A Swedish Home with Warm, Golden Tones

Friday already? How great is that? I'm celebrating by working away in a little cafe by the sea beside my house. It's a little foggy though so the Öresund bridge (which connects Sweden and Denmark) is shrouded in cloud). In this Gothenburg apartment though, it looks like the sun is always shining thanks to the warm golden tones. Would you like to take a look around and get some lovely ideas? Follow along for the tour. 

I often talk about a 'red thread' - which is a Swedish phrase for carrying a theme from one room to the next  to create a cohesive look and create harmony. In this space the same beige-yellow hue has been used in some shape or form in every room. 

Note above how a shelf has been placed over the door making use of 'dead space' and also drawing the eye upwards to make full use of the magnificent ceiling height. 

I mentioned in Wednesday's post that range ovens are making a big comeback in Sweden lately. Don't get me wrong, in-built ovens are still more prevalent, but these beauties are sneaking into older homes and adding a wonderful focal point to the kitchen. In Sweden we don't use so much gas, so if you look closely, you'll notice that these are often induction. 

Doing away with upper cabinets for a cleaner look is still a hot trend. Even so, open shelving and rails with hooks help to add a relaxed, cosy touch. 

Note the panelling contains beading which adds a traditional touch to the look (see my panelling style guide for more information). 

Possibly one of the slimmest wine fridges I have seen - so smart if you like to keep your wine at exactly the right temperature but don't have a lot of space to spare! 

An extra dining area has been added in the open-plan sitting room. Note the wall-mounted glass cabinet - a popular feature in Swedish and Danish homes right now! 

All storage in the sitting room is made from the same wood, adding warmth and texture to the space. 

A fully working masonry stove in the corner adds such a cosy touch to the sitting room! 

Whoever has lived here (and soon moving out) is very keen on storage - which is a dream to see! Note how the cabinets do not go the entire way to the ceiling for a contemporary touch (and to not obstruct the beautiful cornicing!). 

I feel warm just looking at this apartment - there's definitely something to be said for yellow-ish tones, don't you think? 

For those of you who think it's helpful to see a floor plan, here it is: 

Right folks, that's it from me this week! 

I'm rushing back home now to help my daughter to pack for her swimming competition in Kungsbacka, on the Swedish west coast this weekend (did you see Lovisa's home which I shared from the same town on Wednesday? So charming!). And tomorrow I'm excited to be heading over that bridge to Copenhagen for the day. Let's hope it isn't still shrouded in fog! I hope you have some sun / relaxing plans too! 

If you'd like to see a little more inspiration over the weekend, check out the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian home archives - there are over 12 years of Scandinavian interiors to explore! 

I'll be back on Monday with a tour of a danish summer cabin with the most beautiful garden (I've been taking notes for our own cabin garden). Hopefully see you then! 

Niki

Photo: Henrik Linden for Alvhem. 

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Lovisa's Charming 20th Century Swedish family Home

Sailing has taken my family and I to many towns, cities, fishing villages and even uninhabited islands around the Swedish coast. It's been such a wonderful way to discover the country! On one of our trips, we stopped in Kungsbacka, a lovely city on the West coast, just south of Gothenburg. And today I am excited to share Lovisa Hillhammar's house from the very same place. 

Lovisa lives with her husband Anton and daughters Mila and Vera in a beautiful old property built in 1923. The pair have been slowly renovating the house, restoring it to its former glory while adding modern touches. Keep a look out for the 'red thread' (touches of green throughout to ensure a cohesive flow from room to room) and clever use of contrast. For those of you who love wallpaper - you'll love the William Morris designs too! Välkommen in!

In the kitchen, Lovisa has opted for a dried sage, roasted chestnut and cream colour combination. 

Range ovens have been taking Sweden by storm lately, especially in older houses such as this one. Copper pans hung from a rail and a wall-mounted oil lamp hark back to the early 20th century. 

William Morris Wallpaper, open shelving, mix and match chairs and a glass cabinet ensure a cosy and relaxed touch in the dining area. The pendant lamp is by Gubi. 

I love the use of contrast in the sitting room, which includes different materials and dark and light tones. 

This black gloss door is a standout to me. Simple yet impactful. Gloss has started to make a comeback recently - often used in a single area to focus the eye and make a statement. 

There is plenty at play in the hallway - including green architraves, William Morris wallpaper, a Flos lamp, wall mounted candlestick holders by Skultuna and an antique mirror. A Cappelen Dimyr rug can be seen in the room behind. 

A wicker bassinet takes space in the window. 

What a beautiful family home! I love 'dried sage' tone throughout and the combination of earthy tones with wallpaper. 

Is there anything that stood out to you guys? 

If you're not already following Lovisa on instagram, it's a must! You can find her over at @hi.lovisa.

Would you like to see a few more Swedish 20th century houses today? Check out: 

A dreamy 20th century villa

A Swedish house that's like something out of a fairytale

A lovely turn-of-the-century apartment in Stockholm

That's it from me today, it's good to be back after the easter holidays! See you Friday friends. 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography: 1,2,3,4,5,6, 10, Anna Karlsson, styling Anna Bjelkholm for Sköna Hem. Others by Lovisa Hillhammar. Shared with kind permission. 

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Easter Touches in our Cabin!

It's time for an easter break here in Sweden, and we're spending a few days up at the cottage. Here's a little sneak peek at what's on our table! 

Many Swedes hang decorative eggs from branches at easter time. It's also customary to attach feathers to twigs and branches outside - adding some much needed colour before the leaves and blossom appear! 

One of the highlights for me, is 'Semlor' - wheat buns filled with marzipan and whipped cream! A total calorie bomb, but worth every morsel! 

Other highlights include 'påskkärring' - children dressed as Easter witches with a headscarf, freckles and rosy cheeks, knocking on doors in a quest for sweets. Many also decorate their home with witches (no, that is not an example of one above. Just me!!). 

I found the 'witch' aspect so strange the first year I was in Sweden for Easter. I've since learnt that it was believed that on Maundy Thursday, evil was released into the world and witches would fly on their broomsticks to Blåkulla (you can see the island in my guide to island hopping in the Baltic). And many hang witches in the window as a symbol of this. Read more about the Swedish Easter this this post. 

Do you have any unusual Easter traditions in your country? 

Looking to decorate your home this Easter? Here are is some Scandinavian inspiration from the archives:

My big easter DIY edit

7 beautifully simple Easter craft ideas from Scandinavia

A danish home with Easter touches

Easter touches in a charming Swedish home

5 simple easter DIY ideas

One of my favourite easter recipes

Oh, and of course, it wouldn't be easter without sharing my bunny napkin ears trick for the table. 

I hope you have some relaxing days off and the sun shine's for you! See you next Monday! 

Glad Påsk! 

Niki

PS There is an exciting sneak peek in these photos of an 'anniversary' item that is set to launch soon. Can you guess which piece it is? I'll give you a clue: it's Danish. More to follow in a fortnight! 

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A Lovely Turn-of-the-Century Stockholm Apartment

Hejsan! I hope you had a fantastic weekend! The sun is shining across Sweden today, and although the temperatures don't convey it, there's a distinct feeling spring is just around the corner (again!)! On Thursday I shared Marianne's beautiful SOFO, Stockholm apartment - and I was excited to discover this pad in an early 20th century building just down the road! 

While Swedish has long been associated with 'blonde' wood, I have seen a lot darker wood creep into homes lately - a trend that is set to continue. Another thing to look out for: despite being in the heart of the city, the owner has brought in lots of nature in the form of plants, wild bouquets, art and even a floral dress. landscape paintings also help to transport you to the countryside (did you know that simply looking at pictures of nature can help you unwind?), for a calming oasis in the heart of the city. 

I love this little pendant over the table. I wish I knew where it was from. If anyone has any tips please let me know and I will update this post with a link. 

A Swedish florist told me that she is receiving more and improve requests for 'wild' looking bouquets. Now that flowers and other foliage are starting to return to our gardens and outdoor spaces it's a perfect look to create. Think about mixing a variety of different shaped blooms: round, tall and thin etc and don't be afraid to mix in branches from raspberry bushes and other plants you might not have thought including in your bouquet. The more asymmetrical, the more natural the display - transporting you straight to the beauty of the great outdoors! 

No greenery around your inner-city home? Bring it indoors with botanical themed art! 

Displaying favourite items of clothing in the bedroom is a fast way to add colour, pattern and a touch of the new season to the room. 

Curious to see how this Stockholm apartment is laid out? Here's a floor plan courtesy of Historiska Hem: 

(Glossary: sovrum - bedroom, vardagsrum - living room, kök - kitchen, bad rum - bathroom)

I hope this Swedish living space has given you a few ideas for your home - if only it's to create a wild bouquet or hang out a spring / summer dress in your bedroom today! 

Do you have a lot of plants and flowers around your home? 

Step inside a few other homes I've featured lately: 

A white swedish attic home
Julie's bright Danish summer cabin by the sea
A fab design Danish cabin on Airbnb
A striking Swedish flat full of contrast
Before and after: a dark house becomes a vibrant home

A light filled Berlin home with a Nordic touch

Have a sunny start to the week!

Niki

PS - it's only a few days until the ester break - any thoughts on whether you would rather see a post about easter decorating ideas or outdoor space inspiration? Let me know below!

This lovely home is for sale via Historiska Hem. Photography: Johan Spinnell. Styling: Copparstad Interior. 

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Marianne's Art-filled Apartment in SOFO, Stockholm

Sweden might be a big country geographically, but the population is small:10 million (the same size of London), which means never more than a few degrees separation from anyone. Interior and graphic designer Marianne Wikner and I first connected when I reached out to feature her beautiful home in Mariefred (which she has since sold). I instantly fell in love with her love of art, sculpture and antique pieces - and a home tour of her and her husband's charming country escape in Österlen, southeast Sweden quickly followed. 

So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Marianne has a flat in Stockholm! Located in SOFO (the quarter south of Folkungagatan in the hip neighbourhood of Södermalm), the apartment has all the hallmarks of Marianne's signature style including plenty of antique and vintage finds as well as paintings, busts and figurines, but it also has an air of calm, ensuring it's the perfect oasis to return too after a day in the city. Welcome to Marianne's Stockholm home!

You'll recognise this table from her Mariefred home. This time, Marianne has opted for a soothing beige backdrop as opposed to the striking deep tone seen in her previous dining room area. 

The trick to creating a gallery wall like this is to include a variety of different styles of art (oil painting, illustrations etc), as well as mix and match frames (some without too!). I also like the way Marianne has included objects. 

The entrance hall is wonderfully clutter free - a calm welcome after shutting the door on the buzz and whir of Sweden's capital city! 

The sitting room is made up of a selection of times collected over time including a leather Chesterfield, cane chairs and poufs. 

A collection of well loved coffee table books, sculptures and treasures have been displayed on the table in the corner. 

What a perfect oasis! 

Marianne's interiors have got me so excited about 'Konstrunda' next week. Every easter, it's time for the big art exhibition across Skåne, south Sweden. There are five different tours to choose from, and we usually pick one each year, travelling around the countryside dropping in at the ateliers and galleries of painters, potters and sculptures. It's one of my favourite events of the year. 

Do you have something similar in your area? 

I'm particularly excited about heading to Norrviken to see Sara Bergman's exhibition - I featured her lovely home in Höganäs last year, and her art is wonderful! 

In case you'd like to see more of Marianne's home - check out her instagram here, and take the tour of her Österlen home and former house in Mariefred. 

On another note, I know I usually write posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday but this afternoon the crazies and I are heading off on a long weekend to Berlin (very exciting!) with my Mother so this post is a little earlier than usual! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Marianne Wikner, shared with kind permission. 

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