Old Meets New In a Charming Swedish Country Home

August in Sweden is all about the kräftskiva (crayfish party) - a tradition involving paper hats, tablecloths and lanterns featuring a 'man in the moon'. The parties involve noisy eating (sucking the juice out of the crayfish), snapsvisa (drinking songs) and as Wikipedia puts it "alcohol consumption is often high, especially when compared to the amount of food actually consumed." You're probably wondering where I'm going with this?! Well, one of the key ingredients of a kräftskiva is Västerbotten cheese. And this is where today's charming home is located (the link is tenuous I know, but it was a perfect opportunity to tell you about these crazy parties!!). The North East part of Sweden is also known for it's extensive pine forests and Frida Lundgren's charming house was built in 1937 to accommodate a family working in the forest industry. Today the house is enjoyed by Frida, a pre-school teacher, husband Anders, sons Axel (9) and Viktor (8), cats Dora and Sotis and dog Basse. Let's take a peek inside!

Who says all Swedish homes need to be minimalist? This interior is a perfect blend of old and new, where vintage and contemporary pieces jostle for position.

This rattan chair is similar, pick up a vintage school poster here*. The wallpaper is by Sandberg. 

This rich brown colour is one of the big accent surprises of the year (I just did a search for brown cushions and this one came up - not quite the look I was after! Do you know where the one featured is from? If so give me a shout in the comment section and I can update the post!). I'm actually wearing the same shade today- I love it when a home and outfit comes together!

How great is this DIY update? It looks fairly easy to replicate with a stencil and white paint too!

Benches make great coffee tables (as regular readers will know, I've got one in my sitting room and I love it - it's constantly being moved around the house depending on my needs!).

Ranarp floor lamps, Bergs potter flowerpot

 Why hello there fella! Did you spot him two pictures back? I didn't!

This little boys room is so cute. I love all the antique furniture, pattern, prints and cushions!

What a perfect spot for a kräftskiva (indoors or out!)!

See more of Frida's beautiful home here. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

If you'd like to see a few more Scandinavian country houses today, it's totally worth checking out this idyllic Swedish country home,  a dreamy Danish house by the sea and a cosy Norwegian home. Guh! All so lovely!

Ha det så bra!

Niki

Photography: Frida Lundgren shared with kind permission.

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10 Interior Styling Tricks To Learn from A Swedish Home

When I first moved to Sweden one of my friends had an apartment exactly like this - I think there was actually a sound when my jaw hit the floor! I learned over time that you can find stunning turn of the19th century flats like this - characterised by their high ceilings, large windows, period features, sweeping double doors and kakelugn (masonry heaters) - in most of Sweden's big cities (how's that for an incentive to move to this Nordic country?! Please come and join our gang!). Of course they all have their individual look and feel - but there are also some common styling tricks which give Swedish homes that enviable calm and balanced aesthetic. Here are ten I spotted here.

 1. Use the full height of a room to create balance: this space has a very high ceiling, yet by installing a Pholc pendant* (thanks for the tip Anthony!) and gallery wall, the eye is drawn upwards. It helps that the room features a beautiful original stone mason oven too, of course!

2. Choose an accent colour and place it throughout the home to create a flow: in this case the owners (stylist?) have used a deep blue, and although subtle, it appears in every corner of the apartment in some shape or form. So pretty!

 3. Use texture to add depth: luscious layers of linen add immediate interest to a monotone space - the more creased the better - got to love that, right?! This bedding* is similar. 

 4. Add warm, natural textures: the odd jute rug*, furniture featuring cane (remember that one in the last pic of yesterday's home tour? I'm still drooling!) and wooden accessories will do wonders to add a little warmth.

 5. Add a warm glow: we all know candles are an essential element of a Swedish home - but how about storing them in a pretty way too? There's a great stash of wooden crates available here*.

 6. Create a focal point: every room needs a star - it's the first place the eyes will fall when you walk in the room - and the perfect axis from which to build the rest of the space. The tapestry in the bedroom is the star here - and what a pretty one too!

 7. Keep it clean: empty space in a room is just as important as used space as it helps a room to breath. Take stock of your shelves and rid them of any superfluous items, you'll be able to see the items you do love more easily.

 8. Add plenty of plants: got to love a little greenery! Dot plant babies all round your home to bring the space to life (and clean the air!). The homes of Hilton, Igor and the Arctic Gardener are perfect for urban jungle inspiration!

9. Embrace your books: my most popular Instagram post of all time was a packed book shelf in Katarina Mattson's home (it reached 205,295 people!). This one's a little neater but there's no colour coding, or inward spines in sight, just the way we like it!

10. Keep it calm: the Swedish bedroom is clean, simple and decorated in earthy, muted tones for a perfect night sleep!

I'm sure there are so many other things to feel inspired by from this home - feel free to add to the list in the comment section below! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

So campers, that's it from me today. It's full steam ahead at home with a photo shoot, Mum and dad arriving from London later and a big birthday to plan for one of the little ladies of the household! Go, go, go!

Vi ses imorgon!

Niki

PS This beautiful apartment is for sale through Alvhem (I know, right?! Amazing! That move to Sweden could be sooner than you think!). Photography by Fredrik Karlsson and styling by Studio Cuvier.

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One Off Pieces In The LA Home of An Artist and Designer

I've been writing daily posts since 2011 and sometimes I sit back and marvel at the endless pool of unique living spaces. It's completely nuts! Pick a scheme and you'll find home upon home with beautiful yet personal variations on it. Take 'sepia' as an example. Lately we've drooled over the warm and inviting homes of Audrey Rivet, Émilie Desjarlais and Malia Grace Mau. And today I discovered the home of Kirill Bergart. Originally from Ukraine, Kirill is an artist and designer residing in Los Angeles. Kirill's passion for art and architecture has taken him on a creative journey which includes painting, graphic design, photography, furniture and design - and last year he opened his first brick and mortar store - County Ltd. Kirill's 'sepia' home is full of one of a kind objects (including some of his own art and furniture), rich textures and subtle variations along the gold harvest colour spectrum.  Put your feet up and enjoy!

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Kirill's main focus is designing, sourcing and curating one of a kind objects for County Ltd, with a strong focus on his interiors brand, Counter-Space. Pottery and sculptural items like the ones seen on the shelf in his sitting room are available through his online store.

'Harvest gold' tones throughout the home work thanks to the combination of rich textures such as  leather, felt, jute, canvas, stone and wood - all of which help to add depth.

I do love a vintage leather sofa, how about you?! This is a great place to bargain hunt*!

How harmonious is this bedroom?!

This could quite possibly be the first ever wall-to-wall carpet I've featured on My Scandinavian Home - can you believe that?! I have to say, it would feel so nice to step out of bed in the winter with this under foot, don't you think?!

What an incredible home! It almost makes me want to change direction in my own house - I've already started with the browns tones in my bedroom and office - perhaps it's time to take it a step further. Hmmm!

It's also a perfect example of how whittling down your belongings to a few treasured items helps you to more easily see the beauty of each piece. 

Does Kirill's home inspire you too?

For more pics and to find out more about Kirill's work hop on over to his Instagram feed and website. Or if you're lucky enough to be in the Silver lake area of LA - his store looks like an absolute must!

Have a great start to the week! This is going to be a good one. I feel it!

Niki

Photography: Kirill Bergart

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Dreamy Escape: The Cottage, Byron Bay

As far as holiday rentals go, The Cottage in Byron Bay, Australia is pretty much everything you could ask for! Not only is the location amazing (this coastal town is way up on my list of places to visit, is it on yours too?!), it's been decorated in true Byron Bay style - relaxed, open and friendly with a hint of tropical surfer chic. The cottage was re-designed to retain it's original timbers and features - but given a fresh, modern update with white washed walls and a load of natural materials and vintage furniture (we like!). Oh and did I mention the plunge pool and spa - as well as an outdoor bathtub and shower? I'm seeing a soak under the stars followed by an Aperol spritz on the terrace! Fancy joining me?!

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The linen sofa is so pretty! Try the linen Bemz Urban Loose Fit covers (which are designed to fit many IKEA sofas).

This bedroom set-up is so simple yet so pretty. I love the formula: white wood cladding, botanical oil painting, white linen bedding*, light grey pillows* and a hanging plant (this macrame hanger with glass pot* is similar). Perfect!

Rattan hanging chair*

I love an outdoor bathtub (who wouldn't love a soak under the stars?!). In fact, my dream summer cottage has an entire outdoor bathroom and a hot tub like this! What do you think?

Oh. My. Word. I need to book flights. This place is so worth the long haul from Copenhagen. That sun longer has my name on it!

Could you imagine hanging out here for a week or two too?!

For bookings visit The Cottage at  Byron Beach Abodes. It sleeps 6 but just in case all your mates want to come (and who can blame them?) it can be rented together with The Chapel (how nice is that?!). I also love Magnolia House!

Meet you for sundowners Feb 2019?!

More beautiful holiday rentals here!

Have a *dreamy* weekend friends!

Niki

Photography: Jessie Prince

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A Colourful Retro 'Funkis' Home in Norway

Green and pink accents are popping up everywhere this year - which makes me so happy, since it's one of my favourite combinations - are you a fan too?  We've seen everything from the darkest green and emerald to sage green and soft grey-green combined with subtle powder and dusty rose hues. But the 'deco pink' and pea green scheme in this house in Søgne, South Norway brings something new to the scene.

Etsy is a great source for mid-century teak furniture*, Eames dowel leg chair*

Bambi and Heels print by Julie Pike. 

The house was built in 2011-2012 and designed with large windows to capitalise on the stunning views over the Langeneskilen sea. Camilla, Henning and their son Storm moved in on Christmas Eve, 2012. "It really is wonderful to live so close to the sea," Camilla tells me, "sometimes, when we're having supper we can see fish jumping! Our son Storm is also very fond of the sea and loves to catch crabs and fish."

Camilla is a big fan of retro furniture (teak being a favourite!), contemporary art, and Scandinavian design classics - and of course, colour. "I need lots of colour in my home, I don't feel comfortable otherwise. My favourite hues are pink, turquoise and mint," Camilla explains.

Contemporary Art by Anetmai

Interior designers often suggest adding an element of surprise to a room to really bring it to life and make it truly unique. In this room a beaded, flamingo door hanging does the trick (and looks great next to the retro storage unit!). 

"The flamingo wall hanging I bought in Croatia. I love pieces like that, and when I saw it, I knew it was meant for me! The colours of the flamingos are beautiful, and I think it's a fun piece to have in our living room. It will certainly be moved around the house!

This is a perfect example of how you can transform a neutral space with a few accessories and a statement piece. In Camilla's bathroom a mint coloured retro chest-of-drawers, salmon pink towels and a rattan plant pot add a fresh and vibrant feel. I love the seascape too!

Is there anything that you love in particular from this home? I'm already wondering where to use that deco pink!

You can check out more snapshots from Camilla's home on her instagram @rainbowfunkis - and for other inspiring colourful Scandinavian homes I'm loving: bright colours in a Danish home 
(also featuring Deco pink!), a Danish home full of vintage treasures and 12 child-friendly ideas from a happy family home in Berlin. Oh hang on - why don't I just give you the link to the entire bright colour homes archive - far easier!

I hope you enjoyed the tours!

Vi ses imorgon!

Niki

Photography by Camilla / @Rainbowfunkis shared with kind permission

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