A relaxed Swedish space with floaty linens

Last night my man and I flew into Berlin - and what a GREAT city it is, have you ever been here?  Plus we've woken up to blue sky and sunshine - I can't wait to get out and explore! But first, I've got a couple of shots to share with you from a beautiful Gothenburg home. Captured by Tant Johanna and Kristin Lagerkvist, Sophia Bratt's lovely space is decorated with floaty linen textiles, vintage shabby chic furniture and touches of rattan for a relaxed, wistful, light and airy feel. What a truly lovely space, don't you think?

Photography: Kristin Lagerkvist. Styling: Johanna Bradford (shared with kind permission)

For me, the Z1 and Mark Schooley cotton lights steal the show. I'm currently deciding between the two for my new bedroom (Z1 light on loan) any thoughts on which one?! (my bedroom pre make-over here!).

The two traditional Swedish tiled ovens or 'kakelugn' are so pretty too. 

Is there anything you love about this space?

Another beautiful home captured by creative duo Johanna and Kristin include this lovely home  and atelier belonging to a Swedish artist. I've also shown a couple of Johanna's previous homes here and here. The girl's got style!

I hope you have a truly fabulous weekend. See you Monday!

PS I have a sneaking suspicion I'll appear on a TV show on Arte tomorrow at 2pm (If I remember right). And since I'm in Germany I'll actually be able to watch it, now that will be weird!

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Keeping it simple in calm white and wood

Keeping it simple today with a lovely home in Gothenburg, Sweden decorated in white, wood and touches of grey throughout. The early 20th century building was designed by architect Oscar W. Nilsson in the Swedish 'national romantic style'. As a result the space has lovely high ceilings and large windows which flood the space with light.  I love the spiral staircase which connects the two floor duplex - and the way they have tucked in a clever work space beneath (with a fab wishbone chair no less). The apartment leads out to a tranquil courtyard. How I'd love to enjoy some spring sunshine sipping lemonade at that table today, fancy joining me?!

Stadshem photography: Janne Olander 

I spy the award winning Äng vase by Klong on the kitchen table. I got a brass one as a leaving present once and it's become one of my favourite pieces. I'm also a fan of the Rosendahl Monkey dangling from the string pocket shelves seen in the background - such a cheeky chap and an absolute Danish classic.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Other lovely white and wood spaces include this, this and this one.

It's crazy, but I arrived back in Sweden last night and it's already time to pack my bags and leave for The Hive in Berlin where I'll be taking to the stage (gulp!). Any tips for speaking in public?  Recommendations for great bars, restaurants, and off beat places to enjoy would also be great (I'll need a drink or two afterwards)?!  And if you're going to The Hive  - I  can't wait to meet you!

Have a lovely day!

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Beautiful snapshots of a home in The Hague

Last night I discovered the blog Saar Manche and was blown away by the beautiful pictures. I quickly e-mailed the owner: Saar and asked if it would be OK to share a few of them with you today. This is a small sample of the images she has captured of her home, which she shares with her husband and three children. Her lovely blog also regularly features her illustrations and paintings as well as magical family life in The Hague, Holland.

Saar Manche - with kind permission. Thanks to Toc Toc Vintage for the introduction. 

Although these are angles rather than complete room shots they still paint a picture of the relaxed feel of family life in Saar's Dutch home.

I was interested to see greenery in many of the images she takes, whether in terms of fern fronds pinned to the wall, wild flowers in vases or floral head wreaths on her children. A girl after my own heart (I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to this!).

While looking at today's home tour I was reminded of new sponsor - Kær (a Danish word describing the space we inhabit between nature and home: beautiful, simple and calm. Founder and owner Marianne grew up in Denmark and if she was ever sad as a child her mother would say 'go outside and look at something beautiful'. Marianne took this advice with her to Brooklyn and the pillows, throws and 100 % linen personalizable table cloths she sells in her online shop are designed to bring the outside in.

We're flying back to Sweden today after a lovely break in London. it's always sad to leave, especially when the sun's shining. Do you live a long way from home?

Have a lovely day!

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