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A Magical Journey That Inspired A New Scent


Collaboration: 
You might recall back in Spring 2019 I ventured to the Hardangerfjord in western Norway as part of a Skandinavisk scent discovery tour. It was magical. I had no idea the fruit trail existed, let alone how staggeringly beautiful it is! My days were spent with Skandinavisk's founder, Shaun Russell and perfumer, Stéphane Coez strolling through the incredible orchard-lined fruit trail taking in the light scents of apple, pear, plum and cherry blossom. Above us the silence of the forest was occasionally interrupted by the thunderous sound of water cascading from the Hardangervidda plateau to the glistening fjord below. 

Since the trip, the guys at Skandinavisk have been quietly developing their first fragrances for the skin, culminating in the very exciting Kapitel (meaning 'chapter') collection. Each of the three Eau de Toilette, Kapitel 4, 12 and 17 reinterpret adventures precious to life in Scandinavia including Island Solitude and Freedom to Roam. Imagine my excitement when I discovered the third, Kapitel 17 -  Remote refrain - was inspired by our trip to the Hardangerfjord! Read on to discover more! 


If you've been to Norway, you'll know that one of the mesmerising things about the country is how quickly the weather changes. One moment you're scrambling to put your anorak on as bruised clouds cast a threatening shadow over the landscape, the next you're down to a t-shirt as the sun pierces through the clouds and turns the fjords a deep emerald green. I took the image above on our final day, when mist clung to the valleys and a light rain pattered on the surface of the fjord. It was hauntingly beautiful.  

It seems, Shaun and Stéphane were equally mesmerised by our scent discovery trip, encapsulating the wonderful aromas that carried in the breeze in Kapitel 17, an Eau de Toilette which perfectly captures our journey through the orchard-lined fruit trail. 


'Remote refrain' is a "...sonnet to fresh pear, its delicate white flowers and the subtle honey scent of their pollen, carefully wrapped inside the sensory amphitheatre of fjord land and accented by the watery reverb of its surrounding waterfalls."

Needless to say, I was thrilled when it arrived in the post! 


The beautiful, light scent is insane - and takes me straight back to the Hardangerfjord!


The Kapitel Collection is also made up of two other Eau de Toilettes. Kapitel 4 - 'Island Solitude' is a "memoir of gliding through the shallows, bow gently coming to rest on the pebbly shore, the slippery touch of damp rock moss underfoot, and the fragrant green embrace of gnarled crabapple and dog rose."

Kapital 12 is "a chronicle of journeys to the highlands and wilderness along the remote northerly borders, foraging for herbs and berries, and hiking heather-lined trails above the tree line with only the stars for company."


Excitingly, the Kapitel Eau de Toilette collection launched yesterday, 1st October, and is exclusively available at Skandinavisk's concept store in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London or online here during the month of October. Plus, a little birdie tells me for this month only, Skandinavisk are offering free shipping within Europe for every 50ml Eau de Toilette ordered via Skandinavisk. If you're located in the US,  the Eau de Toilettes will land in US online store in a couple of weeks and you'll also benefit from free shipping! Nice! 

Oh, how I miss Norway and it's awe-inspiring nature. Until we're free to roam once again, I'll allow this fragrance to take me back. If you're also dreaming about a journey to Scandinavia, perhaps one of these Eau de Toilettes might just transport you there (or back) without leaving home. 

And if you do venture to the Hardangerfjord - remember to expect four seasons in one day! 

Niki

*This post was brought to you in association with Skandinavisk. I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the brands that ensure I can bring fresh and inspiring content to your mailbox each day! 

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home (except picture 1. Cassie Evans and final picture Skandinavisk).  

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6 Ways To Create A Timeless Home - Scandinavian Style!

You're likely to have seen this apartment before. I first featured Karen Maj Kornum's home back in 2015, and then again in 2017 and even included it in my book The Scandinavian Home (I'll never forget the day I spent there!!). The fact is, I could probably feature this home in ten year's time, and it would still feel relevant. So, what makes Karen's living space stand the test of time, while others feel distinctly out of date after a few years? I've compiled a list of 6 'timeless' lessons to learn from her stunning Frederiksberg home! 




1. The neutral backdrop: Colours and wallpaper patterns come and go (think Laura Ashley in the 80's!), but white and off-white shades will never go out of style and serve as a perfect blank canvas with which to layer the home. 

2. The statement piece:  Look closely at the back wall and you'll see that it's a picture (or 'wallscape') rather than extra room (Karen picked it up at Bless in Berlin and feels sad that if she ever moves she won't be able to take it with her). Whether in the form of a one-off work of art, unique textiles or a piece of unusual furniture, adding something eye-catching like this will give your home its own distinct character while still maintaining its timeless vibe. 

3. Make it personal: I love the idea that a home is never 'finished'. It might seem obvious, but it's so important to remember to take your time to layer a home over the years with pieces you've collected on your travels, things your children (or ancestors) have made, photographs and favourite books. Sure, you might like to add the odd on-trend accessory, but the bulk of the look should be truly unique and personal to you. 

4. Mix it up: When I interviewed Karen about her home for my book, she said that she loves to blend styles and furniture from different eras. Look closely and you'll spot an entire blend of antiques, vintage finds and contemporary pieces - all of which help to give the interior longevity - and ensure your space doesn't lend itself to one particular era that could quickly become out of date. 

5. Invest in timeless, iconic design pieces: Furniture that has been made by a reputable designer / craftsperson and made from good, solid natural materials can be maintained over time. If you opt for pieces with a simpler design, they'll blend into any room, while still adding a magical iconic touch. 


6. Follow your heart: Sometimes this is easier said than done (trust me, I often feel blinded by trends, especially when I work in the industry!). The thing is, trends are designed to come and go - where as your natural sense of style will likely stay quite consistent over time (give or take - I mean, I wouldn't have a poster of Morten Harket (of A-Ha fame) on my wall these days - yep, clearly always been drawn to those Scandinavian men!)! 

I have to add, I love trends and I notice some wonderful on-trend pieces in Karen's home too (like the Berber rugs) but if you truly want to create an easy-to-maintain timeless home - it's important to decorate the bulk of your home with pieces that you love simply because they hit a chord. 


What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions about what makes a home timeless? If so, please do share in the comment section below! 

If you love Karen's style as much as I do,  check out her online shop (for the most beautiful rugs!) and see more of her interior styling work at Another Ballroom.

In other news, I'm excited to take you on an armchair journey to Norway tomorrow - and have some exciting news which will allow you to bring a little piece of Norway home. Intrigued? Stop by to find out! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography: Home / styling: Karen Maj Kornum. Photography: Jonas Lundberg

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On-Trend Ceilings, Art and Books Galore In A Delightful Danish Home


The biggest micro trend in Denmark right now: accented ceilings. And I have to say, I absolutely love the idea. One caveat though, I've yet to see a statement ceiling painted in a trendy hue that's not 3.5 metres high with intricate cornicing - needless to say, I won't be painting mine just yet. But can we all take a moment this sunny Wednesday, to appreciate the blue ceiling in the Danish home of interior stylist Helene Katrine? In her Aalborg sitting room, Helene has painted the area overhead in a Dusky Blue hue which works beautifully with the Space shade on the walls, giving the entire look a modern twist. In true Danish style, Helene has also created some fab gallery walls, killer wall-to-wall bookshelves and dotted the space with some of my favourite iconic design pieces. Ready for the tour? You're in for a treat! 


Another on-trend item: the deep pile rug! This one is from Jotex. The sofa is by Hay, and beside it is an Akari lamp by Isamu Noguchi


A Bertoia diamond chair* sits beside bookshelves filled with books, porcelain and glassware. Hang on a minute. I also spot my very own The Scandinavian Home book - I have to say, I feel honoured beyond belief! 


The shelves behind the dining table are from IKEA (I think, but I'll double check with Helene in case I'm wrong!). Thonet Era chairs* have been arranged around the table and a Flos lamp* hangs overhead. 


Can we just take a moment to admire that coat?! It's like a work of art! It's from Stand Studio - the brainchild of Nellie Kamras whose designs are inspired by feminine effortless chic, with an iconic Scandinavian simplicity. I couldn't find the coat on the website, but I did see an entire collection of other fabulous ones!

The Pond mirror is by Ferm Living and the Tribeca Chambers light* is from Menu. 


What a beautiful home. I love how Helene has created a style that embodies calm and elegance with a modern twist. 

Are there any elements that stood out to you? I love asking this question as often someone points out something I haven't spotted (or written about). 

You can see more of Helene's Aalborg home over on her inspiring Instagram feed @helenehoue.

I guess you know what's coming, right? Yep, a few other beautiful Danish homes to drool over today. I'm plumping for these delights, come and join me! 


Happy Lillördag!

Niki

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A Rustic House that Embraces Nature - Inside and Out!

It's been at least 10 days since I featured a home from somewhere Down Under (actually, the most recent from that part of the world was in Tasmania which is Down Under the land Down Under!) but still... it's been too long! So today, while keeping with the cosy theme as yesterday, I'm stopping by to share this cosy cabin with you. Designed by Taliah and Sein Lowry, founders of Byron Beach Abodes and the talent behind this dreamy cottage as well as a bevy of other beautiful holiday homes, The Perch is a rustic cabin high above Possum Creek Valley (great name!) in Byron's Hinterland. The interior is designed to embrace the lush green surroundings and made up of nature-inspired textures and colours, from the terracotta wash on the mud brick exterior to the mottled white on the interior walls and the timber slated cathedral ceilings and raw timber columns. I could quite happily wake up here and snuggle up by the fire each day, how about you?! But for those of us that live on the other side of the world, there's plenty of inspiration to be taken from this hyggeligt home too! 


I particularly love all the raw materials - including the original brick floor in the bathroom. I can imagine it gets really hot here in the summertime and the floor would be so lovely and cool! 

I also really liked the warm, rust and amber tones on the beds. This 'clay' linen bed set is similar (love it!). 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

If you'd like to archive this for future travel - or lucky enough to live nearby, bookings can be made here

How about enjoying a few other cosy spaces today? Some of my favourites include: 


How's life with you guys? Tough times don't you think? I love this to be a positive bubble for everyone to come to each day and feel inspired but felt I wanted to write a little note to acknowledge that life is far from easy right now - hang on in there friends! This too shall pass. 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Perch / Byron Bay Abodes, found via Planete Deco with thanks.

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5 Mysiga Autumn Ideas To Steal From a Mid-century Swedish Home




Tjena! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We've been enjoying an Indian summer here in southern Sweden - yesterday it was a balmy 23 degrees celsius! The girls and I headed off to play disc golf (AKA golf with a frisbee) in the sun (have you played it before?! We were rubbish and spend more time in the woods searching for our frisbees than actually playing but it was so much fun!). We also knew that we were on borrowed time, and that the temperature could plummet any day. I believe everyone has a season (mine is summer, what's yours?) - but by simply embracing the new season in your home, you can really enjoy each and every season to the full, what do you reckon? Fellow Malmö resident and landscape architect Magdalena has done exactly that in her Funkis (functionalist) apartment. Her beautiful, calm home is full of mid-century finds, Scandinavian design and beautiful warm Autumn tones. I spotted 5 simple ideas we can steal to turn our home into a mysigt (cosy) haven too! 


1. Bring out the blankets: Dig out all your blankets and drape them over the sofa and the backs of chairs, even if you have the best central heating system in the world, covering your feet with something soft and warm and softening up hard chairs makes a world of difference! This waffle one from Granit is now out of stock, but you can source a similar one here*


3. Fire and candlelight: One of the best things about the temperature falling is that you get to light a fire. Don't have a fireplace, or the one you have is out of action? Candles help to add a beautiful warm glow and a little warmth. 


3. Autumn blooms: Dahlias, Sunflowers and other autumn flowers add a wonderful burst of colour. Dried flowers are also ideal for this time of the year since they're low maintenance and embrace the tones of the season. But this autumn it's all about the vase - opt for a ceramic vase with a beautiful rough texture. I love Magdalena's Pillar vase from Swedish brand Cooee (seen below) and I've also been in love with Aura vases ever since I spotted them in this Berlin home

4. Invest in velvet cushions in golden tones: add a pair of ochre velvet pillows* to your bed, for a cosy autumn lie-in!


5. Get crafting: Why not set aside an afternoon or evening and make some 'Snöblomma' (snow flowers) in brown, grey and cream tones. 


I hope this has given you a few ideas for your home this Autumn (for those of you in the Southern hemisphere - a post to archive and come back to in six month's time!). 

There's something incredibly calm about Magdalena's home, don't you think? I can totally see myself plucking a book from her immense library and cosying up on the sofa under a blanket.

Can we magic ourselves to the weekend?! 

Also, let's take a moment to admire every single Scandinavian mid-century item. So many beautifully crafted pieces in one place. You can see more corners of Magdalena's home over at @mittfunkis

Looking for more Autumn ideas? How about: 


Wishing you a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Magdalena / @mittfunkis

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