Oak and a Cosy Roaring Fire In A Swedish Cottage Kitchen

Warning: this kitchen might make you want to move to the Swedish countryside. Especially if you love 19th century architecture, wood beams, and a roaring fireplace! Laura and Nora of the incredible Our Food Stories (whose Berlin studio and German country home I've also featured), bought a cottage in Österlen, Southern Sweden a few years back. I've been following the renovation ever since and have loved the way they've been adding their own signature touch while being careful to maintain the property's natural charm. This week Laura and Nora revealed their recently completed kitchen - which combines a stunning oak Devol Haberdasher kitchen with Bertazzoni and Smeg appliances and vintage lighting. Oh, and a wonderful fireplace of course! 

I'd be perfectly happy to keep Per company from the Little Petra armchair while he ambles about in the kitchen. His cakes might not be a patch on Our Food Stories.... but he does makes a MEAN spag bol!

This jute rug* is similar (and biodegradable). 

The Haberdasher kitchen is a handmade modular system, which features unpainted oak cupboards inspired by mid-century English interiors and a traditional gentleman's haberdashery - which makes it extraordinarily charming!

What oven do the girls with a foodie themed instagram feed that has amassed over 1 million followers use? A professional Bertazzoni range cooker, that's what! Now we know the secret to culinary success! 

The worktops are a mix of marble and handmade aged copper. The sink is also made of marble. 

The walls have been painted with chalk paint from Icelandic brand Kalklitir in 'calce' (I also used Kalklitir in my kitchen and I'm so happy with the nuanced finish!). 

Love that the unit in the above picture is also used for wood storage - it really adds to the cosiness of the space, din't you think? But above all else - look at that farmhouse table! *Sheds actual tears*! I've been looking for one like that for ages. I wonder if it was sourced in Sweden. I'm off to investigate! 

Before I head off - have you noticed kitchen cabinets made from natural wood have really come into their own in 2020? See also a calm, warm kitchen designed by Holly Marder and the awe-inspiring private kitchen of Noma head chef René Redzepi - beautiful! 

Could you imagine opting for wood in your kitchen? Or perhaps you're too busy imagining yourself in that fuzzy armchair by the fire to care! In which case, I wouldn't blame you! 

Wishing you a wonderful, cosy day friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Our Food Stories with thanks

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11 Ways To Make The Most of An Awkward Corner

What awkward spots do you have in your home? I've got a few - including under the stairs (currently used as a place to gather dust and odd socks),  the upstairs landing, and many, MANY corners. Considering a standard room has four of them, I think these angular spaces are the most under-utilised space in the home - and the funny thing is, there's an amazing amount you can do to make better use of them! Curious to find out how you can turn a dark, disused corner into an area of outstanding natural beauty, or better still,  highly practical? Here are eleven ideas: 

1. (above): home to a plant! Ever dreamed of having more plants in your home but can't figure out where they'd go? Pick a corner.... any corner, as long as it has some natural light. 

2. Table and chairs: always wanted your own creative corner? Or perhaps that extra table away from a more formal dining room. Add a small square or round table for a practical way to make more out of a disused corner. 

3. Art: Nothing adds interest and personality to a home quite like art - and it's perfect for brightening up dull corners.  Go single or make a statement with a gallery wall.

4. The corner office: If you've always wanted THAT corner office - it's time to promote yourself at home! Plus, desks that hug a corner make maximum use of desk space too! 

5. Shelves: when you're tight on space, squeezing in some extra shelving in the corner can make a world of difference and offer a perfect home for books and other bits and bobs. 

6. A reading corner: with everyone spending more time at home right now, it can sometimes feel hard to carve out a little spot to call your own. Why not gather your favourite books (or creative pieces), add a reading lamp, chair and something fluffy and you're good to go! 

7. Storage: never underestimate the power of a corner cupboard for extra storage! 

8. Heat things up: more of an investment this one, but if you've ever dreamed of having a wood burning stove but never sure where to put it - how about that cold, dark corner in the kitchen / sitting room / hallway....

9. Make it musical! Corners make a great place for a record collection, musical instruments or music listening devices. 

10. A space for reflection: Banish dark corners by adding a mirror. Not only will it brighten up the room, it'll also make it feel larger - and it's practical too! 

11. None of the above excite you? You can never fail with a castle!

Writing this post has made me want to rush home and start filling the corners with pretty things, how about you? 

Got a corner in mind? 

Niki

Photography credits: 1. This lovely image has been separated from its owner online - can you provide the credits? 2 & 3 Mathilde Engelund 4. the home of Kate Manning featured in Inside Out AU 5. Anders Bergstedt / Entrance 6. Jonas Berg for Stadshem 7. Cathrine de Lichtenberg 7. Svenska Mäklarehuset 8. Home of Vigdis Apeland Bergh photographed / design: Gro Sævik & Vigdis Apeland Bergh 9. 10. My Domaine 11. Home of Johanna Wikstrand Gartmyr captured by Lisa Wikstrand

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White and The perfect Light In A Small Swedish Studio

Remember the days when all 'on trend' Scandi homes (so it seemed) were black and white? You'll have noticed that over the past few years, the black accent has slowly evaporated, and a softer side has surfaced: brown - in just about any shade. This small, one bedroom Swedish home styled by Bon Interior features a beautifully serene, light beige / sand and white colour palette - perfect inspiration if you love blanc but want to add some nuances. Even though I'm sharing this home more for the colour inspiration there are a few nice ideas to steal if you're living in a one room bedsit all the same. Oh, and I think I've found the perfect lamp too...

Here she is: the 'Pendant Tropez' - from Globen Lighting (I know, because as soon as I saw it, I was on the case). It's currently out of stock right now *rolls eyes*, but a little birdie tells me more are expected on 23rd October, 2020 and I'll be the first in line! Isn't it lovely? 

Another favourite lamp (to the left) - the Flos Cocoon Gatto. 

Rare for me to say this - but I wasn't going to show a shot of the kitchenette as I'm not so keen on the style. BUT then I realised that the layout / corner wrap could be super inspiring for anyone dealing with a tight spot - such a clever use of space! 

I'm such a big fan of this palette!

Could you imagine opting for a white and light sand / beige scheme in your home? 

A beautiful Swedish home as white as it's snowy surroundings

50 shades of a white in a serene Swedish home

The serene white home of a designer

This lovely Gothenburg apartment is for sale here. 

Wishing you a serene day! 

Niki

Photography: Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem

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A Warm Rural Swedish Home That Combines Old And New

It's a new dawn, a new day, a new week even. But not a new house tour, especially if you've been reading My Scandinavian home for over four years! Oozing charm and character, the country home of Swedish interior stylist Anna Truelsen has gradually migrated from a more fresh white aesthetic to deeper earthy tones. Which is why I thought it was time to pay another virtual visit! Today, Anna's home is a perfect blend of muted earthy tones, antique furniture, shelves crammed with porcelain collected over the years and several handmade pieces. It's the type of home that looks equally beautiful in all seasons - but there's something about the candlelight, roaring wood burning stove and deep hues in the bedroom that makes it feel especially cosy in the Autumn. Välkommen in! 

Thonet and other vintage chairs* have been arranged around a table that was built by Anna's Grandfather. The plate racks on the wall were also made by 'Morfar'. The wall have been painted Metropolitan AF-690 from Benjamin Moore. 

Anna has been collecting cake stands, terrines, glasses and bowls since she was 17. The collection has been carefully culled over the years, and today, she possesses only the pieces that hold real meaning.

To me, Anna's home is instantly recognisable in magazines and online thanks to the wonderful, original wood burning stove in the kitchen. Isn't it beautiful?

A simple linen tablecloth* adds a soft touch to the grey and white kitchen - while sunflowers provide a burst of sunshine. Sadly, they're fading in Sweden now, are they still in bloom where you are? 

Anna bought a second-hand 4-seat Klippan sofa from Swedish site Blocket and then coveted with a loose fit white linen cover from Bemz*. 

The 'Mediterranean Teal 2123-10' paint colour in the bedroom reminds Anna of the forest! I reckon come December, you'd want to hang out there all day and snuggle up with a good book, don't you think?

This home tour has put me in such a good mood - a perfect way to kick off the week, don't you think?

Did you get any ideas for your own home? 

In case you missed it in the intro, you can take a peek at how Anna's home looked four years ago. Quite an interesting transformation. It's easy to see how this has been a gradual process. Oh, and you might also like to follow Anna on instagram where she shares snapshots of her home as well as her styling work for magazines. It's such an inspiring feed! 

Other country homes to love today: 

A Finnish family home in a former schoolhouse

Old meets new in a charming Swedish country home

An idyllic rural home that's full of charm

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Anna Truelsen, shared with kind permission

*This post contains affiliate links

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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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