This time last year I travelled to my husband’s family homeland – Sweden. The birthplace of Volvo, Ikea, Husqvarna, Skype, Abba and Ericsson, just to name a few of the well designed products produced there. It certainly was a grand design tour for me, as well as meeting Rod’s family. I loved everything! The architecture, the homewares, the interior design shops and of course the people. So began my Scandinavian love affair. While Stockholm was my favourite city, I loved the countryside and Gottenburg felt a lot like Melbourne. Being a university city Gottenburg has a lot young people and is a little more grungy and arty than pristine Stockholm. Lots of street art and handmade homewares.
We visited in Spring and had amazing weather, but Rod’s family told us about the dark bleakness of Winter and even Autumn in Scandinavia. Even in Spring Gottenburg had a little greyness to it.
The Swedes have found a way of adding light and beauty into their homes through simple, elegant design. I loved the design elements in the Swedish homewares, pastel shades in different shapes and form. These have truly inspired me in my current renovation.
So while scrolling the internet I came across this gorgeous apartment via Nordic Design and had to share it with you. It occurred to me that the Scandinavians are experts at making a light and relaxed home no matter how grey the sky maybe.
This beautiful Swedish apartment uses an all white pallet, with punches of gorgeous indigo blue to add a wow factor. The white is airy and light making the space feel larger than it really is. The beautiful blue sofa adds texture and drama, breaking the serenity and blandness of all white.
A minimalist kitchen goes with the white backdrop and adding beautiful Carrera marble for the bench top adds just enough texture and colour to break up the white pallet. love the wall of cupboards as apartments can always use extra storage.
Repeating the all white pallet throughout the apartment but adding a touch of blue and grey, creates a relaxed and casual feel.
Stunning marble surfaces look great and using the same finish on the wall and floor creates a feeling of space.
So no matter how drab the outdoor environment can be, select a light, simple and streamlined pallet and you too can create an inspiring and uplifting home.The Scandinavians know just how to do it right!
Sweden felt like home to me. Loved everything Scandinavian and can’t wait to return to gather more inspiring design ideas and continue my Scandinavian love affair….
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