THEY SCENT ME HOME

More ambiance in our home is desperately needed. The scattered toys, piles of laundry and homework don't do the job. I've been pleased with the cinnamon scented candle, but new in this season is the cinnamon scented air diffusers and it might be the fall staple that will will do the trick for our messy quarters. I shall hunt them down as soon as I am done cleaning. From Bruka Design and available in clear and smoked glass.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE BRUKA DESIGN WEBPAGE, USED WITH PERMISSION

POT PERFECTION

If you are looking for a timeless addition to your christmas home, consider adding hand made pots from Gysinge instead of mass produced knick knacks. Available in four colours equally perfect for Christmas as well as seasonal blooms around the year. The perfect gift to a friend as well. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE GYSINGE BYGGNADSVÅRD

JUST GIVE ME A REASON

Every time I pass by the hardware and home goods store I try to find the perfect excuse to get the soup/salad bowls from Bitz. The proportions are pretty, the glaze looks great. If ours were a single person household it would be the perfect size fruit bowl. Maybe I need a designated bowl for onions and garlic?
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE JERNIA 

FALL FAVOURITES

Kastehielmi tray, Iittala / Kaj Boyesen wooden monkey, Rosendahl / Stoneware bowls, H&M Home / Terracotta flower pot, Granit / Rosehip drink, IKEA / Golden leather string, House Doctor / Soap, LA Bruket / Beanie, Fjallraven / Round pen holder, Hay / Stoneware bowl, House doctor / Storage box, IKEA / Scented candle, LA Bruket.

IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES FROM IITTALA; ROYALDESIGN.SE; H&M HOME; GRANIT; IKEA; FJALLRAVEN; HAY; LA BRUKET

IKEA WINTER 2017

The Winter and Holiday collection at IKEA is inspired by Iceland and showcases a pared down, more neutral collection than usual. I for one love to see inspirational imaged showing tables the way I actually dress them rather than over the top fantasies. Table settings without tablecloth and only simple white china is underrated. My favourite inspiration-take-away here is placing all silverware on the right side of the plate for a cleaner look. 

IMAGE: PRESS IMAGE IKEA 

GOOD NIGHT MOON

Much like the Chinese I name each year after an animal. Well,sort of, I name it after a room...or a project area.

2017 is the year of the bedroom. This is the year we'll establish better bedtime routines, ban late night netsurfing, upgrade bed linen and bedding, get cozy sleep wear and in short: sleep well every night and wake up rested and bright every morning.

One can at least dream, no?

Above, muted tones and timeless design from Åhlens, which I am considering for the children's room. But it might be the 2013 fall catalogue from Mille Notti that will be my style guide on the journey towards a bedroom where good sleep abides.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGE ÅHLENS; (ABISKO)

PRE-ADVENT

Plates Swedish grace by Rörstrand, Paper star garland by Indiska, Candle holder Season by Georg Jensen, Cupcake liners Vinterkul by IKEA, Egg cups Origo by Iittala, Lavender bags Vendela by Himla, Glasses Kartio by Iittala.
IMAGES: RÖRSTRAND, INDISKA, GEORG JENSEN, IKEA, IITTALA, ELLOS

SUDDENLY...

Why are the simplest things the most difficult to find? A throw cushion for our couch in a navy shade that was leaning towards midnight blue,  removable cover in a fabric suitable for casual family life (aka wrinkles and stains).  It took me 6 months but here it is. Washed Diamond Sham from Swedish lifestyle brand Lexington. 

Now, how do I convince the rest of the family that a cushion cover with the price tag equivalent of, let's see, about 500 meatballs, or 1600 lollipops, or 4 big boxes of lego is what they want on their Christmas wish list?  

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE LÄNNA MÖBLER WEBSHOP 

TAMING THE CHAOS

We had a wooden sofa in our kitchen when I grew up. Perhaps that's why I'm so fond of this black one from Danish Oliver Furniture. A modern take on a traditional Scandinavian piece of furniture. I would love to have one in the hallway to line up the kids and tie their shoes on, pull off their boots from, and hide their chaos in.

And no, it would not serve as shelf for my teapot!?
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE OLIVER FURNITURE WEBSHOP

COUNT YOUR DEGREES

I had to run back to the house and get warmer mittens for my son as we were getting ready to go to school. An outdoor thermometer would be handy. Byggfabriken has four handsome ones. A pretty little mailable gift for home owners around the world. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE BYGGFABRIKEN WEBSHOP 

A COLORFUL FALL

One of the reasons why we love Scandinavian design and love to give it as gifts, is its ability enhance both a minimalist and a maximalist home.  Its simplicity and modern shape contrasts classic settings beautifully, and its playfulness brightens a graphic or strict setting.  

Tealight chandelier Nappula by Iittala, Wooden hairbrush by Åhlens, Kivi votives in salmon pink and rain by Iittala, Key ring Ordning & Reda,  Gräshoppa table lamp Gubi, Mail box Bruka Design, Miniature ficus microcarpa IKEA, Elsa Beskow Tray Design House Stockholm. Aalto vase in deep purple by Iittala, Stockholm vase IKEA, orange Färgrik bowl IKEA,  Rondello paper napkins by Iittala, Fazermint chocolates by Fazer, candle holder HM Home, Wooden bowl HM Home

IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES IITTALA, IKEA, ÅHLENS, BRUKADESIGN, FAZER, H&M HOME, CONNOX.COM, ORDNING & REDA, CONRANSHOP.CO.UK

EASY DOES IT

Always on the lookout for items that organize, sort and store, I've seen my share of designer boxes. Yet I keep returning to the basic ones. Plain wooden crate from Clas Ohlson. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE CLAS OHLSON WEBSHOP

PICK ME UP

This basket looks like its waiting for Little Red Riding Hood's walk to grandma, and I think it might be the perfectly sized picnic basket for children who want to venture out in the backyard or nearby woods. Basket for mushroom picking from Åhléns.

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ÅHLÉNS 

PUT IT OUT IN STYLE

The last couple of years fire extinguishers have been made to fit the Scandinavian white homes, and I for one applaud the effort. The likelihood that this one will be stuffed in a closet is smaller than that for its bright red siblings. 

A great hostessgift on New Year's Eve, or to new homeowners or your childrens' families. If they already own one, place the old one in the garage. Available at Ica Maxi Hem & Fritid (199 SEK).  

IMAGE: ICA MAXI WEBSHOP

BE A LIGHT UNTO THE WORLD

Scented candles are tricky. Too strong, too sweet, too artificial, too bland, etc. Then there comes along the perfect candle that gently stirs the air in the room without overwhelming it. As yo uwalk towards the cashier you turn it around to look at the price tag. What!!?? Sixty dollars! For wax in a tin jar!? 

That's why I'm excited about this candle (though I am yet to smell it). Made only from sustainable plant sources, sourced from a company listed as an ethic employer, and recommended by Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. Sold by Unicef Sweden for about 20 USD, meaning all profits benefit an important cause.

The perfect hostess gift. 

Or get a bunch and treat loyal customers/clients/employees this winter. 

IMAGE: UNICEF SWEDEN WEBSHOP

ALL THE PRETTY HORSES - II

I want a traditional red horse, but the unfinished horses from the original workshop might look better in our home. Should I honor tradition or aesthetics? It's a question I bet a lot of national costume wearers ask themselves when they look in the mirror as well...
IMAGE: NORRGAVEL

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE

Bed linen Abisko from Åhléns is now available in more colours and solids! The solids in woven cotton chambray have a nicer quality and texture, but pillow cases are available as separates. Just add striped pillows to the monochrome ones, along with a woolen blanket, for a winter update. 

IMAGE: ÅHLENS

SHINE A LIGHT

Yesterday at the Nobel museum, one laureate communicated even to our three year old the concept of the field of work for which she was awarded. Mother Theresa was quoted saying: "Peace begins with a smile." 

Designed by jewish designer Josef Frank in 1938, this brass or silverplated candelabra was named the "knot of friendship" as a symbol for peace and friendship. Available at Svenskt Tenn.  

IMAGE: SVENSKT TENN

WHO WHOO THERE?

Not exactly a bird lover, I still adore the silhouettes from Wildlife Garden. Perhaps an owl would keep other guests away from our balcony. Scrubbing off purple bird poop stains during blueberry season is not a favourite activity of mine. A nice porch addition for those that are Halloweenishly inclined as well. 

IMAGE: WILDLIFE GARDEN WEBSHOP

ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY

The shape and the production is the same today as it was 150 years ago, and the raw material is local clay from Gränsfors. Gränsfors Krukmakeri is a small family business now in the hands of its fourth generation, and one of two remaining potteries in Sweden. That in itself is remarkable.
IMAGE: NORRGAVEL:SE