The blonde nordic apartment

If I were to start renovating my home again from scratch I'd go for the 'blonde nordic' look. Light grey walls and white washed wood floors. Lots of natural light.  Add monochrome and pastels and I'm totally sold. This apartment is the perfect example of 'blonde nordic' in my eyes (do you agree?!). I love the addition of the exposed brickwork in the sitting room and the occasional pop of yellow and green. Such a lovely space!

Alvhem

What do you think, your kind of space?

For more pastel inspiration it's worth taking a peek at this, this and this home (in case you missed them before!). Or for more bold colours, this home will make you smile.

I'm sometimes e-mailed about why I rarely show TV's in the home tours on here. The answer is that I feel they rarely look good (although I know they're a necessary piece of equipment!). But in this home I think the owners / stylists have been really clever at incorporating one in a way that looks clean and stylish. Don't you agree?

On the subject of TV's, how do you have yours in your home? Is it hidden or on display? Do you have a giant one or a small subtle one? Or perhaps you have a projector (if so I'm intrigued about how you find it as I'm tempted....?!).

Have a lovely day!

A serene white and grey home

I love a whites and light grey palette. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea (is it yours?) but isn't there something so calm and serene about this space? I particularly love the home office area with the architects desk and string shelving. So lovely. I could pad around here for the day, how about you?!

Stadshem

Oooo, this apartment really is like a breath of fresh air!

A few tips on where to source the items seen in this home: String shelving. For a mid-century side-cupboard try Lauritz, Sheepskin rugs and lovely dove grey linen bedding.

More white and grey home inspiration here, here and here.

Have a lovely day!

PS thank you for all your supportive comments yesterday about my obsession with the weather, great to hear I'm not the only one! 

A calm white Swedish home

Good morning and hello September! I read somewhere that September is meant to be the most relaxing month of the year. So let's put that to the test! Today's home tour is the picture of calm. It's been decorated in white throughout with just a touch of black and green throughout to create the perfect balance. A great way to start a relaxing month don't you think?!

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

Stadshem

I had a long chat with a friend last night about whether she should paint her bedroom floor light grey or grey 'wash it'  (yes, we take these things very seriously!). Looking at this home, I think I know the answer. What do you think?

Love, love love the Pia Wallén Cross Blanket as seen in the bedroom.

Some exciting news: being British you can imagine how much I love my tea. I'm therefore delighted to welcome new sponsor LØv Organic, producers of the most delicious, refreshing and soothing organic tea (did I also mention the packaging is beautiful?!). So exciting!  This September they're holding a 'LØv is' campaign and the lovely LØv Organic team are offering us all 15% off with code SCANDINAVIAN. Yay! Since it's the 'relaxing' month I'm going for LØv is Pure and the LØv is Zen variety (although I also have a bit of a penchant for Ginger-Lemon green tea). How about you?  You can keep up to date with the latest Løv Organics blends on Facebook and their international newsletter.

Oh and another note Kids Brand Store are celebrating their 3 year jubileum with 15% off everything (including my favourites Noa Noa, Molo and ChillNorway) for the next three days. Just thought you might want to know...see you there!!

Have a wonderful start to the week!

A beautiful German boat house on the baltic

As you may know, I'm a big fan of the ocean. In fact any pool of salty water will do. In the summer I always strive to be on, near (or preferably in) the sea and I love exploring the Swedish islands on both the east or west coast by sail boat. Recently my husband and I have been talking a lot about exploring the German North coast too. And then this home popped into my mail box from the owners. Located in Rugen on the shores of the German Baltic coast, Strandwood House is nestled among boat houses looking out over the harbour. But then there's the inside too - white, grey and minimal allowing the tranquil views over the water do the talking. Forget sailing, I think we'll get the ferry over and rent this space next summer!

Strandwood House

Could you spend a summer holiday here?!

Or perhaps you're lucky enough to live on the Northern German coast yourself? In which case I'd love some tips for next summer! 

For more summer inspiration pour yourself a coffee this lovely sunny morning and scroll through these Scandinavian and international summer cottages. You'll feel like your there! 

Back to my own summer holiday - we're just leaving the beautiful Danish island of Samsoe - what a place?! The island is full of honesty shops where you can leave money for home grown fruit and vegetables, flowers and even bicycle hire. Do you have honesty shops where you live?! We're now heading South to discover other Danish islands.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday. See you in a couple of days! 

A cool pared-back Berlin apartment

We've finally arrived in the Dordogne after a 2200 km road trip from Sweden. Phew! It was well worth it, it's beautiful here. I hope I can take a few snaps while I'm here and create a post when I get back.   Last year I went on a road trip to Berlin for the first time and I was totally blown away by the German capital. This very cool apartment has a very Scandinavian look and feel: pared back with a white and grey colour theme. I particularly love the children's room (look at that cool bunk bed / den my girls would love one of those!).

Fantastic Frank

I could live here could you?!

I've featured a few fab Berlin homes on here in the past including this one styled by Coco Lapine Design blog,  this fantastic space and a very unique mid-century home. Oh so cool! I can't wait to return to the city again one day soon. 

Have a lovely day!

Beautiful Dutch bedroom make-over

Hi, I hope you had a great weekend? Oh how I love a room make-over - especially when it's of the white floor variety! Over the weekend i came across this bedroom re-vamp is the work of Holly Marder, interior stylist, designer and the blogger extraordinaire behind Avenue Lifestyle. I love the entire look - from the light and bright airy feel, the grey bedding, the scissor reading lamp and open wardrobes. What a tremendous make-over?! Duvet day number two here perhaps?!!

Holly Marder, Avenue Lifestyle Blog

If you have a moment you must check out the before and after pictures here - just goes to show what you can do with a lick of paint and an incredible sense of style!

For more of Holly's styling check out this colourful Dutch home, this bright Dutch home and a lovely summer cottage. *Sigh* so fab!

PS loved the comments and discussions on whether you use a double or single duvet - give your two-pennies worth here...

Before I head off (literally - we're embarking on a 1700 km road trip with the girls this afternoon, eeek - wish us luck!!) I am delighted to introduce a new sponsor, Cosette.  Cosette or 'little thing' in French creates  and sells jewellery inspired by minimalism, simplicity and fun geometric shapes. Each piece is handmade and crafted with love by Canadian born Fai who now lives in Japan. I love this ring and these arrow stud earrings ...how about you?!

Have a great start to the week and see you Wednesday!