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Karolina Modig's Beautifully Creative Stockholm Home

For those of you wondering if the week is ever going to end - it's FRIDAY friends - and that aperol spritz is inches away! But before we all reach for the Prosecco, I've got one final home tour to share with you, and it's a real goodie! Welcome to the Swedish home of Karolina Modig - a journalist, editor and author of two art books Värdet av konst (The Value of Art) - 2013 and Häng konsten lågt (Hang the Art Low) - 2015, her husband Erik and children Elliot and Mio. The family live in a three bedroom turn-of-the-century apartment in Södermalm (affectionately known as 'Söder'), an area of Stockholm known for it's relaxed, creative vibe. The 85 metre square (915 square foot) space is adorned with art, a ton of plants (check-out the greenhouse!), books and interesting artifacts set against a backdrop of pale pink, white and grey. I caught up with Karolina to find out more.


The shelves have been placed higher up to create space for the art underneath. The large portrait is by Jesper Waldersten. A Ferm Living wire basket and top doubles up as a table (note how the pink wall colour has been replicated in cushions and the basket to create balance).

How would you describe your style?
Our interior style is a mixture of my arty/airy taste and Erik’s arty/crazy taste. Erik is fond of experimenting with building projects, rare objects etc, I love rare objects but love a bit of light and air as well.




Your home is beautiful and full of fascinating items! Would you say it differs from the usual Scandinavian style? 
Thank you! Yes, I blame Erik for all the stuff haha. And our kids:) I guess it has a bit more ”cosyness" to it than most Scandinavian homes, it’s not very simplistic/minimalistic. We have a lot of books, can’t get rid of a single one. They take up a lot of space:)


A classic Swedish Orust chair by Staland is made a little more comfy with the help of a sheepskin cushion (source similar here). And I spy original Nagel candleholders! Erik has collected them at auction over several years.  Originally designed by Werner Stoff for Hans Nagel in the 1960's, the STOFF candleholder has recently been re-launched by Danish firm Just Right and you can buy it piece by piece to create your own sculptural masterpiece! See my guide to indoor climbers here!




The pair also love to paint. A portrait of Elliot by Erik can be seen here.


An antique Sputnik light (this one is similar) adds a glimmer of gold to the dining area. The chairs are from Stalunds (as before). 

I noticed you also have a lot of plants, including an indoor greenhouse! Can you tell us more about it? 
Erik loves plants, I think he would rather live in some kind of orangery than in an apartment. The greenhouse is his third baby, he fell in love with it just before we moved in to the apartment. It weighs 50000000 kg and everything we plant there dies, but it’s lovely - isn’t it? :)


It sure is! I also appreciate the use of colour - how did you choose the tones?
We actually painted everything white in the beginning, but realised we needed color to keep the rooms together. The bedroom wasn’t really a room before we painted it, just a bunch of stuff placed in a square space. The color made everything "melt together". I believe there was a home in Danish interior design magazine ”Rum” that inspired us to pick the colors for the living room. It changed the room completely, making it the most cosy room in the apartment. The tiles in the kitchen are old  English school-tiles (from The Winchester Tile Company).



IKEA units have been fitted with pale blue Superfront doors and brass handles (Norse Interiors sell similar in the US). Art by Alexander Tovborg

You have so many fantastic works of art! Where did your passion for collecting come from?
I’ve always been interested in art, but I started buying when I wrote my second book Häng konsten lÃ¥gt (Hang the Art Low). I wanted to investigate how much you could buy for a certain amount of money and where you could buy it, as a guide for interested people without experience. It is a book on how to ”approach” the art world in your own conditions.


Do you have any tips on how to choose art and display it in your home?
Try not to match too much, give the art some room and let it stand out. Don’t put it too high on the walls and select your art with your heart and stomach rather than with your brain.


Where do you buy art? 
I’ve bought it at galleries, over the Internet (selected digital art shops) and directly from artists.


Vintage storage has been given a new lease of life using Superfront doors (see previous).  There are some beautiful old botanical school posters available here (ships worlwide).

And finally, what do you love most about your home?
That it is very ”livable”. It doesn’t matter if there are nicks in the tables or the floor, or if the furniture has flaws and faults. I think the ambience is welcoming. At least that is what we want it to be.




The children's room is decorated with Coud wallpaper by Ferm Living and a wonderful bespoke playhouse (I wish I had one of these when I was growing up, how about you?!).

Photography: Nadja Endler for Houzz

Karolina's world in 30 seconds:

If you could own any artwork, what would it be?
A Rothko or something by Louise Bourgeois. 
What music are you listening to right now?
Hanna Järver, James Taylor, Mura Masa and The Secret Sisters. 
What is Stockholm's best kept secret?
Not very secret maybe, but Carl Eldh’s ateljémuseum is a little piece of wonder. 

Thank you so much for inviting us into your home and telling us a little more about your passion for art Karolina!

You can read more about Karolina's home over on Houzz

If you'd like to see more arty spaces today I'd totally recommend taking a peek around the lovely home of a Danish artista Copenhagen home in a converted artist's studio and a Swedish artist's home in a fomer school house

Have a fabulous weekend!

Niki

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All Things Bright & Beautiful in a Pared Back Family Home

I am so in love with today's home tour. Nestled in the jungle, but still a short distance from Singapore's popular shopping and dining precincts, the black and white colonial house was built in 1935 for an Officer of the British Army. Today the beautiful property is leased by Charlie Cameron, the creative behind interior and lifestyle blog Lottie Is Loving, her British husband, two children Finn and Pippa and their mini schnauzer Jet. Originally from Australia, Charlie has decorated the home with a fusion of Australian and Scandinavian style which includes lashings of fresh white, touches of rattan and pastel accents. The result is an incredible, light and airy relaxed family home.

 "My upstairs cup of tea / reading spot. When you’re not looking down at your book - all you see are trees and jungle. It’s my favourite room in the house."


The bamboo pendant light steals the show in the sitting room (this one is similar) and the Palm in the corner bridges the gap between the soft furnishings and pendant - while adding a little colour and drawing the jungle inside.





 "Over the years I have developed a less is more approach to styling.  I am drawn to a contemporary Australian aesthetic but I am influenced by a combination of styles and have a soft spot for Scandinavian design and Moroccan flair." 


The Swedish string shelving system has been used in replace of a windowsill and melts into the back ground. But my favourite piece has to be the pink Moroccan rug - how pretty is that? Happytapis sells similar (just saying!).

A white hanging chair, leather pouf and Rubber plant have been used to create the perfect reading corner! Having said that, we used to have a hanging bubble chair in our sitting room and these things are a total kids magnet!

Love this Mark Tuckey Stool from Australia - a new favourite of mine! 

"For me, it all comes down to pieces that I love and finding a balance between styles - a little masculine with a balance of feminine."  

 

I can't get enough of these rattan hallway benches right now, how about you? There are plenty in the shops right now (this one is from Elements Concept in Singapore) but I've got my eye on some of the one-off vintage ones too, like this fabulous mid-century modern love seat. Keep an eye on Etsy, Gumtree and Ebay for similar!




"There is something to be said for beautifully crafted well designed pieces and I prefer to practice patience and wait for the right piece than to quickly buy something to fill a space and then regret it.  I really believe that creating a beautifully styled home takes time."

 

The soft pink accent seen in the rest of the house is carried through to the bedroom using cushions and art. In the guest room (below) 'The King of Potreus' flower adds a hint of soft pastel.

And finally, Pip's room is as pretty as can be - with One Fun Day wallpaper and fairy lights.


Photography © Charlie Cameron / Lottie is Loving

The rooms are fairly spacious, yet Charlie has exercised a huge amount of restraint, giving each item plenty of breathing space. If you'd love to re-create this style in your home but not sure where to start, here are a few tips and tricks:

***

Charlie's Tips for Creating a Pared Back Style

1. Use Negative Space
Leaving areas of your home free of design actually helps to draw your eye to the elements that are most interesting in a room.  Cleverly used, negative space can help a room to feel deliberate and well styled.

2. Think in Tones
A base of whites and greys can always be added to with a bright pop of colour - so keep things neutral and harmonious and choose a small amount of colour to add to your scheme.

3. Remove the Clutter
Have a small room or area of your home (that is preferably hidden) where all the everyday items of life with a family can live.  Regularly clear the clutter from the day and if you have kids, get them in the habit of clearing all their items away at the end of each day.
***

You can see more of Charlie's home over on her Instagram feed and blog (where she also shares recipes and other lifestyle inspiration).

Other bright and beautiful family homes you might be interested in: a lovely Dutch family home, a striking and relaxed Swedish family home and a light-filled Swedish home.

Have a lovely day!

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Soothing Swedish Home with a Striking Dark Floor

Why, hello there! The Scandinavian school summer holidays start in a mere 6 weeks - eeeeek! How did that happen?  The thing is, my mind seems to think the long, gloriously slow days of summer have already arrived (it doesn't help that it's one of those diamond days with clear blue skies and the promise of an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine!). As a result I just don't seem to be getting anything done (do you ever feel like this too?!). This is where a maximalist home in a riot of colours might help jolt me back to reality. But nope, this soothing grey, white and neutral Swedish home fits my vibe in every way. I especially love the striking dark wood floor against the whites and pale greys. Come and dream with me (and perhaps pick up some ideas on the way!).


Going for a bolder colour in the bedroom is a fail safe way of injecting stronger tones into a home without going all out (and what a pretty colour it is too?!). I like how they've placed similar colours in the adjoining room (like the grey cabinet and rug) which help to create a cohesive look. 

The sitting room area is fairly awkward shape and yet the owners (designers?) have carved out a clever multipurpose space with a desk, social area and place to watch TV. I like the way the armchair (by Tine K Home) has been turned towards the sofa, taking the main focus away from the TV!

Rust, powder pink and amber accents are one of the key colour combinations of 2018 - I'm so happy about this I think there's something beautiful about these tones combined. The Poster Club sells similar abstract art and oak frames and you can pick up a pretty mustard throw here.


How clever is this little work space made up of a simple wall mounted desk and open shelving? The black chair is the Afteroom by Menu. Love how they've even added some greenery (perhaps they've been reading my lagom book?!).


The blue-grey hue in the bedroom creates an unbelievably calm feel. The hanging plant in the corner  (source a similar macrame planter here) adds some much needed height (an important thing to think about from a styling point of view - especially if you have high ceilings!). 




Look at all that natural light?!  Once again the dark wood floor adds a perfect amount of contrast to what is otherwise a very neutral space.


Photography Anders Bergstedt, Styling Nouvel Interior for Entrance.

Plants such as the fig tree and Rex Begonia seen on the balcony work equally well indoors or outdoors. In fact, I have a Rex Begonia in my office and they're practically impossible to kill (we like!). In fact they LOVE to dry out (and then you drench them before letting them dry out again - AKA my usual plant care routine!). Is it possible to have a plant as a best friend?!

Is there anything that stood out to you about this home?

If you'd like to see more homes with beautiful dark floors I can totally recommend having a whip round Si's lovely San Francisco Home, black floors in the home of a French stylist (possibly one of my favourite kitchens of all time!) and a striking dark and white swedish space.

Have a lovely day guys - I'm off to relax. No wait....

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7 Boho Ideas for Outdoor Spaces (Big and Small)!

Yesterday's Varlborg's celebrations here in Sweden marked the first official day of Spring (you'd never guess - BRRRR!). But there's no way I'm going to let a little rain get in the way of a beautifully relaxed outdoor space, how about you?! Here are my pick of 7 bohemian style outdoor spaces  - each offering some pretty ideas on how to create your own slice of paradise, no matter how small your space and what the weather gods decide to do!

Photography Molly Culver for Camille Styles (don't miss the full studio tour!)

This neutral covered terrace has been kept beautifully simple. To achieve a similar look, paint the wood decking white (using materials suitable for the outdoors) and keep to simple light wicker chairs (the hanging rattan bench* is divine!), lanterns and matting. Large tropical plants such as Bamboo, Bird of Paradise, Hardy Banana and Needle Palm will withstand colder climes and will bring a little touch of Paradise to your outdoor space (even on the gloomiest of days)!

 Lisa Smith
How's this for a reading corner?! All you need it a hammock, printed fabric a few Cactus and a good book!

Photo - Lucy in the sky / Domino   

Swap a hammock for a simple canvas daybed - add a few lanterns and candles and you might just want to stay out all night!

Photography by Anson Smart

Sofa's, linen cushions, a patchwork rug and dappled sunlight are enough to create a simple boho look with a hint of luxe.

Photography: Emily Katz / The Butcher's Daughter (love this entire Insta feed!)
Who needs balmy evenings when you can create your own? A roaring fire (love the tiles!) adds just the right amount of warmth to a small, narrow backyard. Don't forget to add a simple canopy for an extra cosy feel!

Photography: Lynden Foss, Styling by Tahnee Carroll for Spell & The Gypsy (fabulous shop!)

I'm imagining afternoon tea and a large fruit platter (OK who am I kidding... biscuits, cakes...!) under this awning. How idyllic?!

Photography by Sjoerd Eickmans
And finally, a dreamy outdoor dining space, sheltered from the mid-day sun. The look is au natural all the way and long benches mean there's always room for more!

Aaaa, I feel relaxed just looking at these spaces, how about you? Although they all look like they are in warmer climes (bah!), don't be put off! Just add wicker chairs and rugs specifically designed for the great outdoors (I have my eye on the Pottery Barn Solange rug below), candlelight and plenty of textiles. Oh and perhaps an awning to keep the rain at bay!

19 boho pieces for your outdoor space for under $100 / 100



1. Tassel Edged Cotton Throw
2. GODAFTON Candle Set
3. Seagrass Tea Light Holder
4. Hanging Hammock Chair
5. Ridged Cotton Cushions
6. Assorted Brown Glass Votives
7. Solange Synthetic Kilim Rug
8. Open Weave Wicker Patio Accent Chair
9. Avignon Hanging Fabric Planter
10. Candle in Glass Jar
11. Bamboo Pendant Light Large
12. Green Marble Tray
13. Acacia Wood Platter
14. Green Stoneware Round Flowerpot
15. Green Stoneware Flowerpot
16. Wicker Planter
17. Round Seat Cushion
18. Vintage Turkish Kilim Pillow Cover
19. Vintage Outdoor String Lights

Looking for more outdoor space inspiration? Check-out this 19th century Swedish house with an outdoor oasis, an idyllic Swedish cottage with an outdoor kitchen and shower, and 7 outdoor spaces.

Let's go outside (let's go outside), in the sunshine....


This post contains some affiliate links. 

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