my scandinavian home

A Touch of Calm: Alisan’s Serene Copenhagen Home

Ready for a midweek breather? This pared-back Copenhagen apartment offers just the respite you might be looking for. Home to Alisan—a Londoner who moved to the Danish capital with her husband and their baby daughter two and a half years ago—this space exudes warmth and calm. I've had the pleasure of meeting Alisan a few times; she is as lovely inside as she is outwardly, and it’s no surprise her home reflects that same beauty.

Located in vibrant Vesterbro, the family’s two-bedroom rental comes with its own creative limitations, meaning they've had to embrace some inventive solutions, like command strips! Still, with its warm natural materials, curated lighting, and mix-and-match furnishings, this oasis feels so welcoming and tranquil in the heart of Copenhagen.

Here are some snapshots of Alisan's home, along with her reflections on creating this haven.

"Being an architect, I love classic, timeless design, so over the years I've tried to build a collection of pieces I love - mainly in natural materials so they don't date as much. The goal is that they can easily fit anywhere in future homes."

"I love plants, they're a great way to add texture, colour and height to spaces, especially here as our ceilings are so high. We actually moved our cacti here with us from London and now they're huge!"

"I haven't shown much of our baby girl's room as her crib is in our bedroom. We have kept the room neutral and added fun pops of colour. We moved from London with this IKEA daybed and it's been used so much over the years. Firstly as a sofa, then a guest room bed, and now as a spare bed for sleepy parents doing shifts when needed!"

Isn’t it a lovely tour? I think it’s the simplicity of the decor that makes everything feel so naturally “in place.” Calm personified—just what I crave amidst my not-so-calm mind! And seeing her little baby girl brought me right back to when my own girls were small (they’re now 16 and 14—how does time fly by so fast?).

Did Alisan’s home resonate with you, too? Are there any details that caught your eye? If so, I’d love for you to share in the comments! And if you're curious about where any of the pieces are from, feel free to ask—I’ll do my best to help.

You can see more corners of Alisan's home over at @livingroomdanishly.

And here are a few other Copenhagen homes to enjoy today:

The Copenhagen home of a stylist and vintage store owner

A stationary designer's lovely Copenhagen home

Sidsel's elegant Copenhagen home with a snoozing dog

Stor kram (or 'klem' as they say in Danish).

Niki

Photography courtesy of @livingroomdanishly, shared with kind permission.

FILED UNDER: danish apartment

Touring a Dreamy Townhouse with Classic Swedish 'Funkis' Architecture

Monday calls for something with a light touch, don't you think? That way, we can float into the week in a bit of a dreamworld! This lovely Stockholm townhouse fits the brief perfectly with its bright rooms, splashes of colour, and playful touches.

The spotted lamp, colourful floral wallpaper, and hues of pink, blue, yellow, and green give it just the whimsy I was looking for today, lending the entire space a youthful, cozy look. Despite the sharp, functionalist lines typical of 1960s Swedish architecture, there’s a softness to it that makes it feel both lived-in and inviting.

For those of you unfamiliar with Swedish functionalism (or 'Funkis'), it's an architectural and design movement that was especially prominent from the 1930s to the 1960s. It focused on simplicity, practicality, and functionality, with the main principle being 'form follows function.' In contrast to ornate styles, Swedish functionalism emphasises clean lines, minimal decoration, and efficient use of space and materials. Importantly, it aimed to make good design accessible to everyone, with a particular focus on affordable housing and communal spaces that supported modern, healthy lifestyles.

You can really spot the practical 'Funkis' nature of this house—from its functional layout across two floors to its simplicity. It’s the perfect space for a family to hang out, read peacefully (they’re hardly spoilt for choice with that wonderful library!), create, and gather. And when summer comes, Lake Mälaren is just a quick trip away for a swim!

Ready to take the tour?

How lovely, I feel a little lighter just looking at these pictures, how about you?

To me, this is a very Swedish home - from the choice of porcelain, glassware, trays and textiles to all the furniture.

Is there anything that stood out to you?

I think this is the first home in a while that doesn't have a pet lolling about - or maybe they are just out of sight?

Would you like to see a few other homes with pops of colour today? Here are a few from the archives:

Maria's colourful apartment will brighten up your day

Swantje's beautiful colourful and quirky home

A rare peek behind the facade of Copenhagen's Nyhavn

Have a fantastic start to the week!

Niki

Photography Ozollapa, Styling Lindholm, courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks

3 Gift Guides: My Pick of Beautiful Danish Glassware for Every Style

Sponsored by Pernille Bülow - all words and photos are my own. I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too.

Yes, I know it's early November, but 'the early bird catches the morning worm' as they say - and I wanted to make sure you hear about Pernille Bülow's beautiful items in order for them to arrive before Christmas - after all, it could take a little while for the elves in the Baltic sea to craft, pack and send!

You may recognise the name, Pernille Bülow is a glass atelier on the Danish island of Bornholm producing the most beautiful, sustainable and handmade glassware. I have featured their dinnerware, mouth-blown lighting and Christmas decorations quite a few times over the years as they are one of my favourite Scandinavian ateliers. And last December, I even paid them a visit in Bornholm on a snowy weekend!

This year, I thought I'd create three ultimate gift guides - each capturing a beautiful selection of hand-picked items from their atelier, photographed in my home and studio. I hope you find something special for family and friends - and maybe even a little pressie for yourself!

Gift guide for those who love Christmas and entertaining

In my mind Christmas ornaments make the best presents. Who doesn't love a tree filled with memories and personal touches? The same goes for glassware!

From sparkling glass drops and mouth-blown baubles to gleaming Optic plates and vases, here's my round-up of presents that includes everything you or a friend will love for decorating and entertaining for years to come.

Clockwise from top left: 1. ReUse Christmas ornament 2. Sky Christmas ornament - aubergine 3. ReUse vase optic 4. ReUse optic dish 5. ReUse optic bowl 6. ReUse Christmas drop

Gift guide for those who love handmade

There's something special about items that have been made by hand. Perfectly imperfect, no two items are the same and really give a home a soul. Here is a round-up of six lovely handmade pieces from Pernille Bülow that would make the perfect present:

Clockwise from top left: 1. Velvet glass beige 2. Bird vase rose 3. Round bowl rose 4. Sky lamp - smoke 5. Bubble candlestick 6. Balu clear wine glass

Gift guide for those who love sustainably made pieces

And for my third and final gift guide, it's all about glassware that has been thoughtfully made with the planet in mind. From candlesticks and jugs to beautiful lighting made from recycled glass waste from the pharmaceutical industry - there's something for everyone!

Clockwise from top left: 1. ReUse jug optic 2. ReUse champagne coupe 3. ReUse vase sand 4. ReUse candlestick 5. ReUse lamp with optics 6. ReUse cocktail glass

I hope these gift guides are helpful - and that you treat yourself - or friends and family to something special.

Is there anything that caught your eye in particular? If so, it's time to drop a few hints to those near and dear ;)

In case you feel like paying Bornholm a visit one day, here is my winter travel guide guide - filled with Christmas markets, restaurants serving delicious locally grown produce, wintery walks along the coast and as well as where to shop. It's an incredible island in all seasons!

If you'd like to see a little more inspiration today, here are a few features I've shown in the past:

Christmas in Helen Sturesson's cosy Swedish cottage

A summer shoot at my summer cottage with my dear friend Tove (including my favourite drink recipe)

Mouth-blown lamps over my kitchen island

Have a wonderful weekend - I'll be back Monday with a very exciting home tour, see you then!

Niki

All photography by me (Niki Brantmark), styling by Helen Sturesson

FILED UNDER: Christmas Christmas decorations gift guide

Step Inside Höda’s Creative Swedish Farmhouse

Earlier this week, I had a delightful surprise: a note from Höda Vestregård arrived in my inbox, complete with a link to her beautiful home just outside Jönköping, Sweden.

Höda, along with her husband, two daughters, and their cat Tiger, represent the seventh generation to live on her family’s farm, having purchased the farmhouse from her grandparents. The property offers plenty of room for the family to spread out and for Höda to pursue her art—some of the larger paintings you see on the walls are her own. But the creativity doesn't stop there.

"I am an artist with a very creative mind, and I’d rather build something myself than buy it," Höda shared. True to her words, much of the renovation has been done by hand. Höda and her husband built the kitchen themselves, with help from Höda’s father. Just last weekend, she took on the bedroom, adding paneling and using fabric in place of wallpaper.

Throughout the home, there are inviting spots for writing, playing music, and collaborating, reflecting the family’s creative spirit. These spaces are brought to life with unique vintage finds, clever use of wallpaper, and personal, beautiful details that make each corner feel inspiring.

Välkommen to Höda’s charming family home and atelier!