Sure it’s cluttered and messy, but who’s to say that’s necessarily so bad? I think this is an inspirational home. This vintage victorian style mixed with mad inventor’s hangout needs just a few modern touches to bring it up to date. Some more white, a few more uncluttered areas and some modern pieces (how about a giant anglepoise lamp?) What must remain however is the cosy atmosphere, the velvet curtains and the telescope - in my humble opinion.

In the above image I’m particularly liking the heavy-looking crown above the fireplace, the leopard skin slung across the ottoman, the marble bust to the left and the pair of granny-esque lamps. Oh, and I guess I wouldn’t mind so much if Jude Law and Robert Downey JR popped in to embellish the design scheme either ;)

[The above images come from the set of Warner Bros blockbuster "Sherlock Holmes" (2009) directed by Guy Ritchie. Set director Katie Spencer. Production designer Sarah Greenwood. Photographs by Barry Wetcher copyright Warner Bros. Via Set Decor Online]

I might add a bit more colour, and a bit less country style…Love the mix thou, especially in this upper pic.

As for details, the old charmig unframed granny-style paintings are übertrendy. So are the lovely flower arrangements. I would go for a lot more flowers!!

Lastly on this tour, a white bedroom with a twist. I would choose a bedroom more of this style, but I like the simplicity with complex details.

| pics: Sköna hem |

Elsa has mixed teak furniture from the 1950s with antique sofas. Inspiration is derived from art, music and people she meets. Here and there are fine ornate vases, old photographs, dolls, candlesticks – and a framed bat. Her still life is changing daily. One day, there is a collection of porcelain birds and the next day there is a group of toys in the same place. May it be suitcases or dried roses.

The kitchen is designed in collaboration with an interior designer. It’s inspired by the old B2-line by Bulthaup.

The white bedroom, below, has a dramatic clothes rail in the ceiling.

This home, article says, is an ever-changing environment. In the near future Elsa plans to paint two rooms in the apartment Gustavian green and match with antique rugs. We round off with her interior design advices:

|Be who you are. Dare to paint other than white. Fill your home with love – be generous with tea, food, love and pillows.|

She says: I am neither a style police nor some minimalist Scandinavian designer. You can’t design on the basis of trends. Of course, this is reflected in her personal interior style.

The hallway is papered with yellowed newspaper ads from old fashion and home magazines. Fancy old corset ads get new trendy life behind her shoe collection. Story says, she has matching shoes for all her bikinis. All photos: Jimmy Croona for DN Bostad

IMHO? Amazing. A creative and interesting decor that stays balanced and harmonious. A splendid mix with lovely details. Elaborate yet relaxed: A fresh white-based eclectic style.

Story and (more) pics via the magazine Sköna hem.

| pics: Lagerlings, Erik Olsson and Alexander & Co |

|photo: Mads Mogensen for Sköna hem|

It is easy to spot that these chosen gray-blue hues have many matching-options. Other blues, beige/light brown,- white, copper, wood…it makes an elegant and friendly look.

|photo: Mads Mogensen for Sköna hem|

…and not least, a great combination with attention-grabbing red and yellow (complementary colour of blue) details:

|left photo: Mads Mogensen for Sköna hem, right photo: ATELIER Abigail Ahern|

The book on international colour trends 2010 pointed out a variety of shades of blue along with the light airy Colour of the Year 2010. From airy and optimistic – lifting the spirit and lighting the darkness – to soulful teals and turquoises and rich, clear ultramarines. Personally I am particularly fond of spiritual and creative blue in a home office/study room, but blue is a colour that fits any room. Below are two dining room-examples: Pale blue crispy walls with white and crystal…a modern quirky look. And white furniture and accessories against a pale blue-greenish background and rustic floorboards.

|photos: HouseToHome|

Calming blue is of course great for bedrooms. Though, the shade and decor does not need to be sleepy. Below, a french country style bedroom with pink roses and turquoise details, – and a strong lively shade of blue together with green and gold in a Spanish inspired sunny bedroom.

|photos: HouseToHome|

…the lovely cupboards

…and the effortless details.

I could live here! :)

Your thougts?

|photos: Johan Kalén for Sköna hem|

..this vibrant home with a personal mix of 50′s, vintage, comics, fantasy, toys, 16th century details, wayward puppets, glamorous movie stars, bright colours, beautiful dresses, fairy tale creatures (etc.!) is inhabited by a young illustrator, artist and student. |pics: Frida Ekman, SvD.se|

* White. Swedes embrace gallons and gallons of white paint.
* Hardwood floors with individual rugs (Swedes stopped using wall to wall carpeting decades ago).
* State of the art kitchens.
* State of the art bathrooms.
* Books! Books are prominent, we surround ourselves with books and display them with pride.
* A great mix of old and new. A true Swede will rather have no furniture at all than to get rid of historical elements such as old wood burning stoves and the old beams.

I endorse all the points and add to the list:

* Naked windows. A fear of curtains lives inside the city homes.
* Stylish lighting. Lighting is a crucial point. Right now, two trends stand out: large round lights hanging from the ceiling (the IKEA Maskros lamp probably sell like crazy) and chandeliers, preferably crystal.
* Well-arranged wardrobes. Again, you’ll never escape IKEA, that company has distorted our brains showing their shelving systems with thousands of practical options. (The dream of a walk-in closet is intrinsic but not always pronounced.)

Proof. (Exhibit A to F)

|photos from Skeppsholmen|

By Shootfactory Ltd