10 Ways To Add Instant Warmth To Your Home

It seems having a cat is fast becoming a key criterion to appearing on My Scandinavian Home (or at least, that's how it feels right now!!). Maybe it's subliminal (I'd love a cat, as you know!) or maybe it's just that cats seem to add instant warmth a space. Fortunately for those without a feline friend there are plenty of other ways we can create a super mysigt (cosy) home. Take a peek at the lovely home of Josy Chen as an example. Josy lives in Ahaus, Germany with her boyfriend Timo and eight-year-old daughter Nele (OK, yes, she also has a cat named Cookie, but that's by the by - or, is it?!). Laid out over two floors, the apartment has a relaxed, contemporary bohemian vibe which makes you want to crawl through the pictures and chill out with a cup of tea. If you feel your home is lacking a little warmth right now, here are ten instant ideas to steal! 

1. Go eclectic: mix and match style and materials. Josy's home works because she keeps to a brownish colour scheme.

2. Go comfy: Swap out a dining chair for a sofa or nook  - so that the kitchen table becomes somewhere you could sit for hours!

The wooden shelf was made by Josy's boyfriend Timo / HERRBERT.

3. Rattan: the modern boho look owes itself partly to the 1970's revival. If you lived through the 70's you might completely balk at the idea of rattan - just like I do over hair scrunchies from the 80's (scrunchies are a thing in Sweden right now and my daughters love them! The only saving grace is that they've stopped stealing all my hairbands). Fortunately, rattan has been given a cool and contemporary update and adds a relaxed feel to any space (whether you're on a high or low budget!).

4. 3D wall decor: Shake up your walls by adding mobiles (this one was made by Jose and Timo), wooden sculptures, mirrors and wall hangings. They'll add interest and depth to the room and help create a homely atmosphere.

5. Plants on all levels: nothing says modern boho like an urban jungle, right?! Think about dotting plants throughout your home using plant stands, windowsills, baskets and hanging planters. Anything goes, you just need to keep them alive!

6. Pile up the cushions: as you know I've been banned from buying anymore cushions / pillows (unofficially the collection is still growing, of course!). Why? Because cushions are a perfect way to add to the relaxed feel of a space. Mix and match earthy colours, texture and pattern. 

Art from Honigbaum, wall hanging by Wednesday Weaving (love this shop!), string shelves*

7. Art: trawl local galleries and online shops to give your home a unique and personal artistic touch (I've promised myself this is the year I start to invest in oil paintings, illustrations and sculptures by local artists). If you're looking for wonderful ways to display art - try the Danish home archive, they are masters! 

8. Vintage finds - a vintage piece like a rattan chair (there's a beautiful vintage one* available here right now!) adds instant warmth and personality to a space.

9. Wood: nature nourishes the mind - bringing natural materials with a beautiful patina like wood indoors gives a living space soul. 

10. Kilim rugs - seek out patterned rugs with warm earthy tones - the more worn the better! 

So, if you're feeling your home is currently 'too cold' and you're missing that je ne sais quoi - the chances are could just add even one of these elements and it will make a difference!

Is there any other decor you feel adds instant cosiness to a space?

I'm thinking photos, items collected on travels etc.

See more of Josy's charming home on instagram here.

Have a relaxing day!

Niki

Photography Josy Chen shared with kind permission

PS I'm excited to see a load of new room designs taking shape in the My Scandinavian Home Studio right now. If you're stuck and would love us to help you just give us a shout - we're currently offering 20% off with the code MYNEWROOM. More info about the service and sign-up here. 

READ MORE...

2

Island life: A Pared-Back Swedish Summer Cottage

Hej there, kompisar! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I decided to shake things up a little this week and kicked off my Monday with a run along the beach (in case this sounds super smug, I can promise you this is the first and most likely the last time I'll manage a Monday morning run!). The sea has been on my mind a lot lately thanks to my rejuvenating trip to the Danish coast last week. Over the weekend (on instagram) I asked friends what the sea meant to them in one word and felt so moved by the answers which included 'home', 'escape', 'serenity', 'freedom', 'peace', 'tranquillity' 'restoration ''rejuvenation', and 'power' (among others). Perhaps this is how the owners would feel everyday at this delightful Swedish summer cottage? Located on the waterfront in the southern part of the Swedish island of Gotland, the pretty cottage is typically pared-back - allowing the inhabitants to lead a simple life and enjoy everything the Swedish nature has to offer.

Creature comforts such as a roaring wood burning stove and a Kong oil lamp are perfect for warming the cockles after a blustery beach walk (I could have used one of these after my dip last week!). 

Although basic, this guest room has everything you might need - reading lights, lovely blue and white bedding (this lovely linen bed set* is similar), a radio and a Gotland sheepskin rug*! 

Such a peaceful view from the end of the bed! How lovely would it be to wake up here each morning?

I've been thinking about removing the wardrobe doors in our hallway for ages (no one ever closes them anyway!) and replacing them with a simple curtain - I love the relaxed look (notPERFECTLINEN* is my go to source for made-to-measure curtains). 

Actually this reminds me a little of something else I read last week which made me chuckle: "no one is as hopeful as a Mother who leaves a pile at the bottom of the stairs in the hope that someone might take it up." Haha! Anyone else feel this?!

Could you imagine spending your summers here?!

If so, I've got news for you - it's actually for sale! Food for thought at the start of the week!

For more idyllic summer cottage inspiration today, take a peek at the summer cottage, rural retreat and log cabin archives which will have you dreaming of escape! Roll on the summer!

Have a wonderful start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Emma Jonsson Dysell Styling: Sofie Gidfeldt for Fantastic Frank

READ MORE...

4

My Day At A Charming Danish Cottage By The Sea

Collaboration* What does the sea mean to you? As an avid sailor and living by the sea in Malmö, Sweden, it's difficult to emphasise how much the sea means to me. The sound, the shapes, the light, the gentle saltiness. To gaze out to the horizon is to instantly unwind. Unlike the tumultuous waters of England's south coast where I spent much of my childhood, there's something disarming about Scandinavian waters due to the lack of tides and the beautiful blue-grey water lapping at whitish sands. It's incredibly grounding. I was inspired to discover Danish brand Skandinavisk has captured the impression of the Nordic coastline in a beautiful collection called HAV (meaning sea) - Distant Shores. On a recent visit to their atelier in Copenhagen, the team asked me what the sea meant to me and I felt it was easier to encapsulate in pictures rather than words. Here are some snapshots from my relaxing day in the pretty coastal village of Hornbæk, North Zealand, North East Denmark!

I was fortunate enough to hang out in this pretty cottage for the day belonging to Pernille Grønkjær Taatø's parents - Elisabeth and Per Grønkjær. The 1930's delightful cottage owes its charm to the blend of antiques, vintage finds, classic Danish design pieces and subtle treasures found on the nearby beach. 

The cottage was dotted with simple displays like this delightfully understated glass jar with pebbles and flora. 

Feeling instantly relaxed on this daybed - do you think they'd notice if I stayed all weekend, I would be as quiet as a mouse!

I felt my pulse lowering the moment I stepped in the door (not an easy feat right now with so much going on!). The soft grey-blue and white tones felt so calming! 

HAV scented candle (wonderfully subtle - and a new favourite!). 

The white washed wood cladded open ceiling gave the cottage a light and airy feel even on a fairly grey day! 

HAV Hand wash and HAV Hand and Body lotion

The HAV scent diffuser (seen on the shelf in. the entrance) is part of the Skandinavisk collection: "a new impression of the vast Nordic coastline - a meeting place where the cold Baltic and Atlantic waters touch the peninsula and the fresh wind and sea spray carry the resilient scents of the rugosa rose and hawthorn. from the shoreline." It set the scene for my afternoon by the water.

I love the beach in winter when it's at its most rugged. And although 'fresh', the local beach in Hornbæk on the shores of the Öresund sea proved to be the best spa afternoon I could have asked for.

It's not unusual to see Scandinavian people wondering down to the water in a robe. I wrapped up in a limited edition TEKLA x SKANDINAVISK bath robe "inspired by Scandinavian bathing culture - in all weathers" (softest thing E.V.E.R and a much needed hood to buffet the wind!).  

Cannot tell you how beautiful it was on this deserted beach. 

HAV hand cream - with extract of rockweed, designed to nourish and protect your skin from harsh climates (give me a load of that!). 

HAV body scrub 

The beach was speckled with little white shells, a few of which recognised from Elisabeth and Per's cottage, larger rocks and kelp. 

I actually used to be terrified of seaweed as a child (I remember my sister chasing me around with it!) - did you?! These days I see it in a more favourable light as I read that scientific studies have shown that seaweed bathing helps to lower stress and relieve muscle ache and join stiffness. Isn't that cool?! On the Swedish west coast there's a place where you can go for special seaweed baths and they actually massage you with the seaweed! 

What a wonderful day!

I wish I could have stayed for the entire weekend!

If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting the Nordic coastline, you must come and visit us in Scandinavia soon. In the meantime, the divine Skandinavisk HAV - distant shores collection will immediately transport you to the Scandinavian coast and is available online here.

I'd love to hear more about your relationship with the sea / ocean - do you find it relaxing too?

Have a wonderful weekend friends - may your lie-ins be long, and your coffee be strong!

Niki

PS Win the complete HAV hand and body range over on my instagram this weekend!

PPS Thank you so much to Pernille Grønkjær Taatø (who's home featured in 15 coastal living ideas to steal from a breathtaking Danish home) and Elisabeth and Per Grønkjær for generously lending me their beautiful cottage for the day. Thanks also to my dear friend Anna Häggström who helped me document the daybed the sea (I've known Anna since I was five and we both felt so inspired by the location) - and of course Skandinavisk for capturing my love for the nordic coastline in a fragrance!


*This post is brought to you in collaboration with my wonderful partner Skandinavisk. However, all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I truly love and think you will too!

READ MORE...

8

A Dreamy Waterside Home In New South Wales

I was scrolling through this home tour on Desire to Inspire yesterday and suddenly my jaw dropped. I don't want to give the game away - but I'm pretty sure you'll feel the same when you discover the moment too! There are many more reasons to share this fabulous home on Cremorne Point, on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, Australia.  Interior designer Sarah Davison has done a sterling job transforming the space into an incredible, light-filled home that combines mid-century pieces and fabulous lighting with a fresh, contemporary vibe. Are you ready to dream a little?!

What a dream! I can practically feel the warmth on my skin from the terrace! 

Oh please Swedish winter, go away now. I'm ready for bit of sun (do you feel the same?!) and when it comes, would it be possible to enjoy it at this house?

I wonder if the (lucky) inhabitants do home swaps?! In my mind I'm already on that terrace sipping agin and tonic! 

You can see load more pictures of this beautiful residence in Sarah Davison's portfolio. 

Other homes with. a sea view that I dream about (almost) daily: a charming Finnish summer cottage on its own island, an idyllic cabin by the sea in Finland and a cosy waterside eco cabin (available to rent!).

Have a lovely day!

Niki

Photos from the beautiful portfolio of interior designer Sarah Davison

READ MORE...

7