Beni

Paid collaboration with Formland. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands, services and events that I love and think you will too!  Hello Scandi design-lovers, today I'm reaching out to all design and interior industry professionals (I know there's a big community here!) with some exciting news! Between August 18 - 21 2022, Formland - the Nordic design fair in Herning, Denmark - will be opening its doors to showcase the latest news, trends and tendencies within Scandinavian design. Needless to say, it's a perfect opportunity to collect inspiration, do business and network with exhibitors, designers and leading experts! Interested? Here's the exciting part: international visitors who attend Formland and book three 15 to 30 minute one-to-one meetings with exhibitors will receive a goodie bag, free lunch vouchers as well as a €300 reimbursement per person attending the fair (max. 2 people per company). Read more about the exciting benefits and terms ...

The towns and cities in Sweden have become distinctly quieter as more and more head out to the countryside to enjoy the nice weather (hey, we've waited a long time for this sunshine, we're not going to miss it!). For Swede Jessica Hedin , life continues at her quintessential country home from where she drives her business as a mindfulness therapist and coach - in between renovating a beautiful old house and toiling the soil to produce an abundance of home-grown vegetables and flowers.  Step inside, and the house has been renovated with a deep respect for its past. Wood beams, panelling, exposed brickwork and original doors and windows provide a backdrop for an interior that's been painted in a soothing light green and white as well as with touches of traditional wallpaper. The living space has been furnished with a blend of antique furniture and light fittings which add to the wonderful, relaxed countryside vibe. Ready to take a peek?  Beautiful!...

Swedes are still recovering from a magical Midsummer weekend of sunshine, floral crowns and revelry! I had an apartment lined up to show you today, but since the mercury is set to hit 30 c (86 f) in Scandinavia today, I thought a summer cottage by the sea might be more apt! This classic black and white cabin in Tisvilde on Denmark's North Zealand coast, is owned by interior stylist and furniture manufacturer Ophilia Thalund. Ophilia has created an airy, light filled interior in soft shades of white, blue, grey and brown. The sparsely decorated space features items collected over time including flea market finds as well as pieces collected on travels - resulting in a personal oasis in which to relax on balmy summer days! A classic 'trasmatta' rag rug*  - a mat made from scraps of clothing and other leftover textiles - helps to protect the floor in the kitchen.  In Scandinavian cabins, natural materials and simplicity rules the day!  A simple white butterfly chair...

On Friday it's time for one of the biggest celebrations in Sweden - Midsummer's Eve. It's an event so entrenched in the Swedish culture that it's considered as important as Christmas. It's become my favourite celebration of the year. Put simply, it's magical. Think crowns weaved from wildflowers, dancing around a maypole and playing silly games. Tables are laden with a spread of pickled herrings, new potatoes, quiches, boiled eggs, sour cream, dill, salmon, strawberries, and crisp bread, washed down with beer and schnapps. It's a day spent outdoors no matter the weather (thankfully it looks like the sun will be shining on Friday!) and a time for friends and families to come together and chat and sing and dance under the midnight sun.  Why not join the celebrations from afar? Here's a beautiful Midsummer tablescape by Linnea on the Swedish island of Gotland (who's beautiful home I featured recently) to inspire you!  So pretty!  Looking t...

The Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea is a true summer paradise. It's a place where wild flowers sway in the wind, and the pin sharp light catches the rocks on the rugged coastline and glistens on the blue of the Baltic Sea.  Swedes flock there in July and August to relax and catch up with family and old friends while soaking up the long hours of daylight.   There are many beautiful houses dotted around the island - some basic, some luxurious and everything in between! Today I stumbled across this contemporary oasis on the North east of the island which is currently for sale ( I know! ) - and I couldn't resist sharing it with you. Why? Firstly, it had me dreaming of wiling a way a summer here with family and friends. Secondly, more importantly, because although we might not all have the space / budget for everything this wonderful house to offer - there are lots of ideas to steal - both big and small to channel that wonderful Swedish summer house vibe!  ...