Ida's Poetic 19th Century House in Southern Sweden

A few months ago I was invited to Villa Strömsfors for the night by Sandberg Wallpaper. My allocated roommate was Swedish artist, photographer, author and journalist Ida Magntorn. I loved chatting with her about her photography, books, interior and travel (including a sojourn in Paris) and we've kept in touch ever since. Needless to say, Ida's own house in Lund, Southern Sweden, which she shares with her husband Erik, five year old son Olle and two older children Mira and Måns (who regularly return home from their studies) is absolutely beautiful. Parts of the house date back to the late 19th century and the decor perfectly reflects Ida's love of sustainability and light. In the summer the family venture into the garden for meals under the boughs of an apple tree. Welcome to Ida's poetic world! 

Ida describes her style as "lagom bohemian but with a clean, Nordic undercurrent". This is visible in every aspect of her home where vintage wooden pieces 'float' on a light wood floor and fresh flowers are never far away.

Erik loves to play the piano. Chopin, Mozart, Schubert, Taube and Cornelis can often be heard flowing through the house. 

Ida is known for capturing the play of light in interiors resulting in poetic images reminiscent of 19th century Danish Artist Villhelm Hammershoi. Her photographs have appeared in numerous exhibitions around the world. Ida has also written five books including Home Style by City, in which she profiles spaces in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London and Copenhagen and Ett Hem med Omtanke - which has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. "I carried out a lot of research and there are a lot of facts in the book, but it's also filled with inspiration and beautiful pictures to inspire readers towards environmental thinking and to care about our planet."

Ida's first passion was antiques. "I was interested in the stories behind the design of old pieces and furniture - who made them? What inspired them?" In her home, you'll be hard pressed to find new items, and this is what gives the space so much warmth and soul. 

Today, Ida works more and more as an artist, holding exhibitions all over the world, often with friend and sculptor Karin Wiberg - if you're curious about going to see her work in person, you can check out all the dates and locations here).

What a truly lovely house. It just goes to show how much warmth antiques and vintage pieces can add to a space! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can keep up to date with Ida's latest projects here and follow along on Instagram here. 

I'm enjoying a few more hours at IMM Cologne before heading home today (more on IG stories!).  I can't wait to see my husband and girls (FaceTime just isn't quite cutting the mustard!), I miss them! Yay!

Kram!

Niki

Photography: Ida Magntorn, shared with kind permission

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My Dream Home: Serena and Mason's Topanga Canyon Cabin

New year, new start - and I'm wondering if Serena Mitnik-Miller, Mason St Peter and their adorable children would be up for a life swap? I've always fancied Topanga Canyon and I'm sure they'd be very happy in Malmö. I'd promise to take great care of their beautiful, relaxed, light-filled home - without changing a single thing! I might even muck in at their shop: General Store (selling items by local Californian artisans, many of which can be seen throughout their home) - although I'd need to leave my wallet at home, otherwise it's be a little dangerous. Feeling curious? Here's a snapshot...

 

I'm actually a little lost for words. Isn't it beautiful?

See you in Topanga Canyon?!

Just a little side note - I love the open wooden book shelf used to carve out a separate zone for the dining space - a clever idea for a large open space.

Back to planet earth... do you have any plans for the week?

I've just arrived at IMM Cologne, Germany for a couple of days - it's my first visit and I'm so excited! If you live nearby, it's definitely worth popping along on the public days 18th - 20th January to discover the latest interior news. Hopefully see you here!

Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

This home is a photographer's dream and often captured for publications around the world. The photos in this post have been taken by:

Serena Mitnick-Miller, Mason St Peter, Nicki Sebastian and Jason Rothenberg.

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A Swedish Home With a Subtle Nod to the 1990's Trend

The fashion world has been channeling the 1990's for a while now and it was only a matter of time before it reached the world of interiors. Reminiscent of my secondary school years - but hopefully an improved version (!) - we're starting to see electric blue, orange, fluorescent shades, turquoise and green accents as well as patterns with triangles, zigzag lightening bolts, diamonds, free form shapes that overlap, and art and sculptures inspired by comic books and pop art. And those of you who held onto your Louis Ghost Chairs are also in luck - perspex items with a sustainable twist are also expected to hit the scene! Spotted over on Trendenser - this Swedish apartment bears a very subtle nod to the 1990s - can we call it minimalist Scandinavian modern with a 90's flair? Either way I'm kind of loving the playfulness against the backdrop of calm - and of course those period features!

Vitra graphic print eyes cushion,  PH5 pendant light*, La Chaise 

Get the look with these: Series 7 chair*, Herman Miller Eames Moulded fibreglass armchair*, Eames dowel leg chair*, Classic 255 / 290 table*. 

Bokkrubba book stand / Bruno Mathsson*

I did say it was subtle - but did you spot the connection too?!

I love the playful touches (I keep noticing more and more things each time I look through the pictures!). Is there anything that stood out to you?

So, wonderful people.... it's the weekend! WOOOP! Any fun plans?

I'm off to Hannover to hang out with my favourite blogger friends Decor8, Happy Interior Blog, Vosgesparis, Passion Shake, Monster Circus and Trend Stefan at Domotex, the leading trade fair for floor coverings, where we'll be discussing the latest trends on stage.

On Sunday I head straight to IMM Cologne - I've never been to Cologne so I'm super excited - tips welcome! I can't wait to see what's going on at the fair too (if you're in the area pop along on the public days - it sounds like it's going to be truly inspiring event, more info here!).

But first I have a photo shoot at home that involves a GIANT chocolate cake and champagne. No way the props are going to last to the end of the shoot.... but if they do I'm going to have one very happy husband when he gets back from work!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Credits: Boukari / Styling Ahlqvist för Historiska Hem

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11 Coffee Table Ideas For Every Style And Budget

Coffee tables are making a true style statement right now - and can give your sitting room a lift in an instant. The best thing of all this season? The options are limitless, and the rules are: there ain't no rules! As long as you love it and it serves its purpose you're all sorted! Here's my pick of 11 coffee table ideas for every style and budget.

1. Going boho (above) - the vintage chest in photographer Anna Malmberg's Stockholm home adds texture to the space and doubles up as storage! I'm sure it has plenty of stories to tell too!

2. On a high - Lauren MacLean rests her wares on a Superellipse Side table* from West Elm (the slim size makes it ideal for small spaces) in her Montreal apartment. For something a little lower, try the Superllipse coffee table*.

3. Vintage blues - queen of colour Sofie Amalie made her coffee table using a coloured laminate MDF board that she bought from a carpenter who had leftovers and attached it to some legs. "There are many great coffee table legs to be found online in places like Etsy," Sofie tells me. The table adds a pop of colour while balancing out the art work on the back wall in her wonderful apartment in the Danish capital.

4. Going Low  -all of the tables in Lovisa Häger's Stockholm apartment, including this 'barely there' low glass Lair coffee table, are her own fabulous design. 

5. Doubling up - Swedish photographer and visual storyteller Jasmina Bylund has combined a Menu Turning Table* with a By on design in her cosy Stockholm home (note - look for tables with different heights so they can overlap).

6. Keeping it clean - the super talented Katerina Dima has opted for a Menu plinth marble coffee table* in her minimalist Norwegian home, adding to the contemporary look and feel of the room.

7. A round-up - Laura & Nora of Design Tales and Our Food Stories fame have rounded up two lovely Frama Sintra Side Tables in their Berlin home. I love how they've combined black and white marble. Plus they can move them around depending on who's sitting where. Smart!

8. On a roll - Swedish photographer and stylist Karin Boo Wiklander has squared up with a FontanaArte Tavolo Con Ruote glass coffee table in her 'super snygg' West Coast Home. The shape works particularly well with an L-shaped sofa and large open space. Just make sure your kids keep their paws off, or there'll be a whole lot of polishing required!

9. Bench mark - I've been using a simple rustic bench as a coffee table in my living room for years and it's so handy. Not only is it extra long, it also doubles up as extra seating at the table and as a place for books and clothes at the end of my bed. These guys* sell similar (very beautiful) benches like this.

10. Cool Concrete - freelance interior stylist and CEO of Molge Decor Carla Sofie Molge has opted for a simple round Gallery Coffee Table from House Doctor, a contemporary, monochrome look which is perfectly in keeping with the rest of her soothing Danish home.

11. Feeling reflective -  and last but not least, perhaps one of the hottest trends right now, a Kristina Dam Mirror Table bounces light around in the heart of Sidsel Garsdel's elegant Copenhagen home.

Did you have a favourite look?

I love the mirrored ones - and I'll always have a soft spot for vintage!

Have a fabulous day friends!

Niki

Affiliated links marked with *

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