Beni

Naturally, with any creative outlet, whether fashion or interiors, there will always be trends. But one thing I remain firm about is creating an environment with just the right feeling. A home that helps you thrive really is essential, don’t you think? I can appreciate more maximalist homes bursting with items and colour. They can be wonderful to look at. But when it comes to my own home, I like things to feel calm. Somewhere I can breathe and truly unwind. How about you? Do you prefer a home that feels busy and layered, or one that feels quiet and soothing? I really believe there is no right or wrong way. That is why I love Norwegian Tone Trollbu’s service, 'Interior Therapy'. Tone combines interior design with her background in psychology to help clients create a home that truly suits them. Isn’t that such a thoughtful idea? It helps that Tone also has a wonderful eye for design. You can see this clearly in her own home just outside of Oslo, which balances calm, soft colo...

Texture, texture, texture. That’s usually my answer when someone asks how our Scandinavian friends manage to create such lovely homes in warm neutral tones. This Gothenburg apartment, for example, has been stripped back a little for sale, yet it still manages to balance simplicity with a cosy feel. Much of that comes down to texture: the exposed brick, the beautifully patinated kitchen wall, and the mix of natural materials throughout the space. Then there’s the contrast. Dark tones sit alongside lighter ones, while rattan and wood furniture add warmth and depth. A variety of shapes, from soft curves to more angular forms, also helps create visual interest. It’s also lovely to notice the mix of eras. Mid-century pieces sit comfortably alongside contemporary elements and the occasional antique, giving the space a layered, collected feel rather than something that has come together all at once. Together, these layers of texture, tone, shape and time bring life and personality to a...

Well, well, well — another week has rolled around, and it’s really starting to feel like spring here (it’s amazing how 7°C can feel positively balmy!). With that comes the arrival of pastel colours in the shops, which is always my sign that the long winter is finally nearing its end. Yay! This 100-square-metre (1000 square foot) turn-of-the-century apartment sits on the top floor of an Art Nouveau building, and while the living spaces are kept fairly calm and neutral, there’s a joyful burst of colour waiting in the bedroom. The 3.4-metre-high ceilings allow light to pour in, but what truly caught my eye was the mix of furniture and lighting – a beautiful blend of designer pieces and vintage finds, some perfectly in tune with the era of the architecture itself. And then there’s the balcony, dressed with a chintzy parasol and hues reminiscent of a glowing sunset. Other details worth lingering over are the wood panelling (something I’m seriously considering for the cottage right now) a...