Bring a Warm, Minimalist Touch to your Kids Bedroom

Calling all Aussie friends out there looking for fab Scandi-inspired children's furniture (that's gentle on the wallet too - got to love that, right?!)! Fantastic Furniture is a Sydney based sofa and bedding manufacturer with superstores in every major metropolitan city and regional town across Australia. Wander in (or take a look online) and you'll find all kinds of minimalist furniture for your children's bedroom including beds, storage units and desks (how fab is the Cabin Kids Bunk Bed for starters?!). Choose a classic white approach (which I have gone for in my own daughter's room) or warm it up with a natural wood finish. Bedding with colourful fun patterns and bold prints also add to the inviting look and feel - as well as provide a cosy place to curl up under and read bedtime stories together. Look out for my six tips on how to create a lovely Scandinavian style bedroom for your little ones below. In the meantime, here are some inspiring looks from Fantastic Furniture...

My 6 tips on creating a Scandinavian inspired children's bedroom
 
1. A child will enjoy their room if it's practical (and safe). Space permitting, try to ensure it covers all their needs including a zone to sleep, get creative, store and read. Plenty of storage places for all their bits and bobs (trust me - my girls have a lot of tiny little things!!) means that it's easier to keep the room neat and tidy, which in turn means they'll enjoy it more.

2. If you choose furniture with a clean design and neutral colours your little one can keep it for longer as they won't grow out of the look. Think classic pieces that stand the test of time and keep to a simple colour palette of white, black, wood etc.

3. Add a playful touch to the room by adding textiles featuring a pattern motif and colours. By getting your child involved in the process they will feel they have greater control over their environment and will be able to add their personal stamp on the room. Plus, these pieces can easily be exchanged / passed on as they get older and their tastes change.

4. Add your child's favourite colour to the room by creating an accent wall (you may like to paint a half-half wall, go for a playful geometric look. Removable wall stickers are also a great way to add a little colour. They are widely available, but if you feel like getting creative you can create your own using a stencil and tape.

5. Add layers of textiles in the form of cushions, blankets, and rugs to create a super warm and inviting feel to the room. That way you can cosy up together at bedtime.

6. Add plenty of lighting (including a mix of ambient and task) so they can enjoy the room after dark. Black-out blinds are ideal for a great night's sleep but don't forget the night light for little ones who are afraid of a monster lurking under the bed).

Feel free to add your own tips in the comment section below, it's always great to hear new ideas!

GET THE LOOK

1. Cabin Single Bed
2. Aster Corner Desk
3. Cabin 3 Drawer Lowboy
4. Willow Double Bed
5. Jordan Single Bunk
6. Cabin Kids Bunk Bed


Happy shopping!


This post is brought to you in collaboration with Fantastic Furniture, however all words are my own. 

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16 Ways To Transform A Tiny Room Into a Dreamy Yet Practical Bedroom

If there's one thing I've noticed about the Scandinavians over the years, it's their amazing ability to transform small spaces into beautiful, practical living spaces! It really is an art form! And where better to start than the bedroom? After all, many of us have at least one small box room in our homes (or perhaps you live in a one room studio and need to carve out a space to sleep). Either way, I hope I've got you covered with these 16 'tiny bedroom' tricks' I've learned along the way.

1. Shelving (above) - wall mounted shelving above the bed serves as a night stand and storage! Oh and you can clamp a reading light onto it too. Perfect! In case you're curious, there's a load more inspiration to take from Christina's small yet very cosy Stockholm home here.

2. Go dark! Forget the need to go light, this box room in Sara Margareta Hellman's home is proof that rich colours can add depth and cosiness! Create interest by painting the wainscoting in another colour or only painting a couple of the walls.

3. Sliding doors. Sometimes there's simply no bedroom at all - and you need to create a room within a room. If you're building a wall, use sliding doors so they take up less space and let more light in. We did this with my stepson's room and it made a huge difference.

Historiska Hem

4. Glass partition. Instead of building a wall you could try an oh-so popular glass partition (with curtains for privacy!). This one was created by Elsa Billgren as part of a charming one room studio make-over in Stockholm.

Elsa Billgren

5. Misted glass door. Not sure about a glass all the way? Why not try a door that slips in filtered light  (light is often an important factor in smaller rooms).

6. Go outside. An obvious one, but moving some of your storage into the hallway (like these hooks) is a handy way to expand storage space and clear away a little clutter.

7. Go under.  No space either side of the bed? Try raising the bed and using the space underneath for built-in storage. Super handy and in this case, super stylish too!

Jonas Gustavsson

8. Lift it up! Not an inch for storage? Go for one of these bad boys! I slept in a MALM pull-up storage bed at my brother-in-laws holiday home and I couldn't believe it when I realised all the bedding for the apartment was stored underneath!

IKEA

9. Headboard storage. A headboard or (or cushions) are a necessity for reading or chaining through Netflix series at night, and they can also be an excellent way to sneak in a little extra storage too!

Pella Hedeby for IKEA

10. Narrow it down. If there's a little space left either side of the bed, go for handy narrow bedside tables with drawers.

Homepolish

11. Use what's there. Window sills (if you have one) are great for doubling up as a bedside table.

12. Reflect the light. Small rooms tend to be rather dark. Strategically placed mirrors are great for bouncing around the light and adding depth.

Alvhem

13. Reading light. Wall or ceiling mounted reading lights are ideal for smaller spaces where floor space is limited.

14. Art. A simple gallery wall can do wonders to the look of a teeny bedroom.

15. Tray table. Nowhere to put your morning cuppa? Invest in a breakfast tray for books, coffee and whatever else you need for a cosy Saturday morning!

16. Plants. Plants are great for keeping the air clean and bringing the outside in which will help you feel less claustrophobic. There's a million ways to display them - take a peek at my guide to indoor climber ideas and hanging plants for inspiration.

While researching this post I realised there are SO many more ideas to add! I might just have to do a follow up post at some point soon, but I hope this has given you a few ideas to get started with!

There's also a load more small space inspiration in this archive!

If you have any tips or tricks to add, please do share them below - I'd love to hear them!

Have a lovely day!

Niki

PS Thank you SO much for all your kind words of support yesterday, it meant so much, I'm feeling a lot better today and will be trying all your tips :)

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Bedroom Details: One bench, Two Different ways

Sponsored by Skovby, all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I love

Do you find that you only know something was missing until you add it - often by accident? I was asked by Danish brand Skovby to photograph the beautiful #833 Bench. I was originally considering placing it by the kitchen table, or in the hallway - but following my bedroom make-over last week, I realised where it really belongs is at the foot of my bed! If you have the space for one, benches are ideal as they can be used for so many different things - a place to sit and get dressed in the morning, somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee (it makes a great midpoint between languishing in bed and entering the world!) - or a perfect place to store books and other treasures. Here's this beauty of a bench, styled two different ways: 

1. The dressing bench 

Why hop about the room trying to put on socks when you can chill on a bench in style! Place a little basket underneath for slippers or chunky knit socks and blankets. If you feel the chill in the night, you can reach down and grab it, without even rustling the covers! 

Any bench will do, as long as it's the right length. But I have to say, the Skovby #833 Bench is absolutely beautiful - and ideal. It's crafted from solid wood and 170 cm long making it a perfect three-seater and an ideal length for a180 cm wide bed (it's little sister, the #832 bench is 120 cm is suitable for narrower ones). 

If you prefer a darker look, it's also available in oak oil and black oak versions - all with the lovely brass detail. 

2. The storage bench:

The long surface makes this bench an ideal place for books and other items - a little like a mini library at the foot of your bed!  For this styling we also added a vase with lilac from the garden - but I am the first to admit it's not entirely practical as Per pointed out (while removing countless cushions before settling in for the night!!). I was merely exercising a little artistic license, and it does look pretty, right?

Not only does solid wood have a beautiful patina, it can also last a lifetime when handled with care. Soap and vegetable oils can help to impregnate, nourish and maintain the wood so it stays beautiful. 

Needless to say, I'm keeping this bench right where it is! 

Which look / use do you prefer ? Could you imagine having a bench at the end of your bed? Or perhaps you already do! 

If you're feeling inspired, hop over to Skovby to find your nearest store. 

See also: the perfect counter stool in my kitchen, Per's home office, my temporary dining room update and  a new glass cabinet. 

Have a fabulous, relaxing weekend - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark

Styling: Helen Sturesson

This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Skovby. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the exceptional Scandinavian businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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5 Reasons To Swap Your Double Duvet for Two Singles (Scandi Style!)

When I moved to Sweden more than 16 years ago, I assumed Per (as a bachelor) had to cobble together two single duvets in lieu of not having a double duvet for my stay. As time went on though, I realised it was intentional, and that in fact almost EVERY marital bed in Scandinavia uses two single duvets instead of a double! Look very closely at pictures of Nordic bedrooms and unless there's been some very clever styling at play, you'll more than likely spot it. Stay at a Nordic hotel, and you'll experience it first-hand. Of course, being ever the romantic, I insisted on a double duvet at first - and Per reluctantly obliged, but as time went on, I realised perhaps our Scandi friends have a point. Here are five reasons why! 

1. Staying snug, your way! I love to have all the windows open, even if it's howling a gale or we're in deep mid-winter (the Brit in me, for sure!) whereas Per likes to keep them firmly shut even in the height of summer. The truth is all our bodies behave differently at night and feel good at different temperatures. The beauty of having your own duvet means that you can choose a duvet / bed cover thickness that works for you and be as cool or warm as you like! 

"We all have different body temperatures, and some sweat more than others at night. Some prefer a warmer duvet, while others something cooler. It's therefore a good idea to have bedding that caters to your specific needs. The type of material can also play a roll - you may prefer a warmer flannel style material or linen for a more airy feel" -  Helena Kubicek Boye, Swedish sleep expert and author of Sömnsagor (a children's story book designed to help children fall asleep more easily).  

2. You can sleep like a starfish (if you like): Still on the topic of body temperature (yes, this is all highly practical stuff) - having your own duvet means you can cool your limbs at will  - stick out your right leg, left leg, elbow from under the covers whoever. you like... whatever feels best to get that all important shut eye! Just as long as you're not encroaching onto your partners side too much, obvs. 

3. No more fighting over the covers! There's always someone who steals the duvet, isn't there? You know, the one who's wrapped like a swaddled baby, deep in REM while the other freezes on the other side of the bed. Well guess what? If you have your own duvet, this won't happen. E.V.E.R! 

4. You can take it with you! Snoring partner? Feeling unwell? Simply can't sleep? There are many reasons you may need to get up in the middle of the night and move somewhere else to get your slumber. The beauty of having your own duvet is you can take it with you - and when you get to your new destination (the sofa, spare bed, your children's bedroom floor, the dog basket!), it'll still feel cosy and warm! 

5. The morning wrap! You may be entirely in synch or perhaps one of you is a night owl and the other an early bird. All is fair in love and war, but if you do like to sit up and read longer than your partner or enjoy breakfast in bed while the other sleeps on, the angle you'll create when you sit up and the other is lying down is bound to disturb. If you have your own duvet, however, they'll sleep on in their swaddle - and you'll enjoy blissful silence until the family awakes! 

Sound unromantic? "Of course, you can always creep under your partner's cover and be cosy anyway, but it's great to be able to choose!" says Helena. 

These days I'm definitely in the two single duvets camp (if you look closely at the last two pictures, both taken in my bedroom at various points in time you might just spot the overlap!). And guess what? I really do sleep a whole lot better!

Which camp are you in? I'd love to hear more about how you sleep! 

Niki

PS I'm off to Norway today to meet my Mum (it's her birthday!) and younger sister for a long weekend. Feeling super excited as it's one of my favourite countries in the world! I'll be back here blogging again on Monday, have a great few days - sweet dreams! 

Credits: 1. HM Home 2. Kvarteret Mäkleri 3 & 4. Entrance Mäkleri 5. Fantastic Frank 6. & 7. Historiska Hem 8. Jotex 9 & 10 My Scandinavian Home

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My Favourite Corner Right Now!

My bedroom always becomes a bit of a haven in the winter time, do you find the same? There's something so toasty about climbing under the duvet and reading a book or watching a Netflix series (we're currently watching Shooter, have you seen it?). Given the temperatures right now in Sweden (it was minus 3 when I left this morning - brrrrr!) and the fact that we happen to have the most comfortable bed in the world (thank you Carpe Diem Beds) I could quite happily stay in this very spot until spring! Here are a few latest snaps from my favourite corner of our house right now.

Do you have a favourite corner right now?

If you're looking for a new, ultra cosy bed, I can HIGHLY recommend my Sandö bed (read more about it here). It's like a cosy nest!

Carpe Diem Beds have also recently released this beautiful short film which describes the handcraft that goes into each bed and the connection with the incredible nature on Sweden's West Coast.



Other items include the Portrait H print in wood frame*, wooden stool*, waffle throw from Granit (I'm not sure if they still sell this), natural linen throw. The lamp was made by a friend in England. The wall is painted in Blushing Peach and the floor in Strong White. If I've missed anything, just give me a shout in the comment section below.

Stay toasty!

I'm Moscow bound! Yay!

Niki


This post is brought to you in collaboration with Carpe Diem Beds. As always, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love. This really is my favourite corner of my bedroom, and the bed really is the most comfortable one I've ever had the pleasure of sleeping in! Thank yo for supporting the hand-picked businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

Affiliate links marked with *

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Before + After: Allie's bedroom make-over

Just as I feel I've got to grips with one stage of my younger daughter's life she suddenly shifts a gear and moves into an entirely new phase! It's Allie's 8th birthday today (happy birthday wonderful girl!), I'm really not sure where the time has gone (this was her at Christmas two years ago)! She suddenly feels so grown-up! Allie's been wanting to update her bedroom for a while now as she's grown tired of her bunk bed and outgrown many of her toys. So, over the past few months we stripped it bear and donated old toys to charity and started all over again. I know I've shared a few snippets on here over the past few weeks, but I thought it'd be fun to run through the complete make-over from start to finish. I hope you enjoy the tour!

Before

The last time we decorated her bedroom was in collaboration with Genevieve Jorn in 2014 - and I still think it has a fresh, vibrant look. Allie had simply grown out of it and wanted something a little calmer and more mature. Gen also gave her fabulous interior design guidance on her new room too.

During

Allie was the cat that got the cream when she got to paint some of the lower sections of the wall (heavily supervised by the ever-concerned man!). We used Jotun Lady 1059 - Complexion on three of the walls (seen here to the left) and Minty Breeze 7163 on the back wall - seen to the right (both kindly gifted by Jotun). Complexion has a subtle pinkish tone to it which was unexpected but creates a lovely, soft feeling the room.

After

The room only came together once the rug and Industriell pendant lamp were in place. It's amazing how that can happen. At night, the lamp fills the room with the warmest light and pretty shadows dance on the ceiling. 

The rug* was handmade by Etsy shop So' Homeso*. it's really soft and made from 100% recycled cotton and fringes of linen. The one thing I haven't done yet is buy an underlay to stop it slipping around. I always forget this but they're so important for a clean finish (and safety!). We've had the wooden blocks for as long as I can remember - they're so simple yet so popular!

I picked up the row of hooks (two combined) from local Malmö shop Geijersgatan 53 (these ash hooks are similar)- I think I've pretty much installed a row of these in every room of the house now! Here is the same set in my  kitchen! The pretty jumper* is from Danish brand Molo this season.

A collaboration with Montana came at the perfect time to swap out the large bunk bed for a single bed and make place for open shelving (Montana Free System Shelving in New White with two Rust panels). I can promise you now, they're not going to stay this tidy! Allie has had the Apple Papple print by Fine Little Day your years - she tells him all her secrets - apparently, he's a great listener!

Allie's always drawing, writing and cutting things out - and now she can pin them onto a cork board - as well as write messages on her pegboard (both from Granit). I was kind of hoping she'd write reminders like 'remember PE kit' - but it looks like that's not gonna happen! 

I can't tell you how many paper fortune tellers the girls make - they're all over the house!

 Allie can't go more than 5 metres without doing a cartwheel. She loves gymnastics! This set of wooden gymnastic rings from Lillagunga were a special request and have been such a hit!

Another hit, is her new rattan bed.  It was originally a daybed (from Nordal), so we added a 105 cm mattress to make it comfy enough to sleep on. In case you missed it, I wrote a post about it here. 

The bed is made with Hanako duvet cover and pillow case from Camomile London. The white linen curtains were made to order by Not Perfect Linen* - I always buy my curtains from them since they are high quality and beautifully made.

And finally, a little place for Allie to sit and write etc (I have to confess she rarely sits at her desk - often preferring the floor instead, but still, I thought she might need it one day!). I was so excited to find the secondhand chair at AB Småland in town. I've seen a load of similar ones here*.

 In case it's been difficult to keep tabs on what's what - here's a quick round-up of the items:

The kit!

From top left: Jotun Lady 1059 - Complexion / Minty Breeze 7163 
/ rust panels from Montana Free System Shelving / green clamp light (Granit) / cork board / pegboard / gymnastic rings / hanako duvet cover & pillow case / Ypperlig mirror (IKEA) /  ash hooks / rattan daybed / rug*

I hope you like Allie's new room as much as my daughter does!

If you're wondering about anything, just give me a shout in the comment section below and I'd be happy to help!

Right, better run. the sun is shining and we've got a birthday to celebrate :)

Have a fabulous weekend!

Vi ses på måndag!

Niki

A special thank you to all the amazing brands that made this bedroom make-over possible and made one little girl super happy! 

Affiliate links marked with *

Photography: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home. Interior design: Genevieve Jorn. 

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