A visit from Daphne

Do you have a dog or friends with a dog? When people come over they often bring their furry friends and I always put a bowl of water out for them. But recently I've taken my 'doggy welcome pack' to a whole new level thanks to Kind - a fantastic Finnish lifestyle brand priding itself on 'sustainable nordic style for you and your dog'. Founded by Maarit Kallio, the items they sell really are as beautiful as the promise suggests. I promptly ordered a fluffy Höyhensaari dog bed and soft black and grey-blue linen cushions so that when Bibbi, Dino and Daphne come to visit, they've got somewhere to curl up and snooze! And actually, dearest poodle Daphne's already put it to the test - oh and the new kit is a big hit with my girls too!

Photography: Niki Brantmark. Model: Daphne and my wonderful girls.

Isn't Daphne just lovely? Her paws! She's such great company too. 

Did you spot the 'high paw' linen tote on the wall? It's so nifty as it doubles up as a portable doggy food container.  I think I might have to go back for the waffle line towels too - just because they look soooo nice!

Come and visit us again soon Daphne! 

This post was created in collaboration with the wonderful team at Kind. However, all words are my own and I only ever collaborate with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the small businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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A cocoon-like Swedish home in dark grey

It was a while since we headed over to the dark side here on My Scandinavian Home. And with Autumn in the air, and the need for a warm, cocoon-like space,  I feel it's definitely time, don't you! This apartment in Fredsborg, North east of Stockholm has been painted in a deep grey, providing a simple yet dramatic backdrop for softer textures such as white linen (cue the oh so beautiful Le Grand Air sofa) and rustic wood. Clean, modern lines are balanced with sculptures and rounded shapes from ceramics which have been arranged in clusters on coffee table, shelves and ledges throughout.  I think I could hang around here this weekend, how about you?!

Credits: Photos - Sara Medina Lind. Styling - Marie Ramse for JM. Found via TDC.

What do you reckon, could you imagine creating a darker ambience like this in your home?

Even if you don't go all out grey, you can still get the elegant look with some of these lovely pieces: sitting room - Le Grand Air sofa, the rug looks like a Private 0204, but correct me if I'm wrong! Lampe Gras is similar to the wall lamp. Dining area: Series 7 chair, bentwood chairs, Tulip table in marble. Bedroom - Linen curtains (lovely!) and stonewashed linen bedding in charcoal. Buy a simple row of wooden hooks from IKEA and paint it in the same colour as the wall (for a similar colour try samples from Farrow & Ball's range of dark colours)

For more 'dark inspiration you might want to have a nose around this lovely swedish space, an elegant Stockholm apartment and a beautiful house in France. The latter is one of my all time favourites!

It's nearly time for the weekend, wooooop! It's going to be terrible weather here (not so woop) so I'm planning on tucking into one of these 13 baked cheese recipes (the first one?!) while I wait indoors for some of my second hand finds from the week to arrive (exciting!). Have you got any fun plans?

Oh and they say it's tricky to work with children and animals - and I actually managed both yesterday (I know!). You can see the fruits of my lovely afternoon with dearest Daphne, the sweetest (and most elegant) poodle in town on the blog tomorrow....

Happy Friday!

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A charming 19th century house on Gotland

If you've followed my blog for a while, you'll know I have a weakness for homes on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic. That's why I was really excited to come across this beautiful 19th century house. The owners have successfully renovated the property to embrace its history and at the same time bring it up to date.  Think wood burning stoves, tiled masonry ovens, rickety stairs, original wood floors and traditional earthy colours blended with mid-century and modern day finds. The style is laid back, traditional and rustic. Welcome in!

Photography: Jörgen Kristiansson for Fastighetsbyrån. 

Simply lovely, don't you think?

Oh and it's for sale. I know. 

You can see more pics of this lovely home (as well as the exterior) here (just in case your mind's not already made up!).

A few items I know and love from this Gotland cottage: dining area - Bentwood chairs, Gotland sheepskin throw, Klong oil lamp, source a beautiful vintage dough bowl here. Sitting room: chefs hat lamp, Gubi mirror. Bedroom: lampe gras wall lights. stonewashed linen bedding, dark grey quilt.

It would almost be unfair not to share some of my favourite Gotland homes from the past, don't you think? Here goes: a beautiful Gotland home in shades of grey, the bohemian sumer home of a fashion photographer and an idyllic island holiday home. Do you have a favourite style?

My blogging constantly brings new challenges and this afternoon I have another first. I've got a photo shoot with my neighbour's poodle, Daphne. I've been told she's a real natural behind the camera (she comes from a family of models after all) but most of all I'm looking forward to her company - I'm sure we'll get a long just fine!

Have a lovely day!

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My home: garden updates with Ryobi One+ System

What does your outdoor space look like? We have a small but cosy backyard, which after a little work has become our very own outdoor oasis. It still requires a little TLC here and there - for example last weekend we sanded down the table and made a new plant box out of an old discarded palette (link to tutorial below!). It's amazing what you can do with an old palette and Ryobi tools! For those of you not familiar with the company, Ryobi specialises in cordless tools, specifically the ONE+ System with which you can power over 50 tools with the same battery, which is super convenient (and they're sooo easy to use). The day turned out to be really therepeutic (who would have thought DIY could be so mindful?!) - and most importantly had so much fun! Oh and now we have a beautiful table and plant box too! Hope you like it! #feelingempowered.

1. The sanding

2. Our new plant box made from a disused palette (using a jigsaw and drill). 

Photography: Niki & Per Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

You can see a great tutorial on how to make a similar plant box here. 

For now we've loaded the box with pretty heather (I love the autumn colours) but come spring, we'll be starting the new vegetable patch (inspired by the The Rurbanite)- wish us luck!

A quick guide to where other things are from: the garden table, chairs and candle holder are from ILVA,  plates and cutlery from Nordal, blanket from The Beach House.

Have a lovely day!

This post was sponsored by Ryobi. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and trust and feel you will to. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who help me to create fresh and exciting content here on My Scandinavian Home!....And thank you Ryobi for my amazing new power tools!

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The creative home of a Swedish artist

I'm not sure if you remember the lovely home of Stockholm based artist Åsa Stenerhag that I featured back in January 2015? Well, I was excited to discover more pictures (by photographer Jonas Ingerstedt) last night! Åsa's apartment has been decorated with earthy tones of beige, brown and deep red (kind of Autumnal don't you think?) combined with black and white and furnished with iconic pieces, fascinating treasures and of course, the most wonderful art. Åsa's art is infused with tactile surfaces and graphic expressions, and many pieces can be seen throughout the home. She also recently made news for her exhibition “Seeking Patterns”, a collaboration with Swedish fashion brand Filippa K (she was formerly part of the design team). It's no wonder her home is so creative!

Photography: Jonas Ingerstedt with kind permission / homeowner: Åsa Stenerhag

What a beautiful home?! So unique and personal.

The art steals the show of course, but I also spy one of my favourite lamps - the Mantis floorlamp.  Oh how I'd love one of these in my home one day!

To get a hint of Åsa's style in your home you can purchase her limited edition 'Roots' artwork here, and I'm loving this throw for the colours and texture...also seen here. Beautiful!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

A lil' mid week link love, just because....

Pretty rings for the minimalist.

One day I'd like to live here.

Soft centred chocolate cake. YUM.

One for tired parents - a 'smart' crib that rocks a baby to sleep (where was that when I needed it?!). And for when they're a little bigger - how cute is this little girl's outfit? And, and, and just how beautiful are these threads for kids?

New Instagram find -  Jannik Obenhoff (can't believe he's only 16 can you? - incredible!).

Beautiful Autumn.

Have a lovely day!

PS I'll be stopping by later to share a few of my recent backyard updates (Including a DIY plant box made from an old palette!). Hope you like it!  

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