A Copenhagen Family Home Full of Inspiring Details

When you've been writing a blog Scandinavian interiors for over thirteen years, the same talented people are bound to pop up over and over again. Out of the 2968 posts I've published, the Copenhagen apartment of Freja Bak Josias (then Petersen) in 2019 still remains etched in my memory. 

Trends have moved on a whole lot since 2019, but also Freja's too. In the five years that have gone by, Freja has completed her studies and now works as a 'Constructing Architect and Master in Building Culture', and has also moved into a new apartment with her partner and adorable daughter Ruth. And with that, a distinct new decorating style has emerged. 

Freya's beautiful apartment is high up in the rooftops of Copenhagen - which lends itself to high sloped ceilings and old wood beams. But what really stands out to me is the use of colour - which includes door frames and skirting boards painted in pea green, vibrant art, a red ladder, and orange lamps. It's playful, yet calm and adds a touch that feels very 'now' while still feeling personal and relaxed. 

Keep a look out for how high ledges have also been put in use for display purposes and also for the montage in Ruth's room - so pretty! Enjoy the tour! 

What a lovely home - truly inspiring! 

Is anyone else looking around their home and thinking 'maybe I should paint those door frames? I might need a little orange lamp for my home too - so cute! 

What inspires you most about Freja's Danish home? 

See more lovely corners over on her instagram @frejabakjosias. 

You might also like to take a peek at 12 ways to add colour to your home Danish style. 

It's 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) here in Malmö today which is the hottest September day on record. I think a cooling dip in the sea is in order. 

I hope you have a happy Wednesday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @frejabakjosias, shared with kind permission. 

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An Idyllic Cottage in the Swedish Countryside

I might be sitting here at my laptop in the city of Malmö today, but that doesn't stop me from pretending I'm deep in the heart of the Swedish countryside. Fancy joining me? 

This quintessential Swedish estate in Katrineholm is made up of several buildings not unlike Astrid Lindgren's famous tale 'The Children of Noisy Village'. Laidback and unpretentious, the main cottage is filled with antique furniture, wildflowers and plenty of books creating a wonderful, homely space in which to read, play back gammon, tinker away on a piano or simply relax! 

On sunny days, life moves outside where everyone gets to splash around in the pool, tuck into long lunches or allow the sights and sounds of the Swedish wilderness to lull you into an afternoon nap. I'm sure it's a great area for chanterelle picking too - but the owners would never let on! 

How lovely. As someone who is currently thinking about building an outdoor cottage at our cabin, I was happy to see the simple solution of simply hanging a shower curtain (especially when the whole thing was getting more and more complicated in my mind). 

I also really like the timeless, typically Swedish white and grey interior - made cosy with extra plump sofas, sheepskins and a big fireplace! 

I'd love to hear what stood out to you. 

Could you imagine spending your summers here? If so, the property is currently for sale here. 

Now that I've got you in the mood, would you like to see a few other idyllic Swedish summer cottages today? 

Before and after: a rundown croft becomes an idyllic summer cottage

A charming swedish summer cottage in the forest

A beautiful swedish country home in a former Mission house

Oh, to spend the week in the Swedish countryside. Do you feel the same? 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Svenskfastighetsförmedling, with thanks. 

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Lisa's Playful, Warm and Relaxed Berlin Home

Friday's home tour calls for somewhere that you'd want to pull up a chair and hang out for a while, don't you think? Warm, inviting and relaxed, I think Lisa's Berlin home fits the bill perfectly! 

Located in an altbau (early 20th century) building  the 160 m2 living space has the most wonderful bones (think high ceilings, chequered tiles, beautiful stucco) - but it's the way that Lisa has decorated it that gives it that personal touch. The interior is a blend of Scandinavian design pieces, playful textiles and lovely lamps. A fan of plants and flowers, greenery is never far away despite the urban location. 

Ready for some Friday feels? 

Secret to chasing the winter blues away? Hang a hammock in the window beside palms so you can relax in the sun and pretend you're somewhere tropical! 

If you look closely at Lisa's home, you'll notice lots of playful details, like this curly cushion! 

The apartment is full of the most beautiful light thanks to the large windows and balcony doors. Golden touches seen in the yellow walls and chest-of-drawers help to accentuate the warm feel. 

Colourful rugs add a vibrant touch and look like art for the floor! 

Oh, how I'd love a walk-in-wardrobe like this, how about you? 

Lisa's apartment has really got me in the mood for the weekend, are you feeling it too?

Are there any details that caught your eye? Would you consider having a hammock in your home? 

So many questions today! 

While you ponder your answers, you can see more of this charming Berlin home over at @casa__lottii. 

The German city is known for its creativity and somewhere I love to visit every now and again (it's only around 6 hours drive from Malmö). Here are some other homes I've featured in the past:

My dear friend Igor's beautiful Berlin home
A light-filled family home with a Nordic touch
An edgy Berlin home full of contrast 

Right friends, it's time for me to wrap up here. Thank you so much for stopping by this week, I've loved reading all your comments and happy to hear you have enjoyed the tours! 

Kram!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @casa__lottii, shared with kind permission. 

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Quirky Touches in a 19th Century Brick House in South Sweden

The other day, someone asked me "I am moving to Sweden and looking for somewhere in the South, with beautiful countryside, beaches and lots of culture, but also that's not far from a village or town." Luckily two different areas popped up in my head - one was Kullaberg - where my parents-in-law live, and a place I covered extensively in this travel guide. And the other was Österlen. 

Famous for its light, Österlen has been a popular destination for artist for hundreds of years and the countryside is absolutely beautiful. This pretty cottage, in Löderup is fairly near Sandhammaren beach, known for it's incredible white sands and clear waters. The quirky interior is testimony to the creative scene you so often find in the area, and yet it also has a serene feel to it thanks to the soft shades not dissimilar from the tones seen in the sand, shells and sea of the nearby beach. 

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of Beppe taking us around his Swedish family home and today I'll hand over to Snowy (*not his actual name, to be honest, I'm not sure what it is, but he sure is cute) for the tour! 

Thank you so much for the tour Snowy! You've certainly sold it to me.  

I love the quirky touches and the incredible view from the outdoor dining area. Naturally, I couldn't resist looking more into the property, and it's only a 15-minute cycle ride to the beach. Perfect! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely Swedish house? 

perhaps you'd like to be reminded of some other beautiful homes I've shown from Österlen in the past? Who could forget: 

Karen's charming summer house in the Skåne countryside

A 19th century Swedish cottage where the past meets the present

The dreamy country home of Laura and Nora of Our food Stories (the kitchen!)

Marianne's beautiful country home (you can also find her Stockholm city home here)

We're experiencing a very late summer heatwave here, and aware that it could be the last heat we have for a very long time, everyone is heading outside at every opportunity - myself included! 

I hope it's sunny where you are too! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bo-laget, shared with thanks. 

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