Merry Christmas!

Stopping by to wish you  a very merry Christmas!

I'll be taking some downtime with my family and will be back here again on 7th January, 2020. I hope you have a relaxing few weeks too!

Thank you again for a wonderful year!

Here's to the next one!

Niki xxx

PS I couldn't resist sharing this pic of Allie from a few Christmas's ago, it'll always be a favourite of mine! 

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The Best Of My Scandinavian Home 2019!

Another year has whizzed by (is it me, or does it feel like only yesterday I was writing best of 2018?!). Even so, I can't tell you how much I've loved being here each day, I hope you've felt the same! When I post, I always write about the things I love, but I can never be 100% sure that everyone else will love it too.  This makes creating the 'best of My Scandinavian Home 2019' so much fun! And I can safely say, there have been a few great surprises! Are you ready to discover the most popular My Scandinavian Home blog and instagram posts of 2019? Let's hear those drums....

Top blog posts of 2020

5. The home of Zoé De Las Cases

Everyone fell in love with this Parisian apartment where old meets new, and the sunshine pours in over the rooftops of Paris! Don't miss her country home too - it's charming in every way!

4. Dream Life on a Budget: A Tiny Cabin in the Woods

Natasha Lawyer and Brett Bashaw transformed a tiny homestead in Vermont to pursue their shared passion for pottery. They spent the winter transforming the small outhouses into a home, pottery studio and a coup for their chickens. And it stole our hearts! Check out the full tour here.

3. My summer cottage kitchen final reveal

I can't tell you how happy I am to see our summer cottage kitchen feature in the top 3 most popular blog posts of the year (does a little dance). Renovating our cottage kitchen was a true labour of love! Per and I really underestimated the amount of work it would take to turn a small, narrow 70s kitchen into a contemporary space - all by hand (with the help of YouTube!). We love it even more as a result! You can follow the entire series here. A big thanks to Bosch, without whom it wouldn't have been possible!

2. 16 Ways to Transform a Tiny Room Into a Dreamy Yet Practical Bedroom

Nearly all homes have a box room of some kind. The good news is that there's so much that can be done to transform a small, dark space into a beautiful, practical bedroom - and you don't always need to stick to the rules! I'm happy you felt inspired by this too!

1. Sweden's Big Christmas Trend - (And You Can Make It Yourself!)

When it comes to Christmas decorations, the Swedes have it down! Everything is so tasteful, pretty, warm and cosy - in a wonderful, simple way. I'm used to seeing paper stars and 7-arm candelabras in the window, but this year a new trend merged: the paper snow flower. I'm so happy you felt inspired by this. In case you missed it, you can read more about them and check out the DIY tutorials here.

Top 5 instagram posts of 2020
It's always fun looking back over the year and discovering what everyone enjoyed most on @myscandinavianhome. I have to say, this year the number one spot was a big surprise, and it put a big smile on my face. I hope it brightens up your day too! Here are my top 5 most popular instagram posts of 2020:

5. Books and neutral tones in the beautiful home of Simone Polk Dahl

Almost 200,000 people fell for the soothing light blue, caramel and brown colour scheme and books in the living room of Simone Polk Dahl. If you do one thing before the end of the year, it's to take a tour of her wonderful Copenhagen home!

4. Anne's Cosy Sitting Room

It's easy to see why the sitting room in Anne's enchanting Lille home caught everyone's eye. I mean, just look at that sofa - it's like a big warm hug! And as for that gallery wall....

3. Michelle Nielsen's Inspiring Danish Home

Aaaah, the wonderful Danish home of Michelle Nielsen. I'm so happy this featured in the top 3, it's full of books, art and lovely colours which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

2. Carla's small white and wood bathroom

Over 220,000 people felt truly inspired by how Carla Natalia Thompson decorated her small apartment. I love it when two styles collide - especially warm southern style with cool Scandinavian touches. Don't miss the full tour of her home here!

1. The Small Guest Bathroom!

1. Although I often have an idea, I can never truly predict what's going to be REALLY popular. And this picture of a small studio loo completely threw me! It was the first time I'd ever shown a 'throne' in my instagram squares! And guess what?! It inspired over 368,000 people. How brilliant is that?! Check out the full tour of Courtney's Byron Bay lovely home here.

So guys, what did you think? Do you agree? Any surprises? Do you have another favourite that's not on this list? If so, I'd love to hear about it!

I'll be nipping in with a final Christmas post on Monday, in the meantime I'd like to say a HUGE thank you for stopping by each day and bringing your positive energy, support and words of encouragement to My Scandinavian Home and making this blog what it is. I have loved reading your comments here on the blog as well as on instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

A big thank you also to all the photographers and creatives who generously shared their images and invited us into their homes this year!

And finally, thank you to all the wonderful sponsors who make My Scandinavian Home possible!

I hope your weekend sparkles!

Niki 

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Georg Jensen The Helix Collection: From the Drawing Board To My Coffee Table!

Paid partnership

Last month I was invited to the Georg Jensen headquarters in Copenhagen. Excited is an understatement. I mean, Georg Jensen is the crème de la crème of Danish design! Founded by silversmith Georg Jensen in 1904, the design company has produced some of the most iconic Scandinavian design pieces of our time including the GRAPE Bowl 263B,  Fish Dish 1026 and Bernadotte Thermo. Jewellery, cutlery, home decor items, and tableware are just a part of the many items handcrafted in the workshop in Denmark's capital city today. The reason for my visit? To meet the designer and discover the story behind the new Helix Collection. 

The designer

Enjoying a fika (tea/ coffee break) is a simple pleasure in life. Swedish design duo Bernadotte and Kylberg wanted to create a new tea and coffee set which would elevate the occasion. 

The pair had a deep appreciation and respect for the elegant functionality of Georg Jensen and heritage of Scandinavian design and they wanted to incorporate this into the design. Understated details, a strong sense of contemporary minimalism and functionality were an important factor.  

"We wanted to look at tea and coffee drinking as a ritual. We were focused on the practical side, because at the end of the day you have to be able to pour. The set also needed to be well-balance and have an honest functionality." Oscar Kylberg. 

They set about sketching a thermos jug, Bonbonniere, milk jug, tea pot and tray - today known as The Helix Collection. 

The design duo delved into the Georg Jensen archives and felt inspired by the organic shapes of the iconic jewellery pieces such as Möbius and Infinity - which inspired the bold cultural shape of the tea and coffee pots. 

They also spent countless hours perfecting the function of each piece. Today, the mirror polished stainless steel thermo jug keeps coffee warm for up to six hours (forget the coffee table, I need one of those on my desk!), while the drip-free tea pot has a double steel wall which ensures a warm cuppa for hours to come! 

The workshop

In the Georg Jensen workshop (known as the Smithy) around 25 silversmiths can spend up to six months single-handedly hammering, smouldering and polishing silverware. Sometimes by the light of  a candle - so very hyggeligt!  

Once crafted the pieces are ready to be shipped to homes around the world. And I was lucky enough to be a recipient of the stainless-steel Helix Thermos jug and Helix Bonbonniere. As if I needed an excuse for a fikapaus...

My coffee table

Never one to shy away from a cup of coffee (and this has only accelerated since moving to Sweden) I was thrilled with my new set. It's also wonderful owning pieces with such a strong sense of design heritage. 

I like the Helix Thermo Jug for its sleek, almost industrial pared-down design and also because it really is very practical! At times like this, it can keep my coffee warm for hours - and in summertime I can use it for iced tea (hard to imagine that right now, but I need to have faith that the warm weather will return!).  

The sculptural and shiny Helix Bonbonniere is a multifunctional bowl with an ergonomic lid (one of those that feels nice to take on and off so you do it several times for no reason!). I love that it can be used as a sugar bowl, but also for sweets, chocolates or whatever else takes your fancy. Any guesses what I have in mind?! 

Aren't they beautiful?

I'm curious - if the coffee stays warm for up to six hours, does that call for a six-hour coffee break - because the Christmas holidays are coming and I'm reading a great book....

The complete collection is available here. 

Are you also ready to elevate your tea / coffee drinking ritual?! 

Wishing you a lovely day friends! 

Niki

This is a paid partnership with Georg Jensen, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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Let it Glow: 5 Pretty Candle Displays You Can Make In An Instant!

The winter solstice 2019 will be at 05.19 this Sunday, 22nd December (counting down the seconds? You bet I am!). From then on, the days slowly get lighter - PHEW! Anyone else feeling a tiny bit relieved? In my mind, the only saving grace is that the darkness gives us an excuse to light candles, and lots of them, which makes for one very cosy home! On the dining table, in the window, by the sink. As long as there's nothing flammable nearby, there's no end to where you can add a little glow. Here are 5 of my favourite, simple DIY candle displays this winter! 

1. Swedish Advent ljusstake: two weeks ago, Per mentioned in this interview how much he loves the traditional Swedish 7-arm candelabra. I have to say, they do look very beautiful in the window (from the inside and out!). Sadly, they're not easy to find in all countries, but if you fancy something similar, why not make one yourself with different size vintage brass candleholders. So pretty! 

2. Jam jars and pine: everyone has a few jam jars lurking in a drawer - why not make use of them and create these simple tea light holders using garden twine and pine (if you don't feel like lopping them off your tree, ask for a few off cuts at your local Christmas tree market, I'm sure they'd be happy to help! 

3. Moss candleholders: no vintage brass candlesticks to hand? Fill glass jars with moss for an instant candleholder - twine and rosemary optional! Do keep an eye on them when lit though - especially if the moss is dry! 

4. Candles and pine in the window: you can't get more simple than white candles in jam jars and branches of pine laid across the windowsill - and it looks super cosy too! 

5. Simple DIY table wreath: A daily Something has shared this simple DIY candle wreath here. I love the idea of the delicate grey, tapered candles too - so elegant! Could this be something for your Christmas table?

Did anything catch your eye? I'm a big fan of moss and have already made a few candle holders with it at home (I also love to wrap moss around the bulb of hyacinths and amaryllis). 

A quick reminder to be really careful with candles - always blow them out when you leave the room and make sure your home is well ventilated! 

If you'd like a few more Christmas decorating ideas check out: 

6 beautifully simple Scandinavian DIY Christmas Decorations

16 DIY Christmas decorations made from nature

3 lovely DIY Christmas decorations

There's also plenty of Scandinavian home tours all decked out for Christmas in the archive! 

Have a cosy day!

Niki

Credits: 1. Christina Strehlow 2. Linnea, Lovely Life 3. Source unknown - Pinterest (tips welcome!) 4. DIY Jewellery ideas (if this is not correct, please let me know!) 5. Pufik Homes 6. A Daily Something

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3 Beautiful Christmas Decorations You Can Make From Wallpaper!

If you've wallpapered your home in the last few years, the chances are, you'll have a few rolls left over - and its way too pretty to waste! Swedish photographer and stylist Malin Mörner (@poppyloveyou) and her daughter created these wonderful Christmas decorations using wallpaper from Boråstapeter. Think bunting, paper chains, and beautiful baubles that can be hung in the window or the branches of your Christmas tree! No wallpaper at home? Pick up some from Boråstapeter, vintage rolls*, or use heavyweight patterned paper instead! 

Bunting and paper chains

To make the bunting, gather wallpaper (Malin has used in Bloom 7203, Northern Stripes 6852, Graceful Stories 7274 and Northern stripes 6854 from Boråstapeter) scissors, string, paper, glue and clothes pegs - and then follow the step by step instructions here (in English!). 

For the paper chains you'll need wallpaper (as above), scissors, a stapler or sticky tape. The instructions can be found here. 

Paper baubles:

The kit required to make these baubles includes: wallpaper (these ones have been made using Thistle 7203, Harvest Stripe 6854, Rosenvinge 4501 and Dusk Green 7981 from Boråstapeter), wire, a hole punch, wire cutters, round-nose pliers, wooden beads, jute twine and scissors. Once gathered, hop over here to follow the step by step instructions (in English!).  

Aren't these pretty?!

I actually have a few rolls of wallpaper knocking about at home and might give these a whirl! Could be fun to do with the girls! 

Could you imagine making these?

See more pretty Christmas inspiration from Malin Mörner over on her instagram here - and check out the complete Boråstapeter wallpaper collection here. 

FYI this is not sponsored in anyway, I just loved the idea and thought you might feel inspired by it too! 

If you're in the mood for crafting, there are a load more Christmas decoration ideas here! 

Niki

Photography Malin Mörner for Boråstapeter

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