Beni

Sweden might be a big country geographically, but the population is small:10 million (the same size of London), which means never more than a few degrees separation from anyone. Interior and graphic designer Marianne Wikner and I first connected when I reached out to feature her beautiful home in Mariefred (which she has since sold). I instantly fell in love with her love of art, sculpture and antique pieces - and a home tour of her and her husband's charming country escape in Österlen , southeast Sweden quickly followed.  So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Marianne has a flat in Stockholm! Located in SOFO (the quarter south of Folkungagatan in the hip neighbourhood of Södermalm), the apartment has all the hallmarks of Marianne's signature style including plenty of antique and vintage finds as well as paintings, busts and figurines, but it also has an air of calm, ensuring it's the perfect oasis to return too after a day in the city. Welcome to Mariann...

Homes come in all shapes and sizes - some of which can present challenges! But help is at hand: there are plenty of tricks you can use to create a beautiful interior no matter how awkward the space! This delightful Swedish home  is tucked under the roof tops of a 1920s townhouse in Gothenburg. Fairly small (it measures 44 m2 / 473 f2 but bear in mind Swedes don't count areas under a certain a ceiling height), with angled ceilings and smallish windows, the living space could feel dark, and pokey had it not been for the fantastic Dormer windows, white walls and floors as well as the light coloured furniture. Keep a look out for other touches such as mirrors and internal windows which help the flow of light, while subtle shifts in tones ensure the space remains interesting and cosy.  In smaller spaces, furniture with 'gaps' that you can see through help to create an airy feel and ensure the light can flow.  Storage is key to keep the space clutter-free.  A mi...

This weekend, the clocks went forward in Sweden - which always feels like a giant leap towards summertime (even if it was painful when the alarm clock went off!). In honour of the occasion, I couldn't resist sharing a dreamy Danish summer cabin with you.  But it hasn't always been dreamy. In fact when Julie Løwenstein and her husband Simon Schack first discovered the cabin in Rørvig, it was dark, dank and had been on the market for an age. As a stylist for Bolig magasinet , Julie knows her way around a renovation and how to give homes a lift. The couple found that painting the interior white was key to creating a bright living space - and they also put in a new kitchen and bathroom. Today, the simple, yet vibrant cabin has everything the family need to enjoy weekends and holidays away from the city. Anitta Behrendt was there to snap these lovely pictures:  An IKEA kitchen has been tucked under a low angled ceiling - the only section which hasn't been painted whi...

I am not sure if you know that I write a regular feature for Simply Scandi UK . It's a quarterly magazine focusing on Scandinavian design, and I've had the pleasure of contributing for two years, writing about everything from Scandinavian culture to travel and more. My latest feature involves researching Airbnb's (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it!) and I've been stumbling across all kinds of beautiful properties, including this one!  Located in Tisvilde, the cabin was designed in 1934 by a female relative of Kaare Klint - and although newly renovated - many of the original details shine through (as do items by Klint such as the safari chair and pendant and table lamps!). Visitors are invited to treat the cabin as a home from home in which to unwind beside the beautiful Tisvilde Hegn woodland, an hour North of Copenhagen. Feeling active? Tisvilde is a popular summer idyll among Copenhageners and boutique stores, farmshops, cafes and restaurants as well a...