5 Lessons to Learn About Adding An Accent Colour From A Lovely Malmö Home

Millennial pink. An earthy, powdery, achingly cool shade that the interior world never seems to tire of. And when you see apartments like this one (currently for sale in Malmö, Sweden) you can understand why. The owners have added subtle touches in a spectrum that range from pale powder to a deeper brown-pink in every room. Pink not your gig? There's still a load to learn about how to add an accent colour that gives your living space that seamless flow seen in the homes in interior magazines! And the good news is that you only really need one or two items in each room. You may find you've naturally already achieved a great flow, but in case your home needs a helping hand here are 5 'accent colour' lessons to learn from a lovely Southern Sweden home: 

1. One or two will do! It's tempting to go overboard and add your chosen colour to everything: walls, furniture and accessories, but actually it's enough just to go for one or two things such as a chair and a few accessories (like the cups seen on the shelf below) in each room.

2. Stay on the spectrum: There's no need to stick to the exact shade, slightly different tones of your accent colour will work as long as they're on the same spectrum. For example, in this Malmö home all the pink hues have a blue undertone and feel earthy and soft. 

3. Add balance: I was umming and ahing about including this picture because I didn't want the colour-coded books to distract from the pink (we all know there are a LOT of strong opinions out there about how to arrange books!). Anyhooo, check out the artwork on the sitting room wall, the int of pink picks up the colour in the chairs in the kitchen and helps to add balance and tie the rooms together. 

4. Pick a statement piece: To really set off your accent colour opt for one or two pieces that really make a statement - like the owners of this apartment have done with the Hay Mags sofa*. I understand many like to go for a safe bet when it comes to choosing a sofa or armchair since it's a rather large investment. Having said that, if you choose an accent colour that you're naturally drawn to and have always loved rather than an on-trend hue, you'll never tire of it. 

Tip: If in doubt, try an IKEA sofa (which you can pick up for a song second hand) and invest in a beautiful designer cover from Bemz* with you can swap out at any time (like I've done here). 

5. Something in every room: try to add at least one small thing in your accent colour to every room in your home, even if it's massively subtle like a cushion (seen below) or a vase (on the windowsill in the sitting room) or a few folded textiles (above the dresser in the last picture). This will help to tie your home together in a subtle way and create a cohesive look. 

What do you think? Has this been helpful? 

In my home I've used a rust / chestnut colour as an accent. I have to admit I haven't been entirely consequential with it and having seen this home I think it would be nice to do a little more.

Do you have a colour that you're particularly drawn to?

In case you're undecided, I love these archives for colour inspiration: 

Decorating with blue

Decorating with green

Oj oj oj! I do believe it's Friday people! I love it when the weekend comes around that fast, don't you?! I know it sounds strange, but I spent so much time with my little family over the holidays that I've kind of missed them this week, do you ever feel like that too? I'm looking forward to hanging out with them this weekend. 

I hope you have a great one! 

See you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bo-laget

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My Studio Make-over (And How One Sofa Helped Transform the Space!)

Paid partnership with Bemz - thank you for supporting the Nordic brands which make My Scandinavian Home possible

When I first started my business I worked from home. I'd have the washing machine whirring in the background and other working-from-home neighbours stopping by for a cuppa (I'm sure many of you can relate these days)! For a while I loved it, but over the years I started to miss the companionship that comes with being around others and two years ago I moved into a beautiful studio space in town.  It's run by upholsterer extraordinaire Carina Grefmar and we also share the space with Helena who works for a Swedish furniture business called Maze. Needless to say a whole load of coffee goes down on a daily basis!

The only thing is, the room I share with Helena was still pretty much unfurnished save for one Söderhamn sofa and a whole load of boxes! It had becoming increasingly embarrassing, not least because we both work in the world of interiors! And then Bemz launched a Minimalist Fit design cover for IKEA sofas and everything was about to change! 

This side of the room had become a bit of a dumping ground for samples, props and other items. The problem is, once you start with one item, everything else seems to quickly gather - do you find this too?  

I sat down with My Scandinavian Home interior stylist Helen Sturesson (above with her trusty ruler!) and we hatched a plan. 

What we did

You are likely familiar with Bemz as I have partnered with the Swedish brand for many years. I simply love the entire concept. I mean, beautiful designer covers for IKEA armchairs and sofas in a choice of different high quality fabrics, what's not to love? It's the perfect way to give an old piece a whole new lease of life. 

The new Minimalist fit cover differs from their loose and regular fit covers as it doesn't require you to take apart the sofa, you simply pull it on over the top. And it comes with or without arms - in this case I decided to add arms to my sofa for a smarter look (cue a morning at IKEA!). 

I chose the Minimalist Fit cover in Brera Lino in Pebble by Designers Guild - made from 100% linen. 

I love the Pebble tone, the soft linen texture, the seams - everything! Isn't it pretty? I also picked out some cushion covers in Brera Lino Cocoa with French Seams. 

To finalise the look I also added quite a few pieces made by local Southern Sweden designers as well as friends from further afield. Here's a quick round-up in case you're curious:

'Landscape', vinyl paint on linen by local artist Simon Vendin, Design of Edge coffee table, Sculpture from the SANT series by Malmö based Karolina Brobeck & Mini Karami, branches from my friend Sarah's garden (she left secateurs on the doorstep!). 

And from further afield: Tense Lamp by New Works (thank you to local store Svenssons for sourcing this!) and the Palus rug from Armadillo. 

Our desk space in the window is made from several large planks from a local DIY store. I love looking out over the majestic buildings in central Malmö - there's always something interesting to see.

Finally a space we can be proud of! Wohooo! 

I'm so looking forward to plenty of fikas (swedish coffee with cake) - if you're in the area, please do drop by, there's always a coffee pot on the go!

Curious about getting a Bemz design cover for your sofa or armchair? Keep an eye out for the Black Friday sale over at Bemz this week. Here are some of my favourite covers in action: 

My sitting room three different ways

My sitting room refresh with Bemz

One Swedish sitting room, two cosy ways

My daybed update 

My autumn bedroom makeover 

I can't wait to show you the rest of the room once it's finished - this girl is on a mission now! 

Have a cosy day! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

Styling: Helen Sturesson 

This post is brought to you in paid collaboration with Bemz and contains affiliate links. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I absolutely love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the Nordic businesses that help bring fresh content to your mail box and make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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The Wood and White Malmö Home of a Creative

Have you ever been to an open property viewing just for fun?! A recent survey by Swedish real estate Fastighetsbyrån found that one in three swedes go to open property viewing without any intention to buy. While they are there 37% will take a peek inside wardrobes, 12% will glance inside bathroom cabinets, and a very cheeky 10% 'test sit' the loo!! I guess you could pass this off as a very 'thorough' inspection... but still...! Imagine? I think I might have to stay in my house forever now! Having said that, with homes like Leanne Ford's cabin and this charming apartment in Gamla Väster here in Malmö for sale, who can blame anyone for nipping in?! There's so much to feel inspired by! I'm loving the mix and match furniture, wonderful storage solutions (shelves around doorways, plan chests etc) and rattan coat hanger! Maybe it is worth taking a look after all - they say the best things in life happen when you least expect it, and you might just discover your future home!

Round dining table*, Söderhamn sofa, Elfa shelves

Panthella Table Lamp*, Ebay is a great source for vintage plan chests. 

I love the bedroom in this apartment especially, it has a wonderful creative feel about it.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Here are two other Malmö homes I absolutely love:
The stunning home of Malin Persson
A Striking and Dramatic Family Home

I can't stop thinking about that survey!! How do home property viewings work in your town? Could you imagine popping along to one for fun? or is this completely taboo?!

I wouldn't have found out about these stats had I not been researching for my latest collaboration with the Swedish Design Museum. The good news is, my collaboration gives everyone a bone fide reason to peek into one of several homes as part of my Home Viewing Exhibition! No excuses needed!

Have a fabulous start to the week, it's great to be back!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bo-laget. 

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A Charming Croft on the Swedish Island of Öland

Tjena! How is life treating you today? Malmö is bathed in sunshine and it's hard not to cast our minds to warm summer days when we'll be able to sit outdoors with bare arms! A few summers ago, my family and I sailed in the Baltic, stopping at various islands including Öland. And today, I'm excited to provide a glimpse into a pretty cottage on the island. 

Located in Glömminge on the west coast, picturesque Rohallatorpet once appeared in a German calendar featuring typical Swedish crofts. Dating back to 1886, the property was in total disrepair when the pair bought it in 2019 and has since gone through a total renovation while ensuring the history of the house remained intact. Today, it's listed on Bonanza Location - a newly launched film and media location agency co-founded by Sofie Izard Höyer - a friend whose beautiful home I once featured here. 

When Julia Nilsson and her partner aren't busy with renovation projects, they love to look out at the meadows where deer graze on the pastures. Or wander down to the sea a mere 500 metres away for a dip. 

Ready to take the tour? 

So beautiful! I love the deeper earthy shades and the vintage and antique finds (especially that repurposed overhead rack for wine glasses in the kitchen!). 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

If you have any questions about something you see in these pictures, give me a shout and I'll do my best to source it for you! You might also find the info you're looking for over at @rohallatorpet, where Julia shares her latest DIY projects and before and after pictures! 

Oh, and why not check out my guide to island hopping in the Baltic - which includes Öland. It's a beautiful part of the world, perhaps it will inspire you to visit one day! And don't miss the tour of an Öland cottage by the sea which was for sale a few years back. 

Finally, if you're looking for a location for film or media in Sweden, check out Bonanza Location. They are also looking for new listings both in Sweden and abroad (if abroad list it under 'Skåne' for now). Sofie tells me, it's free to list your property in 2023! 

Have a great start to the week, I hope the sun is shining where you are too! 

Niki

Photography and styling Pontuz Löfgren  courtesy of @rohallatorpet

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Take Inspiration From A Lovely White, Blue and Wood Swedish Home

Why, hello there! I hope you had a great weekend and ready for some Scandi home inspiration today?! When I choose homes it's usually down to one or more factors: the feeling, the story / history, armchair escape (frequent right now - te he he!), the take-home details, or simply the colours or design pieces. This Swedish apartment designed by one of my favourite interior stylists Emma Fischer for Bjurfors falls into several categories. First of all, I have a real thing for blue kitchens (aren't they lovely?), secondly this home in Gothenburg features some really inspiring details which are easy to take home and implement, and finally, I spy some great (local!) design pieces! Ready for the tour? 

The small blue kitchen is by Swedish brand Vedum. I love how Emma has added a wooden rack for utensils - a great and simple way to add instant warmth and a relaxed touch. This peg rail* is similar. 

A set of four iconic danish J39 chairs have been arranged around a simple, round table. 

I fired of a message to Emma this morning to find out more about this striped pendant lamp . It's the first time I've seen it so I was really curious to know who it's by - turns out it's by danish brand Bloomingville and can be found here. 

FYI Stripes are set to be big this Autumn / Winter! 

Spot the fab DBKD vase with the 'ears'?! Coveting this now! 

The wonderful Torso chair was designed by fellow Malmö gal Lisa Hilland. I'm always amazed by how designers can take a simple piece of furniture that has been around for hundreds of years and still come up with an entirely new design. The Torso chair is a real beauty, don't you think? 

I spy the classic Mantis table lamp (I have the same in my home office - and sometimes bedroom, depending on my interior design mood!). 

I also love the climber, I'm thinking that as we start to head into autumn, and in Sweden there'll be nothing but bare branches and twigs outside the window soon (gaaah!), now is the time to start adding a lot more greenery indoors - especially in the form of climbers, hanging plants or even a mini greenhouse (as seen in Karolina's Stockholm home!). Who'll be joining me?!

I also really like this little shelf in the bathroom - it's perfect for potions, plants and candles (hygge vibes, friends, hygge vibes!). 

I hope you found some great inspiration for your own home today.

I promise to stop back once I have details on the striped lamp. In the meantime, why not pull up a chair and scroll through the Swedish apartment archives - there are so many beautiful tours in there! 

See you tomorrow folks! 

Niki

Photography: Alen Cordic Styling Emma Fischer for sale via Bjurfors. 

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