In Copenhagen, An Enchanting Home In Shades of Soft Sea-Green

Have you ever been to Copenhagen? There's something about the relaxed vibe and their love of all things hygge which makes me feel immediately at ease. It's been a while since I've been, so today I thought we'd take a peek behind a facade in the leafy area of Fredriksberg. Danish interior stylist, brand and visual storyteller, Sedsel Roug lives in a beautiful 145 m2 (1560,77 feet) ground-floor apartment with her Colombian husband Louis Carlos and three children Isabel (8), Luis (3) and Gabriel (3). The space has all the characteristics of a late 19th century apartment - including original wood floors, towering ceilings and large windows which let in soft pools of light. The harmonious feeling is accentuated by Sedsel's love for pale sea-green walls, fabulous vintage and antique finds and lots of art. I caught up with Sedsel to find out more. 

Your apartment has beautiful bones - can you tell us a little more about the history of it?

It's an old apartment dating back to 1860 with original wood floors and a ceiling height of 3.10 metres! 

How would you describe your style?

I like that my home is an experience and that one gets surprised from the blend of styles. I like to decorate with vintage pieces and art and mix all kinds of materials and shapes. I am particularly passionate about marble, brass and velour. 

"My favourite item of furniture is the Romeo Reha brass shelf from Italy, which I found at caution many years ago. It's timeless and like a work of art."

Would you say your home is typically Danish? 

My home is inspired by many different styles and countries. I have lived abroad (Brussels, Plymouth and New York for eight years) and love to travel to South Europe where I find inspiration for furniture and art. I also love to mix Danish design with wood details. 

What inspired your colour scheme? 

I'm very inspired by flowers and art. I mix all the wall colours until I feel inspired by the colour. I tend to go towards shades of green-grey / light sea green which has been made up using a blend of paint leftovers!

The tones are beautiful! Can you advise on similar colour codes?

Colour codes 3495, 4491 and 4502 from Flügger are similar to the walls in my home. 

Where do you source items for your home? 

I have bought many items at auction in Germany and Italy. Actually, most of my furniture and accessories are vintage. I also adore upcoming artists and collect ceramics and art prints. 

Any favourite artists? 

I adore Bycdesign Studio, Hein Studio, My Paradissi* and Aure Studio.

Finally, what do you love most about your home? 

I love how my home is constantly changing (I like to move furniture around!). I also love the light - there's not much natural light as it is a ground floor apartment - but the light that does come in is peaceful and enchanting. 

So lovely! There's something enchanting about Sedsel's apartment, don't you think? I particularly  love the sea green palette combined with wood furniture. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Wanna see a little more? Take a peek at @sedselroug! 

In case you're curious about where some of the items are from (I know I was), here's a round-up:

Get the look from Sedsel's home

1. Bycdesign Mid Collection 08*
2. Ikea STOCKHOLM 2017 Cabinet
3. Hein Studio Ostrea ROCK Glass Vase
4. Afteroom Plus dining chair City Velvet*
5. The E1027 Collection No 05
6. H&M Cotton Satin Duvet Cover*
7. Hein Studio The wise man 01*
8. Skagerak Georg dining table
9. Bolia Lady Armchair
10. New Works Kizu Table Lamp

What amazing pieces! Time to go vintage bargain hunting...

Meet you at the antique market?

Niki

Photography: Sedsel Roug, shared with kind permission. 

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Holly Becker's Fab Hannover Home, Podcast and Magazine!

When I first started blogging, I remember reading about people meeting friends online - and often wondered how! Fast forward 8 years, and I am proud to say I have made many friends through my blog. Have you found that over time you've met friends online too? I feel particularly lucky to be a part of the interior design blog community - it's an incredibly supportive gang! A few years back one of my online blogger friends - Holly Becker of Decor8, became a great offline friend when we met at Habitare in Helsinki. This lady amazes me and is so inspiring in every way! Not only does Holly curate one of the world's top design blogs, she's also a best-selling author and editor of HOLLY magazine. And now she's started a podcast series to boot (because clearly, she wasn't busy enough....!) read on to have a listen! Originally from Boston, USA, Holly lives in Hannover, Germany with her husband Thorsten and five-year-old son, Aidan. Their home has crazy high ceilings, beautiful period features and a wonderful minimalist vibe with trademark touches of pastel. Welcome to Holly's world! 

Above: Z1 pendant, Menu chair*

Rest sofa by Muuto, Panthella lamp*

'Leaf me' art print* by Silke Bonde

Bed from Fennobed / headboard from Matri, Flowerpot lamp*

Bed from Oliver Furniture

Such a lovely home - it's got a really calm feel about it, don't you think?

Our podcast recording 

Last month Holly invited me to Hamburg to participate in the first ever episode of her new podcast series HELLO HOLLY. We had so much fun chatting about Scandinavian design, blogging and well, life! I couldn't resist a peek behind the scenes of HOLLY magazine too. 

In case you're curious to hear our chat, it's now available on Spotify, AudioNow and iTunes and I've also embedded it below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it! 

PODCAST

Holly's magazine

Having seen the moodboards, it felt extra special to see Holly's magazine hit the shelves last week. It's also available online here (in German).  Don't speak German? What?! ;) The English version will be out at the end of the month (can't wait!).  

Thank you for a great time in Germany, Holly. 

Here's to friends, near and far! 

Niki

Photography credits: Holly Becker / Decor8

This post contains affiliate links (marked with *)

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The Shack: A Super Cosy Off-The-Grid Cabin On Bruny Island

Sorry about the radio silence these past few days. I've been on a girl's trip with my Mum and sister to Norway. We did nothing but sleep, eat and hike, it was absolutely magical! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Norway? *Everyone rolls eyes*.  This morning I'm dreaming of returning to the wilderness and would so love to swap my desk for this simple, earthy cabin in Bruny Island, Tasmania. Affectionately known as The Shack, the cosy bolthole is fully off-the-grid (power comes from solar and wind sources) and is built from reclaimed timber.  Owner Janene invites guest to "beachcomb for art supplies, forage in the herb gardens for breakfast, reconnect with Mother Nature" and kick about in the cosy space, overlooking Sheepwash Bay. Fancy joining me? 

I love this linen combination, doesn't it fit the vibe of the cabin perfectly? If you're feeling inspired, you can source similar brown and indigo linen bedding on Etsy. 

On colder days the wood-burning fireplace keeps the cabin feeling toasty! 

The cabin has an indoor kitchenette with outdoor cooking facilities including a glass burner. 

Your stay is an eco-living experience. Lights are 12 volts and the hot water is instant gas with an inline pump bringing fresh rain water in for you to bathe and drink.  

A pair of king billy French doors open out onto a deck from where you can enjoy dreamy views out over the bay with the snow-capped Southern ranges in the distance. 

From the deck, you can wonder down to the private beach front and launch a kayak, fish or simply stroll along the shore. 

Bags packed yet?

The Shack sleeps two (remind me to speak to Per about this later today!) and Janene takes bookings via Airbnb here. Juuuust saying! 

I've featured so many charming places in 'Tas' recently that I'm starting to see it as a sign (what do you reckon?). Here are a few other homes I think you'll love:

Captain's Cottage: a cosy bolthole on Hobart
A relaxed artist's cabin by the sea
You very own dream island hide-away

Have a dreamy start to the week friends!

Niki

PS I loved reading all your comments about whether or not to go for two single duvets or a double on a double bed last week! My conclusion from reading all your comments, e-mails and instagram messages is that the best solution is to go for two queen duvets on a king size bed. Bliss!

Photography by Sarah Andrews courtesy of The Shack / @sheepwashbay

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5 Reasons To Swap Your Double Duvet for Two Singles (Scandi Style!)

When I moved to Sweden more than 16 years ago, I assumed Per (as a bachelor) had to cobble together two single duvets in lieu of not having a double duvet for my stay. As time went on though, I realised it was intentional, and that in fact almost EVERY marital bed in Scandinavia uses two single duvets instead of a double! Look very closely at pictures of Nordic bedrooms and unless there's been some very clever styling at play, you'll more than likely spot it. Stay at a Nordic hotel, and you'll experience it first-hand. Of course, being ever the romantic, I insisted on a double duvet at first - and Per reluctantly obliged, but as time went on, I realised perhaps our Scandi friends have a point. Here are five reasons why! 

1. Staying snug, your way! I love to have all the windows open, even if it's howling a gale or we're in deep mid-winter (the Brit in me, for sure!) whereas Per likes to keep them firmly shut even in the height of summer. The truth is all our bodies behave differently at night and feel good at different temperatures. The beauty of having your own duvet means that you can choose a duvet / bed cover thickness that works for you and be as cool or warm as you like! 

"We all have different body temperatures, and some sweat more than others at night. Some prefer a warmer duvet, while others something cooler. It's therefore a good idea to have bedding that caters to your specific needs. The type of material can also play a roll - you may prefer a warmer flannel style material or linen for a more airy feel" -  Helena Kubicek Boye, Swedish sleep expert and author of Sömnsagor (a children's story book designed to help children fall asleep more easily).  

2. You can sleep like a starfish (if you like): Still on the topic of body temperature (yes, this is all highly practical stuff) - having your own duvet means you can cool your limbs at will  - stick out your right leg, left leg, elbow from under the covers whoever. you like... whatever feels best to get that all important shut eye! Just as long as you're not encroaching onto your partners side too much, obvs. 

3. No more fighting over the covers! There's always someone who steals the duvet, isn't there? You know, the one who's wrapped like a swaddled baby, deep in REM while the other freezes on the other side of the bed. Well guess what? If you have your own duvet, this won't happen. E.V.E.R! 

4. You can take it with you! Snoring partner? Feeling unwell? Simply can't sleep? There are many reasons you may need to get up in the middle of the night and move somewhere else to get your slumber. The beauty of having your own duvet is you can take it with you - and when you get to your new destination (the sofa, spare bed, your children's bedroom floor, the dog basket!), it'll still feel cosy and warm! 

5. The morning wrap! You may be entirely in synch or perhaps one of you is a night owl and the other an early bird. All is fair in love and war, but if you do like to sit up and read longer than your partner or enjoy breakfast in bed while the other sleeps on, the angle you'll create when you sit up and the other is lying down is bound to disturb. If you have your own duvet, however, they'll sleep on in their swaddle - and you'll enjoy blissful silence until the family awakes! 

Sound unromantic? "Of course, you can always creep under your partner's cover and be cosy anyway, but it's great to be able to choose!" says Helena. 

These days I'm definitely in the two single duvets camp (if you look closely at the last two pictures, both taken in my bedroom at various points in time you might just spot the overlap!). And guess what? I really do sleep a whole lot better!

Which camp are you in? I'd love to hear more about how you sleep! 

Niki

PS I'm off to Norway today to meet my Mum (it's her birthday!) and younger sister for a long weekend. Feeling super excited as it's one of my favourite countries in the world! I'll be back here blogging again on Monday, have a great few days - sweet dreams! 

Credits: 1. HM Home 2. Kvarteret Mäkleri 3 & 4. Entrance Mäkleri 5. Fantastic Frank 6. & 7. Historiska Hem 8. Jotex 9 & 10 My Scandinavian Home

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