All things bright and beautiful in a small Swedish space!

Hello! I'm working in the garden today - and it feels a little like when we were at primary school and managed to persuade the teacher to take the lesson outside - and then no one concentrated whatsoever! Despite the sunshine, and relative lack of focus my day got even brighter when I stumbled across this delightful Swedish apartment over at Entrance Mäkeri! Although the family of three only have one bedroom, they've used the space wisely - carving out a makeshift bedroom in the corner of the sitting room which can be separated off using a curtain. The entire apartment, except for the children's bedroom -  has been kept gloriously light with natural wood floors and the palest of grey on the walls. I'm in love!

Photography: Anders Bergstedt / For sale through Entrance Mäkleri.  

What a beautiful space, don't you think?!

I've noticed a growing trend for using relatively dark, bold wallpaper in children's bedrooms right now - see another fine example here. In this home, the William Morris Strawberry Thief wallpaper in looks particularly great beside the powder bed canopy - and I love the rabbit nightlight (my daughter has the same!).

Could you imagine going dark and bold in your child's bedroom?

A few other items I love and where to find them: source vintage botanical school posters here, get made to measure linen curtains with ties in a colour of your choice here, combine string shelves to create storage to fit your space.

Have a wonderful start to the week!

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A dreamy, rural Swedish summer cottage

The excitement in the air is palpable in Sweden: the warm weather has finally arrived and in just six weeks time people all over the country will be closing their laptops and heading out of town. Many will visit a summer cottage and spend the summer enjoying the simple things in life: long hours of daylight, nature and being together with friends and family. Despite it's size, this beautiful 19th century summer house (formerly a school for farm workers' children) just North of Stockholm has every trapping of a traditional Swedish summer cottage. Owner, Erica Franzén, who runs design firm Loft Stockholm, has carried out a total renovation and created a magical home which is pared-back and simply furnished with classic fittings, vintage finds and warm, natural textures. Outside it's red and white facade juxtaposes with the lush nature in which it resides - and a terrace has been put in place to enjoy it! Oh and....  you'll never guess what? It's for sale.....

Credits: Interior designer: Erica Franzén. Stylist Line Sandberg. Photography: Camilla Lindqvist. 

Guh! 

I'm actually having a hard time to complete this post now. In my mind I'm already enjoying long lunches on the terrace and Christmas by the wood burning stove! Help!

I mean, could you imagine?!

I'm sure it will get snapped up in no time, and if it's not by one of us, there's nothing wrong with stealing a few ideas now, is there?! Here are a few items I know and love: kitchen - lampe gras wall sconce, Meraki soap, source a vintage school desk here, grey sheepskin throw. Desk area: wishbone chair. Bedroom: William Morris Willow Boughs wallpaper.

Such perfect inspiration for the weekend, don't you think? I might just head over to the estate agent and drool over the remainder of the pictures. And after that, a visit to my 'summer cottage' archive is definitely in order. Meet you there?!

Have a wonderful couple of days and see you Monday!

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4

A calm and elegant Finnish home

Good morning! How are you today? I'm curious - do you go through phases of loving certain countries? Right now I'm having a real Finland moment (piqued by my trip to Helsinki and the Tammisaari/Ekenäs archipelago last year for The Scandinavian Home) - it's just such a great country: beautiful nature, lovely people, a fascinating culture and incredible design! Needless to say I get super excited when I come across a Finnish home - like this one. This monochrome space belongs to Maiju Lauren - the talented blogger behind Lagerma. Maiju has recently put her beautiful home on the market and invited Riikka Katinkoski of Weekday Carnival to capture it (see Rikka's home here). Hurrah!

Credits: Photography: Riikka Kantinkoski / Weekday Carnival. Homeowner: Maiju Lauren - @lagerma, Lagerma.fi.

Oh so calm and elegant! I love how all the different textures add warmth and interest.

What do you love most about this home?

Get the look: dining room - Thonet chair, House Doctor molecular light is similar, source a beni ourain rug here. sitting room - lampe gras wall light, The Poster Club sells similar photo art. Childrens room: Sebra kili convertible bed.

See more fab Finnish homes here!

Have a great day!

PS Sorry the posts have been a little later on in the day recently - I blame it on my sports injury and what I thought was a torn muscle in my calf turned out to be half my achilles tendon snapped off - eeeeeeeeeek! I now have a special boot I have to wear night and day for six weeks! Have you ever done anything similar?

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My budget bedroom refresh

I do love a challenge and when Benson for Beds asked me to update my bedroom for spring using plants, and second hand finds, I was rummaging through a bin at my local thrift store moments later! Truth be told, my home is teaming with plants and flea market finds already.  I've always loved the fresh feel of vibrant greenery and with second hand items, that each and every piece has a story to tell. To me, the combination is essential in creating a unique and personal space that's warm and inviting. Here's a step by step guide to my budget bedroom refresh - I hope you like the results!

1. I picked up this old bench at an online vintage store, and it's a great alternative to a chest - providing the perfect spot for books, plants and spare blankets at the end of the bed.

2. I found this peacock chair on a buy-and-sell site online and it adds a little decadence to the corner of my bedroom!

 3. This brass lamp is a local flea market find and adds a little shine to me bedside table as well as being practical. It sits atop an old workman's stool.

4. My friend Tina Lekeberg recently gave me this bouquet of cut herbs as a gift. The roots are starting to grow so I'll transfer them to a pot soon - in the meantime I'm enjoying waking up to the fresh scent of mixed herbs! 

5. A second-hand sheepskin throw and linens are perfect for adding a little warmth on cool spring evenings!

6. I love the gentle whisper of an asparagus plant - the only tricky part will be keeping it alive as they require lots of water - eeek!

Photography: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home. Styling: Genevieve Jorn.

I have to say, I do love waking up in my bedroom now, it feels so cosy! May my room stay neat and the plants stay green for as long as possible!

If you fancy giving your bedroom a refresh you might like to check out four easy bedroom decorating ideas on a budget for more ideas. Oh and if you're wondering about any of the items you see, give me a shout in the comment section below and I'll point you in the right direction!

Have a lovely day!

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Benson for Beds, however all the words, ideas and images are my own - and I loved participating in this challenge as it gave me just the incentive I needed to give my bedroom a much needed refresh! Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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A fresh and light apartment in Malmö

Hej hej! How are you today? It's been a while since I showed a home from here in Malmö - which is a shame since I'm very proud of living in this little corner of the world and being surrounded by so many talented people! This fresh and light apartment belongs to an interior stylist who has selected to soothing grey tones with a hint of warm wood, rattan and bamboo. The owners recently put the apartment up for sale through Bjurfors - and it's waiting for one very lucky new owner!

What a lovely feel this home has, don't you think?! I can feel the warmth of the sunlight seeping in through the windows from here!

I particularly like the corner nook with bamboo benches - what a great use of space! 

Get the look: dining area - string shelves, source a similar typography print from The Poster Club, Thonet chairs. Reading corner - bamboo bench. Bedroom - RANARP wall light from IKEA (love the DIY plyboard headboard too!).

See more pictures of this home over at Bjurfors here. 

I'm often getting mails from people looking for tips on things to do in Malmö. I produced a Malmö City Guide a while back but I'm starting to feel it's time for Guide number two as so many fab shops, cafes and bars have popped up since then! Watch this space!

If you're completely taken with this part of the world (here's hoping!) - come and join us! I've also spotted this charming house in Lund and a country home with sea views on the market too! Guh! Imagine? 

Have a great day!

Thank you to Bjurfors for sponsoring my book launch party a few weeks back - I'm such a fan of the many beautiful houses you sell and the work you do! 

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