A Cosy Swedish Family Home Filled with Books

Why, hej! How was your weekend? Ours was a mix of dips in the sea, thunderstorms (not at the same time, thankfully), work (too much on at the mo, and not at all 'lagom' - but thankfully only short term) and life in between (like arguing about who is going to empty the dishwasher). I hope yours was suitably varied, and lovely and relaxing.

So, let's kick off the week with something inspiring, shall we? Like a cosy Stockholm apartment. This home is dedicated to anyone who loves colour, pattern and likes to be surrounded by books (show of hands please?). It's also inspiring for anyone looking for cute ideas for a small space with young children (love the cot in the master bedroom and children's bedroom solution). 

Ready for a nosey? 

Note the climber in the kitchen window - with autumn closing in, it's a great way to create a 'green effect' while the trees lie dormant and create those nature-inducing feel good vibes. 

We're seeing so many statement-painted doors right now and I find them so inspiring. Would you consider painting a door a different colour in your home? 

FYI stripes continue to be a strong trend this autumn and tablecloths and cushions are a great way to add them to the home. 

The colour, the pattern, the warmth - the everything! 

A home for book and LP lovers, so great to see, don't you think? 

Notice how the owners have added pictures, bunting and other small touches to carve out a corner exclusively for the littlest member of the family, while the rest of the room still has a mature feel. 

There's always room for more books!

When space is limited, a desk and raised bed solution is a great way to ensure there is a zone for everything. 

I love this home as the owner's personality shines through. Plus, it's so well kitted out to display and store all their belongings and treasured items. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and observations below. 

Wishing you an 'underbart' start to the week! 

Niki

Photography Boukari, Styling by Copparstad Interior for Historiska Hem, shared with thanks. 

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Iconic Design, Art and Vintage Treasures in a Beautiful Danish Home

Warning: this incredible Danish home will make you want to get the paint brush out this weekend. Whether that's to paint the walls or a vintage find remains to be seen, but the subtle (and at times, bold) use of colour in interior stylist Eva-Marie Wilken's home sure is inspiring. 

But it's not only the use of tones - the combination of pattern, art, sculpture, iconic design pieces and small accessories make her home truly unique - and while there's a lot going on, the calming tones and minimalist look ensures plenty of visual breathing space. 

So, buckle up friends, and get ready for an inspirational joy ride! 

I love how Eva-marie dares to be bold. This cobalt blue desk was a simple off-white colour when she first discovered it and has been turned into a statement piece with an unexpected splash of paint. See below for the 'before'. 

These large openings from room to room are a common feature in Copenhagen turn-of-the-century buildings and allow the light to flow through the space. I love this glimpse into the sitting room where sculptures have been wall mounted beside art. 

Notice the stainless-steel dining chairs (seen more clearly in the lead picture) - a big trend in the world of interiors right now. 

Playful touches can be seen in many corners of Eva-marie's home giving the space a whimsical touch. Notice how she has played with shape - for example in the image above three round items have been grouped together to create balance. 

Fortune favours the brave, as they say, and this recently painted yellow door makes a wonderful focal point in the kitchen. 

Eva-marie's love for different mediums also shines in the pale pink master bedroom where art, sculpture and decorative lamps have been grouped together. Notice how she also uses 'negative space' (i.e. areas of the room left blank) to train the eye and create a sense of calm. 

Dark brown and mustard hues work beautifully with the pink and create contrast. 

There's something wonderfully decadent about the bathroom - and yet it also has an old school feel about it at the same time. It's fun to see the use of wallpaper! Note that while it looks like a wall-to-wall carpet in the image above, it's a stone floor, so no one need panic! 

Wow, I so enjoyed this tour, it spoke to me in so many ways. I loved all the design elements (every item was unique and while it served a purpose it also added interest from a visual perspective). 

I also loved the use of subtle tones and the art. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Eva-marie's wonderful Danish home?

You can see more pictures and get some Danish fashion / styling ideas over on instagram at @evamariewilken.

Thank you so much for stopping by My Scandinavian Home today, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and leave feeling full of new ideas! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @evamariewilken

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A Relaxed Swedish Family Home, Where Sofa's are Part of the Fun!

What month is considered the height of summer in your country? In Scandinavia it's July - which I always struggle to adjust to considering throughout my childhood in England, it was always about August! While my instagram feed is flooded with summer holiday pics from Europeans, here in Sweden, we're eking out the late summer and sneaking moments outdoors at lunchtime or after work - acutely aware that our summer will aoon be over, and Autumn is just around the corner. 

Perhaps that's why I've been drawn to Swedish villas with pools lately? I even had a dream that my family and I had bought a house with a pool AND a sea view last night (imagine my disappointment when I woke up?)- what does that mean I wonder? 

Alexandra Isaksson and her family are no doubt enjoying their pool in the late summer sun - but their beautiful home in Alingsås, Northeast of Gothenburg is also perfect for cosy autumn days. Natural materials seen in the vintage wood furniture, textiles and stonework help to create a cosy feel and botanical-themed wallpaper ensures that nature, although faded, is never far away. 

I love that in this home, nothing is too precious - true to the Scandinavian design ethos, everything is there to be used and enjoyed. You only have to look at the little children jumping from sofa to sofa (this would never have washed with my Mum and her upholstered antique chesterfields nor with my grandmother where the living room was for special occasions only!). Enjoy the tour! 

Wall mounted shelving like this has made a major comeback in Scandinavia lately and it's a great way to keep everything to hand. Keep a look out for vintage ones at flea markets - they're easy to personalise with paint! Or, do like Kristin Lagerqvist and make your own! 

I have always loved the use of curtains in replace of wardrobe doors, it adds a really soft touch to a space and can be a great quick fix to hide junk!

You might well recognise the sofas - they are the popular Söderhamn from IKEA covered with linen from Bemz - I have changed up my sofa a number of times thanks to the Swedish brand (who sell worldwide) ! 

I have always loved this Flos Gatto Piccolo lamp, it's soft yet makes a statement.

Do you recognise the wallpaper in the little girl's room? I recently used this in the bedroom makeover at our summer cottage. I love how Alexandra has paired it with a pink accent.

The bedroom got a small recent update to include shelves over the desk too - practical and pretty. 

I hope you liked this tour of Alexandra's home today! It's certainly brightened up my mid-week. 

Please do share your observations / comments below - whether about this home or even general stuff (feel free to start your own thread!), I'd love to hear from you. I really enjoyed reading about your childhood nostalgia in Monday's post (and happy you agreed that the little chair I featured is lovely in every way!). 

You can see more pictures from Alexandra's home over on her instagram feed @alexandraeleonor.

Would you like to see a few more homes with wallpaper today? Take a peek at:

A dream-like Swedish family home that's full of inspiring details

Pattern, prints and inspiring hacks in a charming Swedish house

A rundown house becomes a Swedish country home

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @alexandraeleonor, shared with kind permission

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Meet the Danish Classic That Now Comes in a Children's Version!

Kindly sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, all words are my own, and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too.

If you're a fan of Scandinavian design, you'll no doubt be familiar with the Wishbone chair - it's one of the most iconic chairs ever made. You might even be lucky enough to own one (we have a blue version in our dining room). Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949, the chair is just as popular today as it was back then because it's beautifully handcrafted, comfortable and it's timeless.  

There's one problem though - it's a little too big for the smallest members of the family. A problem that has now been rectified by Carl Hansen & Søn in honour of Hans J. Wegner's 110th birthday. Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding (we wouldn't fit in it anyway) and say 'hej' to the CH24 Children's Wishbone Chair!

It's not often that I get completely over excited by a piece of furniture (Oh, OK then, it is!), but when this little beauty - designed for children aged three plus, appeared fresh out of the box in our little cabin,  myself, Per and my Mother-in-law all oohed and aahed and fell completely and utterly in love! It's the exact replica of CH24 Wishbone Chair in every way, and equally beautifully crafted, just scaled down to perfection - and it's very very cute! 

The frame is made from the same solid oak with just as much care put into the carpentry, and the seat has been handwoven from paper cord - just like its mummy version! One of the things I love about these materials and the good craftsmanship is that it will withstand time and can be passed from one generation to the next. 

Sadly, my children are way too big for it (Liv turned sixteen on Saturday and Alice will be 14 in October), but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about having it around - not only for little visitors like my nieces, but one day for my (whisper it) grandchildren! Just like Ylva had mini wooden chairs on standby in the living room of her Stockholm home. Could you also imagine owning one of these? 

While you can't keep everything from your children's childhood, there are a few items that are close to my heart. These pretty hand painted clogs were Alice's when she was small and this well-loved Elsa Beskow children's book has a permanent space on the bookshelf. Are there items like this that feel particularly nostalgic to you - or perhaps there's something special that your parents saved from your childhood that you cherish? 

Oh, and do you recognise the chair beside it? It's the FK10 Plico chair by Jørgen Kastholm, also from Carl Hansen & Søn - a Danish classic, and probably one of the most precious pieces of furniture I own - although I rarely get to sit in it as it's everyone's favourite! I shared a few more pictures of it in our cabin here, in case you'd like to see! 

For now, I do have it to myself, and I'll happily sip my tea in peace!

What do you think of this CH24 Children's Wishbone Chair? Could you imagine having it in your home for little ones? If so, you can find out more information about it here. 

Looking for more inspiration today? You might like to see a few other Danish classics I've featured in the past including the Windsor Chair in our cabin and a peek behind the facade of Hellerup manor, which I snapped on my visit to film with Knud Erik Hansen, the CEO and grandson of the founder of Carl Hansen & Søn. It's a day that remains etched in my memory as I felt so welcome and Knud Erik is so passionate about furniture and such an interesting man - always with a fascinating story to tell. 

Have a great start to the week all! 

Niki

All photography and styling by me 

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