Terribly Swedish and Royal tablescape by IKEA..

When Sweden slips into Summer the whole country is transformed. Everyone celebrates the knowledge that for a few weeks, life will be easy, full of sunshine (well at least 'light'..) and carelessly fun. IKEA will capture this through a series of table scapes and event inspiration over the coming weeks.

This very first one is referred to as 'Royal Celebration' and is the real-life dinner setting that was styled & designed by IKEA decorators for the newly wed Swedish Crown Princess and her Prince charming Daniel. Hasn't IKEA come a long way since the days of 'pure rational and practical solutions' people!?! I love it!

Simple and fresh, with warmth added by the timber clad walls and personal blanket for each guest. I love it when party hosts supply blankets, because despite the famous 'white & light nights' of Swedish Summer the temperature drops quite a bit.. The equivalent here in Australia, would be offering a fan.. :)

Each table is decorated with layers of freshly cut twigs of 'Pear blossom' from 'Wij Gardens' (styled by local gardener Lars Krantz). The Swedish pear trees only blossom for one single week a year, making them extra special. 
With the addition of some scattered lanterns, a Swedish Summer's table doesn't really need more than that - even it it is meant for Royals..!

For full story and pictures visit IKEA Family Living.

Warm hugs from a wet & windy Sydney..

xx Charlotta

Image credits: 1. Tumblr 2-4 IKEA Family Living

Two lives.. Swedish style..

Two lives.. to abodes.. Both equally delightful, in their own right. Which one is you? Where would you rather live?

Tucked away, in-between the sparkly waters of the North Sea and the tall pine trees on a remote island in the Stockholm archipelago, is this divine little cottage.

How can one not want to pack ones bag and head over immediately - perhaps even permanently? I know my Swedish heart beats extra fast at the sight of a simple and warm hide-away like this.

The elegant yet rustic sleekness of the architectural bones are wonderful. Add to that the open dynamics and flooding natural lights, this tailor-made cottage is just heaven to me! In fact this here would be the perfect artist's escape - a place to rest, restore and paint or write!

Next, we catch the boat into the heart of Stockholm - arguably the most beautiful capital in the world. Nestled high above the rooftops we find a quirky attic apartment with a strong personality.

Similar to our lovely cottage above, this home basks in amazing natural light. It is indeed a very important factor to us Scandinavians, and something that we always notice where ever we are. 

The slanted ceiling and deep window niches are beyond charming, and I really like how these original features are contrasted against an otherwise sleek and contemporary take on decor.

Who do you think lives here? There is in fact a child's room in the original gallery of images and I like the idea of a little cherub running around the open white space of this amazing apartment.
I also adore that massive built-in bookshelf, and though I could never bring myself to arrange my books by colour, I think it works very well here.

 All images by Martin Löf

So which one will it be my dears? No 1 or no 2? Perhaps both..?

xx Charlotta

Swedish table ware with a Portugese twist..

A few days ago I saw an image over at sweet Kellie Collis' Ada & Darcy that reminded me to post about one of my favourite Swedish table ware companies - 'Mateus'. In fact I  even promised I would post about them in a post I did last year (HERE) ...So here we go..without further delay... :)

The Mateus products are (in my book) the perfect marriage between 'Swedish design' and 'Portugese craftsmanship'. And all pieces are hand made by skilled artisans, giving them a unique and personal touch - both in the slight imperfect clay-work and the colour application.

Apart from the obvious high quality and rustic uniqueness, what I love the most about Mateus are the amazing rich colours, wonderul shapes & textured patterns. They are fun yet elegant, and lend themselves to some playful mix 'n' matching & creativity.

New to me is their 'Shining Collection' and I would love to use this range for a New Years party. They would look wonderful in a mix with some rough untreated wood.. Perhaps set the plates directly on to a table made of rustic reclaimed timber with white table linen, good crystal and lots of candles..? I'd like that contrast.

Though Mateus is a little pricey, they are definitely worth the investment, and I am looking forward to growing my collection when I return to Sweden in 2011. In the meantime, all I can do is to ask you to join me as I drool over the fabulous inspiration on their website..

Images edited by Charlotta Ward via Mateus

xx Charlotta



For Donna & her mother..

xxx

Housetour: Swedish Christmas

Though I am totally embracing this, our very last 'tropical Christmas' before we head back North next year, I can't help but feeling a little sting of envy over this blissfully snowy and quiet Swedish house tour. The Christmas decor is so discrete you hardly notice it...

 

 

via Sköna Hem


xx Charlotta

P.S. I am sorting through loads of photos from the party to show you snippets of all the fun we had. Please be patient with me.. there are so many.. :)

House tour: Swedish attic conversion

Hello lovely people. Just saw this peaceful attic conversion over at Sköna Hem and thought you'd enjoy a tour.. 

It is located in the hustle and bustle of central Stockholm, however has a quietness about it that really appeals to me. Needless to say the generous use of white and neutral wood has a lot to do with the soothing impression.. And you know how we 'Swedes' adore white, especially when highlighted by an abundance of natural light..!

Though I love the sleekness of the strict & modern clean lines, I would have balanced it our with a rougher looking reclaimed timber floor.. A few older pieces would have looked nice in here too.. I do however love the custom-made sliding ladder in the kitchen, making the most of the amazing ceiling height! Also think the 'Enigma' pendant lamps (by Louis Poulsen) look great with their long wires, drawing the eye towards what looks like a skylight.

I love this 'Flower' coffee table by Christine Schwarzer - it reminds me of the stunning curves of Finish architect/designer Alvar Aalto's creations (I am a HUGE fan of his work!). Also note the gorgeous pillow cover by Josef Frank (available at Svenskt Tenn - one of my favourite shops in Stockholm!).

And as with most of the 'attic conversions' this one also offers a cute balcony with stunning views over the roof tops of my beloved Stockholm.. What a dream!

All images via Sköna Hem.

Have a beautiful end to the week and a relaxing weekend!

xx Charlotta