Beni

This post contains press gifts marked with * Do you have a space in your home which you've delayed decorating for years? In our house, I had completely neglected our landing, mainly because I didn't really know what to do with it! It's a tricky space, relatively narrow with five doors coming off it.  But now, I've finally fixed it! I thought I'd share the new look with you, in case you're also struggling with a hall or landing and looking for inspiration! Maybe this will spark some ideas!  Side cabinet The main problem was finding a side cabinet that was slim enough to fit the space. The answer came in the form of a simple white BESTÅ cabinet  in size 60 cm x 20 cm x 64 cm from IKEA and then I dressed it up using items from Superfront * (a Swedish cabinet that make doors, fronts, tops, legs etc for IKEA units - the wonderful team said they can offer My Scandinavian Home readers 20% off side boards with code scandi20 until 27th July, 2024). Above is ...

The Southern Sweden county of Skåne where I live is known for its flat land and steady wind - which is why you'll spot so many windmills! Although the majority are no longer in working order, some have been transformed into year-round dwellings - like this one! Nestled in the countryside near Höganäs (see my travel guide here ), this beautiful four-storey windmill is currently for sale - and when you see inside you might just be joining the queue to be the next owner! The windmill has been lovingly restored to ensure many of the original features are still intact, while the furnishings have been artfully placed around the angled walls to create a cosy home.  Shall we take a peek inside?  So lovely! It would be so fun to be able to invite people over and welcome them inside your very own windmill, don't you think?  You can currently see the full tour and find out more details over at Nadjafi Kirstensen here .  This is the perfect opportunity ...

Happy Monday! Sweden is still feeling the energy of Friday's midsummer's eve celebrations, and although the cut wildflowers have started to wilt, the memories of the day remain strong (although slightly hazy for those who imbibed a little too much aquavit!).  Last Monday I featured a pretty summer cottage on the Swedish island of Gotland - which one eagle-eyed reader recognised as the former home of Emma Sundh . I've always loved Emma's projects, having featured her summer cottage  (and pink caravan!) in the past. So, today I thought I'd share what she's been up to lately, and you won't be disappointed!  Over the past two years, Emma and her sambo have been busy building a house in Värmland. And not just any house. As a strong environmental advocate, the property has been built entirely from 'stone, clay, straw, recycled materials, laughter, hope, happiness and sorrow' (in Emma's own words)!  Emma has covered the entire process in her new...

This Friday marks Midsummer's Eve, the most significant day in the Swedish calendar. The celebrations begin with the crafting of floral headdresses, followed by dancing around the Maypole, and culminate in a gathering with fun garden games. I've always cherished Swedish Midsummer's Eve – a joyful celebration of light and nature spent with loved ones, accompanied by plenty of Aquavit and singing! Emma Johansson's charming photographs, where even the glasses wear flower crowns, beautifully capture the spirit of the day. If you'd like to join the festivities, here are some past posts for inspiration:  A short and pretty guide to celebrating midsummer 6 simple foraged flower displays for Midsummer 5 simple steps to hosting midsummer A mini guide for celebrating midsummer Single? Don't forget to pick seven different wildflowers and lay them under your pillow on Midsummer's Eve. Swedish legend has it that you'll dream of the person you are going ...

It's the start of a new week - but not just any week. Here in Sweden, we're gearing up for arguably the biggest event of the year - Midsummer! On Thursday evening the city streets will slowly become deserted as folk flock to the countryside to spend 'midsommarsafton' (midsummer's eve) with family and friends on Friday.  It felt apt to share this quintessential Swedish cottage on the island of Gotland to mark the occasion. You might just recognise it, it used to belong to Emma Sundh (previously featured here with a different layout and furnishings!). The pretty red and white cottage is every inch the archetypal Swedish summer cottage - and it has a large garden that's perfect for dancing around a maypole with flowers in your hair!  Step inside to discover rooms painted in earthy tones to mirror the surrounding nature, simple decor, touches of floral wallpaper and the most beautiful masonry oven!  So idyllic! And such a pretty cottage, don...

There's plenty to love about the summer - but one of my favourite things is the light. You simply don't get that wonderful golden light in Sweden any other time of the year - and it gives everything such a wonderful, warm feel.  This apartment in Stockholm has been captured at exactly the right time of day to capture it in all its glory. And I love the way the golden light hits the touches of colour: a red chair here, a yellow flower there to make it pop. Also, keep a look out for classic teak furniture, bold patterns (by the likes of Svenskt Tenn ), the eclectic blend of furniture and playful details - as well of course, as the lovely balcony, which looks like a perfect spot for a Friday night drink or two! Skål!   This is the second time in the past two weeks that we've seen a home with red accents  - could it be a growing trend in Sweden perhaps? Either way, it definitely adds energy to each room!  Is there anything in particular y...