Step Inside Anna Church's Modern-Vintage Family Home

The other day I was leafing through Holly magazine and stumbled across the work of New Zealand artist  and entrepreneur Anna Church. A little research led me to images of her beautiful home in Toronto, Canada (I love it when that happens!). I couldn't resist sending a note to Anna to find out more about the wonderful living space which she shares with husband Nick and children Molly (10) and Thomas (8). Let's dive in!



How would you describe your style? 
My style aesthetic is modern vintage, mixing the efficiencies of modern-day living spaces with timeless eclectic treasured pieces.






How do you choose furniture for your home? 
I'm always on the hunt for a good bargain, flea market or vintage find! I Splurge on pieces I have swooned over for a good duration of time, like furniture pieces, such as our custom-made shaker dining room table. Which became a beautiful collaborative design effort with Arking Atelier (the stools, day bed and shelf above are also created by his hand). And all the artwork (besides my own) which we've collected over the years (We invest and gift a new piece of art to ourselves on our wedding anniversary each year). The beautiful Budgie / bird portrait above the mantel is by Fine art photographer Leila Jeffreys it was our first real collectable/ art investment piece.





I love the blend of old and new, can you tell me more about your thought process behind this? Mixing styles helps me create something more than meets the eye. It also fuels an impulsive inner necessity to constantly rearrange or evolve our space every few months (as the hunter gatherer in me is always on the lookout for a unique addition to our home or to use in my artworks!). A Lot of the Victorian details you see, have been added back, as they were unable to retain their original condition during the demolition / renovation process. I sourced and splurged on mouldings, a period-appropriate fireplace and ceiling roses custom-fabricated from fibreglass. The traditional backdrop is a perfect foil to the home’s modern architecturally efficient insertions.

What inspired the design?
The aesthetic of our home is a nod to the light-filled renovated homes found in our native homeland of New Zealand. White walls, pastel textiles and the large glass sliding back door lift the atmosphere of this once dark, unfunctional long rectangular home into a spacious light filled family friendly efficient space. Pops of colour come from my love of plants, collected artwork (and my own artwork) and carefully curated furniture accessories & smaller curiosities (both old and new).



As well as exhibiting in New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam, Toronto and New Zealand, Anna's art can be seen in various places around the family home including above their bed and here in her daughter's bedroom. her work is rooted in her graphic design and interior styling background. She uses a Sculptographic process, through which she builds new shapes from surprising elements, creating a sculpture and capturing a photograph of a new composition, yielding a fine art print.

"In an age of sensory inundation, the visuals you surround yourself with should bring joy, create fulfilling vistas in your home and perhaps even materialize your own aesthetic self-expression. "Art should inspire you to look deeper yet be a welcome cohabiter." — Anna Church







What a stunning home. I love how it's fairly clean and minimalist, yet there are interesting details and rare finds around every corner!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can find out more about Anna's work, latest projects and exhibitions as well as buy her art here:

Website: www.annachurchart.com

The art featured in her home includes Blurred Lines, Paper Cuts and Party Animal.

You can also get a load more inspiration here:

Instagram: @annachruch_art
Pinterest: Anna Church Art

Shall we kick back for another half hour and stay down Canada way? If so, pour that coffee and come and take a peek at:

An idyllic cabin by Lake Huron
The lovely home of Emilie Desjarlais
Lauren Maclean's beautiful Montreal home

Bah! Love all these spaces!

This post has reaffirmed my dream of visiting Canada one day. Any must sees when I do?

Ha det bra! 

Niki

Photography: Anna Church

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Get The Look From A Serene Family Home in Berlin

Why, hello there! How was your weekend? I'm feeling way to relaxed for a Monday morning. My family and I spent the weekend at a friend's cabin in the woods (can't wait to share a few pictures!) and my hair still smells of bonfire - don't you love that?! The Southern Sweden sun even shone for us - wonder of wonders! I hope you had a great weekend and the sun shone for you too! I always think it's a good idea to start the week as you mean to go on - calm! And boy, do I have a serene home to share with you guys! Fashion, hair and make-up artist Viktoria (AKA @tthese_beautiful_thingss) has decorated her beautiful, old Berlin apartment using soothing, earthy tones and beautiful design pieces to create a haven in which she, her partner and three children can truly switch off and relax. I really wouldn't mind spending the week here - once you've seen the tour, perhaps you'll want to join me! 

Pretty serene, right?! It's the kind of home you could never imagine getting in a mess (bet Viktoria is having a good laugh at this comment - we all know what living with kids is REALLY like!!). Even so, I bet it always feel calm. 

Here's a quick round-up of some of the beautiful items in Viktoria's home:

Get The Look

1. Mantis BS2 Wall Lamp
2. Söderhamn 3 Seater Sofa Cover
3. Knitted Cushion Beige
4. Large Knitted Pouffe
5. Vitra Nuage Vase
6. Aura Table Mirror
7. SERVEit tray table with tray
8. Cooee Design Ollie Sand
9. Table S + L rectangular
10. Gejst NEBL Mega Grey
11. 50X70 Miss Annie Poster
12. KK 4 Fold Soft Rose
13. Rafa Kids TROLLSTIGEN Wallbars
14. EOS Micro Light Brown
15. Georg Jensen Ilse Vase
16. House Doctor Wall Lamp
17. Rafa Kids F&A120 Bed
18. Rosendahl Clock
19. Kizu Table Lamp

I've featured so many Berlin homes in the past - all of which have very different looks! Here are a few of my faves:

The Berlin flat and country home of Our Food Stories
Bohemian touch in a magnificent Berlin apartment
Grey and greige in a wonderful Berlin home

Have a fabulous start to the week friends. Stay calm!

Niki

Photography: Viktoria /@tthese_beautiful_thingss

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A Beautiful Southern Sweden Home (With An Adorable Pooch!)

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but Per is from Sweden's eighth largest city - Helsingborg. It's a fairly small town (says the Londoner!) but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm. The town is characterised by pretty squares lined with cafes and restaurants, cobbled streets and wonderful views over the Öresund strait to Kronborg castle in Denmark. It's not often I feature homes from the town, so I was very excited to stumble across Hannes Mauritzson's apartment earlier this week. Hannes lives with his partner Alexander and beloved dog Charlie in a building that dates back to the late 19th century. When Hannes isn't at his desk in a PR firm in Malmö, he's styling and capturing his home for his inspiring Instagram feed @hannesmauritzson. I caught up with my new Nordic friend to find out more about his adorable furry friend, interior design and life in Helsingborg. 

Charlie seems to have captured the hearts of many near and far, can you tell us a little more about him?

He always charms people. Whenever I ask people what they would like me to publish its always more pictures of him! 

I'm not surprised, he's the cutest! What breed is he?

Charlie came into my life about two years ago. he's an Irish soft-coated wheaten terrier with lots of energy, there's no denying that! But I think that's one of the things that makes home so loveable. He greets everyone we cross paths with and sees everyone (including other dogs) as a potential best friend! 

Charlie keeps guard over a rattan and wood bench from HM Home (I've got my eye on this along with the chair!). 

Your home is so beautiful, do you work in the field of interior design?

I work in PR and Digital Growth at a Malmö-based PR firm. When I'm not in the office, I use my time to be as creative as I can. I love interior design and have started appreciating photography more and more. I love spending hours figuring out what to photograph and how to stage a picture to post on Instagram. 

It's fun to peek inside a Helsingborg apartment - can you tell us a little more about it?

Our apartment dates back to the late 19th century and is in a lovely town called Helsinborg, Skåne (Scania), in the southernmost part of Sweden. The city is by the Öresund, the strait which forms the Denmark-Sweden border. Our apartment has four rooms. 

Muuto coffee table*

Did it need a lot of work when you moved in?

It was completely renovated when we moved in. But that didn't stop me from repainting it anyway! I bought about ten different colour samples for the bedroom, but ended up settling on something completely different without even getting a sample.

Ha! Been there done that many times! Which colour did you settle for in the end?

I love the texture and look of whitew3ash, so it as an easy decision to make. I decided on Washed Linen from Jotun, Lady Minerals. The colour turned out to be perfect! 

Cane headboard from Jotux, this brown linen bedding* is similar

What's your approach to decorating? 

When I decorate a room, I usually use colours that make me feel calm, like grey and beige. I try not to over furnish a space in order to create a room that is both visually appealing and healing. For example, I'd rather use one large vase than several smaller details. 

How would you describe your style?

My style follows the traditional Scandinavian household. Recently I've started to buy more antique and second hand items which is both kinder to the environment and my wallet! I feel the perfect mix of old and new contributes to a household that is filled with life. I love items that have a past. 

IKEA Stockholm bench

How do you make your home feel cosy? 

To compliment the neutral base, I decorate with vases, coffee cups, and dried flowers. Dried flowers hang all over my walls at home - it may look weird to some, but for me, it contributes to a home that feels comfortable to live in. 

Finally, can you share your three best tips for anyone visiting Helsingborg?

1. Enjoy a Swedish fika: If you ever decide to take a trip to the charming city of Helsingborg, I highly recommend treating yourself to a cup of coffee and a slice of cake at the lovely cafe Ebbas Fik. They serve a traditional Swedish fika, but with a unique, American-inspired 50s twist. 

2. Take a hike: After your fika, take a long but cosy walk along the strait until you reach Pålsjö forest. The view is spectacular! 

3. Go interior shopping: If you're more interested in interior design, which I totally understand, I suggest you visit Staken & Veken. They sell candles made from scratch in all different shapes, sizes and fragrances. They of course also have a wide variety of antique furniture that's impossible not to fall in love with. 

Thank you so much Hannes. I'm starting to feel like a trip to Helsingborg is in order! 

What a great way to finish off the week! I hope you felt as inspired by Hannes home as I am! 

In case you'd like just a little more inspiration over the weekend here are a few more southern Sweden homes from the archive: 

A charming rustic farmhouse in Skåne

The inspiring Skåne home of a photographer and interior designer

A Malmö apartment with a lovely Autumn feel

A wonderfully relaxed, boho Skåne home

Right, I think that's it from me for the week! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Trevlig helg! 

Niki

Photography: Hannes Mauritzson

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London calling: Could This Be Your Next Home?

You know what they say, you can take a girl out of London, but you can't take London out of the girl. And these Victorian terrace houses get me every time. Except this one has been designed with a twist. A subtle country, oldy woldy yet contemporary twist - and a hint of Scandinavian style too. Be still my beating heart! I wonder who lives here? But more importantly, I wonder who is going to snap it up? You see, this fabulous two bedroom, split level apartment in Stoke Newington has just come on the market, and waiting for a new owner. Complete with quarry tiles, original oak floorboards, and the most fabulous stone fireplace, I'm wondering if it could be me. Bit small for our family though (my very own London a pied á Terre perhaps?) - hmmm. Maybe you'll just have to snap it up on my behalf and I'll pop over for tea from time to time. Deal?! 

 The owners have fitted the living space with black cast-iron radiators and put in a fabulous kitchen (loving the deep blue cabinets and that Smeg range*!).

An open storage rack on castors provides a perfect place for earthenware and Le Crueset* pans - but the real star of this corner is the Scandinavian leather safari chair (there are a few vintage ones available here*)! I'm starting to wonder if one of the owners of this home is Danish? 

The Frame circle shade lamp* is similar to the pendants over the table and in the corner I spy a Lampe Gras Wall Lamp*. 

This original stone fireplace though. 

I love how the mantel piece serves as a spot for pottery (the owners clearly collect pottery / ceramics). I feel like I'm playing a game of 'through the keyhole here' where you have to guess the owners. If anyone knows them, I'd love to hear if my guesses have been correct! 

Last night I spent the best part of an hour looking for a round mirror for my hall. I now feel like a bit of a pro! For the best results, choose a mirror that's about a third smaller than the piece beneath it. This one is super nice! 

How dare they have my favourite Flag Halyard chair. The little side table is also Danish.

The downstairs bedroom also serves as a perfect home work space - flooded with light from the double French doors. 

Check out the skirting boards in dark blue. So lovely! 

Such a charming space, don't you think?

I loved playing the detective. I'll eat a tin of fermented herrings if at least owner isn't from Denmark! Did you see any other clues as to who they might be? 

And most importantly, could you imagine snapping up this London home?! 

Other London homes to love:

Tamsin Flower's cheerful London home

A London home with pops of pastel

Cate St Hill's Scandinavian inspired London home

Starting to feel a little home sick now, I must say! 

Have a wonderful day friends, nearly there - tomorrow's POETS day - hurrah! 

UPDATE! Thank you so much to Charlotte for pointing out the interview with owner Paul West (who happens to have the most beautiful instagem @consideredthings) in the comments! You can read about the renovation here and see if I was right with the Scandi influence....

Niki

Design Paul West. Photography courtesy of The Modern House (found via Planete Deco with thanks).  

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