my scandinavian home: Search results for ikea

A Bright, Light and Playful Swedish Home

Hej allihopa! I felt like sharing something light, playful and different today - and this wonderful house fit the bill perfectly! Featured on instagram as @tegelsnackan the Swedish owners of this red brick house in Helsingland in central Sweden love their blonde wood and pops of colour - all set against a fresh white backdrop. They have also thrown in some fun chequered patterns and a few stripes for good measure.

The result is a light and airy house that lifts the spirits, no matter the time of year, but especially when the winter darkness sets in (with a six weeks to go until the winter solstice, I'd say most parts of Sweden are already there.

I love the uniqueness of this home and hope it feels you with ideas for the week to come!

From the exterior you can already see that the owners have dared to be different with a bright red pergola and red window frames to match!

This red theme is continued throughout the interior.

If I am not wrong, I think this is the Arc vase by Danish brand Hay. The original format was 'mirror' and the owners have painted it fire engine red!

Also, spot the horse on the shelf? This is known as a Dalahäst (Dala horse), and is traditionally carved out of wood before being hand painted. It originates from the county of Dalarna - and has become a popular symbol for Sweden as a whole!

From a distance the checks in the hallway look like tiles, but look closer and you'll see that they have been painted onto a wood floor. This is a trick swedes have used for hundreds of years. Tiles have traditionally been very expensive where as it doesn't cost much to buy paint to create a similar affect. I have always loved this idea!

A lick of yellow around the room ensures the sun is always shining, even if it's grey outside!

Also, check out the IKEA storage used as a wall mounted bedside table - very clever!

Aaaaah, I so enjoyed this tour, did you? It's fun to see something different. Very refreshing!

Are there any ideas here that you can imagine using for your own home?

If you're not already following @tegelsnackan on instagram, hop over right away!

Wishing you a fabulous start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @tegelsnackan, shared with kind permission.

21 Beautiful Scandinavian Christmas Tree ideas - From Traditional to all out Crazy!

The Christmas tree is the ultimate decoration - and one that completely transforms a home from being a little cosy to all out festive! To me, decorating the tree is a big family tradition and a day we look forward to all year. The carols are playing, the glögg is flowing, and Per is busy untangling the lights while the girls and I delve into the box of decorations!

In Sweden, over 69 % of the country is covered in forest, so we're spoilt for choice when it comes to sustainable trees. In fact the trees are so beautiful they don't need a lot of decorations, just a few lights or candles so the branches can shine. In case you're looking for some Scandinavian Christmas tree inspiration this year, here are some ideas. Whether you live big or small, prefer a symmetrical or more rustic look, or looking to go all out with something completely crazy - there's something for everyone here today! Let's get started.

The traditional tree

In Sweden you generally have the choice of three Christmas trees: the Rödgran (Picea abies) AKA the red spruce, Norway spruce or European spruce which is the most common. It smells divine BUT, the needles drop - so if you bring it in too early, you'll be looking at twigs by Christmas Eve!

And then there's the Kungsgran (Abies nordmanniana / Nordmann fir) with its symmetrical shape and needles that stay fast to the tree or a Silvergran (Abies alba / silver fir) which is native to the mountains of Europe and slightly bushier with a lovely, natural silver sheen. You'll see examples of all of these in this round-up!

The dining room tree

Everyone has a standard place for their Christmas tree, but why not think a little outside the box this year and find a spot where it can be seen from as many areas as possible. For example, dining with a tree in the background will bring a really cosy, festive touch to every meal!

Keep an eye out for pretty garlands and touches of red. And notice how Anna's tree (third picture down) is a little too tall for the room, but it only adds to the charm - after all, the beauty is in the imperfection.

The rustic tree

Trees made from foraged branches from the forest floor - or simply a tree against a rustic setting make for a really cosy, relaxed feel!

The propped up tree

Is it just me, or can a tree foot be a really awkward contraption? One year, our tree fell over three times, I'm not kidding- In the end we had to tie to the wall!! We've since changed the foot which has made a huge difference, but if you're concerned about yours, perhaps this decidedly cool, casual 'leaning against the wall' business could be an idea. They do need water though so you'd still need something at the foot!

The wonky tree

I've always been intrigued by off-beat trees. Despite my best efforts to bring one in at Christmas, Per can't quite get used to the idea so we always end up with something more symmetrical. Rogue branches and funny shapes can add so much character and give the illusion that you've simply wondered out into the forest and chopped one down (maybe you have!).

The multiple tree

I've seen a few 'grouped' tree set-ups on Instagram and Pinterest this year, is this an idea you would consider?

The mini cat-friendly, small space tree

I love a mini tree - they're ideal for small spaces and cat friendly! Whether you go for a potted tree or a sapling in water, they're perfect for adding a festive touch.

The upside-down tree

I'm tempted to suggest this to Per just to see his face. Either way, it's different and fun and would make a great talking point, plus it's a great way to keep the cats away!

The outdoor tree

I love a tree in the garden or on the porch, it spreads so much joy. Plus, you can keep it in a pot or in the ground so it will continue to grow each year.

I hope you enjoyed this Christmas tree round-up as much as I did. Is there a particular tree / style that resonated with you?

I'd love to hear more about your Christmas tree traditions (if you celebrate). Have you put your tree up yet? Ours is in the garden waiting to be brought in and decorated this weekend.

See more Christmas decorating ideas in the Christmas archive (if this pops up first, just scroll on past to reach the other posts).

Wishing you all a lovely, mysig (cosy) weekend! See you Monday.

Niki

Photography credits: 1. Northern sisters collective 2. Malin Persson 3. Mari Magnussen 4. What Decorates My Day 5. Malin Persson / Petra Bindell 6. Sheerluxe / Arket 7. Anna Truelsen 8. Emily Slotte 9. Carina Olander 10. Design Hunter / Dorian Bowen 11. I was unable to find the source for this, if you know, please do let me know! 12. Natalie Myrberg 13. Walther & Co 14. Walther & Co 15. Walther & Co 16. Boxwood avenue 17. Niki Brantmark / Helen Sturesson 18. Ikea Lives Hemma 19. Visual Addict blog 20. Ludovic Maillard for Bonpoint 21. Johanna Vårt Lilla Gröna

FILED UNDER: Christmas Christmas decorations

Your own little fisherman's cottage on Sweden's west coast?

We're slowly touring the beautiful Swedish west coast - namely the Gothenburg archipelagos. It's a really special place for my husband and I since it's where we met. The waterways are dotted with little fishing villages with bright coloured 'fiskebodar' (fishing huts) and clapboard cottages perched on the rock face. Yesterday we visited picturesque Smögen where, the boardwalk bustles with people shopping, or buying fresh seafood by day. And by night it comes alive with restaurants and bars with live bands. If you're a party person, it's a must! But what's behind the doors of those little old clapboard fishing cottages? As you've guessed, many of them are just as charming on the inside. Here's a tour of a little white cottage in the heart of Smögen dating back to 1830....

Source: For sale through Stadshem, with photography by Janne Olander.

Oh so charming! How wonderful would it be to have a little cottage like this to go to in the holidays? Your dressing gown hanging in the hall ready for that daily dip?

Get the look: I like this industrial pendant (keep an eye out for others here). Retro kitchen storage. Source a Swedish rag rug here (IKEA also sells them).

You can see more pictures of this lovely cottage and the village of Smögen here.

If you fancy touring the islands next summer here's a guide to some of the islands and places to stay. One of these days I'd like to create my own guide as there are just so many hidden gem!

We're heading south now (sniff sniff), and wifi might be a little touch and go. I'll do my best to post Friday but bear with me!

Have a wonderful couple of days!

PS I also love this traditional Swedish cottage also near Gothenburg and this fisherman's cottage on the South coast. One day....

FILED UNDER: Summer cottage swedish cottage

An Inspiring, Light-Filled Workspace / Studio in Hannover

What does your work (creative / bill paying / studying) space look like? Since my career started in the early 00's the 'workspace' has changed an incredible amount. My first ever job fresh out of uni, was in Dubai. We had a nice office above the tennis stadium but it still makes me shudder to recall the receptionist diligently recording our arrival time in an excel sheet - waiting to admonish us by the end of the week ( a regular occurrence for a night owl!). I've also worked in corporate offices in London, Lund and Copenhagen - as well as from home. But these days I finally feel like I've 'landed' in the shape and form of a wonderful, light-filled studio in the centre of Malmö. Best of all - every morning a freshly brewed coffee awaits - no excel timesheet in sight.

This year, those who can, have worked from home - and I have a sneaking suspicion, this is set to continue. For those of you who need social interaction, a local studio is a great alternative. Thankfully, there are some wonderful, relaxed, friendly, and practical ones popping up in every city.

If you live in Hannover, Germany you're in luck! My talented friend and businesswoman extraordinaire Holly Becker of Decor8 blog has just opened Decor8 Studio.

Divided into two rooms, the studio is located bang in the city centre and perfect to rent for offsite team meetings, photoshoots, podcast production, workshops, events and just about anything else your work might involve. It's also decorated in true Holly Becker style: minimalist, with pops of pastel and some beautiful furniture and accessories. So, even if you don't live in the north German city, there are plenty of ideas to steal for your own home and workspace!

Ready for the tour?

The Shoot Space

The light-filled 'shoot space' room has been painted in fresh white with a beautiful pale yellow / wheat ('Organic No. 317') accent wall. FYI This colour was everywhere at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen a few weeks back - and set to be a strong trend for 2021!).

A simple round table from IKEA serves as a perfect place for meetings and a Vertigo pendant lights up the room after dark.

The Punctual shelves in blue are from Ferm Living and a vintage Alky lounge chair by Castelli Brown provides as a perfect spot for a quite read between shoots!

Simple white sculptural pieces such as the Shell vase* and Ridge vase can be seen on the shelves alongside interior magazines.

Holly made the desk herself using plywood and trellis legs.

The Gathering Space

The bright and airy room next door is a dedicated 'Gathering Space' and features a kitchen and dining area as well as a balcony with lovely views over Bödekerstr - a picturesque quarter of Hannover. In this room, Holly has opted for an earthy accent wall in 'Linen' - a textured clay-based paint by Nen.do) which gives the room a wonderful, calm feel.

A HAY loop table takes centre stage under a large rattan pendant light from Market Set (one of my latest favourites from the lighting world!).

An HK Living knotted cushion and white sheepskin throw* help guests to feel comfy!

The gallery wall has been made up of a blend of mirrors, photography, samples and prints (The Poster Club* is a great source for similar prints and ships worldwide - just saying!).

A Skagerak natural wood and white bookshelf has been placed near the window beside a Menu afteroom chair* and a linen pin board from Ferm Living.

I'd be quite happy spending a day or two (actually scrap that - working FULL TIME) in this studio, how about you? Sadly, Hannover is a little far from Malmö, so instead I'll be stealing some ideas for my own studio instead, how about you?!

You can see more pictures of the studio in the latest edition of 'Holly magazin' (in German)- alongside a piece about our Autumn #30dayhomelove instagram challenge which is currently running on instagram. If you haven't already, why not come and join the final 14 days?

Visit Decor8 Studio / @decor8studiospace to book this space.