A Charming Stockholm Apartment with an Ochre Kitchen

Green is probably the most popular kitchen colour in Scandinavia right now - and there's no denying how calming and beautiful it is. But it's also nice to discover a kitchen which goes against the tide - like this one with ochre cabinets. In fact, the entire apartment in SOFO (South of Folkungagatan), in the hipster district of Södermalm, Stockholm has been decorated in a beautiful, unique palette. Think earthy blue, dusty pink (similar to Farrow & Ball's popular 'setting plaster') and a dampened ochre in the children's bedroom (could be Jotun Lady 'Cashmere' or 'Hummus')- a perfect lesson in how to create a 'röd tråd' (red thread) throughout your home using colour. 

Oh, and keep a look out for the castle bed and koala mustard wallpaper in the bedroom! So cute! 

Really beautiful - and such wonderful use of colour. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Would you consider having this yellow, blue and pink combination in your home? or perhaps a kitchen with ochre cabinets? 

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Last week in Sweden was all about the 'Studenten' i.e., when students graduate from 'gymnasium' (sixth form college / high school). The week was peppered with parties in which sailor-clad graduates celebrated with family and friends until the early hours. Needless to say, everyone's still in recovery mode this Monday! But still it was a wonderful week!

Do you have special traditions in your country for those graduating from high school? 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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Cabin Update: The Lights Are On!

This is a paid partnership with Hudson valley Lighting Group. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love. 

The progress continues at the cabin! During the build we had spotlights fitted in the ceiling, which are all on dimmers. This set the basis for the lighting, and then I needed to add another layer - a more decorative one, but also directional to allow for reading, playing games etc. I.e. The fun part! Read on to see some pictures and find out more about the three new lamps in my life! 

Stanton floor lamp

This little gem in aged brass was the ideal choice for beside the sofa as it is height adjustable, and you can swivel the shade to direct the light. The black and white marble base makes for a great 'anchor' too (with Allie doing her gymnastics all over the shop, there's not much chance of it toppling over!). Find out more about the Stanton at Hudson Valley Group International here. 

Chloe wall sconce

You might recognise the lovely Chloe wall sconce by Mitzi, as I also have one in my sitting room at home. It's a favourite as I'm a big fan of the aged brass and light grey marble combination. For our bed alcove I opted for two - both connected to a dimmer switch so we can choose between a bright light for reading or a warm glow for ambience - this was important as it doubles up as somewhere cosy to relax in the open-plan living area! 

I love that this wall sconce works as decoration when not in use! 

Beside the lamp you'll notice a power source. The idea is to add a little rounded corner shelf at some point for phones and other tiny items like watches etc. All these details take time! 

Back home we added a third light from Hudson Valley Lighting Group: 

Nora Wall Sconce 

This fine Nora Wall Sconce by Mitzi brass wall sconce is part of the same family as Nora Pendant which I installed in Liv's room. It's available in two finishes: aged brass or polished nickel, but you know me, I love a golden touch! This lovely light added just the warm touch we were looking for in our window nook - day and night! It's probably the most coveted spot in our house, but I've got a feeling it will be even more inviting now! 

It's amazing what a difference lighting can make - whether to add decoration, create a warm and inviting feel, highlight a favourite painting or simply brighten up a corner. This weekend, why not do a light edit in your home and figure out what's missing. By adding a well-placed light you can completely transform an entire space and the way you use it! 

See the entire lighting collection over at Hudson Valley Lighting Group. 

Do you have a favourite? 

Right, I might just go and drink that cup of tea ('English breakfast'! - you can take a girl out of England, but you can't take England out of the girl!) and relax for a while before the family come home. 

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend. Vi ses på Måndag! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

Styling at cabin: Helen Sturesson. Styling at home: Niki Brantmark

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A House and Garden with a Beautiful Greenhouse on The Swedish Island of Gotland

Today I'm taking you to the magical Swedish island of Gotland for a tour of Linnea's romantic home and garden. Linnéa lives in south Gotland with her husband and their two children Lilly and Harry. During the day Linnéa runs interior shop Ladan I Hemse (a must visit if you're on Gotland!) and online baby boutique  Papijjon Sweden together with her best friend Sandra. And luckily for us, she also takes the time to share snapshots of her house and garden - including DIY ideas and her latest flee market finds on her beautiful instagram feed @leitntoinspiration. 

Think deep green and dark brown tones, traditional wallpaper and a nostalgic nod to times gone by.  

Welcome to Linnéa's world!

Linnéa and her family added a greenhouse to their property a couple of years ago. Greenhouses have become highly coveted in Sweden and are used not only for gardening - but also as an extra room! With its Gotland stone foundation this greenhouse is extra pretty! Note how Linnéa has lined the ceiling and walls with fabric to help keep the heat out. A crucial element! 

Simply beautiful! 

Where to start? The traditional touches, the greenhouse, the cats? All lovely! 

I'd love to hear your thoughts below! 

For more pics, hop on over to Linneás instagram @leitntoinspiration. 

And of course, it would be rude not to share more beautiful homes from the island! Take a peek at: 

A converted schoolhouse 

A 19th century house with stone walls

A beautiful farmhouse 

A former lighthouse keeper's cottage

Stor kram (big hug) from me! 

Niki 

Photography: @leitntoinspiration

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A Pretty Red and White House in Rural Sweden

When I think of the Swedish summer, I think of a charming little red and white summer cottage surrounded by forest. This is probably because that was my first experience of Sweden back in the day - but it's always stayed with me! This house in Västra Götaland County, West Sweden is somewhat larger than the one in my head - but it's still so quintessentially Swedish! Plus, it has all the trappings of an idyllic Swedish country home - lush surroundings, a beautiful lake nearby and a few neighbours with whom to celebrate midsummer! 

Step inside and you'll be greeted by beautiful wood panels painted in a soft muted green - and a classic style kitchen to match. Wood burning stoves and traditional Swedish tiled masonry ovens help to heat the rooms come winter, and the entire space has been kitted out a blend of old and new. It's the type of place that you'd want to pull up a chair and stay for a while, no matter the season! 

Beautiful!! 

I love the lighting in the kitchen, it's like a modern version of the pendant we have over our dining table at the cabin. The Frama Circle lamp is similar, but if you know who sells these exact pendants, please do let us all know in the comments! 

Oh, and it could be yours! It's currently for sale through Stadshem. Any takers? I'd love to drop in for a cup of tea - or join your midsummer to enjoy the revelry, if you're the lucky one to snap this up! 

Other Swedish country homes to feel inspired by: 

A cosy country home in rural North Sweden

An idyllic red and white farmhouse in the countryside

A warm rural home that combines old and new

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem with thanks

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