Before & After: A Derelict Classroom Becomes An Incredible Kitchen!

Hello friends! Boy, have I got something inspiring to share with you today! I admire many people in the design world. But there are two people in particular, I am constantly in awe of: Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann of Our Food Stories. Everything this lovely couple touch turns to gold - from a Berlin warehouse and German countryside apartment to a beautiful cottage kitchen in Sweden. And now, they've turned their hands to a former schoolhouse in rural Germany. When they got the keys to the property a few months ago, it had been empty for decades and the interior was, shall we say 'rustic' to say the least! So much so, many would have run a mile, myself included. But fortune favours the brave and these two had a vision - which, with a lot of hard work, would become a dream reality! 

The exterior and interior was in dire need of some TLC, with many of the original features stripped away - including the windows, which had been replaced with cheap reproductions. 

Working as a food stylist and photographer (with over one million followers on instagram, no less!), Laura and Nora were keen to create a large kitchen from which to work, film and live. The pair set about tearing out a small bathroom to recreate the original classroom area. 

They were hoping to find a wood floor lurking beneath the layer of concrete but sadly, when they peeled it back, it had been destroyed so they laid a new oak wood parquet floor. They also swapped out the modern windows and replaced them with replicates of the original windows from Sorpetaler Fensterbau.

Fortunately, they were able to bring their Devol kitchen from their previous country apartment, which they supplemented with extra units to capitalise on space. 

One of the features I love the most is the vintage arched door, which Nora sourced online - WHAT A FIND!!!!

The kitchen units and worktops were planned around the natural light which pours in through the large windows. 

They installed a Bertazzoni cooker (which will no doubt play a major part in their delicous cake creation moving forward!). 

An incredible DeVol marble sink matches the countertop which was custom-made by MCR. 

Matt limewash paint from Bauwer Color was applied to the walls (Ibiza) and ceiling (Smokebush).  

And finally, the pair installed a mantel piece and a DeVol freestanding pantry cupboard on the opposite side of the kitchen. 

I love glass cabinets - they're a perfect way to display pretty kitchen items while keeping them dust free (a big problem with the open shelves under my kitchen island!). 

All-in-all one, a really incredible kitchen, don't you think? Trust this pair to create such a unique and original, timeless kitchen!

You can keep to date with their latest recipes on @_foodstories and interior projects over at @_designtales_. They've also shared more info about this kitchen reno here - and if you're curious, you can take a peek at their cosy Swedish cottage kitchen here. 

And if you're looking for more kitchen inspiration today - check out: 

Before and after: a beautiful handmade kitchen on a budget

A Swedish kitchen gets a DIY make-over

Our summer cottage galley / narrow kitchen make-over

Have a wonderful start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography: Nora Eisermann & Laura Muthesius / Our Food Stories - shared with kind permission. 

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8 Ways to Add Instant Hygge To Your kitchen (From A Lovely Swedish Home)

Why, hello there! Sorry for the radio silence. We drove back from the Austrian Alps yesterday after a really fantastic week - it's just SO beautiful there! I loved spending so much time outdoors too. Something tells me it's going to be tricky to be at my desk all week (if it wasn't hovering around 5 degrees, I'd move it outside!!). Meanwhile, over in London, my Mother is renovating her kitchen after 30 years and freaking out. The latest is that she's opted for all white cabinets and marble countertops and is now worried the overall look will be cold and uninviting. This is not unfounded. After all, it's nice to go for a fresh, timeless look in the kitchen - but it does mean you need to work that bit harder to give it soul. The good news is, it's so simple, and doesn't need to cost the earth! 

This kitchen in Gothenburg reminds me a lot of our summer cottage kitchen with its light grey Veddinge cabinets, brass knobs and marble worktop. It's a look that could appear cold, had it not been for some simple styling tricks. Here are 8 things I spotted: 

1. Go potty over pottery: handmade ceramics are taking the interior world by storm right now - which makes my heart sing (along with all the talented ceramicists out there!). It's amazing how much warmth the textured surface can add to a kitchen.  

2. Add a little vintage: Break up the walls and cabinetry with a touch of vintage. This vintage wall-mounted wine rack immediately conjures up visions of summers in the chianti wine region! Wooden shelves - like the ones made from old scaffolding boards in this London kitchen - can also work wonders. 

3. Go tarnished: It's lovely to have gleaming worktops and super smooth cabinets, but it can start to feel a little cold with a super sheen tap too. I love something a little more tarnished like this brass one from Tapwell (we have the same one in our summer cottage kitchen) for contrast. 

4. Leave the chopping boards out! I was chatting to a friend the other day who said their husband was such a neat nick that every time she gets home all the surfaces are completely empty (she then spends half an hour taking everything back out!). Look at any Scandinavian kitchen and you'll spot chopping boards stacked on the side, giving instant warmth! Source vintage ones here*. Herbs, and lovely rustic containers also help to give a kitchen that lived-in vibe. 

4. Add a little rustic: How dreamy is this Swedish farmhouse table? It adds such a warm and inviting feel to the entire space. I also know that they're VERY difficult to find - and I did say 'instant' in the headline - so if you don't have one of these beauties rocking about, don't worry, rustic stools*, benches and even wooden bowls will do wonders for the space. 

5. Linen love: I wax lyrical about linen all the time - so I'll keep it brief, I promise! Lovely earthy line aprons*, kitchen towels* and other items are perfect for adding a soft touch! 

6. Vintage pendant light: I added a ship pendant just like this over the kitchen sink in our summer cottage kitchen and it totally transformed the space (I see they're currently selling them off in a sample sale here - hurry!).  

7. Soften up with sheepskin: fluff up your chairs and make them a little more comfy with different types of sheepskin - from the super fluffy* to the super curly*! 

8. Don't forget the art: adding paintings, prints and posters you love is a sure way to personalise the space. 

Don't even get me started on that hallway - isn't it beautiful?!

Even as I went back to look through the pictures, I found a load more ideas, please feel free to add your own tips in the comments below, I'd love to hear them! 

I hope that this post has helped anyone who is currently renovating a kitchen (my Mother included!) or simply looking to add a little warmth to your living space.

Speaking of lovely, cosy spaces, did you see the awe-inspiring private danish kitchen of the Noma head chef a few weeks ago? I'm still dreaming about it!

Have a great start to the week, it's good to be back! 

Niki

This apartment is currently for sale via Entrance. 

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10 Beautifully Simple Ideas To Steal From A Swedish Kitchen

We all know kitchens make for an expensive re-model - and sometimes there's simply not much wrong with them other than they're not entirely to our taste down to the last details. When we moved into our house the kitchen was in many senses perfect - it was simple, had lots of storage and decorated in white and wood. Not much to complain about it really. Except I'd have done it slightly differently (#husbandofinstagram rolls eyes!!). Do you feel the same about yours? The good thing is, I've learned there's plenty we can do to update the 'engine room of the house' without spending an arm and a leg - and this pretty green and white kitchen in Gothenburg, Sweden is a fine example of this (FYI the home is for sale - so rather than steal, you could always upsticks and adopt this very kitchen - tempting, huh?!). Otherwise, here goes:

1. Throw in a free-standing island: Sometimes the work surfaces in a kitchen just aren't enough - and that's where a stand alone kitchen island comes in. We actually added one to our own kitchen and it created a whole other dimension to the amount of surface space (incidentally, half of it's currently taken up by piles of post - but still...). This industrial one is a hacked version of the RIMSFORSA from IKEA (they've swapped the bamboo for marble which I think works really well!).

2. Add an accent colour: if there's an area of your kitchen you can paint, why not give it a lick of colour in a pretty, muted tone like this pale green? It will add another dimension to the space.

3. Update the door handles: swapping out the door handles for something different, like these leather pulls is really simple to do and can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel. You can buy similar here and here* or even make them yourselves out of leather belts or even reindeer reigns (sounds extreme - *loughs out loud* - but I actually photographed a home in Norway for The Scandinavian Home and the owner had done just this - you can take a peek at the mountain cabin here!).

4: Exchange the tap:  Swapping out a dull tap for something more in tune with the style you're looking for is a great way to add a personal touch. Go sleek and contemporary or vintage for a budget friendly option. Think about balancing the look of the new material - for example if you add a brass tap, you might want to also add a few brass lights to ensure a more complete look.

5. Speaking of lights: go wild and add a statement light to bring the look up to date. I'm loving the brass wall sconces in this kitchen (does anyone know where they're from?  It's important to remember that good lighting in the kitchen is vital (lights are lovely and all, but not worth losing a thumb over!!) so think about how much light is needed for various tasks.

6. Be a fan the fan: There are so many nice extractor fans on the market - by swapping the one you currently have for something a bit cooler can create a great statement and focal point.OK, this is not necessarily budget option, but it is cheaper than ripping out the whole kitchen (is that cheating?!).

7. Squeeze in a work space: I was reading an interview with Martha Lane Fox (of lastminute.com fame) where she talked about how she would control her children's use of screens by only allowing them access to a computer in the kitchen. This work space doesn't take up a lot of space but certainly does the job. Frama CPH and Elfa sell similar.

8. Go for contrast with curtains in a darker shade: Not perfect linen sells made to measure charcoal drapes* like these).

9. Get comfy: If you have the space a sofa turns the kitchen into a relaxed sociable area.

10. Get those tunes going: Something that struck me on a recent visit to Naja Munthe's Danish holiday home (again, for The Scandinavian Home book) - apart from the sea view obvs - was the amazing sound system. There was something so luxurious about bopping about the living space with amazing surround sound. I'm loving the design element of the Libratone Loop Speaker seen in the window in this space too (thank you for the tip on model and brand Rita!)

Oh and plants. Obviously!

Perhaps you've got a load of things to add to this list  - if so I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

If you're curious about the rest of the home - you can see the full tour and snap it up over at Entrance. 

Other kitchens I love include this calm, neutral space and a beautiful blue Swedish family kitchen.

Have a great day!

Niki

Photography by Anders Bergstedt for Entrance

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Before & After: A Cookbook Author's Tuscan Kitchen Make-Over

As a Brit living in Sweden - by way of the USA, Scotland and Dubai (scarily, my time abroad outweighs my childhood years in England now!) - I am always fascinated to see the homes of expatriates - and how the cultures intertwine. Emiko Davies is an Australian-Japanese food writer, photographer and cookbook author (her four books include Forentine: The True Cuisine of Florence, Acquacotta, Tortellini at Midnight and Torta della Nonna). Growing up in a diplomatic family, Emiko spent most of her life living abroad. After graduating art school, she ended up in Florence and fell in love with a Tuscan sommelier. Mid pandemic, the pair moved to a new home in a small hilltop town in Tuscany with their DAUGHTERS Mariù (8) and Luna (3). 

Built in 1800, the pair fell in love with the palazzo and its wonderful old tiles, high ceilings with frescoes, wooden beams and 210 cm windows and views over the valley. Plus, it was a few hundred metres from Emiko's favourite butcher as well as an organic produce shop, a good pasticcera and a handful of restaurants. 

Needless to say, the first thing Emiko did when she moved in, was plan and renovate the 220-year-old kitchen! 

Kitchen before

Emiko was thrilled to have a large kitchen (or at least larger than their one in Florence). She was keen to create a practical, reliable and sustainable space - as well as somewhere she and Marco could spread out while cooking. A large dining table would be at the centre - offering a place for friends to sit, and somewhere the girls could play, chat about their day and do their homework while Emiko cooks. 

Kitchen after

Italy was hit hard by the pandemic / lockdown, and Emiko was keen to support local businesses. This led her to Very Simple Kitchen - a young, local kitchen design company in Bologna, who specialise in versatile modules inspired by vintage industrial workbenches. 

The century old table previously belonged to Marco's great-grandfather and had been hidden away in his Mother's attic. It was made by a local carpenter using wood and marble recycled from Angiolino's bar. They cleaned it up, sanded it down and it was good to go! Emiko loves seeing her girls around a table that's steeped in family history. 

The sturdy stainless-steel benches are powder-coated in teal giving the room warmth and the doors hide a dishwasher (Emiko's first!) as well as bins, heavy pots, cutlery and a hidden safety drawer for their vast array of kitchen knives. 

A small room off the side of the kitchen has been converted into a pantry and laundry room. Freestanding shelves provide a spot for their extensive collection of cookbooks. 

Emiko decided to go for a cleaner, modern look without top cabinets - instead, using a rod to hang utensils (and keep them to hand). 

The work surface is made from terrazzo (with peach and green splatters) chosen because it's practical, easy to clean and fairly resistant to stains. Plus, it looks pretty too! 

Emiko and Marco love to cook side by side, so it was important to design a longer worktop they could share. They also chose a larger induction stove from Smeg (a first for Emiko who was looking for a more sustainable and long-lasting option). I have also installed induction stoves (from Bosch) in our kitchen at home and also at the cottage and I'm so pleased with them! 

The cabinetry is built in free-standing units, allowing for a variety of different types of storage. A glimpse into the hallway shows another type of tiling (every room features a different tile!). 

I love this renovation  - and how they kept some of the wonderful details like the tiles (it would have been a travesty to remove those!), plus it looks so warm and relaxed. I can so imagine the family all gathered - Emiko cooking, Marco kneading bread and the girls at the table, how about you?

I'm looking forward to following Emiko's journey to see what they do next in their home! You can find her here over on her blog and also instagram.

Curious to see more kitchen renovation ideas over the weekend? 

Before and after: a derelict classroom becomes a country kitchen

My narrow Summer Cottage Kitchen reveal

A charming shaker-style Swedish country kitchen

Right folks, that's it from me this week! I hope you've enjoyed all the tours! 

We're actually off camping this weekend - my third time ever. The level of kit involved is nuts - but the children are so excited so hopefully it will feel worthwhile once we arrive!  I hope the Swedish weather gods treat us to fair winds and sunshine. And wishing the same for you! 

Vi ses på Måndag!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Emiko Davies

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Before & After: A Swedish Kitchen Gets a DIY Makeover!

It's Friday friends, FRIDAY! Eeeeee! This weekend I'm planning a few home DIY projects to make our home as cosy as possible for the next coming weeks (we might even hang a mirror that's been lying about in our landing for two months - who knows?!). How about you? In case you're also looking for DIY inspiration, I thought I'd share this wonderful kitchen make-over by Swedish interior designer Johanna Bradford. Johanna and her husband Adam bought their former apartment in 2016. The kitchen was nice enough (see below) - but missing that extra 'mys' (cosy) factor.  Check out the changes the pair made using a DIY carpentry and a splash of paint to transform a basic, narrow kitchen into the cosy heart of the home!

Before

Formerly a maid's room with a separate entrance to the back stairwell, the previous owners moved the kitchen into this room in 2014. The kitchen units and fresh white cabinets ran along one side of the room and include double cabinets which extend the entire way up to the ceiling (perfect for maximising storage space! The stainless-steel worktop was beautifully fitted, and all the appliances were in good working order. The kitchen also featured a dark stained solid oak floor. 

Johanna and her partner wanted to leave the fully functional and perfectly planned kitchen intact but at the same time were keen to make their mark on it. 

The process

Prior to moving in, Johanna sanded down the oak floors and treated them with natural oil so that they would match the flooring in the rest of the apartment. 

They also wanted to make more of the right side of the kitchen - and make room for more people. Adam built a wall-to-wall bench using a long plank of wood mounted on solid brackets. He also added a wainscot using wood panels. And finally, he created a raised wood shelf. All of the equipment was bought from a local hardware store. 

Once the work was completed, the kitchens painted in calming Little Greene. 

After

Ta daaa! The work has made so much more of the right-hand side of the kitchen, and up until they sold the flat, they could accommodate up to 10 people for dinner! The update also helps give the illusion that the kitchen is wider than it is - and the wainscoting adds a really cosy touch. I also love the soft green shade, it's calm yet cosy and also adds a traditional touch to the space. Beautiful!

The table was custom made by Friends & Founders. A Flos light* hangs from the ceiling.  

What a great transformation! 

Perhaps you have a kitchen that needs a simple update (this is certainly proof that you don't need to do a lot to add your mark!), or looking for a project at home this weekend? If so, I hope this Swedish kitchen make-over has inspired you.  

Johanna frequently shares other DIY projects and news about her house renovation over on her wonderful blog here. 

If you love an awesome 'before and after' as much as I do put your feet up this weekend and take a look at these - so inspiring!!

A Mid-century Danish House Gets a Fabulous Makeover

A Dated LA House Becomes A Light & Airy Family Home

A Rundown Flat Becomes a Stylish London pad

A Miami Penthouse Gets The Royal Treatment!

So guys, that's all for me for the week. I hope My Scandinavian Home has provided just the bubble of respite you've needed this week and you've felt as inspired as I have!

Wishing you a lovely weekend - take care, stay home and relax (unless of course, you're planning an awesome DIY make-over!). 

Niki

PS I am not sure if you saw that Holly Becker of Decor8 and I started a #30dayhomelove challenge on instagram. It centres around providing a positive challenge each day for everyone at home. The daily themes include plats, shelves, coffee table etc. The hope is that it will help the home be an even brighter place to be. We're thrilled to see more than a thousand entries from all over the world. If you fancy participating, you can read more about it here. It's not to late to join in! 

Photography: Johanna Bradford 

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