Keeping it simple in calm white and wood

Keeping it simple today with a lovely home in Gothenburg, Sweden decorated in white, wood and touches of grey throughout. The early 20th century building was designed by architect Oscar W. Nilsson in the Swedish 'national romantic style'. As a result the space has lovely high ceilings and large windows which flood the space with light.  I love the spiral staircase which connects the two floor duplex - and the way they have tucked in a clever work space beneath (with a fab wishbone chair no less). The apartment leads out to a tranquil courtyard. How I'd love to enjoy some spring sunshine sipping lemonade at that table today, fancy joining me?!

Stadshem photography: Janne Olander 

I spy the award winning Äng vase by Klong on the kitchen table. I got a brass one as a leaving present once and it's become one of my favourite pieces. I'm also a fan of the Rosendahl Monkey dangling from the string pocket shelves seen in the background - such a cheeky chap and an absolute Danish classic.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Other lovely white and wood spaces include this, this and this one.

It's crazy, but I arrived back in Sweden last night and it's already time to pack my bags and leave for The Hive in Berlin where I'll be taking to the stage (gulp!). Any tips for speaking in public?  Recommendations for great bars, restaurants, and off beat places to enjoy would also be great (I'll need a drink or two afterwards)?!  And if you're going to The Hive  - I  can't wait to meet you!

Have a lovely day!

A lovely light-filled Swedish family home

This is the oh so lovely light-filled Swedish family home of photographer, stylist, blogger and owner of the fab shop Little Cute Mokkasin, Sofia Jansson, musician Kristo Jansson and their children. All the floors and walls have been painted a serene white save for pretty floral accent walls and vintage wallpaper which bounce around the light flooding in through the large windows and make the home feel bright even on the darkest of days. The relaxed family home has been furnished using a mix of old and new. I particularly love the industrial spotlights and the vintage black board (great alternative to a painted chalkboard wall) in the kitchen, and the mid-century and incredible glass fronted storage cabinet in other parts of the house (what a great place to store creative items?). Such a lovely, relaxed home.

Photography / stylist: Sofia Jansson (shared with kind permission). Via Design Sponge with thanks. 

So lovely right?

There's something very homely about seeing a piano in a room, don't you think? One of my friends Liz bought a second hand piano recently (she's a bit of a music genius) and it got me thinking about how nice it would be to have a piano in my own home. Do you have any musical instruments in your home?

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Yesterday I worked as a stylist on a shoot at an incredible farmhouse in Skåne. It was so much fun. I thought I'd share some of the lessons learned in case you're interested.

Tips for interior styling (on a shoot):
- Bring tools- blu tac, gaffer tape, scissors, wire, clips
- For props it's worth taking along plants and flowers which match the style of the space. Think of the type of activity you would like to show in the kitchen / dining area to bring it to life  (for example you might want to buy buns or a cake for afternoon tea, bread, jams etc for breakfas. If you've seen the space beforehand or have an idea of the look you're going for, you can strengthen it with the props you bring.
- When styling the room think about what the photo is for - if it's to show how someone lives try not to make the space look too perfect. I would also recommend not taking away too many personal items or you'll lose the character of the space.
- Look closely at the details of the shot in a laptop - is there a rogue bright red car hiding under the bed, an unsightly cable or even dust on the floor / surface? Remove anything that will save time in re-touch.

And now for day two.

Have a lovely day!

A lovely calm white space

It's an all white day today, I can just feel it. This home is so serene with it's white and light grey marble kitchen. I'm a huge fan of the indigo blue and black combination in the sitting room too.  An item I'm seeing more and more of the concrete side-table - they make quite a cool contrast against softer materials such as wood and velvet don't you think? Could you see yourself padding around this lovely apartment today?

Alvhem

I love how the texture of the wood shows through the paint work. It's worth seeing more shots of it here. Is there anything that stands out to you about this space?

For more serene white homes I'm loving this and this one. Or for a home with bright, bold colors which will put a smile on your face - take a peek at this one.

This morning I'm a little…how should I put it…on edge. A TV film crew are arriving at my house any minute for an interview. Eeeek! Wish me luck!

Have a lovely day!

The calm Finnish home of Anna Pirkola

There's something wonderful about Finnish style. And the home of Anna Pirkola, a concept designer, interior, blogger, prop stylist and set designer is no exception.  Decorated in white, grey and light wood and peppered with design products- it certainly pays homage to the Finnish interior design style. But Anna's home is unique too.  She's added flee market finds in the form of beautiful kilim rugs and a mid-century bureau, DIY pieces (workspace lamp, wall hangings etc) and a large record and art collection. Enjoy the tour (with Nina Persson or First Aid Kit in the background perhaps?!).

 
 

Photography: Anna Pirkola of Da Daa. Inspired by French By Design, with thanks

A quick guide to some of the lovely pieces in Anna's home: Hay bella coffee table, Muuto silent vase, Dark blue painting by Hanna Perälä, Smeg fridge, Gubi Ronde pendant light. Muuto leaf floor lamp, white metallic shelves from IKEA, Visu chair.

Anna's blog is full of inspiration including DIY projects (lamp for your home office),  thoughtful items for the home (I love this little place to put your jewellery at night from here) and an insight into idyllic life in Finland (how nice does her brother's cafe in her great grandparents cottage look?).

See more delightful Finnish homes here - the Finns really do have a lovely sense of style don't they?

Before I head off I also wanted to alert you to a fab collaboration between luxury Swedish brand Hästens and award winning textile designer Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg. The result? Beautiful 'Herbarium bedding' decorated in a kaleidoscope of clematis and hollyhocks (abundant in Sweden in the spring and summer) and made from the finest Egyptian cotton.

Have a great day!