A happy and relaxed boho family home

Hello there! I hope you're having a great start to the week?! I thought we could kick off with the delightful, light-filled family home of Chloe Brookman in old federation house in Sydney, Australia. Chloe is co-owner of Olli Ella, an online store selling playful, iconic and beautifully made nursery furniture and textiles (just look at this lovely luggy basket and you'll see what I mean!) - which she runs with her sister in London. Chloe's shares her home with her husband Charlie and their three children: Tennyson, Arlo and Nell as well as their dog Eshu. The space is as charming as you'd imagine - with a fab mix of handmade and unique pieces and a wonderful warm and relaxed feel. Let's take a tour...

Photography Jacqui Turk  Styling: Nicole Valentine Don  Assisting: Ellen Arthur.

I love how there's an element of surprise in every room - a bright yellow cushion here, a pyramid shaped book shelf (made by her husband) there, a trumpet, a rug on the wall.... it makes the space so fun and interesting.

And then there's the mid-century furniture and an abundance of plants.... oh yes!

Is there anything that you love in particular about this home?

As you can imagine many of the items in the home are available at Olli Ella including the bassinet, pillows, rugs and planters. So happy to have found this store (although by the looks of things a little dangerous too - I'd pretty much love everything in it, how about you?!).

You can see more pictures of this lovely home as well as an interview with Chloe over at The Transcontinental Affair. You might recognise the fabulous blog as I once featured the home of Nicole Valentine Don (or 'Little Nicki' as she's also known) here (note the relaxed boho style too... :).

Have a wonderful day! 

PS On a completely separate note, I was super excited to see my piece 'Snoozing the Scandinavian way' in Traditional Home magazine US this weekend. Hope you like it!

The happy Brooklyn home of a Swedish expat

We step inside Swedish homes almost on a daily basis here on My Scandinavian Home blog - but what about when a Swede lives abroad? It would be hard to live in a new environment and not be influenced by the world around you (just like I've found with my own home). And it appears Livia Moore, the Tictail community manager feels the same. Livia moved to her small yet incredibly charming, Brownstone apartment in Brooklyn, New York from Stockholm, Sweden two years ago and it already feels very much like home. She told My Domaine: 'It has so much character. The entire building feels lived in, with memories and decades of family history'. Livia's home is a fabulous blend of mid-century, classics, vintage finds from all over the world and items by emerging designers who sell through Tictail. Textiles and large sash windows add an injection of colour and light to complete the happy vibe. Let's take a peek....

Photos courtesy of Tictail. 

I love this space - all the textiles, plants, lovely nick nacks... it makes me happy just looking at it, how about you?!

Get the look from Livia's home: Kilim rug, source similar cushions here, the throw on the bed is by Slowdown Studio. Pick up a macrame wall hanging here.

You can see the full tour and interview over at My Domaine here. And keep up to date with Livia's latest projects on Instagram here.

I've been a huge fan of Brooklyn since staying there for a few days while writing my first book in 2015 and I've featured so many gorgeous homes from the area - including the home of a do it yourselfer, a cool monochrome space and the fab Brooklyn home and studio of a creative couple
- all beautiful and unique in their own way, don't you think?

Have a wonderful day!

PS Thank you to Houseology for including me in a list of 'best interior designers Pinterest 2017' ...I do love my pinning!

A lovely London home with pops of pastel

It's Friday, the sun's shining, if the birds had migrated back to town they'd be singing (I'm sure of it!)- and the weekend is on the horizon - yeeeeah! This calls for a fresh house with lovely pops of colour that make you smile, don't you think? Available through Light Locations for photo shoots, film sets etc, this house is located in London's Kensal Rise on the aptly names 'Mount Pleasant Road' (love that!). White walls provide a backdrop for vintage finds, a hint of shabby chic and pretty floral touches. Let's take a peek inside. 

 Credits: Light Locations found via SF Girl By Bay with thanks.

The distinct architecture makes me all nostalgic (must head home to London for a visit soon!) where as the colour palette has a distinct Dutch feel about it, don't you think? (take a look at these lovely Dutch spaces and you'll see what I mean).

All in all, a lovely, fresh space and so much room to breathe!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Before I head off to enjoy the sunshine, here's a little weekend link love I think you'll enjoy:

Inside a designer's cali-cool office make-over.

DIY table top standing desk (I could do with this at home!).
 
The Dark floral mural in this little girl's bedroom totally steals the show.

How about a strawberry and rhubarb doughnut this weekend? Mmmmm!

Ocean pinterest board: roll on balmy days and dips in the sea!

And finally how I'd like to be waking up to a view like this tomorrow - time well tent indeed!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The beautiful white farmhouse of an interior designer

It's funny, you'd think that seeing all these homes in luxurious, deep tones right now I'd be ready to get the paint brush out, but looking at the ethereal home of interior designer Leanne Ford I realised my heart still very much belongs to white. As a child, Leanne would drive past this rundown white brick farmhouse and dream about bringing it back to life one day. Twenty years later the opportunity arose and she made the trip from LA to Pittsburgh to snap it up. Her brother (also her contractor) and his team got to work bringing Leanne's ideas to life. Over the space of a year the house was given a complete overhaul inside and out - gutting the interior, tearing down walls, painting the original stucco glossy white and adding details such as brick, wood and concrete.  'I kept a very clean colour story to let the textures do the talking,' she explained. The white washed walls also provide a perfect backdrop for the pared-back selection of furniture and accessories, all of which tell a story. 'Oh the power of white paint, and a little love and attention,' she smiles. And seeing the home, I think we can all second that!

Interior design / home owner: Leanne Ford. Photography - Andrew and Lexi Buda / Heredwelling.

*Sigh*. Soooo beautiful! Don't you think? 

I think white combined with milky cream and brown hues has to be my favourite colour scheme. The brass touches are the icing on the cake! And don't get me started on the lovely textures.

Is there anything that stands out to you from Leanne's home?

Get the look: bedroom -  undyed wool cream throw, source a vintage industrial table lamp here. kitchen - find beautiful vintage chopping boards here. Sitting room - classic Togo sofa, I love this little side table.

You can also see a tour (and more pictures) of this beautiful home over at Domino magazine here.

And finally, before I shoot off for the weekend, here are a few links I've loved this week: 

The colour scheme of this window nook.

5 plants for your bedroom to help you sleep better. 

This A-frame cabin! Better still, imagine waking up to a view like this every morning (a new Instagram fave!)?

Keeping it simple - this gourmet grilled cheese toasty is making my mouth water!

These slides are fab! 

And finally...if you're visiting Malmö any time soon, here are my five top tips (in Dutch!).

Have a wonderful weekend!

The beautiful, nature inspired home of a ceramicist

Hejsan, hejsan! Sorry for the silence, I've just returned from 10 truly wonderful days in Kerala, India. My grandparents (and Mother) lived in India for many years and I've always dreamed of following in their footsteps. My expectations, already high), were far exceeded - the sights, the sounds, the smells, the vibrant colours, the lovely people, just everything! Have you ever been? If not you must! We only managed to cover the very tip of the iceberg so another visit is definitely in order! Tips welcome as always! I thought I'd kick off the week with this beautiful country house in upstate New York designed and owned by ceramicist Kelli Cain and partner Brian Crabtree. The open-plan space includes 4.5 metre (15 feet) high ceilings, a cosy wood-burning stove and has been decorated using earthy tones and an abundance of natural textures and objects - many of which have been made from reclaimed materials - for a truly warm and inviting home. 

Photography: Pia Ulin - shared with kind permission.

What a cosy space?

I don't think I've ever seen a fireplace right in front of the stairs before, have you?  I love how the disused space under the stairs doubles up as log storage too - very clever. If I had a wood burning stove I'd have it going right now beside me while I sip coffee and tap away at my laptop, how about you?

I also love how the magnificent barn door made from recycled wood which can be pulled across to slip in light or closed to separate the home office from the living space.

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

Get the look: many of the beautiful ceramics (including the incredible geometric backsplash!) are by Kelli Cain.  Herman Miller saucer pendant light, Carl Hansen CH25 easy chair, natural weave basket (love this!).

You can see a full write up and more pictures over at Martha Stewart.

The space reminds me very much of another home in Upstate New York which I featured in my book Modern Pastoral - both of which truly embrace the idea of bringing the tranquility of nature indoors. So inspiring!

Have a lovely day!

PS I'm announcing not one, but TWO give-away winners to today - so keep an eye out on Instagram and this blog post to see if either are you. 'Holding thumbs' as they say in Sweden!

PPS It was a pleasure to contribute to Houseology's round-up of 51 Scandinavian design ideas! 

The beautiful 'Cloverdel' cottage and gardens

I think I should start a series on beautiful Australian holiday rentals - of course I'd need to personally test them all out, and I'd need someone to join me of course! My latest find is Cloverdel. Owned and designed by Annabel Buxton, the cottage is located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, a mere 55 minutes drive from Melbourne. Available for short-term stays, private and public events, guests are invited to enjoy the tranquil 1.5 acre garden which includes manicured lawns, seasonal wetlands, flower gardens and a beautiful variety of trees looking out over Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon. Inside, the decor is wonderfully cool and pared-back with white wood clad walls, a monochrome scheme and touches of warm wood - offering the perfect respite from the midday heat and a blissful night's sleep.  Who's in?!

Credit: photography Sharyn Cairns. Cloverdel is available for short-term stays and private and public events such as weddings (imagine?!), corporate events, birthdays and kids days. 

It's the type of oasis you'd walk into and instantly feel relaxed, don't you think? The sights, sounds and smells..... the tranquility of the gardens. So lovely!

We can't all transport ourselves to Cloverdel unforutnately but we can incorporate a few of the ideas int our own homes - here's a few items I love: wishbone chairs, this grey marble chopping board is similar, AJ table lamp, this and this bird bu Danish architect Kristian Vedel, white butterfly chair.

Dreaming of going down under? Here's a little more inspiration for you to enjoy.

Other Friday link love for the weekend:

5 'winter warmer' modern saunas. 

Have a *relaxing* day!

PS Speaking of far-away places I've just arrived in India for ten days. I've never been here before and it's somewhere I've dreamed about visiting for a  long time - so excited! I'm going to do my best to stop by every other day with a post but bear with me if I run into difficulty with wifi etc. In the meantime, don't forget to enter the give-away to win a beautiful rug from Nordal and the Instagram give-away to win a fab photography print!