A Bright, White Swedish Home With Mid Century Touches

There is something very special about the spring light in Sweden. Even my mother commented on it when she was over recently. On some days it can be pin sharp on others, it's soft and filtered! It's at this time of the year our homes really come into their own with the dappled light leaving ripples on the light wood floors and white walls. It's a time when we can finally open the windows and invite the crisp, clear air indoors and marvel at the lime green leaves and blossom (after a long spell of dormancy!). This lovely apartment in Gothenburg caught my eye this morning for that very reason. Look out for the simple yet lovely spot in the kitchen window, ochre vintage chairs, mid-century touches, beautiful tiled masonry oven and William Morris wallpaper (a popular choice in Swedish homes these days!). Enjoy the tour! 

How lovely! 

I'll never tire of old light wood floors, how about you? 

For more swedish pads today - why not delve through this archive, there's SO much inspiration in there! 

Kram! 

Niki

Credits: Entrance 

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The Idyllic Thatched Cottage and Garden of a Danish Artist

The work of Danish artist and freelance designer Ane Kirstine Bilde is inspired by flora and fauna - which makes her idyllic country home a perfect base. From the outside, the property on the coast of western Funen is every inch the quintessential country home, with its thatched roof and whitewashed stone walls. Inside, the relaxed vintage and antique furniture helps to accentuate the warm and inviting, yet calm and relaxed feel. look closely and you'll notice every corner of Ane's house is filled with pretty floral motifs and nature-inspired art. In spring, the house comes alive with spring touches from the garden - and life moves outside to the garden and a simple outhouse. Ready to take a look? Velkommen (as they say in Denmark)! 

What a lovely life! I couldn't think of a more perfect home for an artist inspired by nature, can you? 

The outhouse is so pretty. This style of sunroom / greenhouse has become increasingly popular in Scandinavia lately as somewhere to hang out when the weather is less than favourable - but still mild - and prolong the summer! 

Funnily enough, it looks a little like the tiny cabin we have just built - except, of course ours is a contemporary version! 

Could you imagine spending your summer here? 

See more of Ane's idyllic country home over at @anekirstine.bilde - and discover her art here. 

Would you like to take a look at a few other Danish country homes today? Here are a few of my favourites from the archive: 

Before & after - a century old Danish thatched cottage is given a revamp

Historical charm meets Scandi minimalism in a Danish country home

A Danish cabin by the sea becomes a lockdown haven

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki 

Photography: Ane Kirstine Bilde shared with kind permission

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A Danish Artist's Home in Copenhagen - With Lots of Angles and Oodles of Charm!

It takes a lot of imagination, vision and patience to take on an apartment with quirky angles. But fortune favours the bold, and Danish pair Mikala and Mark Brunsvig (an artist) were willing to take on the challenge! Located in the hip Copenhagen neighbourhood of Nørrebro the apartment is located on the fourth floor of a block dating back to the 1800s. Mikala and Mark were keen to create a personal, cosy and relaxed home which is also highly practical. Measuring 76 sqm (818 fsq), the creative couple have ensured no space has gone to waste - creating a series of zones and using every nook and cranny for storage. The result is a warm and inviting home filled with books, art, vintage finds and splashes of colour. 

It's not often I start with a floor plan, but today, I thought it might be helpful to understand the layout and angles before you take the tour. 

Quick Danish glossary; køkken - kitchen, stue - living room, værelse - room, altan - balcony. 

Now that you've had time to study the lay out , it's time to enjoy the tour! 

There are just SO many ideas to steal from this lovely apartment. I've been through it several times and always spot something new! 

Above all else, I love the feeling you get from the pictures - the home oozes charm and a wonderful sense of ease.

Is there anything that stood out to you? Perhaps something that has given you an idea for your own home? 

See more pictures of Mikala and Mark's home here and Mark's art here. 

I've got an exciting long weekend ahead with a trip to Kullaberg, Helsingør and Helsingborg on the itinerary (do follow along on my Instagram stories if you'd like to see one of my favourite corners of south Sweden and Denmark!). But before I shoot off, here are a few other homes of Scandinavian artists: 

The cosy vintage-inspired home of a Swedish artist 

A danish artist's beautiful and inspiring Copenhagen home

The relaxed home of a Norwegian artist 

Beautiful! 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Mikala Brunsvig

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The Scandinavian-Inspired Home of a Florist in Kyiv, Ukraine

This beautiful, harmonious family home in Kyiv, Ukraine popped into my mailbox recently. It was designed by Elena Petresku, who tells me she is safe and well and working as a volunteer while she awaits the opportunity to return home. The apartment belongs to florist Oksana Oliynyk and her family who turned to Elena for help to transform their early 20th century building a few steps from the magnificent Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery into a calm, Scandinavian-inspired oasis. The aim was to create a space where 'the people and their relationships come to the fore... (and) the interior does not distract from what is important'. After a year long project and tremendous amount of work, the lovely apartment was completed in 2021 - and in my eyes, has achieved everything they set out do - and more! 

For the client, a professional florist, it was important to have a large dining table where she can create bouquets. Over head, two Flowerpot pendants provide light after dark. 

Vintage table from France, Bentwood chair by Thonet, Flowerpot lamps by Verner Panton

The project included a restructure to make the space more functional. This included uniting the kitchen and living room which then flows through to the master bedroom. A small balcony off the kitchen provides a spot to enjoy a morning coffee.

The interior taps is inspired by the minimalist Nordic expression with natural materials, white and grey colour palette, combined with shades of timber and pared back furnishings. 

Coffee table by Ivan Chudov, Cobra floor lamp by Greta M. Grossman (Gubi). 

A built-in wall-to-wall closet creates a ton of storage in the master bedroom (this type of storage is a game-changer, I have firsthand experience after installing my own wardrobe recently!).

The storage unit in the children's bedroom was custom-made to maximise space.

Sofa by Hay, Poster by Olga Fradina

Sink and loo by NicDesign, sink faucet by Giulini G. Rubinetteria, Wall lamp by Flos. 

Thank you so much for submitting this beautiful apartment Elena!

You can see more of Elena's work and follow future projects, as well enquire about her interior design service over at @l.petresku. 

You might also like: 

A serene interior with a wonderful air of mystique

One-off pieces in the LA Home of Ukrainian artist Kirill Bergart

Vi ses imorgon! 

Niki

Photography: Katia Zolotukhina Styling: Tatyana Korzun

*Note: Elena tells me she is safe and well and currently working as a volunteer in Italy as she awaits the opportunity to return home. I am also told Oksana and her family are safe, although Oksana and her daughter miss their apartment very much and were sad they didn't have more time to enjoy it. They too, hope to return home soon and be reunited as a family. 

For those of you wishing to show your support, the Ukraine Red Cross have opened an emergency donation appeal to help those in need of vital aid. 

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