| pic left via boligmagasinet, right: moa og kaffekoppen |

Oh, and before we go on with the Christmas decor theme, I feel we need a dose of Danish interiors. Glad you enjoyed the Norwegian excursion! Above pic is like the transition from Norwegian to Danish style, to me. In my thinking, Danish style is more characteristic, more brave (at least than Swedish contemp. style) and more influencial on Scandinavian style at large than all of the other Scandi styles. More edge. And not to mention the impact and coolness of Danish design. I personally do love Børge Mogensen’s iconic leather sofa in caramel and I will oneday have a glossy lipstick-red Verner Panton chair (preferably in my decorated barn on the countryside) – just to mention a part of the heritage. Now here -> Trendey’s tag for Danish things and a glance of trendy Denmark.

| via boligmagasinet |

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?

| haven’t figured out what the letters say, but point is they could say H A P P Y X M A S or so :) Pic via style at home |

| a view from our dining/living room: cozy wool & springbook, birds, a panther – and a slight touch of gold  |

| lovely xmas table. Golden cutlery is so stylish! Pic via house beautiful |

Here’s two sweet pics from Swedish magazine Hus & Hem. As you can tell, the (Swedish) people living here are inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and functionalism, and they actually have Danish ancestry.

Reading magazines, I always find it intersting with the tips & tricks provided by featured people. In this case, their advice is to move slowly with the home decor. They say: Think carefully, both in terms of function and form, before you start changing your home. Be inspired. And think twice if it’s really worth buying expensive things just because of the brand.

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.

Just needed to post these two pics – from an Icelandic home – I came across at Rue Magazine. Again it’s white, but not boring Scandinavian white (you know Iceland don’t belong to Scandinavia, but is part of the Nordic countries, tough one in geography classes ;)) Anyho, from what I have seen of Icelandic style, it’s stylewise (and of course geo-wise) closer to both Danish and Norwegian style than contemporary Swedish. Maybe somewhere in between, and in any case: very very nice. In this house they seem to have actually used snow-white (or chalk-white) without it getting all chilly and dazzling. It’s just cool and fresh, with a creative vibe.