My spring office update

Hello there. I love this time of the year - all the leaves unfurling on the trees, the fresh spring colours appearing in the shops and a wonderful abundance of light! Yay! I felt it was about time I dusted down the cobwebs at home and gave it a bit of a spring clean - beginning with my workspace.  I started with a much needed de-clutter and then added a few natural textures such as stone and leather as well as a plant (thought to increase happiness and productivity - worth a shot right?!). But the most exciting update is my new 'the MANTIS' lamp from Houseology. I can't tell you how long I've had my eye on this beauty! Designed in 1951 by Bernard Schottländer, the mantis DCW BS3 table lamp is part of a collection which also includes a ceiling, floor and wall lamp. I've always loved the helical shape of the lampshade, and specifically with the table lamp: that it can be adjusted to three different heights depending on how direct/ where you need the lighting. Perfect! Here's a sneak peak of my updated work space.... I hope you like it!

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

And not a row of coffee cups in sight!

You might already be familiar with online interior shop Houseology since we often collaborate. Not only do they stock many of my favourite Nordic design pieces from brands such as Design House Stockholm, &Tradition and Muuto, they also offer interior design ideas, advice and inspiration - so helpful!

I'd love to hear which items you love to surround yourself with at work?!

Have a great weekend!

PS Please ask away if you'd like to know about where anything in my office is from. 

PPS See a load more  fabulous offices/  studios etc here. 
 
***

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Houseology. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with business I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the businesses which make My Scandinavian Home possible.

The winner of an exclusive limited edition framed 'Palm Print' from Absolut Art!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the a-ma-zing give-away to win a limited edition Palm Trees print by Ruvan Wijesooriva from Absolut Art. I'm excited to announce the winner as....

Susan!

Congratulations! I'll be in touch shortly so we can send your prize to you! If this isn't you, all is not lost. Keep an eye on My Scandinavian Home for the exclusive reader offer very soon!

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home.

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Absolut Art. All words are my own - and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the wonderful businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

Win an exclusive limited edition, framed 'Palm Print' from Absolut Art!

Oh, have I got an a-ma-zing give-away for you! Absolut Art (sister company to Absolut Vodka that we know and love) sells fabulous artwork including photo art, editorial and landscape, made by some of the art world's most prominent and promising artists. New York based Ruvan Wijesooriva has collaborated with Absolut Art for the passed year with some of his beautiful photography including Girl and Window and Blue Water Dots and will soon be launching three new photographic works available in two different sizes: Palm Trees, Shadows Above and Swimming Pool. And here's the very exciting part. We've teamed up to offer you the chance to win an exclusive limited edition, framed Palm Trees print in size 50 x 40 cm before it goes on sale!  Check out how to enter below! In the meantime, here are a few pictures of my Palm Tree print. I have to say it's even better in real life - I absolutely love it!

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home.

How to enter
  
1. Visit Absolut Art and take a look around.
2. In the comments below, tell us why you would like to have the Palm Tree artwork in your home. 


And that's it! 

The give-away is open to everyone and closes at midnight GMT, Monday 10th April 2017. The winner will be announced here on My Scandinavian Home on 11th April 2017.

Good luck! 

***

Terms & Conditions

No purchase necessary. You must be age of majority in your country of residence. Void where prohibited. We are not responsible for any duties, import taxes that you may incur. Only 1 entry per person. This prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for monetary value; No cash alternatives to the stated prize will be offered; Valid until 5th April 2018.

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Absolut Art. All words are my own - and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the wonderful businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

My new window nook / reading corner!

We've got a window nook in our open plan sitting / dining room area and it's been home to everything from a drinks trolley, gallery wall and even our Christmas tree! But in the back of my mind I've always thought what a beautiful spot it would make for a daybed. Not only does this corner of our home get the most beautiful light, it's also really peaceful looking out over the garden and up at the moon at night.  And guess what?! I've finally got around to creating it thanks to a little help from Danish brand Nordal and their lovely wall lamp and cushions in grey, dusty rose and a soft cream throw as well as a few other bits and bobs (see below for more details!). It's turned out soooo cosy and already become the most popular spot in the house!

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home. Styling: Genevieve Jorn. 

What do you think?

Although it's super sweet seeing a little row of children's feet sticking out from under a blanket while they giggle over something on the ipad... but just one evening this week, just one!...I'd love to light that oil lamp, pour myself a large glass of something and read a book in this very spot!

Get the look:

1. Wall lamp 2. Floor cushion dark grey 3. Rug 4. Cushion cover purple grey 5. Cushion cover with circle print 6. Cushion cover dusty rose 7. Round serving platter 8. Oil lamp 9. Cotton shawl off white/beige

The open book is the first sneak peek inside my very own The Scandinavian Home (which launches in three weeks - exciting!). And I found the mobile here.

Give me a shout in the comment section below if you're wondering about any of the other items you see!

Have a lovely day!

PS Oh and a big Happy Birthday to stylist extraordinaire Gen! - I love working with you :)

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Nordal. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the brands which help me bring fresh posts to your mail box. And thank you Nordal for helping me finally complete my window nook!

Celebrating spring with a vase from be&liv

Don't you love spring flowers? They do make me smile. I'm always looking for new ways to arrange them at home and so excited by my latest find: a 24k gold plated One Flower Vase from Scandinavian design brand be&liv. Described as 'a delicate flower vase that compliments the beauty of a single flower,' One Flower Vase also comes in chrome and copper and was designed by Ilkka Suppanen because 'sometimes just one modest flower is more than a big bouquet' (I'm with you Ilkka!). Established in Helsinki in 2012, be&liv make many other items for the home too, including the Halo shelf, Palea candle holder  (also seen on my coffee table), leaf coaster set and Lily cake stand - all beautiful and unique in their own way. So exciting!

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home. 

Oh so lovely - and the perfect vase for one delicate ranunculus, don't you think?!

be&liv pieces are sold through many different retailers - find your nearest one here.

Have a great weekend!


This post was sponsored by be&liv. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the wonderful businesses that make My Scandinavian Home blog possible.

Putting Malmö on the map, Grafomap style

One of the best things about coming back from holiday is looking through all the post - and this time there were even a few packages! Just before I left I created a custom map poster over at Grafomap. Grafomap allows you to create your own beautifully designed poster of a special place  - whether its the area you grew up, where you went to university or an unforgettable trip - you simply type in the country, city or address and the map will appear. You can even customise it with colour!  I've been living in Malmö, Sweden's third largest city for over ten years and it's constantly evolving - I'm so proud to be a part of a city which gets better and better and wanted to add a little nod to it in my own home. When I returned, this wonderful map of Malmö was waiting for me on my doorstep! Which place would you choose?

Photography and styling: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home.

I hope you like it!

Oh and Grafomap ships worldwide too - perfect! You can get more inspiration over on Instagram here.

I'd love to see a picture of your map in your home - if you post it don't forget to use the hashtag #grafomap so we can find it!

Have a great weekend!


This post is sponsored by Grafomap. However, all words are my own and I only ever collaborate with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the companies which help me bring fresh content to your inbox.

A visit from a Swedish Ninja

A couple of weeks ago a talented friend of mine - Maria Gustavsson the founder of Swedish Ninja dropped by for a fika. Maria's little boy and my daughter used to be in the same class at school before they moved to Denmark last Autumn (sniff sniff). Maria's so much fun and when it comes to design, it doesn't surprise me that the Swedish Ninja way is to 'create gorgeous, kick-ass designs...with a whole lot of passion and a big sense of humour' - love that! Swedish Ninja designs include the famous Little Darling table lamp (which made big waves when it launched last year), the new Big Darling floor lamp (doubling up as a dimmable light and clothes stand) and the Zick Zack table designed by Olga Bielawska - out at the end of the month. Here are a few of the designs in my own home - I love them soooo much - oh how great it is to have talented friends!

Credits: photography- Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home. Product designer - Maria Gustavsson - Swedish Ninja. 

So pleased! Especially loving the Big Darling, how fab is that? - I might need one in my hall too?!


Do you have your eye on anything?

A quick guide to where things are from in case you're interested: my bedroom Big Darling floor lamp, light grey, Tom Dixon stool.  My daughter's room: Big Darling floor lamp, black, 'Greater Flamingo' from IXXI, garland / bunting. Sitting room - Little Darling table lampm light grey,  Zick Zack table (keep an eye out for this over at Swedish Ninja soon!), Without Words print (contact Swedish Ninja for more info), 'little figures' limited edition drawings by Swedish artist Pearl Wallén. Green pouf from Bolia.

Word on the street (or over our fika!) is that Zick Zack nest table will come in a matt finish black or light grey - think I've found my new coffee tables! 

Swedish Ninja ships to Europe (and the tables can also be shipped to the USA).  

Thanks for dropping by Maria! 

Have a lovely day! 

The winner of the cosy off-white rug from Nordal

Thank you so much for entering the give-away to win a super soft off-white rug with fringes from lovely Danish homeware store Nordal. I'm excited to announce the winner as Melisser Turner. Congratulations! We'll be in touch shortly.

I'm so sorry to see this rug go, I think I might have to invest in one for my own bedroom - how about you? 

Credits: photography & styling - Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home.


This give-away is now closed.

Terms & Conditions

You must be age of majority in your country of residence. We are not responsible for any duties, import taxes that you may incur. Only 1 entry per person. This prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for monetary value; No cash alternatives to the stated prize will be offered; Valid until 28th February 2018.

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Nordal.

Our home at Christmas

Do you have any Christmas tree traditions in your home? My family and I absolutely love heading out to a tree farm (not dissimilar to this beautiful one I mentioned a few weeks ago) to collect ours. When we get home the entire space is filled with the wonderful scent of fresh pine and we set about decorating it with a steaming glögg in hand. This year our decorations are from Nordal, a Danish online shop working with talented designers to create beautiful, unique pieces.  I went for a pared-back look (you know me!), including simple wrapping paper decorated with ribbon and foliage, adding a sprinkling of brass to the tree with a fab drinks trolley to match! (all that glitters...... ). This year we were keen to go 'off grid', and revert back to an era when trees were lit up from the lovely warm glow of real candles. Using real candles* immediately paves the way for a 'slower' more simple Christmas.  Since they can only be lit for short periods at a time and you need to be extremely vigilant,  it forces you to stop and admire the beauty of the tree and take in the magic of the moment. Here's a peek at our home all decorated for Christmas (with the help of one little elf in particular!), I hope you like it! 

Credits: Photography (me) Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home. Styling Genevieve Jorn (pictures 5, and 7 styled by me).

Oh I do love this time of year, the house feels all cosy now! 

Here's a guide to all the pieces I've used:

1. Diamond xmas tree candle holder 2. xmas tree candle white 3. Paper waste ornament large 4. Metal star golden 5. Two-in-one ball hanger 6. Metal star black 7. 8. Circle candle holder 9. Ring bottle 10. Flower vase  11. Ring vase 12. Fluffy sheep 13. Advent candle holder 14. Scissors 15. Basket 16. brass trolley 17. Box with ribbon 18. Small cement tea light holder 19. Medium cement tea light holder.

If you'd like to know about any other items please do give me a shout in the comments section below!

*Real candles are beautiful and have been used by our ancestors for hundreds of years. However it's important to remain extremely vigilant! Always space candles properly, keeping a safe distance from other decorations, overhanging tree branches and other flammable items. Ensure the candles are straight, and not in the way of any drafts and never leave lit candles unattended. It's also advisable to keep a bucket of sand or water or better still a fire extinguisher close by - just in case!

Have a wonderful day!

PS Did you spot my little helper?
 


This post was brought to you in collaboration with Nordal. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too.