A cosy Danish cabin ready for Christmas

Hello! I hope you had a fabulous weekend?! I thought I'd kick off the week with another extremely cosy log cabin, this time in Klampingborg, Denmark (did you miss the previous one?).  This oh so lovely retreat belongs to Jeanette Hyleborg of webshop Best of Nordic and blog Voksenlivsstil and her director husband Sten.  I love the irregular tree which has been decorated with mirrored hearts, stars and snowflakes and I'll be taking inspiration from their Christmas table - the fir cones and roses in moss make for a beautiful mix, don't you think? I could spend my Christmas holidays relaxing here, how about you?!

Femina. Peter Kam

Femina. Peter Kam

Femina. Peter Kam

Femina. Peter Kam

Femina. Peter Kam

Femina. Peter Kam

Who would guess I'm pining for a winter escape this Christmas?! But seriously, this cabin is just so cosy. What a perfect escape?

See more images here.

A quick guide to where items are from. EKTORP armchair and sofa from IKEA. Cognac coloured butterfly chair.  Two Foscarini Caboche Suspension Lights over the dining table. Royal Copenhagen blue fluted dinner plates. Hunter wellies. Many items can also be found in Jeanette's shop. Have I missed anything?

If you're after some last minute table decorating inspiration, I like this laid back dining style for a boxing day lunch. And there's plenty more Christmas inspiration to be found here and also on my Pinterest Christmas board. If you have any inspiration tips do leave them in the comment section below!

Tomorrow will be my last blog post before the holidays before I return with some fun new year inspiration including an introduction of the hot new interior colours for 2015. If you're planning an even bigger New Year's Eve than usual this year....Bario Neal has launched three absolutely stunning engagement rings just in time for midnight....how romantic?!

Have a lovely day and see you tomorrow!

A Norwegian home at Christmas

Those of you who have followed my blog for a while (thank you, you're lovely!) know I'm a big fan of the work of Norwegian based photographer and stylist Elisabeth Heier and her beautiful home which I've previously shown snippets of  here and here. It comes as no surprise that her Christmas decorating is equally as lovely and follows her simple, pared-back and elegant take on Scandinavian interior decorating. Here are a few festive snaps of her home this year.

Photography / styling: Elisabeth Heier

True modern Scandinavian Christmas decorating inspiration. A pared-back tree, white Helabores, paper stars strung up in the window which will light up at night, a simple wreath hung on the wall and fir tree branches in clear glass jars.

In case you're wondering where some of the items are from, I also spy the By Lassen Kubus 4 candleholder, RAR rocking chair (currently 10% off here), Knoll diamond chair and the classic Swedish Skultuna tea light holders in brass. Children's room: half-moon bedding, rabbit light.

For a slightly different look, here are some more inspiration images shot and styled by Elisabeth in her home for Norwegian magazine RUM 123 with a black, gold and Pantone's colour for 2015 - Marsala colour theme.

Photography / styling Elisabeth Heier

The gold flag garland, mirror stars and Christmas cone in black are from Tine K Home.

I absolutely love the idea of filling a glass jar or vase with old burnt out white candle stubs, so simple yet so lovely and a great use of waste.

Is there anything that stands out to you in these images? Which look do you prefer?

Have a lovely day!

PS I also love Norwegian blogger Nina of Stylizimo's Christmas decorating. So pretty! 

A cosy Swedish cottage ready for Christmas

Hello! I hope you had a fabulous weekend?! Anyone in need of a cosy winter retreat?! If so, I have just the place! This lovely Swedish cottage in the snow is owned by Katarina Drevenlid, her two cats and pet dog. It's been decorated for Christmas using simple creative ideas which draw on the surrounding nature. Look closely and you'll see a star made of moss, pinecones in jars or strung together to create a pretty festive garland, sprigs of pine in a glass vase and a mini Christmas tree emerging from a demijohn. In Sweden it's also common to use fir tree branches as a makeshift doormat to wipe away excess snow from winter boots. Add a roaring fire, and a modern Christmas tree made from washi-tape or string and you're all set to go!

Hus o Hem. Photography: Karin Foberg (with kind permission). 

I could spend my Christmas holidays here, how about you?!

I actually thought the black and white rug in the hall was made from mosaic tiles at first glance. You can achieve a similar look with this monochrome rug or a Dhurrie.

Etsy is a great source for Demijohns.

If you're up for more Christmas inspiration today why not pour yourself a coffee and scroll through my Scandinavian Christmas archive (this home will come up first so simply move down the page to find all the others!). Or perhaps you have some links of your own to share in the comment section below?

Have a lovely day! 

Rustic Scandinavian Christmas inspiration

This year I love the rustic, pared-back holiday feel. It's all about Christmas trees in glass vases, pared-back branches, pine cones and sheepskin throws. Add to that the rich aroma of piping hot buttered fig and rosemary cider, fresh pine, and cinnamon and I'm well on my way to a cosy rustic Scandinavian Christmas. Here's my inspiration, I hope it inspires you too. 

1 & 2. Hysj-Lundemork. 3 rustic table - unidentified.  4. Mini wreath - Helt Enkelt. see the DIY instructions here. 5. Hot buttered fig & rosemary cider 6. Vanilla Bean Blog. Spice cake with cardamom coffee frosting.  7. Ditte Isager.

I have a similar rustic workman's stool which I bought here.

For inspiring Christmas home tours I love this Swedish country home, a lovely sitting room here in Skåne, and a modern Dutch home.

And here's my round up of beautiful yet simple Christmas DIY ideas:

Brown paper gift wrapping inspiration.

Swedish hot chocolate with cinnamon - mmmmm!

DIY holiday decor for the walls.

Tiny Christmas garlands.

Beautiful DIY triangular Christnas wreaths.

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place to go...Let it snow! let it snow! Let is snow! Have a lovely day!

PS back tomorrow with my usual home tour, see you then!

A danish home at Christmas

The Danes are famous for their beautiful Christmas decorations. Have you ever walked through Nyhavn in Copenhagen at Christmas? The quayside is transformed into a winter wonderland and festooned with fairy lights and fir tree branches. Christmas market stalls line the quay and the aroma of roasted chestnuts, almonds and glogg (mulled wine) fills the air. This danish home is a fine example of how beautifully Danes decorate for Christmas. Every single room has a touch of the festive spirit, even the bathroom and I love the rustic festive feel.

Bo Bedre via Decorator's Notebook with thanks

Is there any Christmas inspiration you'll be taking from this home?

I love how presents are dotted around the house, although I think the temptation might be too much for my little girls! I also love the irregular shaped Christmas tree - so pretty! For more Christmas tree inspiration I love this 'pared-back style' or for a modern touch - these very fun christmas tree alternatives. 

Here are a few snaps I took of our Christmas tree last year. We always go out to a place in the forest where you are allowed to chop down your own tree, it's one of my favourite days of the year. 

One present I'll be buying this Christmas (look away now brother-in-laws) is a gift card for a tailored t-shirt from Son of A Tailor. Basic tees will continue to be big in the style stakes for 2015 and this Copenhagen based company offer the perfect opportunity to 100% tailor your own classic organic cotton t-shirt - even the gift card itself comes beautifully packaged. Such a perfect present don't you think?! 

Have a great day! 

PS does anyone know the full credits for these images, I'd love to update the post? Thank you. 

A touch of Scandinavian Christmas decorating inspiration

I always start putting up a few Christmas decorations around Advent Sunday.  In case you'll be doing the same, here's a little modern Scandinavian Christmas inspiration for advent calendars, candles and a pretty olive branch wreath I'm hoping to make for my front door.  Happy decorating!

Images: 1. Frichic 2. Weekday Carnival DIY 3. Marsipan og Smilifjes 4. Bella Blogit 5. Petra Bindel 6. Does anyone know the credit?  

I'm planning lots more Christmas posts in the month of December. In the meantime you can take a peek through past Christmas posts here (scroll passed the first post which will be the same as this one), or take a look at my Christmas Pinterest board which I'm forever updating.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow to enter a fab advent give-away!

Have a great night!

Christmas touches in a Finnish home

When do you start putting up your Christmas decorations? I've already added a few touches to my home including white amaryllis and hyacinths (I love the scent) as well as a few lit candles at breakfast and as soon as it gets dark at 15.30 (yes, I know!). This lovely, warm Finnish home is a perfect example of late November / early December Christmas decorating. It's the Helsinki pad of Kaisa, her partner, and cat Mr Paw (who can be seen making himself at home on the sofa). Kaisa is a dab hand at DIY (as you can see on her blog No Home Without You) and loves Scandinavian interiors and crafts. This is reflected in the way she has decorated her space - I particularly love the fairylights display, plants and bunting. How about you?

No Home Without You with kind permission. 

I love how Kaisa has used a nordic base (white walls and light wood floors), and then added mid-century finds and touches of rustic wood for an extra cosy vibe. The bunting over the table reminds me of this wonderful Christmas space. DIY decorating idea for Thanksgiving or First advent perhaps?

Is there anything you love in particular about Kaisa's home?

Have a lovely day!

PS you can see examples of how I add amaryllis and hyacinths to my home work work place here.