6 Smart Ideas To Steal From a Small Danish Apartment

Goddag, goddag! I'm going straight in this week with the delightful Copenhagen apartment of Büsra Demirhan. A student living in a 47 metres square (505 foot square) apartment with her boyfriend, Büsra was selected by Danish magazine Bolig Magasinet as instagrammer of the month thanks to the clever way she has designed her small space on a tight budget, without compromising on style. Here are six very smart small space ideas that make a big difference! 

1. Round table: Round tables have a smaller surface area than square tables and therefore take up less space - and can squeeze into a tight spot. Plus you avoid the risk of walking into a corner with your thigh (winces). 

2. Extra storage: Büsra has used used dead space above the kitchen cabinets to store little used items. A wooden cup holder (this one is by Sætter and is taking the Danish interior world by storm right now) slots in neatly between the upper and lower cabinets. 

3. Think slim: Narrow furniture - like this glass cabinet is ideal for small spaces. 

4. Wall mount where possible: a flat screen TV has been tucked in among frames on the wall of the sitting room, leaving the floor clear. Wall mounted furniture is especially great for small spaces as it helps you to make full use of vertical space and creates a more airy feel. 

5. Wall to wall, mirrored storage: one whole side of the sitting room area has been reserved for much needed storage. Using closed storage not only helps to keep a space looking clean and clutter free - but the mirror helps to visually enlarge the room. Perfect! 

6. Get creative: A cupboard / wardrobe space off the corner of the sitting room has been reserved as a bedroom for Büsra and her husband. A simple curtain across the doorway helps to keep the space private without feeling you're closed in. 

I hope this lovely space has given you plenty of ideas if you're currently furnishing a small space - or have smaller rooms in your home! 

You can see more snapshots of Büsra's home over at @busrademiirham. 

And there is a LOAD more inspiration in the small space archive (if this pops up first just scroll on over!). 

Wishing you all a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @busrademiirham, shared with kind permission. 

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An Incredible Workspace / Studio and Gallery in Delft Holland

Many moons ago interior designer and photographer Holly Marder of Avenue Design Studio came and shot my home for a magazine feature and we've been in touch ever since. Not only is Holly a lovely, funny person, she's also amazingly talented. Every interior she touches turns to gold and I've featured so much of her interior work here in the past. I was so excited to discover that Holly recently opened a new studio and gallery space in a Dutch canal house in Delft, Holland. The building itself is incredible and boasts soaring ceilings, sash windows and an original parquet floor. And true to style, Holly has used the natural light that floods through the windows as a backdrop for a gallery of "curated collection of art, objects, furniture and design" as well as a design studio. Ready to feel inspired? 

The design studio

I remember when Holly worked from an attic space which doubled up as a guest room. Naturally it was a lovely space - even so, I think we can all agree that the new Avenue Design Studio headquarters is a step up! Connected to the gallery via an outdoor patio, the space is used for presentations, meetings and consultations surrounded by a "rotating collection of curated objects and art which are collected for projects in the process of being finished" as well as samples and materials. 

The magnificent studio table is a travertine piece which has been custom made for the studio. A large mood board (try Ferm Living for similar pinboard) serves as inspiration for various residential interior design projects. 

Gallery by Avenue

Holly is forever sourcing unique pieces for projects as well as collaborating with artists, so a gallery space next door was a natural progression and a long-term ambition. 

The gallery, which is open to the public (I need to visit ASAP!), showcases a collection of vintage and contemporary design as well as furniture and objects designed in the studio. Think earthy tones, natural and tactile textures and a serene look and feel. 

How beautiful! To think people work in spaces like this - gaaaah!

I'd love to visit the gallery too - the only problem is I'd want to buy everything so it would be very dangerous! 

You can see more Avenue Design Studio projects here.

And Holly's own living spaces:

The kitchen

Previous living room

Current living room

Bedroom

Looking to revamp your home office or workspace? There's plenty of small space inspiration here: 

The black and white desk of a Finnish blogger

Vintage inspired home offices

Per's workspace (back when he was teaching from home last year!)

And other, larger studios / workspace inspiration here: 

A surfer's creative studio

An interior designer's studio

An inspiring light-filled workspace in Hannover

workspace envy: studio slow

A Norwegian design studio

And of course, I can't resist including a link to my own studio in Malmö. I moved in three years ago having worked from home for several years. It took me ages to decorate it, and I'm even doing a bit of a reshuffle here tomorrow (you know me!). I can't wait to share more pictures with you soon. In the meantime, you  might like to see the behind-the-scenes tomorrow over at @myscandinavianhome stories. 

That's it from me this week friends! Thank you for your kind comments, I'm so happy you've enjoyed the tours this week (if you've missed them, hit the 'older posts' button below - they're not to be missed!). 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Avenue Design Studio / Studio Artspret / Fanny Hååg / Rachel Terpstra 

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The Cosy Rural Home of a Swede Living by a Scottish Loch

As a Brit living in Sweden for the past 18 years, I'm often asked which culture has influenced my home decor style more. I'd definitely say the latter, but I'm sure there's a deeply ingrained British touch there too (there's always a pack of Earl Grey tea in our kitchen cupboard for starters!). I love to see how other homes of those living abroad look. And today, the beautiful home of Patricia Amalia Rodi - a ''Swedish Frenchy in Scotland'' - popped up on my instagram feed. I caught up with Patricia to find out more about her home, how she renovated it on a tight budget and how her past has helped shape her present.

Can you tell us a little about your background? 

My dad is French and I spent lots of my time in France as a child (I even lived in Nice and Paris in my twenties), but I was born in Sweden and grew up there until I moved to Scotland - which is where I've been for the past eight years. I work as an interior stylist, blogger and content creator. 

Your house is lovely, where is it and who do you live with? 

I live in the Scottish countryside, more specifically in a Victorian house built in 1860, overlooking a loch in the Argyll and Bute area of Scotland. I live with my husband Patrick and dog Alva. 

How long have you lived there and did the house require any work? 

We bought the house two years ago and it was a total renovation project. We have restored the whole house ourselves, bringing it back to its former glorying using reclaimed materials. It's been a massive undertaking, but we have learnt so much in the process, from restoring windows, laying floors, plastering - you name it! 

That is an amazing feat! What did it look like when you first found it? 

The house hadn't been touched for over twenty years and was covered in awful carpets and plastic floors. However, some of the historical and traditional features were still intact - and this connection with the past was something we wanted to treasure. The renovation has taken us nearly a year. Since we didn't have the money for a grand reshuffle, or to pay builders (except for our amazing joiner Gareth), we kept most of the layout as it was and worked to preserve the period features. This meant removing the dusty old carpets, sanding floors, laying reclaimed floors, plastering and painting inside and out. It was really hard work but nonetheless incredibly rewarding when you stand back and realise that you have done it all by yourself. 

What have you learnt most from the process?

It has taught me not to rush through the process of putting together a home. Indeed, it can be hard to live somewhere unfinished, mundane, and chaotic. But I've learnt that I need to allow the home to slowly unfold over time so that it rhymes and changes with the patterns of our life. 

How has your background inspired your decor? 

I have always been deeply passionate about interior, food and nature - spending my childhood scurrying between my Father's restaurants in Gothenburg, Sweden where I grew up; the countryside of Southern France where I spent every summer with French aunts; and the seaside of San Remo, Italy, where I just ate too much gnocchi and burrata! My interior style is inspired precisely by my multicultural background and childhood memories of Italian tiles, French antiques and Scandinavian modernism. 

And finally, what do you miss most about Sweden?

Oooh the dreaded question! I love the Nordic farmhouse, vardagslyx (everyday luxury), and the mysig or hygge (cosy) approach to life. I miss these cultural components that are so entrenched in the Swedish lifestyle. I know that I used to take them for granted sometimes, but they really do have a calming impact on everyday life. 

As a Swede, I love to make our home cosy. I think that's why our home is always filled with people. There's always cake (or food) in the house, the candles are lit, the coffee is brewing and there's always a record playing in the background. I really like that Swedes know how to bring a special feel to mundane weekday life. 

Thank you so much to Patricia for inviting us into your cosy Scottish home.

I love the idea of living in a Victorian house beside a loch - it sounds so romantic, don't you think? 

See more pictures of Patricia's home over at @patriciarodi and discover more about her work here. Her blog over at Lovely Life is simply beautiful too!

I loved hearing about how Patricia's past has shaped the decor and feeling in her home. How do you think your past has shaped your home? I'd love to hear in the comments below! 

Would you like to see a few other homes belonging to Scandinavians living abroad? Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cuppa and feel inspired by these: 

Life change: a Swedish family living in the French alps

Mindful decorating: fall in love with the home of a Swede living in Holland

A relaxed Finnish oasis on the Spanish island of Mallorca

Happy Lillördag friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Patricia Amalia Rodi

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Beautiful Small Space Living in a 19th Century Swedish Apartment

Every now and then a real gem comes on the market - like this apartment in a 19th century farm building right in the heart of Gothenburg! Measuring a mere 38 m2 (402 foot square), the living space might be considered relatively small - but it's an absolute dream for a single occupancy or a couple. Think lovely high ceilings, large arched windows and doors and beautiful old beams. In summertime the apartment spills out onto an inner courtyard, extending the living space. All in all, it's a wonderful lesson in organising and decorating a small space - and of course a dream for anyone that snaps it up. Enjoy!  

I'd be so happy to call this space my home, how about you? 

Sadly, but not surprisingly, it's already sold. 

Other Scandinavian small space inspiration: 

7 small space tricks to learn from a Stockholm home

Clever small space ideas in a Swedish studio

A cosy small Swedish pad with warm tones

Wishing you all a lovely day!

Niki

Photography: Jonas Berg, styling Grey Deco for Stadshem

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A Magical Rural Escape by a Norwegian Fjord

I am constantly astounded by just how magical some Scandinavian summer residences are. Not because they are luxurious - far from it. You see, Scandinavian summer houses tend to be pretty pared back affairs. The focus is on kicking back and allowing the nature to help you unwind. Slipping away for the weekend or for an entire summer, there are no flights to catch and no schedule to keep. It's a simple life which dances lazily to the tune of eat, sleep, swim repeat. This enchanting summer house on the banks of a fjord in Northwest Norway belonging to Monica (AKA @tante__monica) is a fine example of how the Scandinavians have got it exactly right! 

"The summerhouse has no electricity or water and no road. Usually we arrive by boat," Monica tells me about her family summer house. "But at this time of year we have to walk through the forest since the boat is on land due to winter storms."

So where do they get their water? 

"We retrieve water for washing from a well, and we either get our drinking water from a nearby waterfall or we bring it with us on the boat." 

And the electricity? 

""For cooking we use propane, for light we use old oil lamps and candles and for heating we use the wood burning stoves," Monica explains. "We listen to music on our phones. We love to be there and not have to think about what's on TV. Instead we sit on the veranda and watch the sun go down as the birds fly or swim by and the fish jump from the fjord."

"It's quite romantic, but of course a lot of work," Monica says. "We have no animals, so we have to cut the grass ourselves. We do this once a year in order to allow for the wild flowers and plants to grow and attract a variety of insects. Every year we look forward to seeing if any new species appear." 

"Norwegian flower meadows are now in huge decline and our goal is to make our meadows rich in species again." 

The house is beautiful with a fascinating, if not tragic history. 

"My father grew up in the house. It was built during the war in 1942-43. Sadly the older house which stood there before burnt down. It was a huge tragedy for the family. My father was only nine and had to jump out of the kitchen window and my great grandmother was helped out through the window of her bedroom."

Today, the property, which was built after the fire, has been decorated in a serene, understated way. Vintage and antique pieces pop against a white and grey backdrop, and touches of blue and green mirror the surroundings. 

"I like to use items that have always been here. If we are in need of something new, we tend to buy old furniture and accessories. They are more charming and go a lot better with the house," Monica explains. 

Plates and other items were stored in a wall mounted cabinet with a subtle blue / brown theme and a simple rag rug can be seen on the floor. 

This lovely picture - captured for a feature in Lev Landligs - a Norwegian country life magazine - shows a pair of vintage beds, which had already been painted green when Monica found them. 

What a truly magical place to spend your summers. 

I can almost feel the warmth on my skin and I'd never ever tire of the view, how about you? 

See more of Monica's beautiful summer residence over at @Tante_Monica. Monica is also a keen knitter and sells handmade Christmas stockings through her shop Tante Monica (@christmasknitting) and Norwegian jumpers together with her friend Katrine via @mokkastrikk. 

Keen to take a peek inside a few other Norwegian summer residences today? I love: 

A serene Norwegian home for the weekend

An idyllic fjord side summer retreat

The cosy and relaxed home of a Norwegian blogger

Niki

Photography: Monica Almskår Heggset & Lev Landig 

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