A Swedish space with soft pink and milky hues

Soft pink. What a beautiful accent? In this 1950's apartment styled by Anna Leena (the girl behind those fab clothes hangers), the dusty pink Gubi Stay sofa stands amidst a sea of milky hues and a touch of black (love the Mantis wall lamp!), adding the faintest hint of colour. It helps that the piece is also encased in this year's texture - luxurious 'velvet'.  AND there's a super fluffy sheepskin beanbag to lay about in too (want!). I'm also loving the sheer off-white curtains which add to the soft, calm feel of the space. All in all, a lovely space waiting for someone to move in and add their layers...

Styled by Annaleena Leino for sale through Alexander White.

Feeling much calmer after this home tour, how about you?!

The big palm is great isn't it? It's always worth looking out for these big plants on second hand sites such as gum tree.

I discovered made to measure / finish white linen curtains like the ones in the bedroom here (on my 'to do' list!). 

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Have a lovely day!

The calm home of a Swedish architect

Good morning! How are you today?! I love a home with some great ideas to steal, don't you? And this space has quite a few! Captured by Erik Lefvander and styled by Anna Mårselius, the property belongs to Swedish architect Johnny Andersson of Jordens Arkitekter and has been decorated throughout in a soft, neutral palette. Magnificent black framed windows separate the kitchen from the open plan sitting room and dining area (still trying to figure out where to install some in my own home, how about you?!). But what really catches my eye are the details - like the beautiful matt finish, hand cut subway tiles in the kitchen (aren't they lovely?!), the rack of jeans (great idea!) and the portrait over the bed - all working together to give the home a relaxed, soft, edge.

Photos Erik Lefvander, stylist Anna Mårselius, architect Johnny Andersson / Jordens Arkitekter for Residence.

 

 

Sooooo calm. Just what I needed today!

Get the look from Johnny's lovely home: Ann Sacks sells tiles like these, there's a beautiful selection of vintage chopping boards available here. Wooden coat rack. Linen pillows in earthy shades.
 
I remember we saw a rack of jeans in this idyllic Finnish cottage too -  such a nice way to store them. You could do the same with vintage kimonos in the bedroom?

Do you keep any of your clothes on display?

See the full tour of this space in this month's edition of Residence Magazine. 

Have a lovely day!

A small space in Gothenburg in neutrals

Let's visit the Swedish west coast today and this charming space-efficient small apartment in Gothenburg. The home has many of the lovely original 1920's features including wooden floor, serving cabinets and pantry. But I also like the way it's been decorated using neutrals, dusty shades of blue and touches of wood and rattan for a warm feel. I'm a big fan of Gothenburg since it's the gateway to one of my favourite places on earth: the stunning west coast archipelago with its dozens of islands and pretty fishing villages. We love to explore it by sail boat in the summer. But in the winter, I could definitely pad around here, how about you?!

 

Stadshem

Is there anything that stands out to you about this apartment?

I'm a big fan of the brass pendant over the dining table (this one is similar). Rattan is trending right now too- are you a fan? I've got a peacock chair in my bedroom which I love (they're often coming up on Etsy), do you have anything rattan in your home?

More beautiful small space inspiration can be found here. It's amazing what you can do with a little imagination.

Have a lovely day!

The Aesthete's Alphabet - N is for Neutral

 

 

As much as I love and appreciate colour, my default position always tends towards neutrals. I find them tranquil and soothing and easy to live with. They are also easy to decorate with because they all blend so beautifully. They don't shout at you, they don't compete for attention, they all just get along in harmony. Now, if only my kids could behave like that!

 

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy....

 



Wishing you all a happy week ahead. I will be spending some contemplating O is for.....

 

Till next time

 

 

Sharon x

Image source: 6. L'Ambience, France 9. Veranda 13 Pam Pierce, 16 Via LL Interiors 17. Via Stinemos Blog 18. Via Trouvais 22 Via Linen and Lavender, 23 Velvet and Linen  All other images via Tumblr and Pinterest

Lovely on Leisure Isle

 

 

 

My siblings and I recently went up to Knysna to celebrate my dad's 85th birthday. We left spouses and kids behind .... it's amazing how much free time you have without them.... and one afternoon drove around Leisure Isle picking out our holiday/retirement/future homes. My sister found this one for me and it couldn't be more perfect! She clearly knows me well. 

 

The low stone wall, the pale blue/grey shutters, the wide verandah, the French doors, the corrugated iron roof... I love it all.

The garden is kept simple with lawn and lavender and the view across the lagoon is just perfect.

It's probably just as well that it was all closed up with nobody home or I might have embarrassed everyone by knocking on the door and asking to be shown around the inside.

I will just have to create my own interiors. The colours used inside would have to reflect the exterior hues, subtle shades of grey, blue, lavender, mustard and stone.

The kitchen would be rustic and homely with space for family and friends to gather.

The dining area would be causal and inviting with a large table and lots of seating. 

Rustic details, natural elements and lots of texture would be evident..







The living area would feature a mixture of wood, wicker and linen and a large fireplace would be a necessity. 



The colour scheme will continue into the bedrooms where comfort will be the top priority.

There would need to be quite a few bedrooms so family and friends could be easily accommodated.



 

A big dormitory for the boys and their friends will be the most practical solution.

 

Bathrooms will be kept simple and low maintenance, perfect for a holiday home.

 

And finally, because I'm a blogger, a little corner with a desk would be a must.

 

 

So there you have my dream holiday house on Leisure Isle.

 

Have a great week.

 

Till next time.

 

Sharon x

 

Image sources:house - own photos,  kitchen - via Casa Decorada, dining area via Décor de Provence, Rustic table via Tumblr, Wicker Chairs via Tumblr, Living Room via Charming Spaces on Tumblr, bedroom1 via Tumblr, bedroom 2 via Décor de Provence, kids bedroom via Josephine Ryan, bathroom 1 via Charming Spaces, bathroom 2 via tumblr, study via Charming Spaces