The cheerful home / studio of a Finnish visual artist

Tjena! Hur är läget?! I got back from Milan late last night after a fab few days wondering around Salone del Mobile, various design quarters (including the Brera district and IKEA Festival at Ventura Lambrati) and of course taking in the wonderful city itself. As a result I'm feeling all inspired (if not a little bleary eyed!) back at my desk this morning! Having featured her new apartment here, I couldn't resist returning to the wonderful world of Finnish visual artist Saija Starr today. This time I'd like to share her cheerful former home and fab studio with you. Located in the heart of Helsinki, the apartment has a distinct sixties vibe and a fresh feel thanks to the white walls and bright pastel hues. Keep a look out for her artwork in the sitting room and bedroom - most of which is produced in her light-filled industrial-style studio. Love it!

Photography / home-owner: Saija Starr

What a lovely relaxed home - don't you think? I particularly love all the plants - said to be great for the air and your soul (I've been doing a little research lately - although I can't quite reveal the project yet!).

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look from Saija's home: kitchen - string shelving, string lights, blue Iittala jug. sitting room - paintings by Saija, Ferm Living Remix cushion, source a vintage mid-century arm chair here.

You can keep up to date with Saija's latest projects (and see snapshots of her home and studio as well as feel inspired by the Finnish way of life) over on her blog and instagram feed.

Have a great start to the week!

PS It's the last day to enter the give-away to win a limited edition Palm Print worth 3900 sek (around 400 euros!).... hurry!

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My spring office update

Hello there. I love this time of the year - all the leaves unfurling on the trees, the fresh spring colours appearing in the shops and a wonderful abundance of light! Yay! I felt it was about time I dusted down the cobwebs at home and gave it a bit of a spring clean - beginning with my workspace.  I started with a much needed de-clutter and then added a few natural textures such as stone and leather as well as a plant (thought to increase happiness and productivity - worth a shot right?!). But the most exciting update is my new 'the MANTIS' lamp from Houseology. I can't tell you how long I've had my eye on this beauty! Designed in 1951 by Bernard Schottländer, the mantis DCW BS3 table lamp is part of a collection which also includes a ceiling, floor and wall lamp. I've always loved the helical shape of the lampshade, and specifically with the table lamp: that it can be adjusted to three different heights depending on how direct/ where you need the lighting. Perfect! Here's a sneak peak of my updated work space.... I hope you like it!

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

And not a row of coffee cups in sight!

You might already be familiar with online interior shop Houseology since we often collaborate. Not only do they stock many of my favourite Nordic design pieces from brands such as Design House Stockholm, &Tradition and Muuto, they also offer interior design ideas, advice and inspiration - so helpful!

I'd love to hear which items you love to surround yourself with at work?!

Have a great weekend!

PS Please ask away if you'd like to know about where anything in my office is from. 

PPS See a load more  fabulous offices/  studios etc here. 
 
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This post was brought to you in collaboration with Houseology. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with business I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the businesses which make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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My friend Louise's home in a converted school

Earlier this week I went to visit my Danish friend Louise who lives in the most fantastic house in the village of Remmarlövs in the heart of the Skåne countryside. Louise is a life coach, a lecturer on job satisfaction, flirting and communication and holds workshops in her home which she shares with her husband Johan, children Iris and Walter, ten chickens and two cats. The property was built in 1830 and started life as the village school and housed the village sauna in the basement.  It was converted to a private resident forty years ago. Today high ceilings and large windows flood the rooms with light and in the winter a large fireplace and classic Swedish masonry oven help to keep the house warm.  'Our main focus has been to create a welcoming home, where old and young alike can relax and have fun' Louise tells me.  The space is filled with vintage, antique and Scandinavian designer piece as well art and quirky touches collected over time. Look closely and you'll see a little mouse on a picture frame or a miniature tea set. I couldn't resist taking my camera along to take a few snapshots with you!

 
Photography Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home. Styling Tina Lekeberg.

Isn't it such a wonderful home? That cat seems to love it too - although he looks a bit tired of me taking his photo?!

Recently, the family decided to head off in search of new adventures on the other side of the Öresund (i.e. Denmark) and the house is now on the market. I asked her what she'd miss most about their home: 'Oh, lots! The beauty, the light, the big rooms, the old apple trees, the churchyard, the view, the atmosphere...I totally love this house and realise I will never live like this again. I have enjoyed every single day here.'

Get the look from Johan and Louise's lovely house: paintings by Karen Broos (you can see the Swedish artist's own home here, also a converted school!), Haruko Maeda and Sarah Becker. 

Thank you for inviting me over Louise, what a great day!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

PS I've just arrived in Milan - very excited. Tips welcome! 

PPS I've been busy updating my office for spring this week, so happy with my shiny new workspace.

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A monochrome Swedish pad with a soft touch

Hi de hi campers! I have to say, I've been more than a little optimistic with my time lately - and with a flying trip to Salone del Mobile in Milan on the cards for tomorrow (very excited!), I'm not quite sure how I'm going to fit everything in! But the beauty of blogging about interiors is that it forces me to take 15 minutes out of the day to relax and feel inspired - I hope you feel the same way when you stop by! Today I wanted to share this Swedish space with you. The lovely apartment combines simple, minimalist style with a light, soft touch. Think monochrome, subtle florals and warm pools of sunlight. What a perfect place for a breather!

Styling By Bon. For sale through Bjurfors.

Oh so lovely, and so effortless too. Must be the magic touch of By Bon!

Get the look: söderhamn sofa from IKEA, source a similar floral print here, Lilla Åland chairs, this vase is similar.  Please feel free to add to this in the comment section below!

I'd love to linger but sadly I've got to dash off today - but if you'd like to hang around for a while why not take pour yourself a coffee, sit back and feel inspired by these beautiful Finnish, Danish and Norwegian homes.

Have a lovely day!

PS There's a fab give-away here right now!

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