Beni

Today I'm taking you on a journey to Vendelsö in the suburbs of Stockholm - and the lovely, warm home of interior stylist and set designer Elin Wallin . Long-time readers might recognise glimpses of this living space from a post I shared back in 2018 . Since then, Elin, her 'sambo' (meaning live-in partner), and daughters Indra (13) and Edda (9) have continued to make this lovely, light and airy open-plan living space their home.  Think warm brown tones, beautiful dark wood and pretty Christmas decorations as well as some clever room makeovers, vintage up cycling and amazing IKEA hacks - all of which have helped to transform the house into a home.  The cabinet is a clever IKEA Hack. Elin picked up the Pax cupboard on Facebook marketplace and added the wood corner pieces before painting all the wood in the same tone. A simple twist which makes all the difference! Plus, it was no doubt a bargain to buy!  I love the pink paper Christmas flower too!  There...

With the First Sunday of Advent yesterday, Christmas in Sweden is in full swing and it's not even December yet! I love it, as the pretty lights and candles really help to brighten up the darkness. Here in the south, the sunset is at 3.45pm today (not that I'm watching it like a hawk!) but further North, in the city of Sundsvall, which is where Eleni Apostolakis and her family live - the sun will go down at 2.30pm!  Little wonder Eleni has dotted her apartment with candles and adorned walls with cosy festive touches. Think stars, wreaths and angel carousels against an earthy backdrop and layers of textiles - all helping to add warmth and a hygglig touch during these cold winter days!  At this time of year, comfort food is a necessity! The girls and I made pepperkaka last night. Maybe a cake like this one should be next on the menu, what do you think? I love how the children have already hung their stockings beneath a pretty orange garland too.  Why just hang on...

Paid partnership with Skovby, all words and pictures are my own I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.... at least indoors! In preparation for the First Sunday of Advent this weekend, I've added a few festive touches to the cabin (so much fun, it'll be our first holiday season here!). Not only that, but thanks to Skovby , we also have somewhere to place our coffee and  glögg (spiced mulled wine) and other Jul (yuletide) treats! As with all small spaces (our cabin is only 30 m2 / 322 f2 in total) we are constantly looking for furniture which is compact and can easily be moved around. And these two Danish coffee tables fit the bill!  They are part of a mix and match coffee table series, which allows you to choose between wood or steel legs and a variety of surfaces. I was keen to test out  Coffee table #241  in solid oak white oil and square Coffee table #240 in oak white oil with white HPL laminate.  Not only are they different heights, so one ca...

The chilly weather continues across Scandinavia today, and our world its blanketed in snow. It's put us all in the mood for decorating our homes in a cosy way for Christmas! In the far North, Ida Dahlgren has been busy decorating her charming country home, which she shares with her partner, their three children Vilhelm, Nils and Lovisa as well as hens, ducks, cats and passing wildlife! It's full of lovely, simple, DIY ideas, all of which add a cosy, festive vibe. Ready to feel inspired?  Home is where the heart is - or in this case, hearts plural. A pretty pepparkaka (ginger biscuit) garland hangs in the window, filling the kitchen with the scent of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.  Look closely and in the corner you can catch a glimpse of an old wooden dough bowl* which has been filled with moss and four candles - for a makeshift advent candle display.  A pretty adventsljusstake (advent candelabra) lights up the window. Source a similar one here . ...