A Thoughtfully Curated Dutch Family Home

Well, I do believe we've made it guys: it's Friday! And the sun is shining. Hurraaaa! I hope you've got some fun plans for the weekend? But please don't go quite yet as I have the prettiest house to share with you ! This gem of a family home in Tilburg city, North Brabant, The Netherlands belongs to Ilona Polycen (also known as @mamoesjka_nl), her partner Daniel and two sons Tycho (13) and Fender (7). The thoughtfully decorated interior is characterised by subtle shades of pastel, soft light  wood, one-off pieces and vintage touches. I caught up with Ilona to find out more.

Thistle lamp, Folding shelves, This Era round chair is similar.

How would you describe your interior style?

I like a fresh white canvas decorated with vintage, design or handmade items, mostly in fresh or soft pastel colours. I’d much rather have one item that I really love rather than five things I just like. I don’t shop on impulse. I will always take my time before I buy something for my home.

Do you have  a favourite spot?
You’ll often find me sitting on my pink home-made bench. It’s my favourite spot in the house, where I write, scroll through Instagram and sit with family and friends. From my bench, I also have a clear view of the rest of the living room and the open-plan kitchen.

Rabbit mirror,  Yori shelves.

Do you update your home often?!

I love to use my home as my test lab. If I haven’t painted anything for a few weeks, the paint tins literally call out to me from the closet.

 Pion lamp, Conrad Sofa,  Cushion from by Mölle, Haru table.

Taki wall hanging, Haru side-table.

Where do you shop?

I like to search the internet for new treasures. I look for both new and second-hand items and design pieces as well as less expensive finds. For me, it’s very important that they’re not things that everybody likes and buys. I want stuff that is unique and is available on a small scale. For that reason, I always search for small websites or designers that sell their own work. It’s so much more fun to make a small independent enterprise happy by purchasing some of their products than to buy something from a big retail chain.

'Wondering' print by Gurilla.

Do you have a favourite piece?

My favourite piece of furniture is the vintage cupboard that my partner and I bought at a thrift store. I really loved it when I first saw it, but we both thought it was far too expensive (the cupboard was not in the best condition) and we left the shop without buying it. But soon I had second thoughts and we quickly went back again and bought it. We gave the little cupboard some love with oil and wood paste and I now think he’ll stay forever!

Chrysanthemum wallpaper by William Morris

25Lamp, this mustard waffle throw is similar.

What's your best home decorating tip?
I like to do things my own way. I think that’s my best tip I can give anyone. Make the choices yourself. Fill your home with items you really love and that make you happy. These days you can find inspiration everywhere. I like to scroll through Instagram and see all kinds of interiors, but I have to stay true to myself. Something I’ve learned over the years is to choose what makes you happy and don’t do what everyone else is already doing.

Thank you so much for inviting us into your home this sunny Friday, Ilona!

If you don't already follow Ilona on instagram it's a must!

And for more beautiful Dutch home inspiration take a peek at a lovely light-filled house boat, the happy home of Marij Hessel, and a charming and relaxed Dutch home.

Have a fabulous weekend all and see you Monday!

Niki


All photography: © Ilona Polcyn

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All Things Bright & Beautiful in a Pared Back Family Home

I am so in love with today's home tour. Nestled in the jungle, but still a short distance from Singapore's popular shopping and dining precincts, the black and white colonial house was built in 1935 for an Officer of the British Army. Today the beautiful property is leased by Charlie Cameron, the creative behind interior and lifestyle blog Lottie Is Loving, her British husband, two children Finn and Pippa and their mini schnauzer Jet. Originally from Australia, Charlie has decorated the home with a fusion of Australian and Scandinavian style which includes lashings of fresh white, touches of rattan and pastel accents. The result is an incredible, light and airy relaxed family home.

 "My upstairs cup of tea / reading spot. When you’re not looking down at your book - all you see are trees and jungle. It’s my favourite room in the house."

The bamboo pendant light steals the show in the sitting room (this one is similar) and the Palm in the corner bridges the gap between the soft furnishings and pendant - while adding a little colour and drawing the jungle inside.

 "Over the years I have developed a less is more approach to styling.  I am drawn to a contemporary Australian aesthetic but I am influenced by a combination of styles and have a soft spot for Scandinavian design and Moroccan flair." 

The Swedish string shelving system has been used in replace of a windowsill and melts into the back ground. But my favourite piece has to be the pink Moroccan rug - how pretty is that? Happytapis sells similar (just saying!).

A white hanging chair, leather pouf and Rubber plant have been used to create the perfect reading corner! Having said that, we used to have a hanging bubble chair in our sitting room and these things are a total kids magnet!

Love this Mark Tuckey Stool from Australia - a new favourite of mine! 

"For me, it all comes down to pieces that I love and finding a balance between styles - a little masculine with a balance of feminine."  

 

I can't get enough of these rattan hallway benches right now, how about you? There are plenty in the shops right now (this one is from Elements Concept in Singapore) but I've got my eye on some of the one-off vintage ones too, like this fabulous mid-century modern love seat. Keep an eye on Etsy, Gumtree and Ebay for similar!

"There is something to be said for beautifully crafted well designed pieces and I prefer to practice patience and wait for the right piece than to quickly buy something to fill a space and then regret it.  I really believe that creating a beautifully styled home takes time."

 

The soft pink accent seen in the rest of the house is carried through to the bedroom using cushions and art. In the guest room (below) 'The King of Potreus' flower adds a hint of soft pastel.

And finally, Pip's room is as pretty as can be - with One Fun Day wallpaper and fairy lights.

Photography © Charlie Cameron / Lottie is Loving

The rooms are fairly spacious, yet Charlie has exercised a huge amount of restraint, giving each item plenty of breathing space. If you'd love to re-create this style in your home but not sure where to start, here are a few tips and tricks:

***

Charlie's Tips for Creating a Pared Back Style

1. Use Negative Space

Leaving areas of your home free of design actually helps to draw your eye to the elements that are most interesting in a room.  Cleverly used, negative space can help a room to feel deliberate and well styled.

2. Think in Tones

A base of whites and greys can always be added to with a bright pop of colour - so keep things neutral and harmonious and choose a small amount of colour to add to your scheme.

3. Remove the Clutter

Have a small room or area of your home (that is preferably hidden) where all the everyday items of life with a family can live.  Regularly clear the clutter from the day and if you have kids, get them in the habit of clearing all their items away at the end of each day.

***

You can see more of Charlie's home over on her Instagram feed and blog (where she also shares recipes and other lifestyle inspiration).

Other bright and beautiful family homes you might be interested in: a lovely Dutch family home, a striking and relaxed Swedish family home and a light-filled Swedish home.

Have a lovely day!

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An Inspiring Pastel-infused Finnish apartment

Hands up everyone out there who loves dash of colour in the home. This pastel-infused post is for you! In her instagram profile, Finnish interior designer Emila K described herself as someone who 'loves colours, vintage and good breakfasts'. Her feed is a sea of pictures of her fabulously funky wardrobe and her apartment in Tampere - Finland's second largest city. Think shades of cotton candy, sherbet, lavender and baby blue, as well as on trend curves and playful pattern. Nauti kiertueesta (enjoy the tour)!

This has really brightened up my mid-week, I hope it has put a spring in your step today too! 

Check out more pictures from Emilia's Finnish home here. 

Why not pull up an Artek chair (like the one in the picture above) and check out these Finnish homes: 

Kati's rustic log house in Iitti

Step inside Maiju's charming house in Vaasa, Finland

Ilkka's charming rural retreat

What are your go-to colours at home? Are there some shades you would never use? I'd love to hear!

Niki

Credits: lead picture by @mariaputaansuu, remaining pictures by @emiliakokko_

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Peek Behind The Facade of a Beautiful Red Danish house From The 1920s

FREEEEEDAG! (FRIIIIIDAY!) people, WOOP! Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? I'm currently waiting to feel my mouth again after a visit to the dentist (don't you hate it when they give you an injection?!). I'm praying it'll wear off in time for tonight! Since I can't talk, I've been able to spend even more time than usual hunting for home tours and that's how I stumbled across this one (via Nordic Design). You can kind of guess that the owners of Danish brand Skagerak would have a beautiful home and a peek behind the facade of Jesper and Vibeke Panduro's red house in Aalborg is a real feast for the eyes! Think spacious rooms, walls painted in soft pastel hues, Danish design and beautiful original details from the 1920s. Let's go inside! 

The wishbone chairs around the dining table are over 50 years old and will continue to be a favourite for many generations to come. The terracotta bowls are from the Skagerak Edge collection. 

Swooning over that 1920s floor! Isn't it lovely?

The all-time classic Flag halyard armchair has been given a cosy touch with a simple brown sheepskin*. Check out the 1920s radiator and ceiling too! 

Loving the simplicity of the Massai bench - it was inspired by old stair handrails and industrial machinery. 

This giant cork board (made up of smaller cork boards) is awesome. I'd love something like this in my kitchen, how about you? (This cork board* is similar). The beautifully crafted Hven chair is from Skagerak. 

There's a load more about Jesper and Vibeke's home here. And look out for my post on pastels next week.... it'll sure to include some tips on the prettiest pastel paint shades. 

In the meantime, the Danish home archive is always worth a scroll (warning: you can get lost in that one for hours!). 

Right folks, it's time for the weekend. If only my mouth would feel like normal again (the drool is not a good look either!). 

I hope you have a fabulous weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Skagerak

*affiliate links

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A Danish kitchen in pretty pastels

When it comes to Scandinavian style decorating people tend to go for the all white look, monochrome, dark moody hues, pastels or bold brights. Do you have a penchant for one of these? In my home I tend to veer towards black, white and pastels although I do sometimes wish I liked bold brights! This Danish kitchen in the home of Julie and her daughter spotted on Boligciousblog has ramped up the feminine style with an entirely pastel kitchen. Could you go for a look like this?

Via Boligcious Blog and Design Chaser

The kitchen is from Tvis and available in a tonne of different colours. The owner is clearly a fan of Muuto too (who isn't?!) as I spot the E27 pendant light, nerd chair and bar stool and the mini stacked shelves are similar. I don't recognise the pattern on the wall - is it painted or have they put up wall paper? The Ferm Living Harlequin wallpaper is fairly similar.

For more pastel inspiration (it's easter after all!) check out this romantic Swedish home, a light and airy Dutch house this stunning sitting room in the home of a Danish designer.

Have a lovely day!

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Spring has Sprung in This Delightful Copenhagen Home Full of Pastels!

Since living in Sweden, spring has become my favourite season of the year. I can't tell you what a wondrous site it is to see buds on the trees and the vibrant yellow of a trumpeting daffodil! They mark the end of a long, dark winter! Spring also brings with it, the first big event of the year: Påsk (Easter) - in all its pastel glory. If you're a big fan of the season too, you're going to love the Danish home of Melissa Xenia Sandra Gosvig. Nestled in the charming Copenhagen neighbourhood of Amager, Melissa's 80 m2 / 860 ft2 apartment is full of pastel tones - from pale blue, green and pink to bold pops of yellow and electric blue! Interior decorating has been a long-standing passion of Xenia's and her home is full of art, second-hand design pieces and flea market finds. Ready for the tour? Velkommen to Melissa's world!

Above: a Kubus candleholder and iconic Noguchi coffee table* sit atop a Beni Ourain rug*. The fab Planet Lamp is by Please Wait To Be Seated (you might remember it from the hallway in this feature). 

This reading spot in the window with art by Nynne Rosenvinge (check out her shop for other colourful prints!) as well as a lovely bright sunshine yellow velvet cushion* is perfect for a moments pause!

I'd never seen one of these Harlequin mirrors until yesterday and then two come along at once (see yesterday's tour!). It's a sign that I need to pick one up for my own home, what do you think?! 

There's a whole load of mix and match love going on here with different colour Hay chairs and vintage finds. Such a pretty dining space! 

Melissa's kitchen is mini but mighty with striking black cabinet doors, dark wood floors (keep a look out for the darker wood trend this year - it's coming!) and white walls. I can imagine the balcony serves as a perfect spot for a 'kaffe og wienerbrød' (coffee and Danish pastry) in the warm spring sunshine too! 

Another wonderful trend this year: mix and match coloured glassware. And these second-hand ones from Ann-Sofie Munk Hansen are so pretty! Keep an eye out for others on Ann-Sofie's page (there are some great ones up for grabs at the moment). 

What do you think? Does Melissa's home make you want to start bringing a flurry of Easter pastels into your home? I might just get started this afternoon with some 'daffy-down-dillys' as my mother likes to call them! 

If you'd like to see more of Melissa's home - there's a load of pictures on her instagram @mxeniaz. 

In the mood for a little more easter inspiration? You might like:

The Big Easter DIY Edit (some really simple and cute ideas here!)

Five beautifully simple easter DIY ideas

Easter touches in a charming Swedish home

Trend alert: how to rock the pastels

Have a great day!

Niki

PS I was so excited to be featured in the Home section of the London Metro today - there's a short version of the interview online if you fancy a read about how to bring a touch of hygge into your home! 

Credits: 2, 3 and 4 by Klix Kommunikation all others by Melissa Xenia Sandra Gosvig

Affiliate links marked with * which means I might make a tiny amount of money if you click through and buy something. 

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