Introducing 3 New Columns on MSH In 2021!

The year is finally coming to a close. I'd love to say that it has flown by - but er, nope, it hasn't! 

For my last post of the year, I thought I'd share some of my plans for My Scandinavian Home in 2021 and hear more about what you'd like me to cover in the coming year. 

As well as the usual posts (home tours, latest Scandinavian design, make-overs etc), I'm excited to introduce three shiny new monthly columns: 

1. Readers homes: I hear so much about your lovely homes in the comment section and my inbox, but I never get to see them. It's definitely time to change that, don't you think? In 2021 I'll be starting a new monthly column dedicated to the homes of My Scandinavian Home readers. 

2. How to: It's all very well showing beautiful Scandi-inspired home tours - but transforming what we see into our own home is the tricky part. I am no expert, in fact I learn something new every day,  but I have picked up a few tips and tricks over the years which I'd love to share with you. From perfect rug sizes to how to design a practical bedroom. I hope this monthly column will come in handy. Oh, and let me know if there is anything in particular you'd like to see! 

3. Our Tiny House: Per and I have been thinking of building a tiny house in the garden of his family's summer cottage for years. And the time has FINALLY come! JAAAA! We're so excited, and a little nervous too! In the coming months I'll be documenting our journey - from the architectural plans of our 30m2 cabin, to the trials and tribulations of decorating a teeny-weeny living space! I hope the column might help you solve some conundrums in your own home, or at the very least entertain you (I'm sure we'll make plenty of errors along the way!). 

I hope you like the sound of these! 

Is there anything you think is missing or you'd like to see more of on My Scandinavian Home? If so, please leave a comment below or send me a mail - I'm all ears! 

So, friends, it's time to head off and spend a little downtime with my family. 

Thank you SO much to everyone who has stopped by each day and made this little corner of the web such a positive place to be. 

I'm looking forward to kicking off the year here on My Scandinavian Home on 11th January. In the meantime, you'll find me over on Instagram at @myscandinavianhome. And you're always welcome to explore the My Scandinavian archives for inspiration! 

Here's to a bright 2021! Gott Nytt År (Happy new Year!).

Niki

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Pantone Colours of 2021: Illuminating Yellow & Grounding Grey:

You know the year is coming to a close when Pantone announces its colour of the year! For 2021 they've taken a slightly different approach with not one but TWO individual, yet complimentary colours.  After the year that 2020 has been, everyone had an inkling that the guys might just opt for a vibrant colour. And they certainly didn't disappoint, listing the first shade as PANTONE 13-0647 or “illuminating yellow” – a bright, optimistic and vivacious tone. The second, is a more muted PANTONE 17-5104 - named "grounding grey". 

"Something that’s been apparent across the board is how much we need each other, that these connections with others have given us strength and fortitude, as well as the hope and the positive outlook that are essential to our moving forward,” Pantone’s spokesperson said. “By choosing two independent colors, that helped us subliminally convey that message.” 

While grey has always held a place in my Scandinavian-design heart, yellow is not a hue I've ever gone for in my own home (despite appreciating it in the homes of others!). However, after a little digging around the net for inspiration, I might just have been swayed. Take a peek at these sunny rooms - you might just fall in love with it too, either way, the colour will certainly put a spring in your step! 

What do you think? Did you find these space uplifting too? 

I think Pantone’s choices are really on the pulse of what's happening around the world right now. And although this is not the first time Pantone has chosen a shade of yellow as their colour of the year, this feels like a very much needed lift to our homes in 2021! 

In case you're feeling inspired to add a drop of golden sun to your home, here's a round-up of 11 vibrant pieces: 

GET THE LOOK

1. Alphabeta Uno pendant
2. Lemon Print
3. Lean lounge chair
4. Restore storage basket*
5. Aalto stool E60
6. Mono blanket wool*
7. C.Lamp
8. Suede oven glove
9. DLM table
10. Hatch Ikat Flatweave Yellow Area Rug
11. Bellhop table lamp


Here's to a brighter 2021!

Niki


PS I'll be stopping by tomorrow for my last post of 2020 and excited to share a few ideas I have for My Scandinavian Home for the upcoming year, I'd love to get your input too! See you then!

PPS Thank you so much to Ana for helping me to compile this post - and for all her wonderful behind the scenes work over the year.

1. Luisa Brimble 2. Farrow and Ball 3. Laure and Joliet 4. Mattias Hamré 5 & 6. Elle Decor - Sean Fennessy 7. Anki Wijnen 8. Cindy Denekamp 9. Studio Rhonda

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Bathroom love: GSI Ceramica's Kube X Collection

Sponsored*: 

Hello friends! I hope you had a lovely Christmas, despite the circumstances. Are you ready to look forward to 2021? I sure am! I have a sneaking suspicion this will be the year we finally renovate our bathroom. I know this as I already have my feelers out for the most beautiful designs (It's a sign, surely?). And GSI Ceramica's contemporary Kube X Collection has sent my design heart a flutter! GSI Ceramica prides itself on combining the latest technology with craftsmanship, rooted in the thousand-year-old tradition of the Civita Castellana ceramic district around 60 km from Rome. And the rectangular forms, pared-down lines and slender edges of the Kube X collection are simply divine! 

I also love that the Kube X Collection is massively versatile, offering something for every size bathroom (from smaller sized basins to larger ones) as well as different installation options (wall hung, on a countertop or on a mobile support) - and is available in a white matt, ash and black finish (Bianco, Cenere and Ardesian from the Colour Elements collection).  

Bathrooms can be a bit of a cesspit for bacteria (although looking at these beautiful images, you'd never know it!) - so it's important to think about the technology too. The products in the Kube X Collection are coated with the new Extraglaze® Antibacterial ceramic enamel which is tested and certified for guaranteed 99.99% antibacterial action. Suddenly makes me wonder about our ancient bathroom and what's lurking there, are you wondering the same about yours?

Oh, and other winning factors in case you're curious: the loo (toilet) features Swirlflush® technology (the quietest flushing system in the world), helps to save water (using 4.5 litres instead of the 9 litres of a standard loo), and has a Soft-Close seat. And if you're really into features, you'll be excited to hear it also features a Quick Release installation system which allows the loo cover to be unhooked without tools, and a Soft Close slow closing system to prevent accidental drops.  

In other words, they've got you covered!

Sounds and looks wonderful, don't you think?

Might just approach Per with this post (he's going to love the tech info!). 

You can read more about the Kube X Collection here. 

I'll back back tomorrow to share two colours set to be hot in 2021 - and they might just surprise you (I was  sceptical but having seen the imagery, might just be sold!). 

See you then! 

Niki

This post is sponsored by GSI Ceramica. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the wonderful brands that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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God Jul / Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! 

It's a difficult time, with many of us missing our family this year. Even so, I hope you can find joy in the small things - A Zoom call with a loved one, a great book, a glimpse of sunshine or a slither of cake. You might also take comfort (along with the cake!) as I do from the words in the chorus of a very famous Swedish Christmas song:

Tänd ett ljus och låt det brinna, 

låt aldrig hoppet försvinna,

det är mörkt nu, 

men det blir ljusare igen. 

Light a candle and let it burn

Never let hope fade away,

It's dark now,

But it will be brighter again. 

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas friends!

Niki

PS You can listen to 'Tändet Ljus' here sung completely a cappella!) - and find the full lyrics in English here. 

PPS I'll be back for a few days in between Christmas and new year! See you then!

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Visit My Virtual Home Viewings Exhibition This Christmas!

Sponsored*: 

With all that's going on right now, it's not the easiest to find things to do over the holidays, don't you think? Gaaah! I do have one idea for you though (although I might be a little biased!) - have you visited my online exhibition at the Swedish Design Museum yet? In case you missed it, the Home Viewing Exhibition is a celebration of everyday Swedish design and architecture - shown through a selection of real homes. Last year, I ran a series of real open home viewings across Sweden. And now, I invite you to virtually discover these handpicked homes online. 

Here are a few of my favourites:  

Funkis Townhouse

This functionalist-style townhouse in Stockholm was designed by modernist architect Paul Hedqvist. Built in the late 20s / early 30s, it features many if the common characteristics of Nordic 'funks' architecture such as simplicity, flat roofing, light-filled rooms. Take the full tour here. 

Former Railway Station

The final departure from Norra Vram station was in 1966. Now this lovely yellow and brick building, which belongs to the first generation off iconic Skåne railway stations has been carefully modernised into a beautiful home. Take the tour here. 

Bohuslän Summer Cottage

Built in 1909, this former farm in Bohuslän on Sweden's west coast has become a charming costal summer cottage. The pretty farmhouse near the picturesque fishing village of Mollösund (which I have visited many times by boat and features in my Swedish west coast island guide) bears many of the signature architectural characteristics of the region and a perfect spot from which to wile away a summer. Take the tour here. 

Feel like seeing a few more homes? Pour yourself a coffee (make it extra strong to get into the Scandi spirit), put up your feet and click here. 

I hope you enjoy the exhibition as much as I did curating it! 

Niki

Photo credits: 1. Tim Bohman / Fastighetsbyrån 2. Mattias Hallestrand / Diakrit / Fastighetsbyrån 3. Fredrik Ahlbäck / Valvet 4. Mattias  Vogel / Skeppsholmen Sotheby's

*It was an honour to be curate this exhibition and promote it as part of a paid partnership with Visit Sweden. 

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