Norway gave us Ane Brun – just listen to Du gråter så store tåra and you’ll be spellbound – and what’s more Norwegians are the masters of country style decor. And what best would be described as cozy & contemporary Scandinavian. Very trendy for spring with its pale pastels and wood.

| left pic via lev landlig #7/2011, right: trine thorsen|

I’m not sure if Norwegian decor’s va va voom factor would have happened without the artistery of Norwegian photographer Trine Thorsen (site/blog). And besides the many Norwegian blogs featuring variations of this style, the interior/lifestyle magazine Lev Landlig is undeniably one of the best in its range.

| left pic: trine thorsen, right via lev landlig #7/2011 |

Blonde wood & wool are crucial elements, and for some reason, so are plates! The colour schemes not seldom include light blues, and other inspiring details of this beautiful fjord country’s style are antlers and fishery equipment.

| left via stines blogg/vintage chic, right: trine thorsen |

 Lastly, a Norwegian bedroom nature-style.

| pic via NIB – norske interiørblogger |

Personally, I really really like the Norwegian touch, and especially the more countryish part and the nature inspired details. Many times though, the contemporary Norwegian style is set against an all-white backdrop (white walls and white-painted floors) and that’s the part I like the least. Or well, i can definitely be beautiful to look at, but my feeling is I wouldn’t stand such white interiors in my everyday life – just like I wouldn’t everyday (or anyday!) wear a white suit and white shoes, even if the accessories were cozy :p This pic is an extremely nice example though! Love how the elements are put together. More inspiration on this style can be found at Draumesidene, a blog by the bedroom owner.

Now that’s me. How about you – does Norway inspire you too?

Oooh, I think this room is damn nice! It both has a Christmassy side and a floral/summery – in harmony. Though thrilling for me, I guess this combination of seasons is quite common in the Australian part of the world… And I do love the country vibe. Only miss a pair of thin flowing curtains! Image via country living uk.

Today, the winner of the contest “Sweden’s Most Charming Home” (held by real estate agent Fastighetsbyrån) was presented. The most charming home in this country is inhabited by Pia Qvist, who describes it as “Charming and personal, with a consistent style. A home filled with personal things, full of history”.

A lovely, Swedish, country style. Above is my favourite pic. Can’t recall I’ve ever seen a sweeter fire place / wood stove area! The very definition of charming and very well in the spirit of decor guru Pippi Longstocking. Of course it’s too much white for my (and I guess, also Pippi’s) tastes, but a bucket of paint for the dining set and I’ll move in, oh and one for the walls too; it’s indeed very homespun and nice. I like the pic below also, especially the rug and the adorable blue mirror display. The fact that the vintage door and the candlestick seem rather haphazardly thrown in – although they perfectly match the beautiful chandelier – makes it all more interesting. Or maybe it’s the parallel story going on with the cupboard (almost a Christmassy vibe there) that makes it intriguing. Either way, I like it!

More pics, and the other finalists, here.

I love this mix. So snug and comfortable! With a gorgeous Autumny colour scheme and a laidback combo of flea market finds and mid-century design. Harmonious and down-to-earty yet interesting.

| via Lantliv |

Hello! Now I’m back and refreshed from a week in sunny Majorca. I love that island, it’s so beautiful and nice. Here’s a round of charming and trendy details. First, a lovely countryish room with granny-vibed wallpapers, a rag rug, vintage furniture and well, loads of charm! Next, an idea for frames – why not fill the empty beautiful golden frame with some nice piece of fabric? In this case it’s just hanging, but it could also be pulled aside and fixed with a little tassle.

| via hus&hem and via sfgirlbybay |

Pant hangers as art displayers – again! A very nice, trendy and low-budget alternative. Can be varied endlessly. And below that, a kind of new trend in wall decor: arrows! These are home made, from the webshop quivver.

| pant hangers via apartment theraphy and arrows via kurbits |

Today, I adore this scene. I keep nagging about my dream summer house, but here it is again!

A city girl’s dream, a day in July :)

| via country living uk |

Pitchers are the best for flowers. And hey, Happy July 4th!

Last year, I celebrated this day with an awesome wall sticker; today I just work by the sweat of my brow…