8 Beautiful Homes Belonging to Scandinavian Creatives

I started My Scandinavian Home blog in November 2011 - and since then I've published over 4000 posts - how crazy is that? Hidden in the depths of the archive are some absolutely beautiful homes, which deserve to be highlighted once again, just in case you missed them! So, today I hope you don't mind if I reminisce by sharing eight beautiful homes belonging to Scandinavian creatives. Please do click through to see the full tour and also check out their work - you're bound to feel inspired and might just discover something for your home!  

1. Henning Koppel's magnificent home

It's hard not to be bowled over by this Danish home by the sea belonging to ceramicist Hannah Koppel. 

2. Sara Bergman's beautiful home

I've had the pleasure of meeting Swedish artist and illustrator Sara Bergman quite a few times in person, and Sara is as lovely as she is talented! Her earthy home in Höganäs is one of my favourites. 

3. Anna's home

You kind of know that the home of Swedish photographer Anna Malmberg and her French hat maker beau is going to be beautiful - and you won't be disappointed with the tour of their house in the South of France. 

4. Kajsa's home

Kajsa Hagelin is a Swedish illustrator and creator and her home is full of pattern and clever hacks. Take the tour here.

5. Marie's home

The Norwegian home of artist Marie Storaas is warm, inviting and beautiful in every way. Peek inside here. 

6. Mie's cabin

This cosy cabin is tucked away in the heart of Copenhagen and provides a spot for Danish artist Mie Olise Kjærgaard to create. 

7. Marie & Jacob's home

Marie's own art appears on the wall in this stunning Copenhagen home - see more snapshots over on her instagram here. 

8. Mark's home

The Danish home belonging to artists Mikala Brunsvig and Mark Brunsvig is full of quirky angles, colour, books and charm! 

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So many beautiful homes! Do you remember seeing these in the past? Any new discoveries? How long have you been following My Scandinavian Home? I'd love to know! 

If you have time please do delve through the archives, there is SO much to discover from tiny houses, before and after makeovers and outdoor spaces to city apartments and country homes and everything in between! 

Thank you for following along for the ride all these years - and a happy Wednesday to you all! 

Niki

Photography: 2. Freya McOmish 3. Sara Bergman 4. Anna Malmberg 5 Kajsa Hagelin 1 & 6. Gunn Kristin Monsen 7. Karina Tenberg 8. @strandboulevarden 8. Mikala Brunsvig

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A Dreamy Swedish Summer Cabin by the Sea in the Karlskrona Archipelagos

Happy 1st July! it's officially the month many Scandinavians head off for their great summer staycation! Vacation time is serious business here - with most taking at least three weeks off to enjoy the (hopefully) good weather. But it's not unusual to take four or more weeks in a good year. 

This is definitely where Scandinavians have got things right. Many use the time to relax and reset and simply enjoy all that the Scandinavian summer has to offer from the comfort of their home, summer cottage or caravan - without a workday looming. Bliss! 

If you're liking the sound of this and considering moving to Scandinavia with immediate effect, I've found you just the summer cabin! This beautiful, contemporary cabin made by Sommarnöjen is right by the sea on the island of Aspö in the stunning Karlskrona archipelago. Made up of several buildings, it's geared up for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The wooden exterior and interior mirrors the surrounding nature and large windows and doors ensure that all rooms have immediate access to the great outdoors. 

Ready to feel inspired? 

So beautiful. I love the simplicity, something that's incredibly important in a summer cottage. The less items you have, the less you need to tidy up, leaving more time for relaxing! 

Notice how there are subtle changes in the wood and also a soft grey has been brought in as an accent. It's enough to make the interior interesting without detracting from the sea view. 

And I especially love how so many of the windows and doors can be opened right out giving the feeling that you're outside. 

Could you imagine spending your summers here? I would in a heartbeat! 

In the mood for more cabins today? Check out these lovely summer places for inspiration: 

A dream holiday cabin in Latvia becomes a reality

This Swedish cabin on airbnb is like something out of a magazine! 

A charming and relaxed Danish cabin by the sea

Have a fantastic start to the week!

Niki

Ps loved all your comments about 'grippers' and 'dogs' in Friday's post - they did make me laugh! And thank you for all your kind words about my landing makeover - a reminder that you have until 27th July to make use of the scandi20 20% discount code with Superfront, so if you have any IKEA cabinets that need an update / hack, this is the time! 

Photography courtesy of Liwing Mälarbyrå, shared with thanks

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Our Landing Makeover with an IKEA Hack

This post contains press gifts marked with *

Do you have a space in your home which you've delayed decorating for years? In our house, I had completely neglected our landing, mainly because I didn't really know what to do with it! It's a tricky space, relatively narrow with five doors coming off it. 

But now, I've finally fixed it! I thought I'd share the new look with you, in case you're also struggling with a hall or landing and looking for inspiration! Maybe this will spark some ideas! 

Side cabinet

The main problem was finding a side cabinet that was slim enough to fit the space. The answer came in the form of a simple white BESTÅ cabinet in size 60 cm x 20 cm x 64 cm from IKEA and then I dressed it up using items from Superfront* (a Swedish cabinet that make doors, fronts, tops, legs etc for IKEA units - the wonderful team said they can offer My Scandinavian Home readers 20% off side boards with code scandi20 until 27th July, 2024). Above is a sketch by Helen Sturesson who helped brainstorm the project with me! 

I picked out Vertical doors in umber wood* with matching umber side panels and a portuguese limestone* top (which simply glues into place) below (it's such a lovely stone). I also added slender low stainless steel legs*.

Sidenote: My daughter says this isn't a good picture as I have my 'grippers' out. Have you heard this term? Apparently a TikTok trend amongst the young of Europe dictates that you shouldn't have your feet out in public!! Did make me laugh! 

I picked up a simple round mirror from Bauhaus and the fab lamp is the Double Bubble in size small* by Finnish Studio Eero Aarnio (available in the US here). 

One of my favourite updates has been switching out the old spotlight for two beautiful Danish Le Klint Lamella pendant lamps*. When lit they emit a lovely warm glow and they are so timeless. 

The landing finally feels complete - after 15 years (embarrassed to admit that!). I hope you like it as much as we do! 

Do let me know if you have any questions or I've missed anything and I'd be happy to help. 

Speaking of comments - thank you for all your lovely congratulations on our anniversary and sharing your thoughts on good presents for 'crystal' on Wednesday. We so appreciated it! 

Have a fantastic weekend, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography by me, styling by Helen Sturesson.

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A Charming Swedish Home in a Windmill

The Southern Sweden county of Skåne where I live is known for its flat land and steady wind - which is why you'll spot so many windmills! Although the majority are no longer in working order, some have been transformed into year-round dwellings - like this one!

Nestled in the countryside near Höganäs (see my travel guide here), this beautiful four-storey windmill is currently for sale - and when you see inside you might just be joining the queue to be the next owner! The windmill has been lovingly restored to ensure many of the original features are still intact, while the furnishings have been artfully placed around the angled walls to create a cosy home. 

Shall we take a peek inside? 

So lovely! It would be so fun to be able to invite people over and welcome them inside your very own windmill, don't you think? 

You can currently see the full tour and find out more details over at Nadjafi Kirstensen here. 

This is the perfect opportunity to take a tour of some other unusual dwellings today, don't you think? 

Check out homes inside a former....

Swedish fire station

Carpenters workshop

Bar

School

It might not be a windmill, but if you're visiting Skåne, you can stay in your very own tower just outside Malmö. 

Do you live in an unusual property? Or perhaps you dream of living in one? If so, do tell below, we'd love to hear more! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Niki

PS Per and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary tomorrow - it's crazy how quickly the time has passed. I understand that it's our 'crystal' anniversary. Any ideas for a fun present (yes, left it a little late....). Our neighbour's cat is called Crystal, but I have a feeling that might not work for many reasons. 

Photography courtesy of Nadjafi Kirstensen, shared with thanks.

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Emma Sundh's Beautiful Sustainable Swedish Country Home

Happy Monday! Sweden is still feeling the energy of Friday's midsummer's eve celebrations, and although the cut wildflowers have started to wilt, the memories of the day remain strong (although slightly hazy for those who imbibed a little too much aquavit!). 

Last Monday I featured a pretty summer cottage on the Swedish island of Gotland - which one eagle-eyed reader recognised as the former home of Emma Sundh. I've always loved Emma's projects, having featured her summer cottage (and pink caravan!) in the past. So, today I thought I'd share what she's been up to lately, and you won't be disappointed! 

Over the past two years, Emma and her partner have been busy building a house in Värmland. And not just any house. As a strong environmental advocate, the property has been built entirely from 'stone, clay, straw, recycled materials, laughter, hope, happiness and sorrow' (in Emma's own words)! 

Emma has covered the entire process in her new book Att Bygga ett Hem - halm, lera & återbruk (To Build a Home - straw, clay & recycling). Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful interior: 

Look closely at the sink and you'll see a crack in the sink. When Emma found it, there was a huge chunk missing from the front. Not to be deterred, she sought advice from expert friends and filled it in! 

I love these snapshots. It makes me want to see more and read Emma's book! Do you feel the same? I think it's only available in Swedish right now, but hopefully it will be translated to other languages soon! I'll keep you posted if so. 

We're about to head home from our own summer cottage now, life is whirring around me as we speak. I'd better close my laptop and help pack up! 

Wishing you all a great start to the week, see you Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: Emma Sundh, shared with kind permission. 

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