Category Archives: Trends
Historic Charm Meets Boho Vibes in a Swedish Villa
Why, good morning, friends! I’m back—feeling refreshed, revived, and mildly aching in every muscle in my body, thanks to my novice attempts at backcountry skiing from hut to hut in Geilo, Norway. The ‘ice bath’ in the lake helped… somewhat. But despite that, it was an incredible experience!
I took loads of pictures and can’t wait to share my trip with you soon—just in case you’re tempted to give it a go yourself!
Anyway, that’s a long-winded way of saying—thank you for your patience, I’m back!
Today, let me whisk you away to a home that feels like a warm hug, where history peeks through in the most charming of ways. Welcome to Villa Emilsfrid in Gröndal, Sweden! Here, life has that dreamy summer house feel, even though you’re right in the heart of town, with the cliffs of Lake Mälaren nearby.
Keep a look out for the veranda–it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book, let your thoughts wander, or dive into a creative project. And don’t miss the beautiful tiled stove standing proudly in the corner of the living room—always a favourite and so uniquely Scandinavian! Add to that the original creaky wooden floors, intricate mouldings, and spegel (mirror) doors, and you’ve got yourself a home that oozes charm.
But the real heart of this place? The big, open spaces where the kitchen and living room flow seamlessly together. This, my friends, is a relaxed home with boho touches, just waiting to be loved by a new owner. Could that be you?
Welcome home to Villa Emilsfrid!
What a dream of a house. Such lovely light!
Could you imagine making this space your own? I certainly could! Is there anything that stood out to you?
And for more boho-style homes today, take a peek at:
Are you a fan of boho?
Have a happy midweek!
A journey of craftmanship, culture and artistry with Northern Lights
From the soft glow of sunrise over vast landscapes to the sculptural grandeur of ancient architecture, Northern Lights’ latest collection is a journey through craftsmanship, culture, and artistic expression.
Drawing inspiration from diverse traditions and the beauty of the natural world, the range takes designers on a voyage through masterful techniques and intricate detailing.
Sculptural metalwork, delicate hammered textures, and organic veined alabaster create a striking interplay, celebrating authentic, one-of-a-kind design. Bold statement forms are softened with quiet sophistication as a story of heritage and discovery unfolds.
Every element is precision-designed and handcrafted in Britain, honouring the decades of expertise and creative vision of Northern Lights’ artisans.
The synergy of luxury raw materials and age-old techniques brings texture, tactility and emotional connection to the forefront. Designs can be customised with over 35 specialist finishes, ensuring that every design is as unique as the space it inhabits.
The collection is a celebration of craftsmanship, artistry, and the boundless possibilities of design. Through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of materiality, Northern Lights continues to illuminate the world of luxury interiors with lighting that is as evocative as it is enduring.
VISTAL
Inspired by scenic horizons, Vistal features an opal or alabaster globe diffusing soft light. A handcrafted metal base with laser-cut brass pieces offers the optical illusion of delicate pleats, creating an enchanting interplay of shadow and glow. Finished in brushed brass and Versalis gold, it evokes the beauty of a setting sun.
CAIRO
Echoing the geometric elegance of Egyptian architecture, Cairo’s five-sided hammered metal design is finished in rich gold. A balance of tradition and modernity, it captures the tactile beauty of ancient metalwork.
CASTILLO
With an elegant arc inspired by the moon, Castillo suspends an opal glass globe from a tall, sleek frame. Available in table and floor lamp versions, it casts a soft, calming glow, perfect for sophisticated interiors.
GEO
Minimalist yet opulent, Geo pairs elegant linear silhouettes with organic alabaster columns and solid brass. The result offers refined indulgence, ideal for contemporary luxury spaces.
KYOTO
Kyoto embodies simplicity and balance, fusing hand-finished pewter and polished steel into an intricate fretwork frame. An opal globe suspended within softly diffuses ambient light, catching and reflecting the fretwork detailing.
CORDLESS PORTABLE DESIGNS
Fifteen cordless lamps join the range, offering elegant solutions for spaces where wires and sockets pose challenges. Featuring removable LEDs and wireless multi-charging docks, they combine design flexibility with effortless functionality. Showcasing a mix of designs from timeless elegance to whimsical romance, each design brings a unique character and story to the spaces they illuminate.
Discover more than seventy new lighting designs, now available on Northern Lights’ website.
www.northern-lights.co.uk | IG: @nl_lighting
Step Inside a Renovated 19th-Century Skånelänga With a Rustic Soul
Usually, the properties that pop up for sale are a little too far from where we live in Malmö – but today, this farmhouse in Vellinge, here in the south of Sweden, is a mere 20-minute drive away, making it scarily attainable (cue: Per is getting nervous!).
Long-term readers will know I often dream of moving to the countryside – and a Skånelänga (a three-sided farmhouse typical of the county of Scania) has been the object of my affection ever since I featured one in my first book, Relaxed Rustic* (originally published as Modern Pastoral).
These unique stone-walled farmhouses are often nestled among acres of farmland and feature an inner courtyard to shield alfresco living from the vicious Scanian winds!
Built in 1889, this lovely house has been carefully renovated in sympathy with its original soul and character, with brickwork, stone walls, and beams shining through. It’s relatively open-plan, with large rooms – and the light (so beloved by artists in this part of Sweden) is just beautiful!
Keep an eye out for details like freestanding elements in the kitchen (a popular trend right now), a glimpse of a larder – something that’s made a real comeback and become a key feature in new kitchens – and those homemade syrups, no doubt made from elderflower, rhubarb, and other delicious ingredients foraged from the surrounding nature.
Ready to take a tour and dream of life in the Scanian countryside? Let’s go!
I love the ‘mudroom’ tap in the hallway, no doubt an original feature from days gone by and a handy touch.
A range cooker and a practical freestanding side table add a contemporary touch to the kitchen, embracing the current trend for a “higgledy-piggledy,” cobbled-together look that can evolve over time and adapt to changing needs.
I love how every window lets in large gapes of nature – making tasks like washing up just a little more enjoyable!
Note the dried flowers hung from the ceiling – a lovely touch!
I can see why larders have made a comeback—if you have the space for one, they’re ideal for storing items that need to be kept cool but not refrigerated, such as dried foods. My grandad used to use his for his home brewing kit! I was too young to taste his brews, but I can guess they were pretty punchy!
Tiered hanging baskets are great for storing vegetables, especially if you’re short on space. We have one in our kitchen which I picked up from IKEA and they are really practical.
A lovely long farmhouse table has been used as a desk in the home office. I guess, my only addition would be an ergonomic work chair and, depending on the type of work, a monitor. I spent too many years at the start of my own business working on my laptop at the kitchen table and I can’t tell you how bad that is for your back and neck. Just a word of warning from experience!
The house has been cleared of items somewhat for the real estate pictures, but it still gives an idea of the current owner’s personal style—a great blend of old and new.
What a lovely house! I love how historical properties have irregular features that add to the charm, something that I miss in our modern townhouse.
Do you live in an old property? And are you a town mouse or a country mouse? Or perhaps a mix of both?
Is there anything that caught your eye about this skånelänge?
Would you like to see a few more farmhouses this weekend? If so, here are some I love:
I hope you all have a lovely weekend, thanks for stopping by here at this little corner of the web. See you Monday!
*P.S. This post contains a little plug for my own book – if you’re inspired by this style, you can find more dreamy countryside homes in Relaxed Rustic. Thank you for supporting my work!
This week we revealed a micro home in a wind turbine
This week on Dezeen, we featured a micro home built within a decommissioned wind turbine.
Designed by Dutch studio Blade-Made, the wood-lined house was created as a prototype to demonstrate how wind turbines could be reused at the end of their working life.
It was one of four concepts created to investigate the reuse of wind turbines for a project led by Swedish energy provider Vattenfall and the Dutch Design Foundation.
In design news, a pair of major brands unveiled subtle rebrands to their extremely well-known logos.
Google updated its G logo for the first time in 10 years, with the formerly distinct colours now blurred with a smooth gradient.
Meanwhile, Amazon simplified its distinct smile logo in the first update for 20 years.
We continued to report from the Venice Architecture Biennale, where Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s Canal Cafe and the Bahrain national pavilion (pictured) won Golden Lions.
We also looked at the key themes from the main exhibition, took a look at the robots featured at the biennale and spoke to Norman Foster about touchscreens in cars.
In other architecture news, the Fenix Museum of Migration in Rotterdam opened to the public.
Set within a 16,000-square-metre warehouse in Rotterdam’s City Harbour that was converted by restoration consultants Bureau Polderman, the museum is topped with a viewpoint by MAD.
The viewpoint is accessed by a pair of giant helical staircases that wind up from the ground floor of the building and out from its roof.
We also took a look at some of the most extraordinary homes on Dezeen in a round-up of houses that it’s hard to believe are actually houses.
The house ranged from the startlingly industrial-looking to the downright surreal.
Popular projects this week included a group of holiday cabins in Kazakhstan, an “unfussy and honest” home in New Zealand and the renovation of Ray Kappe’s Glass Ridge House in LA.
Our latest lookbook featured homes where poured resin floors provide a colourful backdrop.
This week on Dezeen
This week on Dezeen is our regular roundup of the week’s top news stories. Subscribe to our newsletters to be sure you don’t miss anything.
The post This week we revealed a micro home in a wind turbine appeared first on Dezeen.
An Allotment Cottage Oasis Tucked Away in Gothenburg
When I look for homes to feature here on My Scandinavian Home, I’m naturally a little dictated by the season. In the property market, winter is all about selling flats, while now, in late spring, it’s all about houses and summer cottages with nature on their doorstep. And just like you saw in Wednesday’s post, it’s also the season for the charming allotment cottage.
So, indulge me a little this Friday while I share another lovely kolonistuga with you – tucked away in a tranquil corner of Änggården’s growers’ association, a green oasis in the heart of Gothenburg. This little cabin is only 25 square metres (269 square feet), but the outdoor space plays a big role too, with its expansive terrace, tables and chairs, and even a pizza oven.
Inside, the green interior mirrors its lush surroundings. There’s enough space for a kitchen, dining area, and a sofabed, making it the perfect urban escape and one of those rare gems that seldom come on the market.
Ready to dream this weekend?
Can you imagine sitting here with your closest friends, sipping wine under the string lights this evening? Maybe a board of cheeses around the fire… or perhaps pizza? (It would be rude not to make the most of that outdoor oven, after all!) Lovely.
It may be simple, but sometimes, you really don’t need much more than that. Do you agree?
It’s also the perfect place to get into a bit of gardening – I’m sure the soil here is far more forgiving than the sandpit I’m currently battling with at our summer cottage (yikes!).
You can see more inspiring allotment cottages here, and if you’re in the mood for a little more city living, don’t miss these Gothenburg apartment tours:
Izard’s earthy green apartment (one of the most popular tours of the year).
A beautiful Gothenburg apartment with a hint of English style
Inside Anna’s coastal home on an island just outside Gothenburg
Thank you so much for all your thoughtful and interesting comments this week. I’m really looking forward to taking a bit of time out this weekend to reply to each one. You make this such a warm and welcoming community, and your insights truly add so much to every post.
Trevlig helg!
Photography courtesy of Stadshem
Explore the Fabric of the Land with the Tellus Mater Collection
Harriet Crawley, Head of Design UK at Edition 1.6.9, discusses a new mesmerising rug collaboration with Sandra Benhamou.
Paris-based rug brand, Édition 1.6.9 and Interior Architect and Designer Sandra Benhamou have introduced Tellus Mater, a new collection of rugs that celebrate desert landscapes. Here, Harriet Crawley, Head of Design UK at Edition 1.6.9, talks about how the collection came to fruition.
How did your collaboration with Sandra Benhamou come about?
The collaboration came about organically – the team in Paris was already in touch with us for other projects we were working on together. However this particular collaboration was sparked when Sandra approached us directly after a transformative trip to Israel, where she visited the Negev Desert.
Sandra captured a series of aerial photographs that encapsulated the dramatic essence of the desert – the sand dunes, the expansive rocky plateaus and the deep canyons which have been carved by ancient rivers. Sandra approached us with the idea of recreating these mesmerising landscapes into rugs, capturing the depth, texture, and earthy tones of the Negev in a way that would bring its essence into interior spaces. The challenge was not just to replicate the imagery but to translate its emotion.
The collection tells a powerful story of landscapes – how did you translate this concept into the design of the rugs?
The design team worked on translating these images, ensuring that the essence of the desert was captured while also infusing the design with our own creative DNA.
By experimenting with interesting natural materials and advanced knotting techniques, we were able to add depth, movement, and tactile richness to the rugs. We explored a diverse palette inspired by the desert’s natural hues from sun-bleached sands to the rich earthy browns of the canyon walls.
Texture played a pivotal role in bringing the design to life – we layered different weaving methods to mimic the terrain. Certain areas were deliberately raised to evoke the ridges of sand dunes, while others were woven more densely to replicate the solidity of rock formations.
What was the design process like, and how did you balance the raw, primal elements with Édition 1.6.9’s refined craftsmanship?
The design process was fluid and intuitive, evolving organically as we worked through each stage of development. Our expertise lies in the ability to blend colour, texture and craftsmanship. Colour was a central focus as we wanted to reflect the natural palette of the landscape in a way that felt authentic and contemporary. Equally important was our approach to texture. Some areas of the rug were designed to feel smooth and flowing like windswept dunes, whilst other areas have a more structured rugged quality, reminiscent of the desert’s rock formations. While it carries our signature craftsmanship and design sensibility, it remains true to its inspiration.
How does the collection’s name, Tellus Mater, connect with the overall design vision?
Tellus Mater means Mother Earth in Latin, embodying the essence of nature. This collection serves as a tribute to the planet, celebrating its beauty, resilience and the deep bond shared between humans and the natural world. Each piece reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of both Sandra and Edition 1.6.9, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and design.
How do you envision Tellus Mater fitting into different interior styles, and what kind of atmosphere does it create in a space?
The carefully curated materials, organic patterns, and earthy tones lend a timeless quality to the pieces, allowing them to harmonize with different aesthetics.
All of the pieces in this collection serve as more than just a functional element, they are statement pieces that bring depth, warmth, and a sense of tranquillity to a space. Their rich textures and natural hues create an inviting atmosphere, making them the perfect foundation for any interior scheme, whether placed in a minimalist modern home or a cosy heritage-inspired setting.
For interior designers, what are your tips for pairing the Tellus Mater rugs with other design elements or furniture?
My advice would be to start with the rug as the foundation and let it guide the design of the entire space. A well-chosen rug can serve as the anchor for a room, setting the tone for the colour palette, the textures, even the overall aesthetic. Whether it’s the soft muted hues, the intricate weaving techniques, or the organic patterns that first draw you in, this collection offers a perfect starting point for creating any space.
Can you share some insights into the materials and craftsmanship behind the collection?
The choice of materials such as natural undyed wools, linen, nettle, hemp, and natural wild silks all mirror and connect with the original theme. The textures of the different materials also mimic those that are found in the desert, from the softness of fine grains of sand to the rugged strength of weathered rock formations.
The colour palette also reflects the organic hues of desert landscapes, featuring warm neutrals, sun-bleached tones, and earthy shades that evoke a sense of calm and balance. These subtle variations in colour also creates a natural depth, much like the interplay of light and shadow across the horizon.
What makes Tellus Mater stand out from other rug collections?
Tellus Mater is a tribute to nature, designed to connect us to the earth through its thoughtful craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of its materials. The unique blend of materials creates a striking contrast that is both visually and tactilely engaging, inviting touch and interaction. Each element tells a story of nature’s diversity and strength, with textures that evoke the raw elegance of the earth’s surface. The interplay of contrasting colours and materials highlights the intricate beauty of the natural world, allowing Tellus Mater to bring a sense of grounding and harmony to its surroundings.
www.edition169.com | IG: @edition1.6.9
my scandinavian home: Soft Greens and Floral Dreams: A Gothenburg Apartment Tour
It’s Friday, the sun is shining, and spring is in the air here in Sweden! Throughout the city, small signs of spring are popping up everywhere—from delicate first buds appearing on rose bushes clinging to the sides of houses to vibrant crocuses brightening the roadsides. Even so, when you live in an apartment high above the city, nature and the changing seasons can sometimes feel distant. That’s why I was so captivated by this lovely Gothenburg home.
Laid out over two floors—with a brand-new loft conversion—the apartment has been thoughtfully decorated in soft shades of green, creating a wonderful sense of harmony throughout the living space. Even more charming, subtle botanical-themed wallpaper adorns the walls, while floral textiles decorate the bedroom beneath an oil painting of blooms arranged in a vase. And throughout the home, you’ll find pretty yet simple displays of fresh spring flowers.
A gentle reminder for us all to pick up our Friday flowers!
Another aspect of this Swedish apartment that caught my attention was the blend of materials—warm wood and exposed brickwork create visual interest and contribute beautifully to the mix of old and new elements throughout the space.
Ready for a look around? Let’s go!
It’s definitely the raw materials that caught my eye—such a clever way of highlighting architectural details that you might not have noticed otherwise.
Is there anything that stood out to you in particular about this Gothenburg loft? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts below as always!
For a few more Scandinavian city apartment tours this weekend check out:
Have a fantastic weekend all!
Photography courtesy of Entrance, with thanks.
Glowing sphere protrudes from Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
A suspended orb forms the centrepiece of the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by Amsterdam studio RAU Architects and design studio Tellart to reference the country’s connection to water and its use of renewable energy.
Spanning 425 metres in honour of 425 years of Dutch-Japanese trade relations, the pavilion is built from a steel structure and fronted with rippling slats that rise to reveal entrances at its front.
RAU Architects and Tellart chose water as a key focus for the pavilion in a nod to the Netherlands’ use of hydropower, as well as water being a “common ground” between the Netherlands and Japan.
Meanwhile, the 10.6-metre-wide orb that rises through the pavilion’s roof symbolises the sun and the concept of infinite energy. It also references the Tower of the Sun – a sculpture created by Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto for the Expo 1970 Osaka.
“The form of the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is both symbolic and functional,” senior architect at RAU Architects Marta Roy told Dezeen.
“At its heart is a glowing sphere – a ‘man-made sun’ that represents clean, infinite energy on water.”
In line with many other pavilion’s at the Expo 2025 Osaka, the Netherlands Pavilion is designed for disassembly and reuse, with all elements built with visible joints and screws. It is also seismic resistant and intended to create playful patterns of light and shadow.
“Designed to meet strict natural disaster standards, the exterior feels crisp and monumental, animated by shifting light and shadows throughout the day,” Roy added. “[The pavilion] presents a striking contrast between its abstract, minimal exterior and its warm, tactile interior.”
The focus on material reuse is also visible across the interior, which is furnished with benches, tables and upholstery made from recycled materials.
Inside, the pavilion opens up to a central space with a mural and an installation called Water Basin, intended to reflect “the flow of nature” in response to the pavilion’s water-centred theme.
Above this, the suspended sphere contains a cinematic display that visitors can enter. Other displays include the Pledge Station – a collaborative art piece that visitors can contribute to before leaving the pavilion.
“The focus on water speaks about something we have in common with Japan as the Netherlands, our continuous struggle with water,” executive producer Ries Straver said.
“Water offers not only challenges but also opportunities and this is symbolised in the centre of the common ground space.”
Upon entry, visitors are each handed a glowing sphere, or Energy Orb, which allows them to engage with the pavilion’s interactive displays.
“The intention is to have our guests exit the pavilion with a sense of hope and clarity around the challenges we face as well as a sense of individual agency and communal energy to contribute to solving the challenges we collectively face,” Straver explained.
Other national pavilions at the event include the Czech Pavilion, which comprises a spiralling structure of timber and glass, and the energy-generating Japan Pavilion made from a demountable steel and timber structure.
The photography is by Zhu Yumeng unless otherwise stated.
Expo 2025 Osaka takes place in Osaka until 13 October 2025. For more fairs, events and talks in architecture and design, visit Dezeen Events Guide.
The post Glowing sphere protrudes from Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka appeared first on Dezeen.
A Charming Swedish Allotment Cottage in the Heart of the City
While many Swedes head to the coast or countryside in summertime, there’s another delightful retreat that truly comes into its own come spring – the allotment cottage!
These charming little cottages are tucked away in garden communities – often right in the heart of the city. They offer a unique blend of urban living and nature, where you can grow and harvest your own flowers, fruit and veg just a short cycle from home.
You can stay there from spring to autumn, after which the water is turned off for the season. Despite their simplicity, they’re incredibly cosy – typically featuring a small kitchen, dining area, sitting room, and a place to sleep. They’re perfect for spending a few days at a time tending your garden and enjoying a slower pace of life.
This pretty example on ‘The Pea Trail’ in Slottskogskolonin in the cetnre of Gothenburg offers a glimpse into the quintessential Swedish allotment cottage – and guess what? It’s for sale! Oh, the possibilities… Enjoy the tour!
Although it’s pared back, I can really see the charm and potential in this lovely cottage. It offers the best of both worlds – a countryside feel right in the city’s heart!
Doors for demanding locations – Interior Designer Magazine
Interior timber doors required to fulfil the myriads of requirements presented by demanding locations, can often fall short of expectations. However, when it comes to those supplied by Swindon based Vicaima, a lifetime of performance, consistent quality and innovative design solutions, ensures trust and confidence are never misplaced.
For sectors spanning specialist living to medical, education and beyond, Vicaima’s ability to blend the right doors for demanding locations with design aspirations is perhaps epitomized by two examples from its extensive product portfolio: Lacdor® Satin White, a long-standing symbol of sustainable and practical white doors has been a firm favorite with specifiers for many years. Prized for its ultra-smooth and durable factory applied lacquered paint finish, Lacdor® incorporates solvent free and low energy technologies to safeguard sustainable product supply today and in the future. Available in a choice of Satin White RAL 9003 and Satin Pure White RAL 9010, these doors are supplied with a matching edge banding as standard. What’s more, both glazed and decoratively grooved variations are possible to cater for specific design scope. In addition, acting as a counterbalance within the monochrome look, sits the new Dekordor® HD Magnet Black. Part of the ever-growing laminates offering from Vicaima, comprising an array of trend-driven solid colour options and wood effects, with a robust surface finish presenting high resistance and durability for challenging spaces.
Whichever end of the spectrum is selected, these design options are available to meet stringent regulatory and performance requirements. Whether the need is for Sound Reduction, where acoustic parameters encompass up to 45dB; Security considerations, incorporating both Secure by Design or PAS 24 certification to ensure a safe environment or indeed Fire Performance with EN 1634 / BS476 tested and third-party accredited fire doors and door sets in FD30, FD60 and FD90 facilitate complete peace of mind, whatever the project.
Another important factor for demanding locations is size. Dimensional flexibility can often present frustrating limitations when striving to meet project objectives, leaving specifiers feeling underwhelmed by the constraints imposed by many door manufacturers and distributors. Conversely, Vicaima can fulfil the full spectrum of metric and imperial sizes, together with over-height or enhanced mobility widths as position requires.
For more information about Vicaima doors for demanding locations, take a journey of discovery with the new Interactive Interior Door Selector for 2025. A constantly evolving resource, filled with the latest design inspiration, technical assistance and budgetary guidance. Helping the market stay in touch, with the very best interior doors and door sets from Vicaima, for all types of applications.