Feeling the Hygge: My Holiday Table Setting

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The winter solstice is a few weeks away and the sun never really gets very high in the sky here in Southern Sweden (is it the same where you are?). This can only mean one thing: it's time to get cosy over casual, candlelit dinners. In preparation for my favourite time of the year (admittedly it's also birthday season so I'm a little biased!), Genevieve Jorn and I had a fun afternoon creating this holiday table setting using beautiful items from the Nordal homeware collection (my Danish partner who are not only the loveliest team ever, they also design the most beautiful items - seriously!).  We selected natural linens, cast iron candle holders,  tactile stoneware  and mouthblown glass combined with a foraged wreath, dried poppies and age-old wood furniture to create a rustic vibe. Bring on the hygge!

Photography - Niki Brantmark,  Styling - Genevieve Jorn  / My Scandinavian Home). 

Ahhhh, so pleased with the natural materials and layers of texture. I feel completely ready for the holiday season now!

In case you'd like to know where any of the items are from, we've mapped out an entire 'get the look' below. 

And here's a styling tip I learned from the pro (Gen!): linen tablecloths will arrive ironed and folded. To get the 'relaxed crease' look, wet the entire linen cloth and then hang it up to dry (if it's curtains you can simply hang them in place) - and then simply throw over the table.

And finally... the wreath! This year I'm really into rustic foraged wreaths. I'm hoping to create a DIY post shortly so keep an eye out!

Get the look*

1. Burgundy velvet quilted cushion 2. Pure drinking glass 3. Retro drinking glass 4. Retro red wine glass 5. Cast iron candle holder (short) 6. Cast iron candle holder 7. Glass vase 8. Cast iron server spoons (small) 9. Tapas board 10. Black cutlery 11. Stoneware bowl 12. Stoneware cake plate 13. Stoneware dinner plate 14. Table cloth 15. Napkins 16. Stoneware pitcher 17. Stoneware mug.

 *Nordal ships throughout Europe. Find a webshop stockist near you here.  


If you'd like to know anything else about my dining space just give me a shout in the comment section below.

Hope you feel as inspired as I do to get together over long lunches / dinners under candlelit!

I'm heading off to a friends cabin in the woods with friends and family for a couple of days (weeeeee!) - back Monday - see you then! Have a lovely weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving to all American friends and family!

PS I feel very honoured to be a part of the world's first influencer-specialised magazine - Le Buzz. Thank you so much for the lovely interview / feature!

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Nordal, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too.

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Old Meets New in a Magnificent 18th Century House

Do you dream of moving to the countryside? Or perhaps you already lead a rural life? I often fantasise about exchanging our townhouse for a rambling country home. I have a vision of muddy walks, rosy cheeked roasts in country pubs and long breakfasts with tea, jam and toast (do you get the sense I'm getting carried away?! Tell me country friends is it like this, tell me it is?!). This is probably why I came over all giddy when I stumbled across Yeabridge house in Somerset, South West England in the photography portfolio of Benjamin Edwards. Dating back to the 18th century, Yeabridge house is blessed with high ceilings, open fires and a winding staircase which leads up to a galleried landing and eight bedrooms. The house is owned by Mark Homewood who has created a fascinating, eclectic home where beautiful vintage and antique finds sit beside eye-catching contemporary design pieces. All in all, one fabulous house! Enjoy the tour!

Photography: Benjamin Edwards / Home-owner Mark Homewood.

Isn't this space wonderful? Could you imagine living here?!

Just in case we're not ready to up sticks or a country pile is slightly out of our reach (right now at least), we can still steal a few ideas.....

Here's my pick: kitchen - this mobile is similar, vintage chopping boards. workspace - vintage metal chairs. sitting room 1 - Yellow eames chair. sitting room 2 - Beni ourain rug, rattan chair. Combine an IKEA sofa with BEMZ urban loose fit cover for a similar look, Knoll Plantner coffee table. Zuo table. Bedroom - I like this sunburst mirror.

I love the way this home has been captured by Benjamin Edwards. I've been a big fan of his interior photography since receiving a copy of the beautiful book: Urban Pioneer: Interiors inspired by industrial design. There are so many beautiful homes in his portfolio too - take a peek here.

Oh and Yeabridge house is available for photo shoots (oh yasss!). For more information contact: markhomewood@me.com.

Have a lovely day!

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Warm brown tones in a white Swedish home

Hejsan hejsan! How are you today? The days are getting daaark here now (is the sun low in the sky where you are too?) and so I'm definitely in need of a little bit of a lift today! This beautiful home fits the bill with it's large windows, white-washed wood floors, walls and ceilings. The starkness is softened by warm brown hues, soft linens and a roaring fire (love that kakelugn!). The minimalist look is down to the home staging, ready for sale, even so I could totally pad around here today and feel totally at home, how about you?!

Source: Alvhem (thank you for the tip Coco Lapine!)

Oh so lovely! 

Get the look: Ant chair (pick up a vintage set here).  brown linen blanket, natural linen pillow case and duvet cover, white bistro chair, I know it's not the same, but I love this table cloth with a double edge, brown leather apron (beautiful). 

I'm also feeling inspired by this home from home in Australia and a home inspired by nature - both of which have lovely warm brown tones.

Right, better get on with my next photo shoot before the light completely fades. Hurry! I hope you've got something fun on the cards this afternoon too?

Have a lovely day!

PS How great are these personalised Star Maps as a Christmas pressie for friends who veer on the mystic side? Happy to have the small independent business behind these - Greater Skies as a partner over the next couple of weeks.

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A Swedish Interior Stylist and Photographer's Haven

I received the best news yesterday morning - my younger sister Cas had a little baby girl. She's soooo adorable, I can't wait to go and have a big cuddle! This means my Father now has two sisters, three daughters and six granddaughters! I would say he's the luckiest man alive, wouldn't you? I know two more lucky people - the owners of this beautiful apartment in Linnestaden, Gothenburg! Karin, an interior stylist and Magnus, a photographer have decorated their home with a Scandinavian feel using lots of natural materials, a muted colour palette and mix of textures. "We try to blend older items with new and create a personal touch with art and prints on the walls," Karin tells me. Enjoy the tour!

Interior design / photography - Karin / Magnus - @hosmajorskan

What a beautiful home? Karin and Magnus have such an effortless sense of style - and I love the light (such lovely photography!). 

To get the look the pair recommend "treating your home as one unit, and not a load of separate rooms. Make sure the different colours go together and use similar materials throughout to create a calming environment."

Here's a quick guide to some of the lovely items: kitchen - lampe gras, tap from Nivito, the fabulous Gubi pendant light is similar. Sitting room - Pick up a similar sofa at IKEA and cover it with a Bemz urban loose fit cover in linen, Gubi lounge table, stonewashed linen cushions, IKEA cupboards painted in Jotun Lady paint. Bedroom - stonewashed white linen bedding, Club double wall light by House Doctor, wall colour from Jotun Lady.

You can see more of Karin and Magnus's home and follow the renovation on their inspiring instagram feed - a must follow! Oh and they are expecting their first child in January - congratulations Karin and Magnus!

Have a great start to the week all!

PS Thank you so much to Elle magazine France for including my Lagom book in their pick of top ten books to read this November - what an honour! (my book is also available in English here and here).

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Bring a Warm, Minimalist Touch to your Kids Bedroom

Calling all Aussie friends out there looking for fab Scandi-inspired children's furniture (that's gentle on the wallet too - got to love that, right?!)! Fantastic Furniture is a Sydney based sofa and bedding manufacturer with superstores in every major metropolitan city and regional town across Australia. Wander in (or take a look online) and you'll find all kinds of minimalist furniture for your children's bedroom including beds, storage units and desks (how fab is the Cabin Kids Bunk Bed for starters?!). Choose a classic white approach (which I have gone for in my own daughter's room) or warm it up with a natural wood finish. Bedding with colourful fun patterns and bold prints also add to the inviting look and feel - as well as provide a cosy place to curl up under and read bedtime stories together. Look out for my six tips on how to create a lovely Scandinavian style bedroom for your little ones below. In the meantime, here are some inspiring looks from Fantastic Furniture...

My 6 tips on creating a Scandinavian inspired children's bedroom
 
1. A child will enjoy their room if it's practical (and safe). Space permitting, try to ensure it covers all their needs including a zone to sleep, get creative, store and read. Plenty of storage places for all their bits and bobs (trust me - my girls have a lot of tiny little things!!) means that it's easier to keep the room neat and tidy, which in turn means they'll enjoy it more.

2. If you choose furniture with a clean design and neutral colours your little one can keep it for longer as they won't grow out of the look. Think classic pieces that stand the test of time and keep to a simple colour palette of white, black, wood etc.

3. Add a playful touch to the room by adding textiles featuring a pattern motif and colours. By getting your child involved in the process they will feel they have greater control over their environment and will be able to add their personal stamp on the room. Plus, these pieces can easily be exchanged / passed on as they get older and their tastes change.

4. Add your child's favourite colour to the room by creating an accent wall (you may like to paint a half-half wall, go for a playful geometric look. Removable wall stickers are also a great way to add a little colour. They are widely available, but if you feel like getting creative you can create your own using a stencil and tape.

5. Add layers of textiles in the form of cushions, blankets, and rugs to create a super warm and inviting feel to the room. That way you can cosy up together at bedtime.

6. Add plenty of lighting (including a mix of ambient and task) so they can enjoy the room after dark. Black-out blinds are ideal for a great night's sleep but don't forget the night light for little ones who are afraid of a monster lurking under the bed).

Feel free to add your own tips in the comment section below, it's always great to hear new ideas!

GET THE LOOK

1. Cabin Single Bed
2. Aster Corner Desk
3. Cabin 3 Drawer Lowboy
4. Willow Double Bed
5. Jordan Single Bunk
6. Cabin Kids Bunk Bed


Happy shopping!


This post is brought to you in collaboration with Fantastic Furniture, however all words are my own. 

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The lovely home of Madewell's lead designer

Guys, guys, guys, it looks like we made it! Friday night is calling! Woop! But before I shoot off into the night, I wanted to share a couple of snapshots from the home of Madewell's lead designer in Brooklyn with you (spotted in Domino magazine). Joyce Lee's love for all things timeless and well designed in the fashion arena rings true for her home too. The space has been decorated with fabulous vintage pieces, natural materials, layers of textiles and fun pops of colour, for a wonderfully relaxed family home. Enjoy!

Photography: Pippa Drummond for Domino

What a wonderful, happy home, don't you think?!

Is there anything that stands out to you?!

Get the look: sitting room - white pom pom blanket, Ellerbe wall sconce, striped butterfly top from Madewell. Back wall - print by Jason Nocito, source a white sheepskin here, teak mid-century credenza, Moroccan leather pouf. Nursery - I love these wall stickers.

See the rest of the home tour over at Domino here. And if you fancy a little more Bohemian interior inspiration, I'm loving this archive (one of my favourites!).

Have a fabulous weekend and see you Monday!

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