The Relaxed Beige-Tinted Apartment of Audrey Rivet

Not one, but two talented people I've interviewed in the past ten days (Ezz and Émilie) have cited Audrey Rivet as one of their favourite Instagram accounts. A coincidence? I headed off to take a peek and came to the conclusion it definitely was not! Audrey is a Montreal based content creator and graphic designer who loves "looking at life through beige-tinted, vintage glasses". Her posts cover latest fashion finds, hip Montreal hangouts and snapshots of her relaxed, apartment - all of which follow under the same beige-tinted umbrella! I thought I'd share some lovely snapshots of her Hochelaga-Maisonneuve home which she shares with boyfriend Francoise and two cats Barb (yes, she has an instagram account all of her own - she's a kitty cat star in the making!) and Victor (a little more shy). Enjoy the tour!

Ranarp pendant light*, Knoll woven armchair* (shop for vintage versions here*).

"I really love every interior design that has modern and old/vintage elements mixed up. I think that way we can have the best of both worlds and add a warm touch to a modern house. My favourite vintage style is Art Déco." 

Print by Studio Kim, Notepad (on desk) and print frame by Micush.

The transcribe on the right was given to Audrey by a friend. It was a print draft for a screen print event which was never intended to be used. I think it looks lovely on her office wall and am so curious to know what it says - can anyone translate it?!

 

Söderhamn sofa, New Form 4* print, Neptune Arts print,

"I am inspired by everything related to art, design and fashion. I find happiness in discovering new artists, new inspiring people, new creative spaces… and also in finding beauty within ugliness and obsolete things." 

Sinnerlig pendant light*, print by Kristina Krogh

Kimono by Madewell x no.6 (sadly sold out).

What a lovely space! The brown and white palette is so simple, yet so warm and inviting feel.

And just how pretty are her curious cats?!

Is there anything you love in particular about Audrey's home?

You can keep up to date with Audrey's latest projects here and discover more inspiration here.

Oh, and it would be rude not to share a few other Canadian homes to enjoy over the weekend, after all - there are so many fabulous ones! Don't miss Émilie Desjarlais' lovely home, Canadian Little Nicki's relaxed, bohemian home and a small, but very inspiring studio in Montreal.

Right, I think that's it from me this week! I'll be stopping in on Sunday to share some pictures of the one thing I miss from home right now (we're currently travelling around the West coast - which I'm covering on stories) - can you guess what it is?!!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Niki

PS I have to say I'm slightly nervous about the England vs Sweden world cup match tomorrow, it's going to be a little intense in our house - eeeek! I'm feeling quite outnumbered over here must say! I loved the UK metro's headline today: 'send them flat-packing' - brilliant! May the best men win!

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A Rare Peek Behind The Facade of Copenhagen's Colourful Nyhavn!

No trip to the Danish capital would be complete without visiting Nyhavn, a 17th century waterfront, canal and entertainment district lined with brightly coloured townhouses, bars, restaurants and historical ships. But have you ever wondered what lies behind the colourful facade? Photographer Céline Hallas, husband Daniel, children Samuel (15) and Sienna (11) and their "very beloved dog" Yoda reside in an apartment with side views onto the canal. I caught up with Céline to find out more about what it's like to live in the famous district, her love of colour, collecting art and secret Copenhagen tips!

How did you get hold of your apartment? I can imagine it's pretty tricky to get hold of one?!
I really don't know how it happened. We had sold our old home without finding a new place to live and actually had to move in with my parents. We were looking in a totally different part of Copenhagen, but while we were sitting there in my parents' basement, constantly looking at what was for sale, this apartment in Nyhavn kept haunting my dreams with it's beautiful details and colourful courtyard. We fell in love with the apartment, not the area. We really didn't know the area and the fact we now never want to live anywhere else is pure luck!



What do you love most about living in Nyhavn? 
I love being surrounded by culture and history and even though it becomes part of everyday life, I always feel so blessed when I return home each day and see the colourful houses - this is home! To live by the water feels like an amazing gift. Sometimes when I open the windows in the early morning and smell the sea, I have to pinch myself to believe I'm not dreaming.

Are there any challenges? 
Sure there are! Tourists LOL! I sometimes feel they forget that this is our home with all that comes with it and not just a place where they can ensure the perfect picture to document their trip to Denmark!

I love the colour in your home - how do you decide on each shade?
I have always been obsessed with colours and colour combinations and it has always been my strength. So for me, it's more instinctive then sitting down and deciding on a colour. I find inspiration all over the place. I primarily use Farrow & Ball, the colours are all so beautiful.

Do you have any tips for anyone looking to use more colour?
Don't be scared, what's the worst thing that can happen? Maybe you'll have to re-paint it to get it right -  it's so worth it. Life is so much more fun when you fill it with colour.

You have some wonderful pieces of furniture in your home, what are you drawn to?
I'm not into one style, I'm into great design and quality. I am drawn to pieces with colours, but I'm very selective about colours, it has to be just right, I'm very colour sensitive. If something has a 'wrong' tone it makes me depressed, I wish I was kidding but it affects me a lot.

Where do you shop for furniture? 
We primarily buy at auctions - Lauritz and Bruun Rasmussen. But we also find a lot at dba (a Danish online second hand shop).

Do you have a favourite piece? 
I think I have three! Our green couch from VITRA - beautiful to look at and even better to relax in. Our dressing table - it's hard to find a piece of furniture that brings so much joy. And our amazing post modernist floor lamp called Callimaco from Artemide, it just make me so happy to look at!

I love all your art, have you been collecting for a long time? 

Art has always been an important part of my life and I have had some of the pieces wfor years - such as the Wiinblad and Richard Mortensen. Over the last few years, my husband as really started to enjoy art in a new way and we both really love filling our home with it. 

Who are your favourite artists?

Wiinblad will always have a special place in my heart! But within the more contemporary art scene, I love Eske Kath, his work is loud, poetic and colourful- and I must say, that talks to my heart! I also like Farshad Farzankia and Evren Tekinoktay.

Do you have any secret Copenhagen tips?
I don't know if I have any - but if you are into art, I would recommend swinging by Bruun Rasmussen when you are visiting Nyhavn. It might be an auction house, but it feels like an ever-changing art
gallery.

How fun to take a peek behind Nyhavn's facade. I often look up at the open windows and wonder what lies beyond!

Thank you so much for inviting us into your home Céline!

You can see more pictures of her home and insights into family life in the district of Nyhavn here.

I particularly loved the gallery walls - it's especially refreshing to see a children's bedroom with more mature artwork, which could help them to appreciate the beauty of art in a different way. What do you think?

Another thing that's really interesting about the Danes is that they are massively forward thinking and as a result, big trend setters. If you like to keep your home bang up to date, it's worth taking note of  the colour schemes, materials, patterns etc in this home - they'll almost certainly be a hot trend next year!

For more 'great Dane' inspiration I'm loving a Danish home that's sunny on the inside, the fabulous Danish home of an interior designer and a warm and inviting Danish home.

I do love the relaxed Danish style, how about you?!

Hav en god dag! See you Friday!

Niki

All photography by Céline Hallas, shared with kind permission. 

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30

A Bright and Airy Portland Home in Sepia Tones

Gog morgon vännen! How was your weekend?! The official holiday month has started here in Sweden. Swedes everywhere are rushing off to summer cottages, mapping out road trips or simply wondering down to the nearest bathing desk in their dressing gown for a morgon dopp (morning dip!). We're currently in Varberg on Sweden's West coast (a bit of a surfer's spot) and I'm enjoying an hour's respite from my family (eeek, is that mean?! I do love them really, it's just that, you know, school holidays and all that...!). I thought I'd take an hour, pour myself a coffee and we could virtually transport ourselves to Portland Oregon and the home of assistant interior, prop stylist and interior designer Ezz Wilson, what do ya think?! Recently featured in Rue Magazine, Ezz's bright and airy home is delightfully sepia (cue: white with touches of tan, rust and ochre) with natural textures throughout. I caught up with Ezz to find out more about it!

Can you tell us a little about the history of the house? 

The house is a 100-year-old, former farmhouse that was turned into a multi-family building, and then back into a house, and then humbly patched and slap-dashed together before we moved in. So, needless to say, the layout is somewhat wonky! So much so that we almost didn't get the house. But it felt so cozy and charming that we decided to adapt to the layout as best we could. But there are days when you find a hidden chimney stack in the TV room wall or a mysterious doorway outline appears in the bedroom wall as the foundation settles over time and the drywall cracks and you think to yourself, "What on earth??" The size of the house is about 1500 square feet.

Stockholm 2017 chair, Chemex coffee maker*,  round basket bag*, The Scandinavian Home (so happy to spot this on Ezz's coffee table!). 

How would you describe your colour scheme?

Lots of whites, creams, and wood tones, but lately I'm adding some earthy colors like terracotta, rust, warm blush and ochre. I think that's about as wild as it's gonna get at my house! 

Kitchen from IKEA.

Peacock rattan headboard*, Natural and white striped pillow covers*, Tulip side-table* 

What inspires you?

I grew up in a sunny climate in the U.S., in a Puerto Rican family, and was heavily influenced by the Mediterranean and Caribbean, although I didn't care for those styles as a kid. If you told me that when I grew up, my house would end up full of rattan and wicker, I probably would've cried! When I was 19, I moved to Sweden for about six months, and I think that must have influenced my love for Scandinavian design as well. 

For a long time, I've felt that my style was the love child between a serene Swedish minimalist and a bohemian, beach-loving Spaniard, even though I wasn't sure how to execute that combination at first. But I finally narrowed in on what I really wanted this home to look and feel like. I need lots of white, calm and clean lines in my home to feel relaxed and clear-headed. Yet, I also need plenty of warmth, natural fibers and folky 70s vibes to get me through the long, dark winters of Portland and help me feel more connected to my roots and culture. 

I'm also very inspired by the design coming out of Byron Bay, Australia, as well as French magazines such as Maison Cote Sud, Toc Toc Toc Editions and Milk Decoration!

You have some beautiful pieces in your home, where do you shop?
I've found a lot of great pieces through my local thrift stores, Craigslist, World Market, Urban Outfitters and Target. I also love the following ethically minded companies: Fine Life Co - a beautifully curated shop in Arizona that mostly sells ethically made clothing but has some lovely ceramics too (and the shop owner Emily Benziger has a gorgeous home!), Bohemia Designs for Moroccan straw bags, stools etc and Bea Linen* for linen sheets.

Can you recommend three inspiring Instagram account 'must follows'?!

@audreyrivet, @bohemegoods, @taylorsterling. 

The loft space has been painted in the faintest hint of pink which goes beautifully with the rust coloured cushions!

Thank you so much for inviting us into your lovely home Ezz! 

If you'd like to see more pictures, check out Ezz's instagram feed and also issue 50 of Rue Magazine, for the full write-up! 

And for more 'sepia' home inspiration today I'm loving this cosy weatherboard cottage, white and warm brown tones in a lovely Swedish home and a soothing white and caramel home. 

I'm curious, is this your kind of scheme, or do you need more colour? 

Due to the (aforementioned) holiday here in Sweden my blogging is going minimalist and I'll be stopping in every other day instead of everyday (I hope that's OK?!). 

 Have a wonderful couple of days and see you Wednesday!

Niki

Photogtaphy by Chris Dibble for Rue magazine except pictures 4, 9 and 14 (taken by Ezz Wilson). 

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16

My Scandinavian Home Sunset Beach Gathering!

This gathering was made possible by Granit  - all words and thoughts are my own.

Do you have a favourite beach? One of my all time favourites is Ljunghusen on Sweden's south-western tip. Dunes and powdery white sand stretch out as far as the eye can see and the Baltic waters are crystal clear and a cool, blue-grey. Oh and the beach is almost completely deserted! I've always felt it would be the perfect spot for a beach gathering - and what better than a My Scandinavian Home summer celebration to kick off the start of the Swedish holidays?!

Sarah Brooks-Wilson and I nipped to Swedish brand Granit, who sell an assortment of interior design and functional storage in timeless neutral colours - as well as a local DIY store to pick up everything we needed. 

We decided to keep the look simple to match the surroundings, opting for natural materials such as linen, bamboo, sea grass, wood and glass and soft, muted colours. The table was constructed from a wooden palette (the only heavy item!), which we covered with a linen towel.

In my mind no gathering is really complete without flowers, what do you reckon?! To match the wild setting we filled glass vases and jars with simple blooms such as Baby's Breath and Queen Anne's Lace and tied left over sprigs to bottles and napkins.

The food was kept equally simple - with tapas style olives, charcuterie, salad, bread, cheese and the most delicious orange and sultana loaf baked by Sarah (she makes a mean cake!).

You'd never find a Swedish home without one of these cheese slicers! Incidentally, the irregular shaped plate it's resting on is actually made from eco paper - such a great find!

The light was pin sharp (it's an area famous for artists because of this) and the evening air balmy (we were very lucky in other words - especially for Sweden!). Even so, the sky shifted constantly between dramatic, bruised clouds which threatened to leave us running for the car one minute and a golden sunset the next!

For the awning / wind break we used wooden poles from a local DIY store (make sure they have a spiked end so they are easy to bury in the sand) and 2 metres of sheer white fabric tied on with elastic bands. It honestly took about 2 minutes to put up!

Here's a quick run-down of all of the other items we used in case you'd also like to recreate this for an evening at the beach: 

Get The Look

1. Cushion Ribbed Grey 2. Cushion Ribbed Offwhite 3. Basket Palm Small 4. Carpet Seagrass 90x200cm 5. Wineglass 52cl 6. Candle 7x10 cm White 7.Vase Recycled Glass 30x18 cm 8. Plate Eco 10pcs 9. Blanket Quilted Grey 10. Cushion Linen Lightgrey 11. Cushion Linen Dark Grey 121. Basket Seaweed Small 13. Lantern Rattan 20x24cm 14. Lantern Bamboo 90cm 15. Lantern Glass Jar 16. Light String Ball 80 Lamps 17. Bottle Seegrass 0,75L 18. Plate Tapas 19. Tray Bamboo Ø30 cm 20. Kitchen Towel Linen Dark grey 21. Kitchen Towel Linen Offwhite 22. Cutting Board Beech 30x12cm 23. Towel Linen Large Lightgrey 24. Basket Bamboo Ø20cm 25. Bottle Patent Cork 0,5L 26. Lantern Glass Bottle 27. Bottle Patent Cork 7cl 28. Cheese Slicer Wood/Metal 29. Cushion Chair Lightgrey

* Granit has physical stores in Sweden, Germany and Finland and ships Europe-wide. 

We had a truly magical evening - and now I know how simple it is to set-up, we'll definitely be doing it again soon!

There are only two thing I'd do differently - the first would be to take a wheel barrow or some kind of mode for transporting the stuff down to the beach... and the second would be to ask Sarah to bake even more of that cake!! It was sooooo good!

Do you have a beach near you for sunset gatherings like this? If so, I'd love to hear about it in the comment section below!

And speaking of beaches and summer, I hope you don't mind that, as per every year, I'll be paring down to three posts a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) over the next three weeks to enjoy a little down time with my family and make the most of everything the Swedish summer has to offer.

I hope you are able to enjoy a little down time to njuter av solen too!

Skål to sea, sands and sunsets!

Niki 

Photography / production: Niki Brantmark. Styling: Sarah Brooks-Wilson

Thank you to Granit for sponsoring this post and making our My Scandinavian Home beach gathering possible. As always,  all styling and words are our own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the companies that make fresh content possible.

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