A former Fisherman's cottage in Copenhagen

Sometimes I come across a space which jolts me into a new way of thinking for my own house. This family home of Peter Östergaard and Åsa Olofsson and their children just North of Copenhagen is one of those. A former fisherman's cottage, it's been transformed into a beautiful, modern and light filled space with the help of Norm Archtitects. And it also harbours surprises. Take the break-away red Artemide lamp on the sitting room wall, the wooden shelf adding warmth to the kitchen and the fun, slightly messy children's room which oozes charm. I'm taking these ideas with me for my shoot on Friday, maybe I'll even jump on the bed....!

Architects: Norm Architects, Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Polsen via Lili Halo and Dwell

I think one of my favourite things about this house is the stepping stone on the doorstep which was inspired by zen architecture. Traditionally in Japanese temples, a sculptural stepping stone marks the transition between the house and garden. What a lovely idea don't you think? 

Could you live in this light filled home?

I spy: Vitra Eames occasional side table, Eames DSR Side chairs (15% off with MYSCAN). The Moser pendant light for Louis Poulsen and sofa from Swedish brand Ire. 

If I were to renovate here in Sweden (in my dreams) I would definitely consdier drawing on the help of Norm Architects. You can find other projects of theirs here, here and here. 

Have a lovely day!

An artist's home in black, white and concrete

It's Friday - yay! To top of the week I'd love to share this home with you designed by Copenhagen based firm Norm Architects. The house is situated directly behind Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebaek (a must-see in Copenhagen!). The architectural work was commissioned by a local artist who was looking to turn the space into a modern home with more light so it could function both as a home and studio. The brick work and beams are original but Norm laid a new concrete floor.The monochrome palette and use of texture reminds me a lot of the Danish home from earlier in the week (do you prefer this floor or the glossier version?).

Norm Architects via Home DSGN

So now the beautiful bones are in place it's time to add the personal stamp. I'm sure it'll look truly wonderful!

I have to say, I do love Norm Architect's distinct style (see other of their homes featured here and here. They're also the architects behind Copenhagen restaurant Höst, one of my favourite places to eat out). How about you?

Since it's the weekend here's a house with a big dose of colour in the form of a relaxed family home in Ystad which never fails to put a smile on my face or if you're in the mood for something more countrystyle / rustic how about this pretty västergötland farmhouse?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday!

A beautiful basic weekend cabin

In Scandinavia I sometimes hear about people enjoying their free time in a basic cottage without running water and electricity. Now it's becoming popular in the UK too. It seems everyone's keen to escape the demands of daily life - the more disconnected the better. In fact people will pay a small fortune to go back to basics. No WIFI? No worries. No mobile reception? Bring it on! This beautiful, basic 'Ermitage' cabin designed by Paris based architects Septembre is just the tonic for a weekend retreat if you need some alone time.

Septembre via Lotta Agaton and Wabi Sabi with thanks

Could you spend your weekend here?

If you love this, you'll also love this Finnish family cabin in the snow. And this Swedish cottage is so cosy (love the bed in the wall!). There's always this oh so fabulous eco-friendly holiday home out in the Finnish forests too! Or for something further away - may absolute favourite - a beach retreat in Uruguay, heaven! Which one would you pick?

Before I leave you to get on with your weekend - I've got an exciting new sponsor to introduce. Made in Design is an incredible online modern and contemporary design shop and are offering my scandinavian home readers 10% off any orders over 90.00 GBP until 15th December 2014 using the code SCANDI-HOME (terms and conditions apply - for more information visit Made in Design). The Signal ZigZag floor lamp and Signal wall lamp are top of my Christmas wish list!

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Danish home in monochrome

It feels like quite a while ago I showed a black and white home and no one does it better than Danish firm Norm architects. Despite the abundance of white, the space is given interest and depth by the use of different textures and materials while the architecture is designed to allow light to flow through the small apartment. I love how the black really pops.

Norm Architects via La Maison D'Anna G

A truly stunning home. What do you think?

I spy classic white Eames DAR chairs around the dining table and a beautiful black Eames RAR rocking chair (15% off with code MYSCAN). The one thing I can't find though are where those amazing pendant lights over the table are from - any ideas?

I love this home and this restaurant also designed by Norm Architects (I told you no one does the black and white look better?!).

Have a lovely Thursday!

Cool and contemporary in Chianti

Hello, London calling! I've popped home for a while to see family and friends and it's so lovely to be here (and HOT too!). This home in Chianti, Tuscany is a fascinating mix of rustic and contemporary. Designed by architects Ugo Dattilo, the home has been carefully renovated to restore original features such as beams and exposed stone walls while bringing it up to date with fab modern design pieces such as the Tom Dixon Beat Lights over the dining table and the Eero Aarnio Bubble Chair.

Denise Bonenti with kind permission via SF Girl By Bay

Such a fascinating mix of styles and just goes to show that you don't need to stick to the period of the home to decorate. 

What are your thoughts? Would you go for a mix?

A beautiful, minimal Danish home

Morning all! I hope you all had a lovely weekend? Here it was er 'fresh', infact it snowed. So I decided to do some de-cluttering and went on a mission to throw away ( read donate to charity) 20 items I didn't need / want/ like anymore. And it was so satisfying, I could definitely recommend it. This beautiful Danish home by Studio Baki Architects is a perfect example of a clutter free space and will be my inspiration for the week as my de-cluttering continues!

Photography Tim Wahlfried (with kind permission) for Studio Baki Archtiects via Jelanie Shop

*sigh* so many beautiful pieces but if I had to pick one it would be the Tom Dixon Copper Shade Light. What about you?!

Do you have too many things in your home? Or have you got the perfect balance?

A black + white Danish power house

This Danish home by Norm Architects is incredible. Emma showed another angle earlier today on her wonderful blog and my ears pricked up when I heard there were more pictures to be seen! So, thanks to the helpful Norm Architects team just over the bridge, here is the home from a different angle. We've become used to white Scandinavian spaces (especially if you read my blog on a daily basis ha!) but there's something even starker and more powerful about this home and the way that the contrasting black furniture and accessories almost float in the space. A true work of art.

Norm Architects

Spot the cute resident King Charles?!

There are so many fab designer pieces in this home so if you're wondering about any let me know. I'll no doubt list a few of them in my guest post for Design Collectors blog on Saturday too.

Have a very lovely and very happy Valentine's Day!