A Malmö home with a cool mid-century vibe

A Malmö home with a cool mid-century vibe

mid century modern swedish apartment

There's something kind of cool about this home in a hidden creative corner of Malmö, Sweden. I'm a big fan of mid century finds as you know, but mixed with geometric patterns and the odd splash of colour and greenery. Oh yes! Kind of inspiring for a Monday morning don't you think?!

Bo-laget

I've seen quite a lot of IKEA hacks with the Tärnö garden chair and table set. Here they've painted the chairs pillar box red. And I've also seen canary yellow and deep indigo versions- such a simple update but oh so effective! 

Before I shoot off I also wanted to introduce you to my fab new sponsor See Design Shop selling clothes and accessories designed by Donna Gorman. Personally I LOVE the leather handle circle tote in either black basket or karma stripe black and I think I might have to get my girls the karma stripe mini tote for what remains of our summer days at the beach here in Sweden - too cute! 

Have a great start to your week!

Old meets new in a Malmö home

Old meets new in a Malmö home

mid century modern

Today I thought I'd share a home here in Malmö, Sweden. This space appeals to me as it shows how adding a few primary colours and pastels can really brighten up a space and add a sense of fun. It also helps that the architecture of the apartment is beautiful too - and they have a 'kakelugn' (traditional Swedish tiled fireplace) lucky them! The owners have been bold and added a contemporary edge to an otherwise traditional space with painted chairs, a pink sofa, bold accessories and mid-century finds which all works together to add a very relaxed home, don't you think?

Bo-laget

I spot the MASKROS light, String shelving and what looks like a vintage Bumling pendant. I also love the mid-century touch (search Etsy for similar mid-century furniture).

Is there anything you like in particular about this apartment?

Have a lovely day!

A small space with a big personality

A small space with a big personality

mid century modern Plants small spaces

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! 

A Danish home that will put a smile on your face

A Danish home that will put a smile on your face

danish home mid century modern

Since we're nearly at the end of the week, I think today's home tour calls for something virbant and colouful which will brighten up even the dullest of days! Which is why I have selected this Copenhagen home. Just over the bridge in Denmark, this family home has been decorated with bright pops of colour and pastels against a black and white background.  I love how the children's toys blend in to every room in the house to make a fun, relaxed and vibrant family home. Inspiration indeed?!

Louise Desrosiers for Milk Magazine via Domain Home

Louise Desrosiers for Milk Magazine via Domain Home

Louise Desrosiers for Milk Magazine via Domain Home

Louise Desrosiers for Milk Magazine via Domain Home

Louise Desrosiers for Milk Magazine via Domain Home

This home has really brightened up my day and put a smile on my face, how about you?!

I'm a big fan of Milk Magazine, they always find the most fab homes. You can wile away a good few hours browsing interiors on their website. 

Have a lovely day!

The making of an interior decorator

The making of an interior decorator

casual contemporary design aesthetic mid century modern

  What's your interior design aesthetic?

             "

"What's that you ask?  Design aesthetic?

Should I have one ?  Perhaps I do! " 

This is not a question I could have answered in my teenage years, but it was those early years that laid the foundation for what I would come to understand and appreciate about design in my adult life.

 I believe our  interior design aesthetic (aspects of interior environments we are attracted to) is developed from what we've been exposed to  through our life experiences:  the house we grew up in,  homes of friends, your home town, reading, travel, and various forms of  media, etc. 

 The road to my house just before my birth

My house age 8

 Is this a town that raises a design conscious gal? 

"Yep!" 

 How did that happen?

I was exposed to very functional decor growing up in a small town in Newfoundland in the the  50's and 60's, but there were always  handcrafted  items in our home and I was encouraged to participate in their creation. There always seemed to be lots of scraps of wool, fabric and thread around.  I  appreciated what an individual could create with very modest materials, and I  believed at an early age that I could create anything I wanted.  That's a pretty powerful beginning.

The Singer sewing machine got lots of use in our home. It was a sound I did homework to, read to and even made it hum myself. 

What came off it was varied: curtains, quilts, bedspreads, and even mini skirts and tent dresses. Fabric remnants came from family members in New York.  That link assured I was current in textile designs! When not sewing I was busy with  crocheting , knitting , and hooking  rugs. All added warmth to our home.

At 13 I discovered the library in the next community and my design world expanded. 

Good Housekeeping

 There were books and magazines  that took me well beyond the small town I grew up in.  I devoured them, imagined, sketched, and rearranged our bedroom (with my sister's help) numerous times.  Mom took it all in stride. 

 Quite the design statement!  I had nothing to do with this decor, but I did make the dress! Not bad for a 15 year old.  At the time, I thought I would be a fashion designer, but good old Newfoundland practicality took over. 

TV programming added to my understanding of what was in style. I jet setted around the world with The Man (Men) from Uncle without ever leaving my living room. 

 And got my first taste of that famous British style on the Avengers. 

What we now refer to as Mid Century Modern design was in its prime in my formative years.  For the youngun' reading this think  Mad Men. 

 

source 

When I was 19 I spent the summer in New York. It was a trip of firsts.  First time I went to large department stores,  first time to see art galleries,  first play.....   And what about what I saw on the streets and in store windows?  It all went in and somehow came together into a feeling, a sense of what I liked and wanted in future interiors.While this type of decorating was happening in New York....

Albert Hadley, New York, 1971

The average homeowner was living in this.

That was a pivotal time in my understanding of the broader world and the vast discrepancies among the homes I was used to and the homes of the "out of reach". I began to read more and think about what elements and principles interested me  in the designed interiors I was viewing on TV and reading about. My design aesthetic was forming.  

In 1973 I got my first apartment and  it had a lively colour scheme of white with red and navy accents.  All very fresh and simple.   All second hand and dressed up with lots of covers and paint.   I moved from being a university student to a teacher - a different kind of designing! I continued to read about design and do lots of DIY projects. 

It wasn't until the mid 80's that I decided to study interior decorating and it would be another twenty years before I officially advertized as a decorator.  I would contend I was always one. During that time I also began to paint.  It was this activity that honed my colour sense and gave me a firm understanding of the elements and principles of design. 

 My design interests today can be traced back  to my roots as a mid century modern girl.  I still love clean design without too much "fussy".  I like  furniture with straight lines,  geometric motifs especially circles, lots of texture, light colours, hand made items and abstract art.  I describe my look  as casual contemporary with a quiet edge.

What's your design aesthetic?

The dish on modern design

The dish on modern design

Furniture mid century modern Modern Modern Design

Modern style is a clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style that first appeared in the  1930s with roots in the German Bauhaus School of Design and Scandinavian modern design.   The modern movement was a response to what happened in design and history up to that point.  Art, architecture and  interior design broke from traditional detailing and styles and forged a new path. Modern design is still a prominent style in today's homes where homeowners seek original mid century modern furniture and accessories or resort to reproduction pieces.

  Defining characteristics of  modern interior design include:

 John Maniscalco Architecture

•  simple, minimal, flat surfaces and unbroken lines 
• low profile furniture with raised legs for an airy look 
• wood floors but sometimes, cork, cement or rubber
• minimal accessories

• emphasis on form, geometric shapes
• large windows that let the outside in
• natural elements for accessories (large plants, sculptural twigs)

 

Kimball Starr Interior Design

• use of metals, leather and glass

•  molded plywood, clear and white plastics for furniture

 

•  simple or no hardware

George Nijland

•  predominately light walls, especially white
• controlled use of pure colours in furniture/accessories ( mostly red, yellow, blue) 
• use of texture 
• use of art to add colour,  design elements and a focal point

  use of geometric patterning

 

Many of the iconic furniture pieces of mid century design are still reproduced today and this confuses people because modern  is not that new! What some consider leading edge has been popular since the middle of the century.

 

 One of the strongest trends in home decor  today is to mix  modern pieces with contemporary decor.   The overall tone of this room is mid century  modern , but the severity of line and the more minimal approach has been softened with accessories.  Removing flowers, books, vases and pillows would create a truly modern decor.

 In my own home I like to mix mid century modern  pieces like the dresser, bed and chair with softer accents and a range of patterns and textures.

A beautiful Stockholm apartment with mid-century touches

A beautiful Stockholm apartment with mid-century touches

mid century modern swedish apartment White and grey homes White home

Sometimes, when you're in need of a little interior design inspiration the best place to turn is the estate agents. Especially Swedish ones like Fantastic Frank. And that's where this beautiful home in Vasastan, Stockholm is for sale. It is oh so Scandinavian, with the beautiful light wood floors, white and pale grey hues and the stark contrast of the wooden mid-century furniture. Such a perfect balance.

Photography:Styling: Sofie GanevaPhoto: Kristofer Johnsson Styling: Sofia Ganeva for Fantastic Frank via Emma's Design Blog

Ooooo what a wonderful home, I don't know how they can bear to part with it. And such beautiful light! What d'you think?

Thank you all so much for your lovely comments about my home dining space yesterday. Tomorrow I thought I'd show a few more snaps from another part of our open plan living space, so pop back if you get the chance!

Hej då!