perhaps I need to work on this!!

Tomorrow it's time for a little Japanese give-away for you lovely readers so pop by if you get the a chance!

Have a lovely day!

 PS You can read more about this home here.

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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 

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The inspiring Atelier / summer cottage of Pepa Poch

Hello and happy Monday! I hope you've had a lovely weekend. Since I and much of Sweden (Scandinavia?) is currently in holiday mode I thought I'd get you in the mood too with this beautiful summer house on the Costa Brava. It also acts as atelier to the talented Catalan painter and creator Pepa Poch. How could you not be inspired in a space like this?!

Photographs: Ruben Ortiz, Stylist Katty Schiebeck, Somewhere I would like to live with kind permission.

I'm not sure which part of the home I love the most. Perhaps the bedroom with it's stunning vista? Or the pool? What about you?!

Before I rush off to enjoy the sunshine, I'm excited to announce a new my scandinavian home sponsor: AAVA Helsinki. AAVA Helsinki is a fresh new art gallery with a unique concept and clear mission: to build bridges between artists and art-loving audiences by bringing high quality oil and acrylic paintings to homes at an affordable price. Their unique 'Designed By' concept helps both artists and art lovers to break the age-old barrier surrounding traditional gallery art. What a great concept! Please join me in welcoming them and if you have the time check out their home page here. 

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3 Gift Guides: My Pick of Beautiful Danish Glassware for Every Style

Sponsored by Pernille Bülow - all words and photos are my own. I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Yes, I know it's early November, but 'the early bird catches the morning worm' as they say - and I wanted to make sure you hear about Pernille Bülow's beautiful items in order for them to arrive before Christmas - after all, it could take a little while for the elves in the Baltic sea to craft, pack and send!  

You may recognise the name, Pernille Bülow is a glass atelier on the Danish island of Bornholm producing the most beautiful, sustainable and handmade glassware. I have featured their dinnerware, mouth-blown lighting and Christmas decorations quite a few times over the years as they are one of my favourite Scandinavian ateliers. And last December, I even paid them a visit in Bornholm on a snowy weekend!

This year, I thought I'd create three ultimate gift guides - each capturing a beautiful selection of hand-picked items from their atelier, photographed in my home and studio. I hope you find something special for family and friends - and maybe even a little pressie for yourself! 

Gift guide for those who love Christmas and entertaining

In my mind Christmas ornaments make the best presents. Who doesn't love a tree filled with memories and personal touches? The same goes for glassware! 

From sparkling glass drops and mouth-blown baubles to gleaming Optic plates and vases, here's my round-up of presents that includes everything you or a friend will love for decorating and entertaining for years to come. 

Clockwise from top left: 1. ReUse Christmas ornament 2. Sky Christmas ornament - aubergine 3. ReUse vase optic 4. ReUse optic dish 5. ReUse optic bowl 6. ReUse Christmas drop

Gift guide for those who love handmade

There's something special about items that have been made by hand. Perfectly imperfect, no two items are the same and really give a home a soul. Here is a round-up of six lovely handmade pieces from Pernille Bülow that would make the perfect present:

Clockwise from top left: 1. Velvet glass beige 2. Bird vase rose 3. Round bowl rose 4. Sky lamp - smoke 5. Bubble candlestick 6. Balu clear wine glass

Gift guide for those who love sustainably made pieces

And for my third and final gift guide, it's all about glassware that has been thoughtfully made with the planet in mind. From candlesticks and jugs to beautiful lighting made from recycled glass waste from the pharmaceutical industry - there's something for everyone! 

Clockwise from top left: 1. ReUse jug optic 2. ReUse champagne coupe 3. ReUse vase sand 4. ReUse candlestick 5. ReUse lamp with optics 6. ReUse cocktail glass

I hope these gift guides are helpful - and that you treat yourself - or friends and family to something special.

Is there anything that caught your eye in particular? If so, it's time to drop a few hints to those near and dear ;) 

In case you feel like paying Bornholm a visit one day, here is my winter travel guide guide - filled with Christmas markets, restaurants serving delicious locally grown produce, wintery walks along the coast and as well as where to shop.  It's an incredible island in all seasons! 

If you'd like to see a little more inspiration today, here are a few features I've shown in the past: 

Christmas in Helen Sturesson's cosy Swedish cottage

A summer shoot at my summer cottage with my dear friend Tove (including my favourite drink recipe)

Mouth-blown lamps over my kitchen island

Have a wonderful weekend - I'll be back Monday with a very exciting home tour, see you then! 

Niki

All photography by me (Niki Brantmark), styling by Helen Sturesson

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This Incredible Swedish Country Home By The Sea Could Be Yours!

Do you ever dream of moving to the countryside (or perhaps you've made the move already?). As a Londoner at heart, I'm so happy in our little townhouse in Southern Sweden, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about living in a beautiful house in the country. Somewhere old, somewhere with acres of outdoor space for our children to run riot, and somewhere with my very own studio atelier. Oh and did I mention the sea view?! Hmmm. Perhaps I'm asking for too much. Or so I thought.

Earlier today I discovered exactly this on a real estate site!! The artist's home dates back to the 1800's and is located right on the beach in Smygehamn (try pronouncing that!) on Sweden's beautiful southernmost tip. It also has the most incredible atelier (with it's own fireplace!) *heart skips several beats*! There's one slight drawback though. It's way out of my price league. Ah well. Perhaps we can share it?!

The bohemian in me loves traditional-style mix and match kitchens. How pretty is this cabinet under the sink? Knowing my family we'd have a hard time remembering which draw we put things in, but it'd would be worth it all the same!

A traditional Swedish masonry oven in the corner of the bedroom is something I've always dreamed of! Loving the cane sleigh bed too (try Serena & Lily* for similar).

It's so inspiring how all the items are vintage / antiques of some sort. I'm thinking that if I ever make that move to the country this type of furniture would be high on my list. My Mother used to take us to loads of auctions in Sussex, England when we were kids (she collected antique chest-of-drawers like I collect cushions!!)  and I've never really had the opportunity to do this as an adult. 

This bath is so pretty - and if you hop over to the rest of the pictures over at Residence you'll spy an original Thomas Crapper loo (I wonder how it found it's way to Sweden?!).  

 This was the fireplace I was telling you about. I'm already picturing myself here in the winter. Would I get any work done ? Potentially not! But think of all the tea I'd drink while I looked out over the stormy waters!

And there you have it.

Anyone else envisaging themselves living here?!

Me? I'm already on one of those deck chairs (in my mind).

Whoever buys this house is one lucky soul!

What does your dream home look like?

Niki

Photography courtesy of Residence. 

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