A Cosy Toronto Home With a Scandi Eclectic Vibe

We've been loitering around Scandinavia a lot here lately, but I love to see the Scandi style reach far and wide in the world. This beauty of a home in Toronto, Canada is a great example! Owner Elena, a self-confessed 'cat lady' and 'plant Mom' as well as a digital content creator over at This house 5000 / @thishouse5000, describes her style as a 'Scandi eclectic mix'. Her home, which she shares with her husband, has been styled using neutrals, interspersed with earthy tones, a wealth of texture and lots and lots of plants! Welcome to Elena's world!

Art by LRNCE (check out all the art from this Marrakesh based lifestyle brand - it's wonderful!), rug from Loloi rugs, Bertoia chair*, DIY light fixture made with pendant from IKEA. 

The large sculptural ceramic vase is everywhere right now and believe it or not, it's from HM Home! Sadly, it's sold out (of course!) - but maybe they'll renew the stock soon. 

I first came across Elena's account because of this shower curtain (which I pinned a while back) - isn't it lovely? I love that her bathroom is relatively simple, yet there's still a lot going on thanks to the dark grouting, tiled floor and plants. 

I think this might be the third time I've shown a loo on My Scandinavian Home ever. No idea why, but I've built up my 'loo confidence' (LOL) now since the one in Courtney Adamo's beautiful Byron Bay home became an instagram hit as my most liked photo ever. It really made me smile! I love that Elena has used the cistern in her bathroom as storage but also candles for long, relaxing showers! 

Such a lovely home - striking that perfect balance of pared-back and cosy.

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can see more pictures of Elena's home here: This house 5000 / @thishouse5000.

I'd love to visit Canada one day. I often imagine the country to be a kindred spirit with Scandinavia with its vast nature (for those of you who live there / been there - is this true?). My great grandmother was French Canadian too, which has always made me super curious. One day, huh?

Wishing you a lovely day friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Elena / This House 5000 - shared with kind permission. 

PS as mentioned in all my past few posts - thanks for reading my reflection and for all your great comments, I've read them all and carry with them me in this community. 

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A Charming Swedish Allotment Cottage In Summer Time

If there's one thing the Scandinavians are good at, it's a staycation. It could be because the system is set up to give people a long summer holiday (3 weeks in a row is very normal), it could also be that everyone has waited so long for the good weather to arrive that the last thing they want to do is miss it! Some may stay home in the city (or countryside), others might visit friends and family, and others again might head to their summer cottage or 'kolonistuga' (a small house on an allotment that you're allowed to stay in over a limited period). I touched upon the latter a few weeks ago when I showed a wonderful little artist's cottage in Copenhagen. And today, I stumbled across this pretty abode! Located on aptly named 'Spenatgången' ('spinach aisle'), the one bedroom cottage has everything you need for a summer's day (an easy chair, a radio and a vintage tea set!) and reflects the simple, back to basic lifestyle that so many love to enjoy here in summertime.  After all, who needs a load of fuss around you when you have an abundance of light?! 

Look at the floor! Loving this mint hue - something to consider if you opt for a white interior! It also took me a while to spot the simple plug-in hob on the counter-top!

I can just imagine the owners toiling the earth before rewarding themselves with a cup of tea (actually... make that an extra strong coffee if I know my Swedish friends right!) in the deckchairs! 

As the Swedish proverb goes 'borta bra, men hemma bäst' (away is good, but being at home is best) - and when I look at this little cottage, these words certainly ring true. 

Could you imagine spending your summers here? Bet you know what I'm going to say! Yep, this charming allotment cottage in Gothenburg is for sale! Read more about it here if you're curious! 

You might also like a Danish allotment cabin, a weekend allotment retreat in Skåne and a truly idyllic Swedish allotment cottage. 

Here's to a simple summer! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Helins Mäklarbyrå with thanks.

I have been reading all the new comments that came in over the weekend on my reflection post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on such an important topic, I'm proud to be part of this community.

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Small Space Inspiration From Swedish Attefall Houses

I've always marvelled at the way Swedes decorate small spaces in such a practical, yet aesthetically beautiful way. It really is an art form. 'Attefalls' are small Swedish houses that measure less than 30 metres square (322 square feet). I've always found them to be a great source of inspiration for small spaces. Here's a round-up of some of my favourites corners (from various abodes). I hope you find them as inspiring as I do - and can find some ideas for your own small spaces, wherever you are in the world!

 

 

There are so many clever ideas here! I especially love the loft beds and kitchen ideas! 

Did you spot anything you loved? 

I found all these pics over at Sommernöjen - the architects who specialise in making these beautiful small houses. Check out their portfolio for more inspiration. 

If you're looking for storage ideas, these small houses probably aren't so helpful as they're built for short term stays. However, there's plenty more small space inspiration to be found in this My Scandinavian Home archive! 

Before I wrap up the week, I'd like to say, once again, a big thanks for all your comments on my post on Wednesday. I have read every single one of them as they continue to come in and will carry your thoughts with me along with my own reflections. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sommernöjen. Pictures 1,2 and 3 from Plaza, photographer Lennart Weibull, stylist Lina Kjellvertz. 

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A Charming Farmhouse in Piteå, Sweden

Thank you so much for all your comments yesterday, I read every single one of them and will carry them with me along with my personal reflections as I continue to provide this positive bubble of Scandi love each day. So friends, today, I'm whisking you away on a journey far, far North to Piteå, Sweden and the beautiful country home of Jessica Lindberg. Jessica lives in a farmhouse dating back to 1891 with her husband, two children and two cats. Originally from Piteå, Jessica and her husband lived in Malmö for 16 years and returned two years ago. Their traditional red and white farmhouse is full of interesting details - from the walls which feature everything from tiles, wallpaper, shades of blue and beige, exposed wood beams, marble and stone - to an array of lighting, art and fresh flowers at every turn! Enjoy the tour! 

How lovely! You can tell Jessica has carefully thought out every single element of the living space. I also love how she has combined vintage finds with some contemporary Scandinavian pieces. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

You can see more of Jessica's home on her instagram @rangas_etc.

Other lovely Scandinavian farmhouses to peek inside today: a lovely pared-back Skåne farmhouse, a pretty Västragötland farmhouse and the inspiring farmhouse of a Swedish photographer. Further afield, I love this idyllic farmhouse for a family of five and a beautiful and unique Dutch farmhouse. 

Anyone else feeling tempted with rural life? All that space! 

Here at home, we're preparing for my stepson's graduation from school tomorrow. Taking your 'Studenten' is a really huge thing in Sweden (up there with other big life events such as births and weddings! - is it big in your country too?). It's a really joyous event. Teenagers run out from their schools - huge grins on their faces, throwing their graduation caps in the air before touring the town blowing whistles and waving flags. They then return home to celebrate with family and friends. Sadly, the celebration is marred with the Coronavirus social distancing rules this year, but we're doing our best to ensure he has a memorable day all the same (naturally, I put myself on decoration duties!).  Better get on! 

I'll be back tomorrow with more Scandi home love! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jessica Lindberg

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Reflection.

I have always seen My Scandinavian Home as a positive bubble and somewhere people can come each day to escape, even if for a fleeting moment of time. But then the words of Desmond Tutu came swirling into my head: "If you are neutral in situations off injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

What is happening around the world is unacceptable and I stand in support of justice for people of colour and against racism. What can I do better both in my personal life, here in this wonderful online community and the content I share? This is a question I will be reflecting on and take with me as I continue to blog about beautiful Scandinavian-inspired homes and design.

In the meantime, thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to continuing to share this positive bubble of Scandinavian-inspired design with you each day!

Niki

Drawing found via Black Crane with thanks

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