Old meets new in a Malmö home

Today I thought I'd share a home here in Malmö, Sweden. This space appeals to me as it shows how adding a few primary colours and pastels can really brighten up a space and add a sense of fun. It also helps that the architecture of the apartment is beautiful too - and they have a 'kakelugn' (traditional Swedish tiled fireplace) lucky them! The owners have been bold and added a contemporary edge to an otherwise traditional space with painted chairs, a pink sofa, bold accessories and mid-century finds which all works together to add a very relaxed home, don't you think?

Bo-laget

I spot the MASKROS light, String shelving and what looks like a vintage Bumling pendant. I also love the mid-century touch (search Etsy for similar mid-century furniture).

Is there anything you like in particular about this apartment?

Have a lovely day!

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A serene Swedish home in soft, muted tones

We had our first flurry of snow here in southern Sweden yesterday. By early evening our house was all candlelit and my little girls cheeks were rosy from the cold wind outside. I do miss a lovely  roaring fire though - or perhaps a beautiful 'kakelugn' (tiled oven) like the one in this wonderful apartment in Gothenburg. Infact, the entire space is just lovely...the light wood floors, the soft grey and blue tones, the simple furnishings (those sheepskin slippers have my name on them!). I love how they've made a small bedroom cosy yet highly functional too. Let's take a peek inside....

Photography: Anders Bergstedt for Entrance Mäkleri - see the full tour here. 

So serene! I could definitely take homage here while the snow falls silently outside, how about you?!

A few items I know and love: kitchen / dining: House Doctor cluster light, bentwood chairs. Sitting room: gotland sheepskin throw, these sheepskin slippers are similar (toasty!), source a rattan chair here, I love this leather tote. Bedroom: wooden clothes rail.

Looking for a little more Swedish home inspiration today? There are over 340 Swedish homes in my archive - can you believe that? I'd say time extremely well spent, wouldn't you?! If this home comes up first just scroll past it.

Or, if warm weather and sunshine is more your thing, you might prefer to dream of a holiday at Villa Pia in Lippiano  Italy. Located between Tuscany and Umbria, Villa Pia is set in 5 acres of land and has vistas over olive groves, vineyards and a magnificent 10th century castle (how wonderful?!). It seems there's plenty to do too, with two swimming pools, a trampoline and an adventure playground - as well as cookery and art classes for children and adults. I'm already dreaming of afternoons on the terrace with a glass of prosecco and a book. How about you?!

Snow? What snow?!

Have a lovely day!

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A Dreamy Swedish Cottage in the West Coast Archipelagos

On May 8th I'll have lived in Sweden for twenty years. TWENTY YEARS! I often think back to the summer I met Per - which signalled the start of my Scandinavian adventure. It was a warm and sunny July and I flew over to visit a Swedish friend. We took a road trip up to the stunning West coast archipelago where we spent a week hopping between islands, picnicking on warm granite cliffs and cooling off in the waters of the Kattegat sea. 

I fell in love with Sweden (and so it seems, a Swede!) that summer, with a special place in my heart reserved for the magical islands of the west coast. Even today Per, the girls and I love to sail there and explore the cosy fishing villages and beautiful nature. One of our favourite spots is the car-free island of Gullholmen. It's located just off the island of Orust and instantly recognisable from the tight cluster of cottages and dreamy boathouses. 

Life is slow on the island, and days are spent lolling on decks, watching boats sail past, enjoying a coffee in a little cafe or walking on the quieter stretches of the island to take in the scenery. Needless to say, it's a dream. 

So, when I spotted this charming cottage on ESNY, I couldn't resist sharing it with you to give you a glimpse behind the facade and dream of summer's on this magical little island! 

As with most Swedish summer cottages, the decor is simple and pared-back, with a nod to the coastal location. A glimpse of the channel and surrounding village can be seen from the windows, ensuring the island vibe is never far from sight! 

We're seeing so many window nooks right now, don't you think? They make such a lovely addition to a kitchen - offering a relaxed spot to grab a coffee and chat to whoever is cooking / brewing the coffee! 

Traditional rag rugs (as seen in the hallway) are the floor covering of choice in a summer cottage - I love that they come in all kinds of colours! 

A sea view and a kakelugn? I can just see envision how cosy this would feel come winter, with the wind whipping at the windows! 

Could you imagine sitting here, enjoying supper while the sunsets over the water? Pass me the rosé! 

The cottage even comes with a boathouse and private jetty. That's me sold! 

How idyllic! Could you imagine spending your summers here? 

Did I mention that the address is 'Krabban' ('the crab')? Love that! 

Sadly, this cottage is a little out of reach budget-wise for Per and I - but maybe if we all chip in together with some form of crowdfunding we could divide it between us, right? Always good to dream! 

See the complete viewing here! 

Would you like to see a few more cottages from the West coast of Sweden this weekend? Check out: 

A magical little summer cottage on the island of Klåverön

A charming little Swedish summer cottage by the sea

An idyllic cottage on the island of Orust

And if you're thinking of visiting the area (it's a bucketlist place for sure!), here's my guide to 10 beautiful islands to visit.

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend friends! See you Monday! 

Niki 

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A magnificent Malmö pad which could be yours!

I do love to keep an eye an eye on the Swedish property market (as I'm sure you've noticed!). Occasionally a home will reappear and it's fascinating to see the difference in the way it's been decorated. This fabulous space is one of them. As soon as I spotted the turn-of-the-century apartment on Malmö estate agent site Bo-laget, I instantly recognised it. The magnificent ceilings, tremendous ceiling height, original parquet floor and kakelugn (Swedish masonry oven) were a total give-away! The previous owners went for a relaxed vibe with mid-century and vintage finds (see the tour here). The new owners have kept the space equally minimalist, ensuring the architecture and period features take centre-stage, yet the furniture has a more contemporary feel. And now it's time for someone else to move in!

This apartment is for sale through Bo-laget. 

Could it be you?! If so, welcome to Malmö! 

Oh how I would love to take on this place too. The things I would do!

A few pieces I know and love: Togo sofa, Bertoia diamond armchair, source a similar Beni Ourain rug, Hay tray table, Bertoia side chair.

I'm so proud of the level of creativity in my adopted home town and have featured many, many fabulous homes from this city here in Southern Sweden over the years. Here are 5 of my favourites:

The relaxed family home of an interior designer
A stunning Malmö home
The atmospheric house with an ethnic touch
An elegant Malmö home in calming green
My neighbour's beautiful home!

Is there a style you like in particular?

Have a lovely day!

PS Make sure you stop by and visit us here in Malmö for a long weekend at some point - it's a perfect day trip from Copenhagen too. Just in case you do, here's a quick guide. Part II coming soon!

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A Fresh White, Green and Brown Swedish Home Dotted With Plants

Hi there campers! How's your Monday going? I'm feeling way better since discovering this apartment a few hours ago. The light and airy Swedish flat is full of the joys of spring (in Sweden there's not a single leaf on the trees yet BUT the light and the birds are starting to return returned, and that makes all the difference!). Measuring a mere 62 metres square (667 sqf), the space has been decorated in a simple white, brown and green colour palette against a light coloured backdrop, and there's a beautiful plant  around every corner! I quite fancy a coffee in the morning sunshine on the balcony too, fancy joining me?!

How pretty is this kakelugn (tiled oven) with the delicate botanical detail?! 

Placing plants and 'outdoor items' just inside a balcony door like this is a clever styling trick. It adds to the flow - melting the outside with the outdoor space.

Bruno Mathsson for Dux chair, Hay tray table*

Mantis table lamp* (I've got the same one in my home and love it - it constantly gets moved around! The wall version is pretty fab too - as seen in the home of Lovisa Häger). 

Monday mornings are always tricky (you should have seen the chaos in our house this morning - both kids went to school with odd gloves on) but this lovely space has totally lightened my mood and got me in better spirits to kick off the week.

How has your day looked so far? I hope this apartment has given you a spring in your step too - or at least brightened up your day!

These homes are also great for inspiration:

All things bright and beautiful in a Singapore family home
A thoughtfully curated Dutch home
A charming natural family home in Normandy

Have a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

PS Thank you so much for your overwhelming response to my new online interior design service (which launched on Friday - in case you missed it!). It's made all the hard work worthwhile! If you know anyone who's stuck on a room and would love some help turning it into a beautiful haven, feel free to spread the word! And if you have any questions (or feedback) about the service please do drop me a mail!

Photography: Anders Bergstedt
Styling: Nouvel interior
For Entrance

Affiliate links marked with *

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A stunning Swedish space in white

Hello. How are you today? I'm so happy, not only is it Friday (woooop!) but I also had a visit from my friend Maria - AKA the 'Swedish Ninja' yesterday and we had such a fun day (I can't wait to share the results of our photo shoot with you next week). In the meantime, I thought you'd like to take a tour of this beautiful space in Gothenburg. Apart from the stunning architecture, there are quite a few things which I wouldn't mind in my own home - such as the sheer white curtains which add a lovely softness to the space, the white modular sofa arrangement, the built in book shelves and of course that beautiful 'Kakelugn' (masonry oven)! Is there anything that stands out to you?

Credits: Photography Janne Olander. Styling Grey Deco.  For sale through Stadshem.

Oj oj vad fin! (as they say in Sweden). What an incredible space, don't you think?!

Think that one of us could actually own it?! Perhaps a move to Gothenburg's in order?! Race you!

A few items I know and love in this Swedish apartment: sitting room - Mobil light by Monika Mulder, Hay 'woody' shelves, Beni Ourain rug. Dining area - the fabulous Vertigo suspension light. bedroom - white linen bedding, linen throw / bed cover (love these!). Reading corner - Gervasoni armchair, Hay tray table. Many of the prints can be found at The Poster Club.

Before we all shoot off to enjoy the weekend, I wanted to tell you about a mail I received yesterday about the fabulous Ragamuf 'stretchy chair rugs'. Conceived by a Finnish woman looking to support the most vulnerable Syrian female refugees in Turkey, the designs amazing (I'd so love one of these!) and the crowd funding campaign has reached 63% of it's goal - how exciting! Read more about the campaign and watch the video here.

Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday! 

PS It was a real pleasure to be interviewed by American blog 'beauty and well being' this week. The piece is now live here if you'd like to take a peek.

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