Warm Pools of Sunlight In a Monochrome Home

Tjena! We're going monochrome today with Alexander Parr's pad in Bielefeld, Germany. Black, white and earthy shades set the tone for a calm and contemporary apartment which is bathed in sunlight for much of the day. The items have been carefully edited and whittled down to a selection of new Nordic design and Scandinavian classics, while rugs, sheepskins. cushions and sheer linen curtains help to add warmth. Pull up a chair and enjoy the tour! 

A selection of Eames chairs have been draped in sheepskins in the dining area. In the corner a print from Paper Collective has been hung above a Grasshopper lamp. 

A drinks trolley* by Normann Copenhagen provides a practical place for vases, books and other pieces. The top print is from Normann Copenhagen (I love this one - especially when the light catches it in this way!). 

Alex sits at a 'Siege Ballon' while working. I actually once used an exercise ball to sit on when I worked in London. They're meant to be really good for your back and core strength as you're constantly moving and adjusting. Having said, it always used to roll away (although I did also suspect a couple of my colleagues played football with it from time to time!) - so I'd always be going off to retrieve it! Find out more info about this one and the health benefits here. 

While on the topic of office chairs, these days I use this one - which I love! But on a recent visit to the IKEA headquarters, I noticed that people were sitting on kinds of different seats - and one was even on a stationary bike! What do you sit on when you work / study? 

White linen is so fresh for the summer (source similar here*). I love how Alexander has paired with black lighting including a mantis wall lamp. So simple, yet so calm!

I hope this lovely monochrome pad has filled you with inspiration today! 

You can see more snapshots of Alexander's light and airy home over at @alexanderpaar. 

I can't believe it's Friday tomorrow! I'm looking forward to finishing the blog week with a beautiful 'before and after' tour. Make sure you stop by to take a peek! 

Niki

Photography: Alexander Paar

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Dreaming About This Fabulous 19th Century House in Barcelona

In my days working for a corporate giant, we always made an annual pilgrimage to a consumer electronics fair in Barcelona, Spain. As someone who's not too interested in tech (some might say a total luddite!) the highlight of my trip was to stroll through the old town and dream about what lay behind the lovely old facade. I knew the homes would be pretty, but I certainly didn't think they'd be quite as fabulous as this! Located in the heart of the city, the 19th century house belongs to interior decorator Marta Tobella - who has lovingly transformed the space into a perfect oasis. Think fresh whites combined with tactile rattan, bamboo and wood - as well as large double doors that flood the kitchen and master bedroom with a welcoming cool breeze! 

Wow!

This house has me longing to return to Barcelona (without the expo!). I love that Marta has installed a small pool to help keep cool on balmy days. Heaven! 

Could you imagine rocking about here? 

Tonight I'm doing a live session with Carl Hansen & Søn at 7pm CET. If you're around and fancy hearing about 'The Danish Concept of Hygge' and seeing my film of the incredible Danish Manor I visited last week, sign up here and join the fun (it's online, open to all and completely free). I hope you can stop by!

And tomorrow I'm heading to Copenhagen to meet with Skandinavisk (it's all go right now!). I'm slightly concerned that this means I won't get around to writing tomorrows post - if this is the case, rest assured I'll be back on Friday! 

Have a lovely evening!

Niki

Photography: Pere Peris, Styling Monica Klamburg,  Featured in El Mueble via Style Files with thanks.

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A Lovely Pared-back & Contemporary Home In Bergen, Norway

Are you ready for a virtual trip to Bergen, Norway? Today, we're taking a tour of the beautiful home of Ole Anders Teslo - of real estate agent Eie and Catherine Bækken, a designer at Heem, a Norwegian studio focusing on subtle minimalism in the field of interior architecture and concept styling. Little wonder their home is a picture of Scandinavian modern perfection! The rooms have been painted in various earthy, calm tones - from a lighter blue-grey in the dining area to a dramatic deep shade in the bedroom - proving the background for an amazing selection of Scandi design pieces! The minimalist touch ensures a light and airy feel - and also allows each iconic piece to stand out. Look closely and you'll also see subtle textures which help to ensure a balanced feel. I think neatniks in particular are going to love this tour! Ready to take a peek? 

Eames wire chairs circle the table and a Penthella floor lamp can be seen in the corner. 

You often see lamps (like this Hay Cloche one) on the windowsills in Scandinavian homes. I've asked a few friends about this and they say that it helps to make your home look warm and inviting from the outside, making it nice to arrive home!

A pair of Jielde lamps are the only items on the wall in the kitchen (I love these lamps! I picked up a beautiful vintage one on Etsy a few years ago here). Try Icelandic brand Kalklitir for a similar chalk paint affect. 

A beautiful leather Tiki sofa pops against the dark wall and a mirror and Flos 265 light help to lighten up the space on darker days (it rains 239 days a year in Bergen - can you believe that? It's still one of my favourite cities though!).  

Wall mounted classic String shelves provide a perfect home for a collection of magazines, books and other treasures. 

I love this little home office space. Using a Ferm Living plant box* as storage for prints and frames is a great hack too (it could also be used in a children's bedroom for books!). 

I spy the iconic wishbone chair. Did you know these chairs take around three weeks to produce - including one hour for a skilled craftsman to weave the seat? They are so beautifully made! 

I love how a simple Thonet bentwood chair has been used as a bedside table. I also recognise the Noon print by Kristina Krogh (I have the same one in my bedroom!).

And just look at the storage system below! I can imagine this looking so different with a wardrobe like mine - but loving the idea, it turns the whole room into a walk-in-wardrobe! Could you imagine doing something like this?

I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I did and have come away with some ideas for your own home. 

If you'd like to see more of Catherine's style, check out the Heem portfolio - it's full of beautiful minimalist spaces! 

I'm really excited that this has given me the opportunity to dip into the Norwegian archive to find a few more homes for you to enjoy today (there are so many incredible ones in there): 

An idyllic Fjord-side summer retreat

A simple yet cosy Norwegian cabin by a fjord

A cosy candlelit cabin in rural Norway

A charming cabin on the water's edge

Oh, how I miss Norway! Have you ever been? It's a magical country. 

Niki

Styling: Heem

Photography: Dag Randen

This post contains affiliate links marked with * Thank you for supporting My Scandinavian Home. 

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A Beautiful, Light-filled 19th Century Swedish Loft Apartment

Why, hello there! I hope you had a wonderful weekend (if I've got this right, I think many of you are off today too? In which case I hope you're having a fabulous day and the sun is shining for you like it is here Sweden!). I'm kicking off the week with this beauty of an attic apartment, tucked under the rooftops of Gothenburg. The building dates back to the late 19th century - and still bears many remnants from the past - including beautiful beams and a traditional Swedish tiled masonry oven. The simple white theme ensures a light-filled space and creates a beautiful contrast with the dark wood structure, while Swedish interior designers Emma Fischer and Linnéa Manaberi have worked around the low slanted ceilings and little nooks to create a practical living space. Ready to take a look around?

How lovely! It just goes to show how, with a little help from skylights and a white scheme, you can create beautiful light-filled home in an attic! 

I also love the beams, white wood panelled walls and fig tree! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Maybe you can imagine living there? In which case, you might want to head over to Alvhem as it's for sale! Yep, I know! 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few more attic spaces today? Here are a few beauties: 

A small-is Danish home with a vibrant, sunny feel

Before and after: a loft becomes a light and airy guest bedroom

A mini yet mighty one room Swedish attic apartment

It's also worth taking a look at: 

15 small space hacks to learn from a beautiful Danish home

7 great ways to make the most of an attic space

Honestly, today is the warmest, sunniest day in Sweden we've had since last September. It's almost cruel that it's landed on a Monday! Should I take the day off? I'm very tempted! 

Wishing you a lovely, sunny start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Anders Bergstedt

Interior design / styling: Emma Fischer & Linnéa Manaberi

For: Alvhem 

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A Fabulous Swedish Home In A Converted railway Station

Warehouses, firestations, schools, post offices - there's something so special about these structures when they are converted into a living space. This former railway station in Ösmo, south of Stockholm has been transformed into a beautiful home -. and yet still bears evidence from it's former life. Instantly recognised by its yellow tiles, red windows and A-symmetric exterior - the station was designed by Ferdinand Boberg - an esteemed architect - and completed in 1901. Today it's been converted into a fabulously unique living space and has been causing quite a stir since the owners put it on the market! Could you imagine living here? 

What an incredible place! 

If you'd like to see a few more pictures - hop on over here. 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few other conversions over the weekend? Some of the ones in these archives are simply amazing: 

Converted schools 

Converted warehouses 

Converted factories

So friends, that's it from me this week. Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you've enjoyed the eclectic mix this week - from a serene, dark apartment in Kiev and creative apartment in London and a Danish manor, we really have been around the block! 

Have a great weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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