While traveling through Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, I saw a lot of design that was exactly what you’d expect from the countries that have made the Scandinavian aesthetic so popular and pervasive. But, there is a whole other side of this style that goes back to having its roots in Hygge (coziness!) and to – dare I say it – color.
This house tour is proof that the Swedes, at least, are not afraid of a good dose of blue, classic wallpapers, and fabulous antiques that will warm any space right up.
Welcome to the home of Kristin Lagerqvist, a creative who also blogs for Elle Decoration Sweden and whose home was recently featured in their magazine.
This fresh and happy hall sets the tone for the rest of the home with its blue and white wallpaper and laid back style. Not normally a fan of those high-shine tiles, I almost don’t mind them here where they lend a bit of modern flair to the space (and are no doubt practical as well).
Just off the hallway, our first dose of bold blue makes its presence known. And what better pairing with shipyard blues than worn woods? I love the gallery walls throughout this home too. Art makes everything more personal, don’t you think? When I go into a home I’m always most curious about what art is on their walls and what books are on their shelves.
I love how all these rooms peek through to each other – making it important for them to feel different but cohesive all at once! All the tonalities of blue in this home could not have been easy to coordinate. Blue can be a very tricky color to use without it feeling too ‘themey’.
I think this wallpapered living room might be my favorite, and I like the way it keeps the color scheme going but introduces it in a different way. There’s also so much fresh greenery in these spaces! So important to a room feeling alive!
Back in the dining room – a mish mash of antique wood chairs sits around the table echoing that casual vibe that this house brings. I love the huge white hutch for extra dishes and storage too. These are always one of my favorite pieces to add to a dining room when there’s space! An antique sideboard or hutch brings such a grounded, welcoming feel to this kind of space.
There is a lot of juxtaposition of modern and antique in this home, and the art wall captures that perfectly.
While I’m sure that this kitchen has been remodeled, keeping a little old-world detail and charm in the molding and window pane cabinets helps it flow with the rest of the house. And I love that they decided to add a bit of wallpaper into the breakfast nook too!
Here, a standalone cabinet that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinetry works in place of yet another antique, which I think was an interesting choice. Any modern piece could have worked here as well, but I like how this provides a bit of countertop space for small tasks like chopping as well!
The welcoming, cozy feel continues right into the bedrooms – of course.
Note to self: find a climbing plant to hang along my window! I love sweet touches like that!
