Inside a Relaxed Swedish House from the 50's

Morning! I'm sitting here in my chunky knit socks, shepherd slippers and a leopard print sweater - it's so not a good look, but that's the beauty of working from home (every cloud...). Further more, I've become more and more inspired by the imperfect, especially when it comes to the home. And judging by the popularity of spaces with a truly lived in vibe, I feel not alone? - Yay! So, today I'm transporting us all to the Swedish home of Katarina Matsson, Content Director at Elle Sweden just south of Stockholm. Katarina, her partner and two year-old child have recently moved from an apartment in Sweden's capital to a very cool 1950's terrace house designed by architects Nils Sterner and Erik F Dahl.  Prepare to be inspired by gallery walls brimming with the work of Swedish artists, photographers and illustrators, books galore and the most fabulous staircase!

Katarina has created a unique gallery wall made up of pieces from local artists, illustrators and photographers including Agnes Thor, Jenny Mötsell, Märta Thisner and Malin Norden (as well as one of her own little budding artists at home!). A pair of Series 7 chairs and a Stokke Tripp Trapp chair can be seen around the table. And the magnificent Formakami light is from &Tradition.

An antique chaise longue and vintage Beni Ourain (Maroc Tribal is a great source) turn dead space at the bottom of the stairs into a lovely, relaxed living area.

The family have only recently moved in so the house is very much a work in progress. I'm looking forward to following the progress on Katarina's instagram, I have a feeling this will be a lovely room!

 I love how Katarina has turned an open space on the landing into a home office! Check out the original 50's parquet floor too!

The shelving above Katarina's desk is not dissimilar to my office (great minds...!). Once again, she's selected works from Sweden based artists such as Agnes Thor, Jesper Waldersten, Alina Vergnano and Malin Norden (try The Poster Club). The desk is by IKEA and the chair from Too Good.

In Milo's room a vintage desk provides the perfect place to perch an M light from Cikus Lampan (source similar here) A beautiful print by Emilia Ilke can be seen on the wall to the right. The lovely tiger rug is from Moustache.

Aaaah, such a lovely relaxed family home. I really enjoyed the tour, how about you?!

Is there anything that caught your eye?

If you'd like to see more spaces with a boho vibe it's totally worth checking out this archive (if this comes up first just scroll passed) - and there are tonnes of swoonworthy Swedish homes here! 

Have a lovely day!

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5 simple ways to create a cosy corner

Sponsored post:

It's a little cold and grey here in Sweden right now, is it the same where you are? If so, no fear! I've got a tried and tested round-up of five simple ways to max up the mysig and create the cosiest of cosy corners! Prepare to feel toasty...

 1. Add natural textures: think raw or handcrafted materials. Here, the imperfections and patina in the raw wood stool and clay plant pot add interest and instant warmth. 

2. Books and magazines: So simple yet oh so cosy. I'm thinking chunky knit socks, a cup of tea and a good read. Plus switching off your screen and going analogue is said to be perfect for R&R! Who's with me on this?

3. Layer on the textiles: where would a cosy corner be without linen throws, a load of cushions and a soft rug? Loving the fringes and warm, muted tones too!

 4. Go green (or brown!): As Christina said yesterday - plants breath life into a home. Whether you prefer to go for a big and bushy climber, a delicate and small potted friend or an entire urban jungle  - plants will bring soul to your space!

5. Get a glow on: It's getting dark so early in Sweden (and some days the sun barely comes out at all) so good lighting is essential (especially if I want to read those magos!). I'm so pleased with this  library table lamp it looks lovely by day and brightens up the darkest of corners (which in our case is under the stairs) by night - yay!

I hope you like my latest sitting room update and it's given you a few ideas for keeping toasty this winter! Feel free to add your own tips in the comment section below, I'd love to hear them!

Oh and in case you're curious, here are some of the items I used:

1. Bed cover with fringes
2. LIBRARY table lamp
3. ESSENCE carpet
4. RAW stool

You can find webshops that stock Nordal in your area here.

Right, I might just have to go and curl up in this corner right now...

Have a cosy evening!


Photography & Styling: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home.  

Thank you so much to Nordal for making this post possible - I'm proud to have this Danish homeware brand as a sponsor. As always, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands that I love and think you will too. 

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A Fabulous Debut Collection from Nothern

There's a new collection in town. Oslo based Northern (formerly Northern Lighting) launched its new lifestyle brand at Stockholm Furniture Fair this week amidst a buzz off excitement. The collection includes a beautiful low slung seat, modular shelving, sofa and bar cabinet (now you're talking!) among other items, and is characterised by a "bold interpretation of classic forms and a determination to innovate with natural materials, each created with a blend of classic and edgy contemporary design". Here's a sneak peek...

Photography: Chris Tonnesen. Styling: Per Olav Sølvberg. Images courtesy of Northern. 

Oj oj oj! What a fabulous debut collection?! I've got my eye on this very cool shelving / storage unit.

You can find out more about the pieces and where they're available here.

Oh and how about the colours in these shots?! Forest green, tangerine, blush.... I'm feeling inspired to get the paint brush out too, you?!

Niki

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A Small Swedish Space, That's Big on Cosiness!

Hejsan hoppsan (says no one in Sweden really!). What do you say about coming on a virtual journey to Stockholm with me today? I've got a very cosy, small space to show you! The apartment in question belongs to Christina, an avid fan of do-it-yourself (or at least not afraid of fixer uppers!).  When Christina's not tinkering away with beautiful fabrics and covers at Bemz (where she works with social media)  - she's working on a total gut renovation of a loft in a former water tower dating back to 1910 (follow the journey here). In the meantime, Christina and her partner Tor are living in a 35 square metre (376 square feet) apartment built in 1872. Amazingly they've also found the time to do this little joint up too - and it looks super cosy! I caught up with Christina this morning to find out more and get her top tips on decorating a small space.

What's the best way to create a cosy feel without making a small home cluttered?

Take time when decorating and try to source as many second-hand and vintage items as possible. It's better for your wallet and the environment and helps to create a personal look and feel. 

What gives a home it's soul? 

Layering tactile textures and adding a good dose of greenery will breath life into your home. 

 What are your three top tips for anyone decorating a small space:

1. Get organised. Reduce visual clutter and highlight pieces that you want to showcase.   
2. Create a feeling of space. Work with negative spaces to create a more lofty feel. 
3. Don't choose smaller pieces of furniture just because you have a smaller home, fewer, larger pieces are often a better use of space and help you to focus on the most important features of the room.

Photographer Mikael Lundblad  / @_mikaellundblad Interior design: Christina. Featured in Apartment Therapy.

Such a lovely, personal home, don't you think?

In case you're curious about any of the items or feel inspired to steal a few ideas for your own home, we've gathered some items which we think fit the bill perfectly!

Get the look

 

1. Genuine Icelandic Sheepskin Chair Cover
2. Project 62 Madrot Glass Globe Floor Lamp
3. Lulu & Georgia Rug
4. KINS - African Mudcloth Cushion
5. Brass Candlesticks
6. Star Voyager Hand Crafted Star Theme African Mask
7. Afro Art Candlestick
8. Cabin Porn Book
9. Misses Flower Power Vase
10. Bemz Cushion Cover
11. Nelson Daybed
12. Bemz Cushion Cover
13. Mateo Grazzi Vintage Chair
14. Candle Holder
15. Broste Copenhagen - Caspa Desk Lamp
16. Linen duvet cover
17. Food52 Grey Splatter Enamel Serving Utensils
18. Serax - Terra Watering Can
19. Poppi Serving Plate
20. Olive Wood Chopping Board
21. Salt Dining Chair

You can read more about Christina's home over at Apartment Therapy and follow her Water Tower project here. 

Have a lovely day!

PS  Don't forget - you can get 15% off at Bemz with code 15myscandinavianhome until 11th Feb (see my picks for my sitting room, bedroom armchair and window nook!).

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A Dreamy Scandi Inspired Beach House

Hello there! I can't believe it: we've woken up to clear blue skies, bright sunshine and a dusting of snow here in southern Sweden (it's also minus 5 Celsius but we'll let that pass!!). It's got me dreaming of summer by the sea. Which is probably why this fabulous Scandinavian inspired Hamptons beach house caught my eye. Designed by interior designer Jessica Helgerson and Chelsea Lee, who partnered with architects TBD Design Studio, the 275 square metre (3000 square metre) white Amagansett house is characterised by large, open spaces, a light-filled, white-washed aesthetic, hints of warm wood and brass and beautiful, classic Scandinavian design pieces. Prepare to be inspired!
 
I spy the Hans Wegner design classic Circle Chair (perfect for achieving a beach house vibe!), the statement floor lamp from here and a square leather ottoman in cognac. Tisca sells rugs like this one.

Plants and hand loomed cushions add a soft, textured feel to the living room area. We found a similiar cushion while working on the Greenhouse make-over last summer. Tisca makes a similar rug.

The large dining table was sourced at Another Country and surrounded by the Sibast no8 chair (LOVE these!) and a fabulous Trapeze chandelier

When the doors are pulled back you almost get the impression you're eating alfresco - and I can feel the cool summer breeze drifting through the room - how about you?!

A simple circle in blush painted on the wall - how's that for a simple, yet striking way to add interest to a bedroom?! This colour is similar but I'd always advise testing a few samples to get the look you're after. Elsewhere in the room: SINNERLIG pendant light by IKEA, light grey knitted bedrunner, upholstered bench. 

A hint of light wood (oak?) in the form of a bathroom sink cabinet and touches of brass add warmth to another wise white, minimalist space.

I love the soft pink, yellow and cream hues in this bedroom. For similar try this pink chunky knit blanket and this sea-grass basket with white rim. Danish brand Lucky Boy Sunday makes similar (very soft) cushions.

What a dreamy beach house?! I can just imagine locking up the NYC apartment in the summer and heading out to this lovely space near the water to wile away the summer  - how about you?!

Have a great start to the week!

 Photography: Matthew Williams. Interior Design: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Architects: TBD Design Studio

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