Soothing Swedish Home with a Striking Dark Floor

Why, hello there! The Scandinavian school summer holidays start in a mere 6 weeks - eeeeek! How did that happen?  The thing is, my mind seems to think the long, gloriously slow days of summer have already arrived (it doesn't help that it's one of those diamond days with clear blue skies and the promise of an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine!). As a result I just don't seem to be getting anything done (do you ever feel like this too?!). This is where a maximalist home in a riot of colours might help jolt me back to reality. But nope, this soothing grey, white and neutral Swedish home fits my vibe in every way. I especially love the striking dark wood floor against the whites and pale greys. Come and dream with me (and perhaps pick up some ideas on the way!).

Going for a bolder colour in the bedroom is a fail safe way of injecting stronger tones into a home without going all out (and what a pretty colour it is too?!). I like how they've placed similar colours in the adjoining room (like the grey cabinet and rug) which help to create a cohesive look. 

The sitting room area is fairly awkward shape and yet the owners (designers?) have carved out a clever multipurpose space with a desk, social area and place to watch TV. I like the way the armchair (by Tine K Home) has been turned towards the sofa, taking the main focus away from the TV!

Rust, powder pink and amber accents are one of the key colour combinations of 2018 - I'm so happy about this I think there's something beautiful about these tones combined. The Poster Club sells similar abstract art and oak frames and you can pick up a pretty mustard throw here.

How clever is this little work space made up of a simple wall mounted desk and open shelving? The black chair is the Afteroom by Menu. Love how they've even added some greenery (perhaps they've been reading my lagom book?!).

The blue-grey hue in the bedroom creates an unbelievably calm feel. The hanging plant in the corner  (source a similar macrame planter here) adds some much needed height (an important thing to think about from a styling point of view - especially if you have high ceilings!). 

Look at all that natural light?!  Once again the dark wood floor adds a perfect amount of contrast to what is otherwise a very neutral space.

Photography Anders Bergstedt, Styling Nouvel Interior for Entrance.

Plants such as the fig tree and Rex Begonia seen on the balcony work equally well indoors or outdoors. In fact, I have a Rex Begonia in my office and they're practically impossible to kill (we like!). In fact they LOVE to dry out (and then you drench them before letting them dry out again - AKA my usual plant care routine!). Is it possible to have a plant as a best friend?!

Is there anything that stood out to you about this home?

If you'd like to see more homes with beautiful dark floors I can totally recommend having a whip round Si's lovely San Francisco Home, black floors in the home of a French stylist (possibly one of my favourite kitchens of all time!) and a striking dark and white swedish space.

Have a lovely day guys - I'm off to relax. No wait....

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Plants and mid-century pieces in a New York City brownstone

Hello weekend (almost!). The beauty of the Internet is that you can transport yourself anywhere in the world, anytime you like! I'm taking full advantage of this and whisking us to a Brownstone in Brooklyn. I was fortunate enough to visit this fab borough of New York City last summer while working on my book. It's so vibrant and celebrated for it's diverse people, restaurants and bars as well as it's art scene. Lisa Munoz, owner of Leaf and June - an interior plant design company and David Azzoni, a partner at Turntable Lab DJ shop recently moved to this lovely apartment in the Clinton Hill neighbourhood. The duo have furnished their pad using only their most treasured items which include salvaged, vintage and inherited pieces...and of course an abundance of plants. So inspiring!

Photography: Erica Gannett. Via Design Sponge with thanks. 

What a great space! I'm loving the mid-pieces and all the plants!

You can read more about this home and see a few more pics (captured by Erica Gannett) over at Design Sponge here. It's fascinating to read about why certain plants have been placed where.

Get the look: loving these fab hanging plant holders and stands. Source teak mid-century furniture here. For more plant and flower inspiration you might want to check out my archive (yes, I have an archive for everything!).

I'm writing this from a café inside the walls of beautiful Galle Fort here in the South of Sri Lanka. I have to say though it's scorching today so we've been camping out hiding from the heat!

Have a lovely day!

PS This home is filed under my 'International Homes archive' - not that I want to wile away a morning for you.....but just saying! 

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The Relaxed, Boho Copenhagen Home of a Plant Enthusiast

Have you got that Friday feeling? I'm feeling it friends - woohooo! I've been in sunny Denmark for the night - and I can't tell you how happy I am to return to this wonderful country! One of my favourite past times is people watching and there's so much to love about the relaxed, boho Danish style. This filters all the way down to their homes. Are you ready to take a peek behind the facade of a relaxed Copenhagen home? Louise Olofsson lives with her boyfriend Jonathan in a one bedroom flat in the heart of the capital. The self confessed 'Little Botonist', has a passion for greenery and filled her home with over 100 plants which nestle beside flea market finds and Scandinavian design classics. Welcome to Louise's urban jungle! 

"My passion for plants started around five years ago. My Dad gave me a mini orange tree that he owned but was dying. Somehow I managed to keep it alive and make it thrive again. It made me so happy that I had the power to nurture a plant. From that moment on, my love and passion for plants grew" - Louise

"We have over 100 plants in our two room apartment and I cannot imagine a home without them. They make our home feel alive and bring me peace" 

"I love to learn about biology and nature and spend a lot of time reading about and studying my plants. At the beginning I watered them every Sunday. Now I am somehow synchronized with them all and water them whenever I feel it's needed"

Thank you so much for inviting us into your urban jungle Louise!

Has this inspired you to introduce more plants to your home? I'd love to have more! I'm feeling a growing confidence having kept both a lemon and fig tree alive this year - miracles of miracles! Could this be my own 'urban jungle' year? 

See more green inspiration: 

A relaxed artists home full of plants

The cosy small flat of a Copenhagen creative and plant lover

A beautiful home in shades of moss green, white and brown

Right friends, there are two little ladies waiting for me - sun hats on, beach towels draped over their shoulders. Time to enjoy our last day in Denmark (if you haven't been to Hornbæk, it's a must! So many beautiful interior design shops!).

I'll be blogging three days next week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and then the crazies go back to school so it'll all be back to normal with the five posts again. Thank you for bearing with me! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Louise Olofsson

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The 'Green Home Book': inspiration for plant lovers

One of the trends I love right now is 'urban jungle' or the idea of filling your home with plants. Greenery is said to have many positive benefits including providing cleaner air, boosting your mood and even enhancing concentration and memory (yes, really! I discovered many other benefits too here). But above all else, they do look lovely, don't they?! I mean, what would a home be without plants and flowers? That's why I was so happy to discover the 'Green Home Book'. The tome was created as result of a collaboration between Finnish creatives Riikka Kantinkoski (I once featured her beautiful home here) and Susanna Vento and includes beautiful photography taken in homes across Finland as well as simple tips on how to care for plants. Here's a sneak peek....

Photos from 'Green Home Book' by Riikka Kantinkoski and Susanna Vento.

Ah so inspiring. I must pick up a copy as soon as possible!

Doesn't it look lovely?

If you're a bit of a plant lover you'll also love these snapshots from the beautiful home of Jeska Hearne, the Brownstone of the owner of plant interior design company, and the bohemian home of a florist.

Oh, and I love this DIY idea - how fab? 

Have a lovely day!

PS I think the reason I'm thinking about books today is because I'm sitting at the library researching a new project (more to follow soon!). It's actually the perfect place to sit and work as it's super quiet and overlooks the park. The only problem is my typing is so LOUD!! I think I might need to sellotape cotton wool to my finger tips next time!

PPS I have such an exciting Swedish summer cottage to share with you tomorrow - it will have us all dreaming of balmy summer days!  

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A Relaxed Artist's Cabin by the Sea

It's Friday - woohooo! Any fun plans?! I'm actually going to have the biggest clear out (boring I know), followed by a well deserved Aperol Spritz and then I'm going to hunt for an off the grid cabin.  I kid you not! This cabin by the sea in South Hobart, Tasmania has totally won me over! It's owned by artist Brigitte May and her partner - who had a baby earlier this week (congratulations guys!)! Solar panels and a tank help to make the cabin completely self-sustained, and it's not unusual to wake up to a troupe of passing wallabies! The relaxed, bohemian-style of the interior taps into the off the beaten-track vibe and provides an inspiring spot for Brigitte to sit and create. Enjoy the tour!

Isn't it fantastic?! Such a romantic setting for arts and crafts (I love Brigitte's paintings and ceramics, and she's currently working on an ethical baby range too (how cute are these bloomers?!). Did you spot the little furry friend too?!  I have a feeling their little one's going to be very happy here, don't you?!

In case you feel exactly like I do but our off-the-grid cabins are a little far off just now - here's a guide on how to bring a little piece of South Hobart cabin style to our own homes:

GET THE LOOK:

1. Macrame wall hanging / 2. Speckled Mug by Brigitte May / 3. Eggcup stool / 4. Monstera plant
5. Macrame plant hanger / 6. Tabor Pot / 7. Losoya Round Stool / 8. Scrabble Game Linen Vintage / 9. Duo Pot / 10. Anjat Rattan Basket Backpack / 11. Fawn Print by Brigitte May / 12. Wooden Plant Pot.

Love the look? You can also see more of Brigitte's home on instagram here. 

And in case you're thinking of visiting Tasmania (it's certainly top of my list right now!) - a stay at this island hide-away is a must. Doesn't it look incredible?!

Have a dreamy weekend all and see you Monday!


Photography: Brigitte May

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5 DIY Projects to Try During Quarantine

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

By guest of honour Ezz Wilson:

I wish I could say that I'm an absolute whiz at power tools or a sewing machine, but to be honest, I am a reluctant DIYer. A lot of the DIY or craft projects I find look a little too homespun for my liking, or the effort required to make it look like the real deal is overwhelmingly tedious or calls for carpentry skills I just don't have. But this quarantine has me wanting to spruce up my home in a more resourceful, hands-on way, so I've rounded up five DIY projects for you that are simple, can be mostly done indoors (with the exception of sanding!) and actually look more high-end than you'd expect.

1. Plant Propagation Wall

This delightful wall of plant cuttings DIY is brought to you by Christine Higgs of @forthehome. It's the perfect project for those who've had extra time to mist, primp, sing to and propagate all your plant babies during this quarantine. 

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

2. Textured art

Here's another DIY from the very resourceful and productive Christine, who created some beautiful, dimensional pieces for her home with acrylic paint and modeling paste. She's got a video tutorial on her IGTV if you'd like to check it out! It's the perfect addition to a bare wall or corner that just needs the subtlest touch of texture that won't compete with its surroundings. 

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

3. Wireless Pleated Lamp

This is more of a hack than a DIY, but it's still very satisfying to the lazy DIYer! I've been wanting the right ceramic base for a pleated lampshade I found online and for now, settled on a ceramic vase I already owned. But since the lamp shops are closed, and I don't feel like drilling into the bottom of my vase (risky!) and wiring it myself, I was inspired by Lisa Danielle Smith to simply plunk the shade on top of the vase and call it good. But if you'd actually like a functional lamp rather than a decorative statement, there are also plenty of wireless bulb options, such as LED lights controlled by remote control that you can jimmy rig into the vase. Thanks, Janae for that last tip!

Lisa Danielle Smith

4. Trash to Terracotta

When Geneva Vanderzeil found a can of liquid terracotta at her local hardware store, she tried to find as many applications for it as possible. One of her projects was taking a motley bunch of thrift store vases and turning them into some of the lovely terracotta pieces you see here. While this specific liquid terracotta product isn't available everywhere, she's created a DIY chalk paint recipe to give you a similar, textured ceramic look. You can also check out the hashtag #trashtoterracotta on Instagram to see all the people who've been following her lead! 

Before

After

Geneva Vavanderzeil / DIY tutorial

Geneva Vavanderzeil / DIY tutorial

5. Orbital Sander

This handy little tool can work wonders on old wooden furniture and decor items with a less than desirable stain (or paint job). If you're looking for a light, neutral, raw-looking finish, you might be surprised at the wood that could be lurking under a shiny, orange-hued layer of lacquer or a dark, mahogany stain. And if you do uncover a beautifully rustic and antiqued wood underneath but still want a protective top coat, I recommend using a water-based, matte polyurethane as it'll still look more raw plus the water-based poly's are less prone to yellowing than oil-based! Cynthia Harper is someone who is constantly making use of her orbital sander and going to town on anything from coffee tables to cheap, wooden bowls from her local thrift store that end up looking like chic, weathered, farmhouse bowls rather than .99 cent castaways. 

Cynthia Harper / Orbital Sander

It's been so fun to share these ideas with you. I hope you've discovered a DIY project you'd like to replicate in your own home! Are there any that stand out in particular?

It's a public holiday in Sweden today and Niki will be back on Sunday. She sends a 'stor kram' (big hug!).

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Ezz

Ezz Wilson is an interior and photo stylist and holistic home consultant based in Portland Oregon. You can find her over on instagram here. 

First picture by Christina Higgs / @forthehome

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