Get the look: a calm Swedish apartment!

Hello! So it's back to Sweden today and a tour of a lovely apartment in Gothenburg. Safe to say, if I was to envisage my dream apartment, this would be it. The original period features, high ceiling and light wood floor are perfection - and I can already picture myself throwing open the balcony door and drinking in the sunlight (along with my extra strong coffee!), not to mention getting together for a candlelit dinner with friends in the kitchen. Getting carried away - who me?!  The beautiful space has been decorated in shades of grey, pops of brass and cognac and the hint of a pale pink accent which is so very now and yet timeless too. I spy some very fine classics too. Enjoy the tour!

Beautiful photography by Anders Bergstedt for Entrance.

Could you imagine living here too?!

I guess we can't all move to Gothenburg in an instant (sadly), but we can still get the look! Here are a few items I love (links beneath):

1. Mobil 5 pendant  2.  Dusty rose linen cushion 3. Slope leather dining chair 4. Ikea cabinet 
5. Round jute mat 6. Lup wall candle holder (feeling like I need one of these in my life!) 7. Mantis BS2 wall light 8. Hay oak elephant table 9. Thonet dining chair 10. grey linen tablecloth (available in different sizes).

News in from Sarah (thank you!) - the fab brass shower is from Swedish shop Tapwell.

Off for a very late lunch at Malmö Saluhall (one of my fave lunch spots - take a peek on Instagram stories to see why!) and then planning a little photography at home today - will need to play some tunes and light a candle or two to set the mood (it's kind of dark outside) - what are you up to?

Have a lovely day!

The serene home of a Swedish interior stylist

I'm so happy as I've just found myself a little spot outside of home to sit and work each day - yay! No more climbing the walls (although I'll still be at home for photoshoots of course, which I love!). It's quite a cool little place  - I'm sure I'll be sharing snippets of it on Instagram stories, and might even get around to photographing it at some point - watch this space! Meanwhile further North, is this lovely home owned by Denice Lindell. Denice is an interior stylist (as you can probably guess!), co-founder of Styling by D.E.Y, co-owner of interior shop Soluppgangen along with her Mother and sister-in-law and the blogger behind Styling by Denice (yep one busy lady!). The space has been kept deliberately paired-back with subtle shades of grey and greige. Textural accessories such as beaded pendants, clay pots, straw lamps (see more inspiration here), slim rustic wood benches, sheepskins and linen break up the clean lines and add warmth to the look. Enjoy!

Such a beautiful home! I especially love the kitchen and the bedroom (so serene!) -  how about you?

Many of the items you see are available from Denice's webshop, however if you're overseas these 3 items would certainly make the cut: wood bead chandelier, Octopus candleholder,  slim weathered / rustic bench (beautiful!!).

You can see more of Denice's lovely home over on her Instagram feed and blog - and if you fancy a little more inspiration today - the Swedish home archive is always a winner, right?!

Have a lovely day!

PS I had great fun chatting to the girls at Lovely Little Couch about Scandinavian design and life in Sweden as part of their The Style Matters Podcast series. The podcast is now live here if you fancy a listen!

Photography: Denice Lindell.

A Swedish home with sand and blush accents

Why hello there! Monday already is it? Guh! Well don't fear, as I have the most beautiful Swedish home tour to share with you! Located in Gothenburg, it's been styled to perfection (ready for sale) - and is filled with inspiring ideas - as well as some of the latest trends including round mirrors and sand, blush, cream and terracotta accents. Enjoy!

Source: Stadshem

I love this space. It's kind of perfect - all that white, the little nooks, the subtle colour palette. I also like how they've used a simple, yet pretty linen curtain to cover the gap behind the bed (source lightweight linen by the metre here).

Anyone else feeling like you could quite happily chill on that daybed all day?!

Get the look: sitting room - safari daybed, knot cushion (would go beautifully with this blush linen cushion!) source a Beni Ourain rug here. dining area - natural stonewashed linen tablecloth, ant chairs, House Doctor swing wall lamp. Bedroom - sand coloured sheet, duvet cover and pillow cases.

See other beautiful Swedish apartments here - (I'm talking a few hundred - how's that for a Monday treat?!) - as always, if this home pops up first, just scroll passed.

Have a great start to the week!

PS Last week I caught up with Domino Magazine about my new Lagom book, and how I've found balance  - and Bemz about running my own business and how identify with the word 'influencer'. I hope you enjoy the features, it was so fun to participate!

A traditional Swedish home with a modern touch

It always takes me such a long time to do anything on a Friday, it's as if my brain thinks it's already the weekend - do you find this?! This means I get very behind, and with my eye on the prize (I've been dreaming of a G+T - note: I keep a stock of chopped up lemon and lime in the freezer for this very occasion) - and I've got to get my act together if I'd like to finish in time for a sun downer! So, on with today's tour. And have I got a lovely home to share with you! This apartment caught my eye thanks to the way it combines old and new. Each room includes unique pieces of furniture and quirky touches which add a wonderful sense of character to the space. Enjoy!

Photography: Anders Bergstedt. Styling Anna Furbacken - for Entrance. 

I love all the period features and traditional touches (how great are those windows?) and also smaller touches like the built in shelf above the bed. 

Does anything catch your eye?

A couple of items I love: source a mid-century credenza / side table here, this and this hand woven cushion are similar. I'm a big fan of oil lamps   - I've got one in my window nook -  they let off a lovely light and last way longer than candles). For a modern version try the Patina oil lamp by Klong.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

PS If you have the time (it actually only takes a mo!), don't forget to enter the Nest.co.uk give-away to win a (fab) cushion and a copy of my new book!

How to introduce subtle colours into your home

You know how sometimes you meet someone just by chance and you're not sure how you haven't met before? Tina Lekeberg is one of those people. Our paths have no doubt crossed many times in the past since we used to work for the same corporate giant, but we only met properly when our mutual friend Louise, invited us over to photograph her home in a converted school. Last Friday, Tina invited me over to her beautiful home in Eslöv, Skåne for lunch (she makes a mean pumpkin and zucchini lasagne!). I couldn't resist taking along my camera and grilling Tina on her personal style, thoughts on colour and other things about family life in a beautiful 1920's Southern Sweden home!

NB: What first attracted you to the house?
TL: I've always loved houses from the 1920's: they have such a nice atmosphere and the material choices are genuine and age with beauty. We immediately fell in love with the beauty of the house and garden and felt it was something special. Although the house is in a residential area, the garden is closed off and feels like it's in the countryside. I love to spend time in the garden.

NB: What renovations have you carried out?
TL: We completely changed the layout of the kitchen/ dining area by tearing down the dividing wall to create one big room and adding a door out to the terrace (which we also built). I love the new layout and stepping out into the garden to enjoy a coffee in the morning sun. We also built a fireplace between the dining room and living room which has been a fantastic investment for autumn and winter. Not only does it keep us toasty, it’s also so nice to sit in front of it when it’s grey outside. The kids love to grill marshmallows too!

Picky Living cabinets in  NCS 6010-B have been complimented with with a carrara marble worktop from Höörs Marmor & Granit. The back wall, side cabinets, shelving and glass cupboards are painted in Restful Le Havre from Nordsjö. Pick up a vintage industrial bar stool here. 

 A brass spoon from Stilleben, Copenhagen rests in a pretty ceramic pot bought in China.

NB: How would you describe your personal style?

TL: I don't really feel that I have a specific style. I aim to create an inviting home where people enjoy spending time and a space that evolves with our needs and the seasons. My husband Hans, has also played a big role in the interior. I think we compliment each other well as we have different skills: he is much more function orientated but also has a strong eye for aesthetics. I am more of a stylist. The house is a combination of our interests and ideas.

 A blend of chairs including the Gemla Vilda and Magis Chair One create a relaxed feel, while a taupe sheepskin throw and cushion add a soft touch to the space.

"Andrea" portrait by Anders Udd hangs on the wall above an IKEA side-cabinet. The pink marble is from Höörs Marmor & Granit and the wooden surface was created from left-over wood flooring.  

 Tina has combined flowers from Johans Trädgård with blooms from the garden to create a vibrant centre-piece. 

NB: How important is colour to you?
TL: Colour is very important to me. I was a colour and material designer for over 10 years and this is where my passion lies. To me, colour gives a product its spirit and brings it to life.

NB: Do you have any rules when it comes to using colour in your home?
TL: I take a lot of time selecting the right colours, but at the end of the day, it’s more down to what works best for each item and that we like it - only then will it have a place in our home! I believe using a diversity of colours is what makes a home unique and personal.

 A painting by Emanuel Bernstone hangs above the Bedside Gun Tablelamp by Flos and a console by Asplund.

A Hay Plus 9 blanket (now available in this colour) drapes on a green sofa from Bolia. The lamp to the left is the Shelter light from Bo Concept. 

Glass dome lamp

Jönssons cat from Svenskt Tenn has a great vantage point on the stairs!

A pink and white lamp from IKEA adds a splash of colour to the ceiling. The green headboard was made from Svenskt Tenn fabric. The white and peach throw was bought on a trip to Tunisia.  

Eames chair, belly basket.

NB: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to introduce a touch of colour to their home?
TL: Work with a palette of at least 3 colors. Have fun mixing different colours - combining bright colors with faded earthy pastel tones will add a whole other dimension to your interior. Most importantly though, don't pick hues purely because they fit perfectly with what you already have, trust your instinct and go with what you like!

Hans made the mountains on the bed - which has been built using IKEA drawers. Posters from Matilda's House & Co. The chair is from IKEA. 

The table, chairs and rug are all from IKEA. 

The letter 'K' lamp was picked up at a Berlin flea market and the side cabinet was originally Tina's Grandmother's. The cot is from IKEA.

NB: What do you love most about your home?
TL: The light from the windows and the atmosphere! It's a place where the whole family feels happy, relaxed and at home.

Thank you so much for welcoming us into your lovely home Tina! 

 If you're looking for more colour inspiration, check out Tina's blog Colour Therapy and Instagram feed, which she co-writes curates with Sara Hallin Sandström.

And check out other wonderful Swedish homes here.

Have a fabulous weekend!

P.S. I'm just about to leave for the airport after an amazing few days at Habitare in Helsinki - I'll be sad to leave (I LOVE this city) - but can't wait to see my family and have a Saturday morning lie-in - weeeee! Do you have any great plans?

Photography: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home. Home-owner / styling: Tina Lekeberg.