An elegant Swedish space in neutrals

Oh to live in an apartment like this. The high ceilings, the beautiful wood floor, the original kakelugn (tiled fireplace). The space oozes elegance and serenity. The good news is it could be one of ours (it's for sale! - ha! Sweden anyone?!). The less good news is the furniture's not included- loving that safari daybed. Emigrating to Sweden or not, we all get to enjoy this beautiful space in all it's neutral glory right here, today. Could you see yourself padding around this apartment?

 

Erik Olsson

We might not all have a spacious, light filled space but we can take inspiration from the lovely details - for example, there's always space for the aforementioned daybed right? The lovely palm (in a zinc pot from Granit) and rugs (try Le Souk) add an exotic Moroccan feel. And I'm loving that nook - which is actually great small space inspiration - the owners have used the bottom shelf as a little spot for a coffee break - see other fab nooks here for inspiration.

Is there anything that stands out to you about this space?

Other spacious, light filled spaces include the beautiful Danish home on a hill and the breathtaking home of Danish novelist Annika Von Holdt (if you don't follow her beautiful life on instagram, it's a must!).

Have a lovely day! 

PS I was so happy yesterday's holiday home was so popular among those of you in Canada (in particular), thanks for all your comments. I've added Georgian Bay to my travel hit list!

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A Scandinavian inspired Georgian Bay holiday home

It's so nice to be back at my desk (a table by the window in a café by the sea). I've missed my mornings in Malmö! Even so, today I'm going to escort all of us to the other side of the atlantic- specifically - Georgian Bay, Canada. This lovely Scandinavian inspired seaside cottage has been lovingly restored by Juli and John Baker, owners of Mjölk - a shop selling Scandinavian and Japanese design items. Juli inherited the space in 2004 and together with her husband, set about creating a dream holiday home in 2008. The original structure has been painted 'cloud white' and they've added fir plywood boards in the kitchen and bedrooms for a modern look. I love the pared-back, relaxed look and feel - perfect for wiling away long summer days, don't you think?

Juli and John Baker - Mjölk / Kitka

Could you spend your summer here?!

Some items I know and love: PH5 pendant light,  Dining space: Moooi two tops table, J77 dining chairs. Sitting room: Børge Mogensen sofa. Twin room: Hudson Bay Blankets (also seen in this home) and Luxo reading lights. Many of the items you see can also be found at Mjölk.

Is there anything you love in particular about Juli and John's bay side home?

More pictures of this home can be found here. I once showed their fab guesthouse here too - the couple clearly have an eye for design! 

If like me, you love the ocean I can highly recommend this beautiful limited edition sea print by Kara Rosenlund - it's become my favourite piece, and perfect if you live far from the coast.

Have a lovely day!

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The lovely green / grey home of a Swedish stylist

You may think I'm going 'Tant Johanna' crazy at the moment - in the past two weeks I've featured two spaces she's styled (here and here) and on Friday linked to her past homes (here and here). And then today I discovered she's moving again and her home is online. How could I not share it with yours truly? It's such a lovely space. The apartment is located in the heart of Gothenburg and yet has a slight country vibe thanks to the pretty floral wallpapar, vintage / antique furniture and linen curtain used to hide outdoor gear in the hallway. I love the green / grey hues throughout too. What a perfect home to start the week, don't you think?!

Entrance - Photography: Anders Bergstedt. Home owner: Johanna Bradford

Gothenburg anyone?!

I particularly love the corner of her bedroom. The beautiful paint colour Johanna's used in the bedroom has been a huge talking point across Swedish blogs and even in magazines. The code is: S 3005-G20Y.  I love the Bestlite BL7 wall lamp and the antique side table which has been upcycled using grey marble (potential DIY project?). The Linen Works sell beautifully soft charcoal linen bedding.

For small, relaxed touches I like the string of fairy lights around the door frame and the macrame wall hanging in the sitting room which add a boho vibe.

Does anything stand out to you?

How was your weekend? I'm reeling from a wonderful couple of days at The Hive in Berlin (such a great conference and city!). Thank you to all the enthusiastic, smiling faces in the audience - you made it a real pleasure!

I finished my speech with a favourite poem by Erin Hanson, I hope it inspires you this week too:

There is freedom to be found, on the breezes of the sky. And you ask 'what if I fall?' Oh but my darling, what if you fly?

Have a a great start to the week!

PS last week a few of you asked where you could find the globe lamp shown in the window here. I haven't found the actual one - but I did find a fab DIY solution!

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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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