12 Child Friendly Ideas From A Happy Family Home in Berlin

This wonderful turn-of-the-century apartment in Berlin is everything a family home should be. Owned by Nicki (creator of Siglinchen) and her partner (both doctors) and their three daughters (aged 6, 12 and 15), the light-filled, 120 metre square (191 feet square) home is a blend of the minimalism (that Nicki so desires) and the relaxed, colourful vibe that comes from being a family of five. The result is a calm yet vibrant space bursting with happy colours, playful touches, music, books, art and plants. I clocked 12 great things to take-away from this delightful family home (scroll all the way down for notes on how to get the look too!). Enjoy the tour!

1. Research has shown colour affects emotions, and can have a significant effect on a child's development. Warmer colors like orange and yellow bring happiness and comfort and red has been known to increase the heart rate and therefore increase alertness and the appetite (according to Sciencing) - perfect for the kitchen then! 

2. Touches like the Donna Wilson cushions add a playfulness and help to create a home that embraces children and adults alike.

3. Children have the grubbiest fingers (at least mine do!). Using bright coloured fabric will protect your furniture (and can be thrown in the wash every now and again too!).

4. Using your kitchen windowsill as a mini garden for flowers, herbs and vegetables will help your children to learn about nature and the changing seasons -  and enjoy the proceeds too! 

5. Children's high chairs don't need to be boring! I've always loved the Tripp Trapp chair since it grows with your child - and how funky is that retro one too?!

6. It goes without saying that kid height hooks are helpful for keeping stuff off the floor - and they can't not notice these fabulous bright coloured Hang it All ones either. Perfect!

7. Who says you can't have white in a home with young children? White walls are easy to clean with a damp cloth and white furniture covers can be easier to clean than any others since you can always out tougher stains. Just make sure they're removable! 

8. Why stop at bunting when you can have pom poms and garlands too?! OK, this decor has been strung up for a party - but who says you can't totally leave it up for way longer than is necessary - especially when it looks this pretty!

"March to June is birthday season and the apartment is filled with garlands and balloons. The children and I love them so we leave them up for ages." Nicki.

9. Maps are great for helping children make sense of the world. Plus, if you're short for meal time chat, you can always start to plan your next adventure!

10. Marcel Proust once said "there are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favourite book." Words to live by indeed! 

11. Tap into the calming influence of nature. Not only do plants help to purify the air, research has also shown they help to improve memory and concentration in both children and adults. 

"Since I generally prefer a more minimalist look and feel, I try to keep furniture and 'stuff' to a minimum  - both on the floor and walls." Nicki. 

"I love colour and I think it works best against a natural background - so it becomes white with lots of pops of colour." Nicki. 

12. Art makes you smart! A recent study revealed that children who visit art galleries demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills, higher levels of social tolerance, greater historical empathy and a taste of museums and cultural institutions. Why not start with your own private gallery at home?! it'll help to brighten up the room too. 

What a truly inspiring home, don't you think? It feels loved and lived in!

f you're curious about any of the items or feel like creating a similar vibe, you might find the below helpful: 

Get the look:

1. Whole Wide World
2. Girl 1
3. HANG IT ALL wall hanger
4. High Chair in Aqua Blue
5. Meg Printed Cotton Accent Pillow
6. Nursery Decoration
7. Pamina Sofa

If you'd like to see more of Nicki's lovely home hop on over to her instagram feed here.

And for more family home inspiration I'm loving a cheerful and bright Dutch home, all things bright and beautiful in a pared back family home and a lovely light-filled Swedish family home (this last one is one of my favourites!).

If you've got any great tips for creating a family home I'd love to hear them! 

Ha det så bra!

Niki

Photography:  Nicki / Siglinchen

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Loving these new Danish prints!

Something beautiful happens when danish businesses come together (how can it not?!). This is why I was super excited when The Poster Club* announced an exclusive collaboration with former fashion designer Malene Birger (check out her home here). Birger's art is expressed in strong, abstract and graphical forms, mostly developed in monochrome colours. As part of the collab, the six new prints have been styled by Dane - Pernille Vest and captured by Emil Monty Freddie in the beautiful Skagerak showroom (yep, it's a complete Danish family affair!). Here's a sneak peek!

What do you reckon? Could you imagine having these in your home? I love them - especially with the oak frame.

Want to pick one up? The prints are available here*.  

By the way, I owe everyone who popped in on Friday an apology! For the first time ever, I failed to turn up and post (eeeek)! I was in Moscow to hold a a talk about Pure Scandinavian Design (such an honour!) and time just ran away with me. I have to say I was completely mesmerised by the city! What a beautiful, fascinating place! One of the highlights was the Christmas market on the red square - the bright colours, the music, the backdrop! And exploring the subway which is full of beautiful sculptures and art. A big thank you to all my new Russian friends who made me feel so welcome and anyone who took the time to send me tips!

I thought I'd make up for my lack of Friday post by posting twice today - look out for a little more inspiration later!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend too!

Niki

Design: Malene Birger. Photography: Emil Monty Freddie, Styling: Pernille Vest, Sold through: The Poster Club.

Affiliate links marked with *

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How to introduce subtle colours into your home

You know how sometimes you meet someone just by chance and you're not sure how you haven't met before? Tina Lekeberg is one of those people. Our paths have no doubt crossed many times in the past since we used to work for the same corporate giant, but we only met properly when our mutual friend Louise, invited us over to photograph her home in a converted school. Last Friday, Tina invited me over to her beautiful home in Eslöv, Skåne for lunch (she makes a mean pumpkin and zucchini lasagne!). I couldn't resist taking along my camera and grilling Tina on her personal style, thoughts on colour and other things about family life in a beautiful 1920's Southern Sweden home!

NB: What first attracted you to the house?
TL: I've always loved houses from the 1920's: they have such a nice atmosphere and the material choices are genuine and age with beauty. We immediately fell in love with the beauty of the house and garden and felt it was something special. Although the house is in a residential area, the garden is closed off and feels like it's in the countryside. I love to spend time in the garden.

NB: What renovations have you carried out?
TL: We completely changed the layout of the kitchen/ dining area by tearing down the dividing wall to create one big room and adding a door out to the terrace (which we also built). I love the new layout and stepping out into the garden to enjoy a coffee in the morning sun. We also built a fireplace between the dining room and living room which has been a fantastic investment for autumn and winter. Not only does it keep us toasty, it’s also so nice to sit in front of it when it’s grey outside. The kids love to grill marshmallows too!

Picky Living cabinets in  NCS 6010-B have been complimented with with a carrara marble worktop from Höörs Marmor & Granit. The back wall, side cabinets, shelving and glass cupboards are painted in Restful Le Havre from Nordsjö. Pick up a vintage industrial bar stool here. 

 A brass spoon from Stilleben, Copenhagen rests in a pretty ceramic pot bought in China.

NB: How would you describe your personal style?

TL: I don't really feel that I have a specific style. I aim to create an inviting home where people enjoy spending time and a space that evolves with our needs and the seasons. My husband Hans, has also played a big role in the interior. I think we compliment each other well as we have different skills: he is much more function orientated but also has a strong eye for aesthetics. I am more of a stylist. The house is a combination of our interests and ideas.

 A blend of chairs including the Gemla Vilda and Magis Chair One create a relaxed feel, while a taupe sheepskin throw and cushion add a soft touch to the space.

"Andrea" portrait by Anders Udd hangs on the wall above an IKEA side-cabinet. The pink marble is from Höörs Marmor & Granit and the wooden surface was created from left-over wood flooring.  

 Tina has combined flowers from Johans Trädgård with blooms from the garden to create a vibrant centre-piece. 

NB: How important is colour to you?
TL: Colour is very important to me. I was a colour and material designer for over 10 years and this is where my passion lies. To me, colour gives a product its spirit and brings it to life.

NB: Do you have any rules when it comes to using colour in your home?
TL: I take a lot of time selecting the right colours, but at the end of the day, it’s more down to what works best for each item and that we like it - only then will it have a place in our home! I believe using a diversity of colours is what makes a home unique and personal.

 A painting by Emanuel Bernstone hangs above the Bedside Gun Tablelamp by Flos and a console by Asplund.

A Hay Plus 9 blanket (now available in this colour) drapes on a green sofa from Bolia. The lamp to the left is the Shelter light from Bo Concept. 

Glass dome lamp

Jönssons cat from Svenskt Tenn has a great vantage point on the stairs!

A pink and white lamp from IKEA adds a splash of colour to the ceiling. The green headboard was made from Svenskt Tenn fabric. The white and peach throw was bought on a trip to Tunisia.  

Eames chair, belly basket.

NB: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to introduce a touch of colour to their home?
TL: Work with a palette of at least 3 colors. Have fun mixing different colours - combining bright colors with faded earthy pastel tones will add a whole other dimension to your interior. Most importantly though, don't pick hues purely because they fit perfectly with what you already have, trust your instinct and go with what you like!

Hans made the mountains on the bed - which has been built using IKEA drawers. Posters from Matilda's House & Co. The chair is from IKEA. 

The table, chairs and rug are all from IKEA. 

The letter 'K' lamp was picked up at a Berlin flea market and the side cabinet was originally Tina's Grandmother's. The cot is from IKEA.

NB: What do you love most about your home?
TL: The light from the windows and the atmosphere! It's a place where the whole family feels happy, relaxed and at home.

Thank you so much for welcoming us into your lovely home Tina! 

 If you're looking for more colour inspiration, check out Tina's blog Colour Therapy and Instagram feed, which she co-writes curates with Sara Hallin Sandström.

And check out other wonderful Swedish homes here.

Have a fabulous weekend!

P.S. I'm just about to leave for the airport after an amazing few days at Habitare in Helsinki - I'll be sad to leave (I LOVE this city) - but can't wait to see my family and have a Saturday morning lie-in - weeeee! Do you have any great plans?

Photography: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home. Home-owner / styling: Tina Lekeberg.

The happy home of a Dutch illustrator and ceramicist

I'm so excited to share the family home and studio of Dutch illustrator and ceramicist Nina Van de Goor with you today. This lovely space is a true, vibrant, happy home bursting with bright colours, bold patterns and fun around every corner. Nina's work, which is also about colour and a mix of vintage and new materials is evident on the walls and surfaces and adds to the playfulness of the creative space in Den Bosch, South Netherlands. Such a happy home, don't you think?

All photographs: Nina Van de Goor

Wow, I was smiling the entire way through the tour - I hope this home has brightened up your day and given you lots of inspiration too?!

Thank you so much to Nina for sending me over all these images. You can keep up to date with Nina's latest work on instagram and her blog.  Her wonderful ceramics and illustrations are available on Etsy.

More fab homes bursting with colour include this, this and this one. Love me a bit of colour today!

I landed in London last night to spend time with family over easter, so excited to be here! I'm going to have a mini break from posting tomorrow but I will be back on Friday and then again over the weekend with a fab easter give-away!

Have a lovely day and see you Friday!

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