Every now and again I come across a Scandinavian home that catches my eye, as this one did. It’s refreshing to see a slightly different take on the traditional black-and-white, pared-back aesthetic we all know and love. That’s why this one-bedroom apartment in Denmark immediately grabbed my attention, with its rustic, warm tones and informal, minimalistic styling.

Tucked away in a backstreet of Copenhagen, close to the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the interior aesthetic of this apartment – with its earthy palette and raw materials – seems to echo its surroundings.

There is a tonal quality in the apartment that gives it a relaxed, warm feel. The dark wood of the kitchen complements the light, white space perfectly. When combined with industrial elements such as the steel pillar, concrete floors and wall lights and pendants, the interior feels just perfect.

I like that this apartment is minimal but not stark. There are no curtains or blinds – just sunlight beaming in through the large windows – no greenery, and very few accessories and nick-nacks; instead, teapots, coffee grinders, fresh flowers and branches in vessels and vases are used to add character. A blanket here and some cushions there add a touch of softness and comfort.

This is open-plan living at its very best. This large main room comprises an entry and hallway, a living room and the kitchen. In a space like this, the pressure’s on to get it just right – and in my opinion, it is!

Images from Rumhemma. Styling by Camilla Tange Peylecke. Photography by Peter Kragballe.

As soon as I saw this Finnish summerhouse I had flashbacks of the many summer holidays I spent in Finland as a child with school friends and their families. Growing up, many of my friends and neighbours were Finnish, thanks to the working immigration of the 1960s, when many people left Finland to find employment in Sweden. As a result, I could easily converse in Finnish as a child, although I’ve forgotten most of it now, sadly.

What I haven’t forgotten is how to spot the difference between a Swedish and Finnish summerhouse. Yes, they’re both Scandinavian, and they both feature the characteristic white, bright interior, but there’s something a little more graphic and raw about Finnish interior design. The Finns’ use of black and exposed wood is more courageous. Perhaps it has something to do with the harsher, colder climate in Finland compared to its Scandinavian neighbours.

This summerhouse – on an island in the Finnish archipelago – was built by the owners. Tucked away amidst the mossy landscape, the home blends in beautifully with the natural forest. Measuring just 45 square metres, the property comprises the main house and a guesthouse. The left side of the house is the living area; the right side consist of a sauna – well, what would you expect in a Finnish summerhouse?

The kitchen nook is tiny and very simple, which would suit me, as most of my time would be spent outdoors. And of course no Finnish kitchen would be complete without potatoes – they’re part of every meal!

The main bedroom is characteristically white and bright. I love the use of white timber on the walls and ceiling – it somehow adds warmth in a stark room. And same materials and colours have been used for this bed which make it transparent and almost invisible!

Yes, the piles of wood are practical and essential, but to me, they look like an artwork in themselves. Isn’t the texture and the design just beautiful?

The must-have sauna has been positioned to make the most of the view. Enormous windows look out over the archipelago and create a feeling of tranquillity.

And look! What other type of placemat could possibly be used in a Finnish summerhouse than timber offcuts? With Marimekko plates on top, every meal would be a feast on this summer holiday.

Images from BoligLiv Photography Krista Keltanen

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the owner of this apartment in southern Sweden has the same name as my son, my father and my grandfather. It’s almost like I’m meant to live here!

This opulent, three-bedroom apartment is something very special. With its colossal decorative fireplace, parquetted floor and decorative ceiling mural, it’s soft, tonal and elegant. I’m not sure there’s anything here that I’d change.

The couple who live here – stylist Sara Persson Lagerberg and her partner Julius – have styled their home with second-hand and sentimental pieces alongside new and modern furniture and accessories. For instance, the black sofa and table were bought second-hand, while the grey sofa came from a previous home of Julius’. The end result is a home that is eclectic, surprising and completely perfect.

I love the pared-back styling. A mid-century black leather sofa with a backdrop of picture frames and a dress – topped off with an IKEA ceiling lamp – shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does! The stacked magazines and art add personality and a sense of homeliness to the apartment. This is what I mean when I say that houses should be homes, filled with personal pieces that tell a story about the owners.

As the home is painted primarily in white, the dining room is something of a surprise with its dark green walls. But again, it works, as it perfectly captures the feel of an English library. The decorative ceiling, parquetted floors and custom-made table and chairs by Piet Hein Eek – mixed and matched with other odd chairs, another ceiling lamp from IKEA and industrial shelving – complete the sophisticated, eclectic look, which I just adore.

Sara and Julius have cleverly converted their spare bedroom into a combined wardrobe/workspace. The giant ELFA hanging system showcases the couple’s clothing and shoes. Their contemporary apparel and the mid-century leather chair create a cool visual contrast to the heritage feature ceiling. This chair actually belongs to the sofa in the living room, but is perfectly suited to this space as it resonates with all the black leather shoes.

Finally, a glimpse of the main bedroom which to me feels classically Scandinavian. It’s perfectly pared back, with neutral bedlinen, a sheer curtain to allow in as much natural light as possible (sunlight is very important to Scandinavians!) and white stacked boxes used as a bedside table. If I lived here, I don’t imagine I’d ever go out!

Stylist Emma Persson Lagerberg Photos Petra Bindel Source Elle Interior Sweden