A cosy and warm Finnish table setting

With the shortest day of the year fast approaching here in Sweden natural light is scarce. As per Scandinavian tradition the best way to let natural light into the home over the winter months is through candle-light, whether on the dining table, in the windows or outside the front door. I've noticed that even my children's nursery have candle light on their breakfast table! This cosy dining table setting for two has been styled by Maiju of Finnish blog my second hand life for Lapuan Kankurit. It looks so cosy and warm, I could see myself having a 'fika' here with friends, anyone want to join?!

My Second Hand Life with kind permission. 

Other than the fabrics and square plates, everything used for this setting are flee market finds!

I found beautiful vintage lamps on Etsy yesterday, the candle holder is the Nappula from Iittala, find beautiful linen table cloths and napkins in white and dove grey here. The chair with the wooden legs is 'About a Chair' by HAY.

If you'd like to read more about this table setting you can always pop over to Maiju's wonderful blog.

I also love this Christmas table setting (imagine?!) and this New Years Eve table setting (I just bought star garlands like these from Illum but you can also buy similar ones online here). And look at these beautiful DIY rosemary napkin rings - perfect around a fresh white linen napkin?

How will you decorate your table this season?

PS I think you're going to love tomorrow's home tour! See you then :)

My home: kitchen blackboard wall

I'd been thinking about painting one of our kitchen walls with blackboard paint for a while. Hardly a new thing I know, but still these things take time in my home. And after lots of encouragement in the comments section from you guys we finally got around to it. As promised, here are a few pics of our new wall....and me enjoying a very rare minutes peace (planning my next project? mwah ha ha haa, don't tell man)! 

All pictures: My Scandinavian Home Blog

In case you're wondering where anything's from here's a bit of an 'I spy': Blackboard paint by Flugger. Second hand industrial lamp; I think it's Louis Poulsen but I need to get this checked. The pretty pink flower is a 'Gloriosa' and the green plant is a Fig. The footstool is BEKVÄM by IKEA which I've painted in mint green. Oh and my beloved sheep skin rug is from a farm in the North of Sweden.

Just one little thing worth noting - while we were painting we realised it was best to leave a border at the top of the wall and also on one of the edges leading out into the rest of the room - definitely worth thinking about if you're considering painting one of your walls in a strong colour.

Oh and I am wearing a veeeeery cosy new knit from TopShop which I can warmly recommend for blustery Autumn days like today!

Eeeek, hope you like the result, always nerve racking posting my own pics (plus it could take quite a few layers to paint over it again)! Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Table for three

Hello Monday! Table for three anyone?! I mean, what a perfect set-up; the fab Eero Saarinen Tulip table, the mis-matched vintage dining chairs, IKEA's little black children's high chair (I think, although they don't seem to stock it anymore unfortunately), the white washed black board paint wall and the soft touch with the pretty pink flowers.  What a lovely space?! Note to self, must by flowers on my way home....or send man a small hint....

Covet Garden

A little erm, off the weather today as recovering from a friend's wedding in the beautiful fishing village of Öregrund, near Uppsala at the weekend. It was such a romantic day! I promise to be back tomorrow with lots of inspiration and a beautiful house tour (and a clear head hopefully!).

White with a little unique touch

I finished the week with sitting rooms that've all appeared in Alvhem estate agents this year. So I thought it would be fitting to start the week with a home that is also for sale right now in Stockholm (this time with Stadshem). I love the kitchen. Note to self: it takes just one interesting and eye-catching item which breaks away from the rest of the colour scheme (in this case the storage unit with the orange circular handles) to make a room. OK; the room happens to be beautiful too, which helps!

Stadshem

Right now I'm preparing for the exciting arrival of my Mum and Dad. Any tips for guest bedroom essentials? I always love to add a little 'luxury' touch!

Hope y'all had a lovely weekend!

Home sweet home: my kitchen

My week's work trip in Asia is coming to a close and it's been soooo fantastic! I've been to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taiwan with sadly too little time in each. And now I'm looking forward to going home and seeing my little family. So here're a couple of shots from my kitchen back in sweden. My cheeky 18 month year old kept running into the shot and lying down on the sheepskin rug (a present from Dalarna, Sweden). She's so sweet! Awwww. 

My Scandinavian Home

My Scandinavian Home

My Scandinavian Home

A few little tips on where things are from....the black and white tray is from Design Torget. The appliances are all Bosch. The rug over the back of the chair is Himla of Sweden and the little black and white lanterns are Graham and Green.

Sorry for being a poor blogger this week and thank you all for your lovely comments. I am really looking forward to getting back on track and blogging everyday next week. First off will be to find some wonderful Asian inspired interior design pictures to share with you. Oh and a give-away! :)

Have a lovely weekend! See you Monday! From a very tired Niki! x