A Norwegian House By A Fjord

A friend of mine visited Zanzibar a few weeks ago and told me she's found her special place. "It was something to do with the light, I can't really explain it, but it gave me so much energy," she said. I understood immediately. I feel the same about Norway. If you haven't been, it's a MUST - the scenery is magical! One family who get to enjoy the power of the nature daily is Eldrid, Martin and their little son Aron. The family live in a house overlooking one of Norway's most stunning fjords in Stranda in the SunnmØre region of Western Norway.  These snapshots from the main living room beautifully capture a home where nature is the order of the day - inside and out! 

"Soon the snow will melt, the waterfalls will make music again and the green beauty of the fjord will spring forth." - Eldrid

Could you imagine looking out over this fjord? The weather changing every five minutes as it rolls in off the North Sea - so dramatic!

We're going skiing in Hemsedal in early January - I can't wait! If you have any tips I'd love to hear them!

You can see more pics for Eldrid's cabin here and read more about the region here (I see you can ski there in the winter!)

Naturally I can't wrap up the post without sharing a few more inspiring Norwegian cabins with you! Here are a few I love: a magical Norwegian mountain cabin, a rustic Norwegian cabin hide-away and a cosy Norwegian ski chalet.

Where's your special place?

Niki

Photography: House By The Fjord shared with kind permission

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Understated (Yet Super Pretty) Christmas Decorations In a Swedish Home

I'm a little distracted this morning. There's a loads of Russian sweets in our kitchen and I keep going back for more. I could just bring the whole box over to my desk but then I'll have lost (obviously each time I go in is the last). This is exactly why I don't have treats in my home (not even a packet of Hobnobs!). How are you with things like this?! Another home that's full of treats - is this one in Norrtälje just outside Stockholm. Built in 1890, the house belongs to the talented Emily Slotte, her husband Christian, children Vinnie (1), Blake (4), Engla (13) and dog Franka. I'm talking a feast for the eyes, rather than sweet treats (although I'm pretty sure there are some hiding in Blake and Engla's advent calendars!). Not only is Emily a dab hand at interiors - decorating her home with beautiful furniture and accessories in a soft, muted colour palette she's also an amazing lifestyle photographer. Little wonder her subtle pared-back Christmas touches caught my eye. It's time to get festive friends...

Two candlelit wreaths replace an electric light to bring warmth and cosiness to the setting. 

The family Christmas table is set with Ittala Essence Plus wine glasses, brass cutlery, a grey linen tablecloth* and dark grey napkins*. And of course schnapps glasses (altogether now: "helan går...!"). Simple branches of pine run along the centre and are dotted with white hyacinths.

I love the grey-blue of a eucalyptus leaf - it looks so pretty wrapped around a brass wreath, don't you think?

Sometimes simple brown wrapping paper and string is all you need for presents (see more rustic gift wrapping ideas here and here). It helps that Emily has an absolutely beautiful rustic table too!

Simple hyacinth vases like these (available here) are popular at Christmas time in Sweden - and look beautiful dotted around the house. I love how they fill a living space with a delicious scent too! 

In Blake's room, an In the woods Christmas advent calendar from Danish brand Fabelab hangs over the bed - ready to be opened each morning!

This pretty star advent calendar has been reinvented by Emily so that it hangs from a branch. 

What a lovely home- and such simple, yet pretty festive touches! I'm feeling inspired to get cracking on my own now, how about you?

See more of Emily's beautiful home on her instagram feed @emsloo and blog Emsloo. 

And for more Swedish Christmas inspiration, you might also like to step inside a mysigt Swedish family home at Christmas, subtle festive touches in a Swedish home and a cosy swedish home ready for Christmas. 

I'm curious to know, what are your Christmas decorating musts each year? 

Have a lovely, cosy day!

Niki

Photography: Emily Slotte, shared with kind permission. 

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A Charming French Family Home Full of Inspiring Details

Welcome to the world of Nathalie, her husband Damien and son Louis in Brest, France. The charming apartment is peppered with natural touches in the form of wicker, wood and linens and the walls are dotted with playful art against a backdrop of deep blues, soft chestnut and white. Ready to dive in and explore?

Friends who commented on the bed in yesterday's home tour (loved hearing your thoughts!) - look! A properly made bed! Yay! But I think what stands out to me most of all is the built-in headboard and shelf. This would be ideal in my stepson's bedroom where there's not really enough room for a bedside table. I love how Nathalie has painted it Hague blue too! The trip of flying birds are available from this Etsy shop*. 

These charming pictures are by Saar Manche (I once featured her home in The Hague here). 

Mustard yellow bedding*

Clever use of a half glass wall helps to light up the hallway and open the space up.

How cute is Louis' bedroom? I love the shade on the wall (it was already there when they moved in but it looks a little like the Blushing Peach I have in my bedroom!) and all the subtle, yet playful elements. The 'Lit Junior' bed is from French brand Mum & Dad factory and Nathalie sourced some of the wooden toys from Raduga Grez*.  

Camera grey lilacs, Wicker suitcase from Atelier Brocante (source a similar vintage one here*),  Wooden toys from Raduga Grez*.

The family dining room is simple yet interesting thanks to the mid-century side table, art from L'affiche moderne and Oak gallery and hanging plants.

The storage in the sitting room is made up of a series of String pocket shelves and cabinets from IKEA (I love this blend!). The 'Acorn' light is from Atle Tveit Design. 

What a charming home! I really appreciate how Nathalie's signature style runs throughout the home and pulls the entire look together.

I also love all the natural textures in the form of wicker baskets, wood toys etc and the playful art (so lovely for a family home, don't you think?).

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can see more pictures of Nathalie's home over on her inspiring instagram feed @thalieandco and blog Thalie & Co.

Merci Nathalie for inviting us into your home today! I will be following your blog with eager eyes for news on the arrival off your little girl! Such special times ahead!

Take a peek inside more beautiful French homes, B&Bs and hotels here.

Niki

Photography: Nathalie /Thalie & Co, shared with kind permission. 
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Small Space Inspiration: A Lovely One Room Gothenburg Flat

I promised to stop by again today to share some more Scandinavian home inspiration - and here it is! A mini (37 meter square / 398 feet square) yet mighty space thanks to the beautiful neutral shades, sheer swathes of fabric and lovely natural light (notice the furniture with reflective surfaces and the mirrors which help to bounce the sunlight around). Nestled on the top floor of five, in my eyes the apartment is a perfect one room oasis high above the streets of Gothenburg. Oh and the floor is beautiful too! Enjoy!

What great inspiration for anyone looking to decorate an open-plan living room and bedroom - no easy task but I think these guys have nailed it. What do you think?

Storage is often a tricky one, and I went back through all the pictures to see what was included - aside  from the kitchen, it appears the wardrobe in the corner of the living room serves as somewhere for clothes etc. I'd need to add a LOAD more closed storage though, how about you?!

More small space inspiration here!

Trevlig kväll! 

Niki

Photos courtesy of Alvhem with thanks

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