A Light-filled Apartment on Sweden's West Coast

I always read every single one of your comments (both here and on Instagram and Facebook) - It's so interesting and fun to hear your thoughts, tips and ideas. Yesterday Roxanna requested a home with colour to brighten up her winter in Slovenia (where the mercury hit minus 23 yesterday - BRRRRR!). I totally get it (the weather can be decidedly monochrome here at the best of times) but I really couldn't resist sharing this home with you first - err, do hints of pale mint, terracotta, and gold count? Probably not, but this home inspired in part by the Artilleriet studio (as read on Trendenser and looking at the pictures I can totally see why!) will hopefully brighten up your day all the same! 

There are some lovely pieces in this light-filled kitchen including a Moravia Star light, Era chairs, and Lampe Gras wall sconce. 

 

I love an internal window - they're idea for slipping light into dark areas. In one of the homes in my book The Scandinavian Home, an old warehouse window had been installed for this very purpose and it looked beautiful!

The Suspension Vertigo light reminds me of a hat - it's kind of cool. The bigger the better in my mind! The Atollo table lamp seen on the table in the far corner is far more subtle with it's clean lines, but also cool in its own way! You can pick up a Beni ourain rug from this lovely Etsy shop.

Photography: Anders Bergstedt for Entrance.

 

Although a little wet looking in this picture, I'm thinking better weather is around the corner and we'll also be able to hang out on our balcony (with blankets!) any time soon! 

 

Stay warm (unless you live somewhere like Oz right now, in which case I'll send a refreshing cold blast your way!).

PS this lovely apartment is for sale  - in case you fancy a move to Gothenburg - you'll have the beautiful archipelago on your doorstep too? Just saying! 

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A Soothing White and Caramel Swedish home

So the 'beast from the east' has arrived. How are you coping European friends (I hear there's even snow in Rome!)? Keeping toasty? In Sweden it's been snowing all night and all day and it's minus 9 (here in the south!). Crazy! Still, I do love a proper winter, how about you? All this snow has meant I've been completely distracted (my Swedish friends on the other hand, are completely unfazed by it all - proof that you can take a girl out of London, but you can't take London out of the girl!') and left hardly anytime for today's post (squeezed in between an afternoon coffee and collecting the girls with their toboggans in 30 minutes time!). But this home tour is a goody and totally worth stopping by for nevertheless, especially if you love a calm, white, minimalist home with warm caramel accents! It's been styled for sale viewings, hence the more minimalist look and feel, but I think there's plenty to feel inspired by all the same. Enjoy!

Pick up similar abstract artwork here. I'm so curious about the armchairs - if you have any idea where they're from it would be wonderful if you can let me know in the comment section below and I'll update the post. 

The Gubi semi-pendant is a favourite of mine, it comes in a load of colours but the white option keeps it classic.

If we think it's cold in Europe right now, we'd better be thankful we weren't around for Europe's mini ice age between 1500 and 1800! There'd have been no choca mocha lotta lattes to warm our cockles. But there was an invention in the 18th century which we'd have been grateful for - the Swedish 'kakelugn' (seen above). Considered a heat efficient way to warm a home at the time - many masonry ovens are not in working order today but look super pretty all the same!

These warm brown linen duvet cover and pillow cases are similar. And I'm a big fan of the Cord lamp by Design House Stockholm! 

 Photography courtesy of Stadshem.

Oh so lovely. The apartment has such a soothing feel to it, don't you think? I love the space-saving fold-away chair in the hall  - so handy for tight spots. The closest I've found is by Henrybuilt - any tips where this one's from?

Is there anything you love about this home?

Have a lovely day and stay warm friends! 

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Is Embroidery the New Avocado Toast?!

In my Lagom book I talk about the importance of swapping screen time for analogue activities such as reading, writing a diary and handiwork before bedtime in order to feel more relaxed, doze off quicker and enjoy an improved quality of sleep. So you can imagine how excited I was to see embroidery popping up more in the social media sphere! Pinterest, Instagram (6 million hits!), blogs, DIY magazines, you name it. For those of you shuddering as you cast your mind back to a cold classroom with pricked fingers - fear not, we're talking embroidery with a modern twist and a Swedish start-up has you covered! Founded by Sofia Magnusson, The Folklore Company combines the digital world with old school cross stitch embroidery, meaning that anyone who hasn't done a cross-stitch since primary school can still enjoy the mindful activity and create something wall-worthy too! How fab is that?!

When Marielle at The Folklore Company first approached me I was quick to notice you can buy ready made embroidery patterns too - the 'busy' person in me was incredibly tempted! But then I realised I'd be missing out on the whole relaxation side  plus I'd never find out if embroidery truly was the new avocado toast! I fired off a mail with my concerns and was assured: "it’s really not hard to embroider your own, it’s a little time consuming but a very soothing activity, which is made even more cozy with a cup of tea."

Being a Brit, she had me at the tea. Here's how I got on:

1.  Selecting the pattern. The Design Editor offers a large variety of patterns ranging from more traditional flowers and lace to swallows, hearts and even unicorns! I went for the The Malta pattern - which is one of their best sellers since it's a relative simple pattern (best not to run before I crawl!). 

2.  Selecting the colour: I opted for the pewter grey thread, which I'm really pleased with. On the home run I exchanged one of the birds for a pink thread which I found at home. I think it added a nice little twist do you?!
3. Adding your text, favourite quote or poem: (remember the longer it is the more hours it will take, but then again, the task is not meant to be rushed and March is one looong month!). 
4. Choosing the text style: I chose the Primus Script as I kind of wanted the juxtaposition of the modern quote with the traditional lettering.
5. Ordering the kit: The embroidery kit contains everything you need to get started right away including a needle, fabric, yarn and pattern but I kind of got carried away and ordered the pretty peacock scissors (was tempted with the Eiffel tower ones too), a wooden embroidery hoop, and a thimble!

6. The process: I was so grateful for the very straight forward instructions and the embroidery was truly therapeutic (it's a perfect activity for a long journey, wiling away a few hours at the weekend or simply kicking back in the evenings!).

Once finished I placed the fabric in a black frame and hung it on my bedroom wall! I have to say, I'm so happy with the result!

Keen to make your own? All the information you need to get started is right here
- and the fab team are offering you 15% discount with the code: 15%SCANDINAVIAN up until 31st March. You The Folklore Team girls rock!


Don't forget to share a picture of your masterpiece using the hashtag #folklorecompany, we'd love to see it!

Thank you to the fab girls at The Folklore Company for setting me on the embroidery path and sponsoring this post - I'm already wondering what pattern to create next. Something for my daughter's room perhaps?! Watch this space!


Photography credits: 1 (montage) & 2 courtesy of The Folklore Company / 3, 4 & 5: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home.

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Blush / Brown Accents in a Lovely Swedish Home

Gooood morgon! I've been busy planning a surprise birthday present for my husband but it looks like the plan may have been foiled - guh! All the same, I'm super excited as we'll be kicking back at one of Sweden's 20 instagrammable places to stay (can you guess which one - which one would you pick?!). In the meantime I'll hopefully be be fueling our passion for interiors with this lovely apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden. There's something about the combination of pink, dark green, dark brown and black which I absolutely love, how about you?!

Photo: Maria Sahlander for Bjurfors

Oh yes, and the apartment is for sale too. Bjurfors, if we buy it can we keep the furniture and accessories too please?!

Could you imagine living here if this was the case? 

Get the look

Muuto Pendant Light
Skagerak - Edge Pot
Washed Linen Cushion Cover
Tuck Sleeper Sofa
LSA International - Globe Vase
Skagerak - Indskud Tray Table
Moroccan Pouf
HAY - Mega Dot Bed Cover
Artemide Tolomeo Micro Table Lamp - Aluminum
Fritz Hansen Series 7 Side Chair
H&M Washed Linen Curtain Panel


Have a lovely day!

PS Find out what the 'new avocado toast' is later today (hint: it's not what you think!).

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A Charming Danish Home on a Shoestring Budget

Hello! Hur går det?! It's great to be back after a week in the mountains. I'm feeling all revived, the sun's shining and I'm ready to roll! I hope you feel the same this bright and sunny Monday?!  I thought I'd kick off the week with a tour of the charming home of Fie Frøling, finalist of the 'Danish Instagram of the Year' (and for very good reason!). Fie's home is packed with second hand finds, DIY items and an abundance of greenery. I caught up with her to find out a little more. Enjoy the tour!

Where do you live?
My home is in Næstved, Denmark and I have lived here with my boyfriend and our two dogs since 2014. I actually grew up in this house with my parents and sister. We're still in the process of renovating it.

Get the look: Marshall speakers, Ilva cabinet, Kimono from Sissel Edelbos,

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as mix and match with an ethnic, boho vibe and a hint of industrial. I love it when warm tones meet black steel and like to play around with feminine and masculine decor.

Get the look: Brok side table, source kilim cushions here, man in canoe print, Nordal rug (I have a similar one in my sitting room!).  

 Where do you like to shop? 
I love to buy my decor at different places. I have a serious soft spot for Swedish secondhand shops and the Danish website DBA. You can find some great stuff there. Our entire kitchen was bought from DBA. Otherwise I love to shop at unoliving.dk, Casanordic.dk, semibasic.dk, Ilva and Broste. They have amazing pieces at good prices.

It's nice to see so many plants in your home!
I have a huge love for plants. I can't go an entire month without buying a new green baby! They give such a cool effect against the black and warm colours. But also, I feel like they bring my home to life because you can watch them grow. Denmark isn't the most sunny and bright country but because of all my green plants I feel like it's never dark, they remind me of summer and rainforests.

I am fascinated by your bed headboard, can you tell us more about it?!
I made our headboard three years ago. We needed a new headboard but I couldn't find one I liked. I saw these pallets by our local train station which had been thrown out and had been lying there for some time and had turned grey and rusty. I was given permission to take them and then I screwed them to our bed frame. Et voilà! A headboard emerged! 

Thank you so much for the tour of your lovely home Fie! 

What a great tour - I specially loved the the rustic pieces and plants (you know, I still can't stop thinking about that urban jungle home a few weeks back, how about you?!). It's amazing what you can find at flea markets. Is there anything you loved in particular about Fie's home?

If you'd like to see more of Fie's home there are tonnes of lovely snapshots on her instagram feed @woodlandwhim. And for more homes with a boho vibe why not check out this archive (oh and I LOVE the Danish home archive too - a real favourite!).

Have a great start to the week!

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My Bedroom / Mini Break!

Hejsan! I'm just stopping by to say that it's sportslov (half term) this week in Southern Sweden and my family and I are taking a little holiday. I hope you have a wonderful week too!

See you next Monday!

Niki

PS I snapped this of my bedroom just before we left - if you're wondering where anything is from you can find all the details in this and this post. Or just leave a comment and I'll respond as soon as I get back.

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