Small space - big monochrome heart

Today I'm taking my inspiration from this small space in Gothenburg, Sweden. Black, white and plenty of plants. Such a simple combination and yet so striking. I particularly love the dining area which is awash with natural sunlight and fresh flowers. I could wile away a day here, how about you?

Stadshem. Styling - Emma Fisher via Inspired by a post on Coco Lapine with thanks.

Lovely! I do love my black and white homes, how about you? 

A few items I know and love - the Vitra wire chair is similar, HAY Bella table, THE POSTER CLUB sells many of these prints. The golden bell light is similar to the brass one in the dining space. 

Have a wonderful day!

PS  If you're up for a little shopping today Lo + Behold are offering all My Scandinavian Home readers a whacking great 20% off all items until the end of May with code MSH20. If you've had your eye on something from the likes of House of Rym, OYOY or Ferm Living (to name but a few) now's your chance!

A small space with a big personality

I spotted this Gothenburg apartment over at Stadshem this morning and I thought - ooooo. It's perhaps not everyone's cup of tea but there's something about the black leather sofa, plants and cool art and mid-century mix that I love (as you know I'm a big fan of Scandinavian mid-century in my own home). It's also sightly off beat - the rug is askew, they have used a reclaimed stool as a coffee table and simply piled books on the floor for a more relaxed feel. It's hard to believe that it's a one room flat too!

Stadshem via Coco Lapine with thanks

What do you like most about this space?

It's not an easy look to replicate since many of the items are one off finds. However, second hand black leather sofas are often coming up on Lauritz or LiveAuctioneers and you can search for portrait paintings on Etsy.

If you're in or near Malmö there are some great places to pick up mid-century pieces - once a month Nirvana opens it's doors, and they also have an online shop. If you get lucky you can also pick up cool pieces at Sopstationen (this is my ruse to get you to Malmö! I hope it's working?!).

I hope you have a fab Thursday! 

' FLANEURING ' …...

 I think that I maybe the female equivalent  of a flâneur….. 

….. the above photograph of me sort of proves it, doesn't it ?!!!! ….. actually, my childhood name was 'flanno' ….. I just added that as I just remembered ….. makes me even more of a flâneur !!

I've done a great deal of  'flâneuring' in the garden lately ….. our garden is always at it's best at the end of May and beginning of June, and, most of our plants and flowers are way behind most peoples as it's a north facing garden hence the abundance of hostas and ferns.

….. Astrantia 'Superstar' …..

….. wild geranium …..

 

….. phygelius 'yellow trumpet' …..

I cannot tell you how pleased we are with our rusty arch and gate. We bought it at Chelsea Flower Show a couple of years ago and we were very surprised that it was such a reasonable price that we bought it on the spot !! Growing up the arch on the right is clematis flammula which will look like …...

….. THIS ….. in a couple of weeks. I've forgotten the name of the rose !! Hopefully, it will grow over the arch and intermingle with the clematis.

We also bought this bench from the same man at Chelsea. I can't get over how reasonably priced they were considering we were at the biggest gardening show on earth !!!! He could have really gone to town with his prices, couldn't he ?

….. philadelphus …..

I planted this rose a couple of years ago and can't remember if it's 'Rambling Rector' or 'Seagull' ….. I'm pretty sure that it's 'Seagull' and it has been GLORIOUS !!

This photograph reminds me of Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'The Secret Garden'. We have lots of robins in our garden who follow me around when I'm digging ….. I could have done with one when I took this photo !! ….. now, what shall I put in these little old Victorian terracotta pots ?

I shall be glued to the television for the next two weeks as Wimbledon starts on Monday …. here's hoping the weather holds !!

image 1: via kero i am, image 10; via teline, all other images by me !!

The house gardener

I'm a big fan of indoor plants, not only  do they look beautiful but word has it they also help to purify air and relieve stress. Forget standard pots though. Indoor plants have had something of a make-over of late and terracotta planters have been replaced by terrarium pyramids, eclectic glass vessels and DIY plant hangers. I was so excited to discover the new book 'The House Gardener' by Isabelle Palmer which is packed with indoor gardening tips such as how to create your own terrarium, table centre or even a fairy-tale garden for children. Who needs the great outdoors?!

The House Gardener by Isabelle Palmer is published by CICO Books and is available from rylandpeters.com

Loving this indoor plant make-over, how about you?

I had a quick look around the internet and found these fab terrariums from Etsy. I also love this plant hanger and these very cool wall vessels by 1012 Terra. Or if you've got some free time over Easter how about this copper plant holder DIY project?!

I've hoarded tonnes more indoor plant inspiration on my 'Greenery' board on Pinterest too.

Have a lovely Tuesday! 

The serene white and wood home of an architect

Hello Monday! I hope you had a great weekend?! Sometimes it's so great to realise that the most beautiful interiors are often also the most simple (and small!).  The Barcelona home of architect and graphic designer Marina Senabre Roca, is the perfect example of this and such great inspiration for compact living. Marina has stuck to a serene white and wood combination throughout her one room apartment which creates a feeling of space and a beautiful oasis in the midst of one of Spain's most vibrant cities.

Marina Senabre Roca -  La Buhardi via Lua Nord

So beautiful don't you think? You can read more about Marina's home over at the lovely blog Lua Nord.  

I've learnt never to underestimate how much plants can add to a home. Whether it's foliage brought in from the garden and placed in a simple glass vase or fresh spring flowers in a riot of colours, plants can do wonders to a space. Do you have a favourite house plant or bunch of flowers for this time of the year? My favourites can be found here (but most importantly I need greenery which doesn't mind being a tad thirsty......!). 

This Malmö home is another wonderful example of how plants have been added to a white and wood inspired home to create a beautiful living space. I also love this, this and this scandinavian home. 

Could you stick to this palette?

Have a lovely Monday!

A touch of Autumn in a stunning Dutch home

Hello November! Are you off to enjoy the Autumn colours this weekend (those of you in the Northern hemisphere at least!)? If so pick a branch or two for me. After all, who needs flower shops when the most beautiful plants and flowers are right outside our door*. Here's some inspiration from VT Wonen, and the beautiful home of Nevin Polat, Bart Luth and daughter Neval Nisa in Groningen, Netherlands.

Styling: Cleo Scheulderman, Photography Jitske Hagens /wij zijn kees with kind permission. VT Wonen. Via 79 ideas with thanks. 

Pretty beautiful don't you think? Clean, white, simple and nicely styled.

If like me you're thinking of adding a touch of Dutch style to your home you might also want to check out this, this and this inspiration. Fab!

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to enter the give-away (last day Sunday!).

Oh and apart from announcing the Ferm Living candleholder winner on Monday, I have another surprise for you next week too....I hope you'll like it! Exciting!

*Note : always check first before bringing a plant into your home, especially if you have young children. Some species can be poisonous. If in doubt consult an expert. Thank you to Melinda Ruge for highlighting this too.