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Trend Alert: How To Rock The Pastels

The skies might be slowly darkening here in Sweden, but summer looks set to continue thanks to one of this year's hottest interior trends: pastels. Powder pink, mint, lavender, clearwater blue, lemon yellow - it's all about that soft, sweet touch. Own the look by colour blocking with tone on tones or add simple, subtle touches in the form of a single item of furniture or accessory. Combine with clean lines and contemporary touches for a tougher, modern vibe. Here are three pastel shades I'm loving - and a guide on how to rock them in your home this autumn! 

Powder pink

Pastel Pink
1. Tom Fereday 2. Kelly Day 3. Mark Hadden 4. Surrounding Australia 5. Anna Pirkola 6. H&M Home

Powder pink has reigned supreme in the world of interiors for a while now. Often referred to as 'millennial pink', the earthy shade holds an element of retro (my Granny Ruth had a matching bathroom suite in this shade - and although I didn't appreciate it at the time - looking back it was pretty awesome!). The beauty of this shade is that it looks equally great as an entire room (try deco pink by Jotun Lady or Sweet Pastel by Valspar for the ultimate wall colour) or as an accent in the form of lamps, vases and bedding.
Get The Look
1. SP01 Jeanette Chair
2. Ferm Living Hexagon Vase*
3. Gubi Grasshopper Floor Lamp*
4. H&M Washed Cotton Duvet Set


Lavender

Pastel Green
1. Ferm Living 2. Earthborn 3. Little Greene 4. Earthborn 5. Taubmans

I've got a confession to make. I was sceptical about this shade. But then I started to see it creep into interiors in the form of soft, earthy lavender-grey walls (try Lavender Lace by Behr) or a rug here or a sofa there and I quickly changed my mind. In order to avoid it looking fusty, combine with beige, gentle browns, grey and light blue, for a style that's bang up to date.
Get The Look
1. Dino Floor Lamp
2. Anthropologie Veru Dinner Plate
3. Parachute Sateen Sheet Set


Mint green

Pastel Lilac
1. Carpet Right 2. Beth Kirby 3. Deiji Studios 4. Anthropology 5. Mindlike Studio

The least cutesy of the three, mint is cool, calm and contemporary. I'd lean towards the light green- pale blue of the spectrum (try Top sail by Sherwin Williams or even Soft Mint by Jotun Lady if you're looking for something slightly darker) and combine with other natural, earthy shades. I think it works particularly beautifully with rattan, light wood, dark greens and chocolate brown.
Get The Look
1. Ferm Living Tufted Wall Deco Rug*
2. Ferm Living Bau Plant Pot
3. Louis Poulsen AJ Table Lamp*
4. Cachae Tall Pendant*

Did any of these shades leap out at you? I have both powder pink and a darker shade of mint green in my own home. They're very soothing and easy to live with! I'd  absolutely love a pink bathroom just like Granny Ruth's too!

What are your thoughts on pastel? Are you a fan? Do you have any pastel shades in your home?

Niki

PS I've just arrived in Hamburg for the day to record a podcast with Holly Becker (Decor8) and Living At Home Holly magazine. Eeeek, wish me luck! I'll be sure to share snippets from the day on instagram stories so hop on over if you're curious to see how it's going!

*This post contains affiliate links which means I might receive a teeny amount of money (we're talking one coffee bean) if you purchase any of the items accompanied by an asterisk! 

Thank you so much to the wonderful Ana Degenaar for your help to compile this post. 

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Danica's Delightful Danish Home In Cotton Candy Shades

New York Fashion week 2020 was a sea of dreamy pastels - a trend quickly adopted by the Danes. Actually, who am I kidding, the Danes have been rocking pastels for years! If there's one thing I've learned living so near the danish border, it's that the Danes are the ones to watch! One of my latest Instagram follows is the lovely Danica Chloe. Danica lives in a 98 m2 (1054 f2) apartment in the Amager district of Copenhagen with her husband, a paramedic, and their two young children Sylvester and Nola. Danica loves to experiment with cotton candy shades including pistachio green, orange sorbet, baby blue and lavender - both in her home and her choice of clothes - giving a sense that spring is just around the corner. Keep an eye out for quirky, on-trend details too! 

Spot the TV? The Samsung Frame never fails to disappoint -  I love the art Danica has found for hers - found on Etsy*! I had no idea Etsy was such a great source for Samsung The Frame art*, did you? Also seen on the wall are pieces from Paper Collective, Sorte Negle, Little Detroit* and Arthus Studio

The Muuto stacked shelves system* have become a real classic - I've had a set in my own home for years, although I wish I'd also gone for the ix of white and wood! 


An array of colourful glasses from Karen's Bord and a Hay candle add a pop of pastel in the kitchen.

The handcrafted dining table is from DAYLY and the twirly candles are from HAY (you can easily make these yourself too - check out the simple twisted candle hack I shared last week!). 



A fan from Sakura Copenhagen has been displayed under Swedish string shelves, lined with pretty pastel ornaments. The bed is made with linen from Juna Design

Danica also shares a load of style and beauty inspiration on her instagram and blog - and even the occasional trip (not right now though, of course) as well as recipes. I love her style - it involves her signature pastels, over-sized pieces, quirky accessories and lots of layering! 

Sylvester and Nola sleep in a funky bunkbed by danish brand FLEXA

My friend Sarah's going to cry when she sees this picture - which includes not one but TWO rattan wardrobes from IKEA - now out of stock with a rapidly increasing secondhand value on eBay! Gaaah! 


Just as I was writing, the sun came out for the first time in days - and I suddenly feel like spring really is just around the corner. Hurray! 

Time to add a few pastels to the home? 

See more pics of Danica's wonderful home and her fab daily outfits over at @danicachloedk and on her blog

Shall we take a peek at a few other pastel-inspired homes today? Why not! 


By the way - thank you so much for all your tips yesterday about buying / installing / tuning a piano - so helpful! Happy you loved the home tour as much as I did too! 

Wishing you all a lovely day!

Niki

Photography @danicachloedk - shared with kind permission

*affiliated links, which means I might make a tiny amount of money (at no cost to you) if you click on the link and buy something. 

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A Small-ish Danish Home With a Vibrant, Sunny Feel!

Hejsan! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! It was really sunny here, but wow was there a vicious northerly wind blowing - brrrrrrr! Even so, midsummer is a mere 8 weeks away and we're loving the long hours of sunlight up here in the North! It's at this time of year when smallish spaces and 'attic' apartments without balconies can start to feel a little closed in and removed from the vibrant spring / summer outside. But, if you're smart like 26-year-old nursery teacher Louise, who lives in a beautiful 46 square metre (495 sq. ft) apartment on the top floor of an old building in Aarhus, Denmark, it's easy to add a summer vibe. Louise has decorated her two-room apartment (made up of an open-plan kitchen / dining area and bedroom which also doubles up as her living room) with pastel coloured art, accessories, pretty summer dresses and vibrant plants and flowers - all of which help to bring a ray of sunshine to the space, even on a grey day! 


Louise has opted for mainly whitewashed walls which help to bounce the light around and give the illusion of space. while an accent wall adds a great focal point and creates contrast. 

Kitchenware in fresh pastel hues also add a summery vibe, while a canvas director chair adds a beachy touch. 


Sunny yellow tulips and daffodils brighten up a dark corner around the sink. 

A lemon tree brings an instant touch of the med to the windowsill and a white table helps to add the bounce around. The print on the back wall is from Copenhagen-based By Garmi

FYI I also have a lemon tree in my home which I bought last spring. I'm proud to announce that it's survived the winter but there are no lemons to be seen - what have I done wrong? Honestly though, I'm just proud it's still alive!

Notice how wall to wall storage units double up as seating in the dining area - a smarty small space solution. 


Art with pastel tones by the likes of local Danish artists Lotte Neupart and Pernille Bitsch adds a soft, summery touch to the bedroom wall while  lemon yellow under bed storage crates from Hay add a fresh touch to the room. 


Some summer dresses are way too pretty to be kept hidden in a wardrobe - put them on display like Louise has done - so even if it's too cold to wear them you can still appreciate them each and every day! These ones are from Boii Studios. 

Linen bedding in pale yellow and pink from H&M Home add a pretty touch to the bed. Just add a coffee and a croissant (and maybe a fresh glass of orange juice!). 

A lit candle - because, well, hygge. 

The pretty town of Aarhus is a must visit if you're in Denmark - and a walk by the coast his perfect for blowing away the cobwebs, or a dip if you dare! 

What a lovely home - and such great inspiration for spring / summer too, don't you think? 

You can see more pics of Louise's charming home here

Shall we take a look at a few other lovely attic spaces today? here are a few of my favourites: 


Wishing you all a great start to the week - I hope the sun is shining where you are too! 

Photography: Louise / @_lisebise

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Line's Relaxed Copenhagen Home with Pretty Pastels

Hej vänner! Popping in with a little Danish inspiration for you to today. Think pared back, whitewashed, with pops of pastel. Yay! This beautiful apartment belongs to Line Schjelde, a Copenhagen based PR manager, who lived with her boyfriend and their little daughter. Excitingly, the family are expecting a little baby girl in a matter of weeks! Given the serenity of the space, it's hard to imagine their home is in the heart of the thriving, urban district of Vesterbro (fabulous area to explore if you're ever in town!). It's beautifully calm yet has some wonderful focal points thanks to the gallery wall, beautiful furniture choices and the lovely details!  Enjoy the tour! 

No one does gallery walls like the Danes! 

Prints from: Paper Collective, Hein Studio, Matisse (available here) and Modernamuseet

But my eyes are on the two mini ball pendant lamps - how cool are they? From what I can gather, Line made these herself using two rice paper balls (costing €5 each!). The HAY dining table is also fab - and the mix and match chairs help to create a relaxed look and feel.


One of the things I have been taken for granted lately are windowsills. Scandinavian homes are generally blessed with wide ones that can be used for so many things (this has been pointed out in the comment section a few times!). Walk around a city street or a country village and windows will be lit by a lamp (this one is the Balustre in pale pink* by Kähler) in the window - make your return home in the dark that more welcoming!

Another observation, un-related, but still interesting: front doors open outwards rather than inwards. I think this might have something to do with the snow - although that doesn't account for apartment doors. Hmmm. What are the windowsills like in your country, and do your front doors open inwards or outwards? 

The kitchen has been kept very minimalist aside from open shelves brimming with pottery by AnnLouise Roman Gustavsson,Julie Damhus Studio, Les Gens Heureux and Bitz Living

I love the sofa (from The Sofa Company - the colour is so warm and inviting - just imagine Line and her boyfriend snuggled up here with her two little girls! 


I get asked so many questions about floating bookshelves. Montana is a great source!

What a difference a pretty cushion can make to a room! Line picked this one up from Thus The Fuss (who's home I once featured here). Keep an eye out for her pop-up shops here

This lovely Ferm Living pond mirror* is really popular right now - I love the shape! 

The famous IKEA Stockholm cabinet that's now been discontinued and making waves on eBay! If you see one and you like it, nab it! 

What was I saying about windowsills? I mean, seriously!  

All in all, such a lovely home, it's really brightened up my Tuesday - I hope it has yours too!

Loving the pops of pastel!

I'll be keeping an eye on Line's inspiring feed for her latest updates - but more importantly for BABY NEWS! I'll never forget the birth of my second daughter and her sister rushing through the doors of the hospital shouting "WHERE'S MY SISTER?" before showering Allie with a million kisses! Wishing you so much luck with the birth Line - what a magical time you have ahead! 

Looking for a little more Danish inspiration today? 


Niki

Tonight, I'm excited to participate in a Live Shopping Event over at Boozt.com where I'll be sharing some fun ideas for how you can update your spring table for spring. Come and join us at 7pm (GMT+1). Admittedly, I'm a tad nervous right now (anything 'live' is a little daunting, don't you think?) so it would be wonderful to see a friendly face in the Q & A. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy a discount on anything you buy. Winner!  

Photography: Line Schjelde shared with kind permission. 
*Affiliate links

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The 2014 romantic pastel home

It seems like pastels are back in a big way for 2014. My personal take is 'pastels with a romantic touch'. I came across these inspirational images from H&M Home and think they really hit the mark.  Do you have an H&M home near you? We don't have one in Southern Sweden sadly but there's one over the bridge in Copenhagen so I always take the time to stop by when I'm in town. Last time I picked up this moss coloured knit throw for my bedroom. Seeing these pictures make me feel perhaps it's time for another visit?!





H&M Home via Flying House

If you fancy a little more pastel inspiration I love this Swedish home and this home of a French fashion designer.

Are you a pastel person? I'm definitely more pastels then bold colours although I do sometimes think I should throw in an element of surprise like a bright yellow chair!

Incidentally this is not a sponsored post, I just happen to love the H&M Home lifestyle images, how about you?!

Have a lovely day!

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A home with pretty pastels and inspiring details

Is there no end to the talent on Instagram? A few minutes scroll last night turned into an hour long session as I went from inspiring feed, to inspiring feed (cue double coffee morning today!). One of my new favourites of which is @Wunderblumen. Daniela regularly updates her feed with inspiring snapshots of her half-timbered house in Kassel, North Germany, which she shares with her husband Stefan and their three children and cat, Polly. As well as beautiful style updates for children and adults alike (check out this cute spring outfit for starters!) snapshots of her home reveal soft pastel hues, vintage finds, pretty floral touches and inspiring details. Here's a sneak peek...












Photography: @Wunderblume

Such a beautiful home, don't you think?

I particularly love the painting of the girl on the sitting room wall. It's by an artist from the Faroe islands (available here). I was also excited to see Daniela has the same brass mobile as me (which I've hung here) - great minds...! And of course, the soft pastel touches.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look from Daniela's home (in order of appearance): brass mobile, source a beautiful mid-century credenza here, art, the light blue wall colour is by Farrow & Ball. The ceramic wreath seen on the wall above the dining table and bed is handmade by Kat's (great shop!). Wallpaper by Sandberg. Children's dress from Kids on the moon.

Such a perfect home tour to wrap up the week, don't you think? But if you'd like to hang around for a while and more homes with a pastel touch you can always nip over to this archive (if this home comes up first just scroll passed). Yes, I have an archive for everything!

Thank you so much again for all the positive feedback around my new book, it's made all those nights burning the midnight oil worthwhile. I was also thrilled to see it appear in the home of TDC and @aboutthishaus as well as many other of my favourite bloggers and instagrammers and in newspaper and magazines including The Sunday Times, Home and Garden and Marie Claire UK - to name but a few! *feeling humbled*.

I think I'll be kicking off the weekend with one of these - Skål på er!

Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

Have a wonderful couple of days and see you Monday!

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