Let’s look at some beautiful photographs taken by Swedish talent Anna Kern. I love how she captures light and makes you feel like you’re in the space enjoying these cozy rooms. To view more of her work please visit her online portfolio. When I look at these rooms I am reminded that Sweden is truly the bomb diggity. Gorgeous women, amazing fashion sense, an excellent cafe culture, gorgeous cities, amazing coastline, beautiful accents, great design mags, friendly and supportive people, an off the hook health care system and the longest maternity leave ever… Heck, with the exception of their long, dark winters Sweden is near perfect.
These images make me want natural wood floors, fresh flowers, high ceilings, twinkle lights, lots of cream and pure white, and a corner Swedish ceramic stove. What do you love about this look? What don’t you like? Could you live like this? Do you live this this currently?
Thanks Room Service for commenting here on decor8 today and sharing your blog with me, it’s how I found Anna! (images from anna kern)
Tags: photographer
January 28th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I love the fresh green accents with the clean hardwood. Perfect.
Natalies last blog post: Happy "Birthing" Day
January 28th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
This is such a great open, light filled place. I would love to run wild in here!
Jeskas last blog post: Snugs
January 28th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I agree….I love the high ceilings, all the natural light, the creams and whites….all of it! *sigh* oh,yeah. I could live like this. :)
xo
Melis
(“bomb diggity” hee hee)
January 28th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Oh boy, I hate to say it…No, not for me. I think all that white looks like snow, which we have had enough of today. I need warmth. I need colors. I need orange, textures, a defined focal point. I see this trend a lot lately, here and other cyberspots and I see all the gushing. But for me, personally, it just feels unsettling.
But I’ll take the health care and coastline anyday.
Denise Smiths last blog post: The Demise of Domino
January 28th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
So beautiful! Those swedish stoves get me everytime…just love ‘em!
Suzannes last blog post: { sunshine on a cloudy day: shannon fricke }
January 28th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
That’s beautiful. I would totally love to live in a place like that if it were just me. My future hubby might think it would be a little too feminine for him :)
January 28th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Sweden really is the bomb diggity! I’m completely obsessed with Scandinavian style and could move right into this house. I’m always trying to balance my love of all this white with my love of color. Needless to say, it’s a constantly changing scene over at our place.
rightbankgirls last blog post: Goodbye, Domino
January 28th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
it’s so amazing, i saved a lot from her site in my “ideas” folder, because all these rooms are so beautiful, makes me want to live somewhere with big windows, wonderful light and surrounding things..
Thank you for showing :)
katherine whites last blog post: (Untitled)
January 28th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I love everything about this, and yes, I aspire to live this way every single day. Warmth, purity, cleanliness, softness, beauty.
Anna @ D16s last blog post: Spice jars.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Just so beautiful, I love white inside of the home, the touches in green and pink are just wonderful!
vivs last blog post: Owlie in Pink
January 28th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I am obsessed with Sweden~the light especially..or atleast from all the different photos etc that i have seen in mags,online and on flickr.
I have just begun my Swedish Transformation here at my house. Sold half of all my belongings and working on the whites…the painting of the walls may end up hued whites in different rooms…and i adore this minimalist, yet cosy way of uncluttered living.
I have found a great flickr person who has such great design photos.
She is Anna Linder.
You might already know of her photostream..but there’s alot of inspiration.
Your Hannover apartment has this lovely feel too.
great post!
Tina
tinas last blog post: Girl Time
January 28th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Oh yes, yes, yes. I have been dying to go to Stockholm for the longest time. Those Swedes really do have it going on. What I heart about this: the light, the uncluttered yet warm & personal feeling of the space, those *awesome* wood floors, and yes, fresh flowers. Especially love the pink peonies. And thank you for taking my mind off the demise of Domino for a moment :)
Lauras last blog post: Gratitudes
January 28th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I love the monochromatic effect with the strong pops of color. I do not currently like like this b/c I have been unfocused and bought WAY too many accessories over the last five years. After a HUGE purge last week (and most profitable garage sale ever), I can maybe try to aspire to live like this! Fresh flowers should be non-negotiable, btw, time for me to practice that principle.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I love the look, but doubt I’d be able to uphold the whiteness. I get color crushes and need to indulge them! I like to admire this type of look, but would need more color for myself to live in. Plus, my husband would never go for this.
Sarah O – craftyFOLKs last blog post: A New House + A Fresh Start = Moving (which kinda sucks and is awesome all at the same time)
January 29th, 2009 at 3:23 am
Ohh it is devine. My mood is completely elevated by the gorgeousness of these pictures. I love the Swedes, they have the most amazing style in design, decor and fashion ever, and great food :) And they look like they’re at a further stage of evolution! But from what I hear their healthcare system is pretty much a nightmare :)
aliss last blog post: A Wabi-Sabi Accessory
January 29th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Oh, I agree with you Holly, on every point ;), and please I want some spring already!!!! Now!
Carro in Stockholm
January 29th, 2009 at 3:44 am
I love that look, the white and how easy it is to decorate it with flowers, plus we have the cherrytree branch lamp at my parents, it’s really nice :)
Jennys last blog post: Light and it was grey.
January 29th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Beautiful rooms.
Dee Beales last blog post: Inspiration -Seedheads
January 29th, 2009 at 5:48 am
I love it completely – especially the quite colors and the combination between designer-things and vintages….great find – thanks for sharing!!!
Sunny greetings from germany, geisslein
January 29th, 2009 at 6:53 am
After spending many a midsommar in south Sweden, I find that Swedish style is a synthesis of nature, simplicity, and a touch of frill, as these photos demonstrate. That touch of frill will be in the turn of the legs of a table or in a bannister. But that touch will be painted white to highlight its function and give it a place in its simple environment. It’s also very much part of the Swedish soul to live as simply as possible, but with style. I think these basics are what make Swedish design so applicable today. We want to reduce, clean up, simplify, de-clutter. We want to live comfortably with and take our cues from nature. And that is, at least for me, what these pictures depict.
diana baurs last blog post: Siesta Time!
January 29th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I like everything here except for the first pic … I’m sorry, but …
- I find those animal skins totally gross …
- And I don’t know, but these chairs don’t look very pretty nor comfy … and the table looks more like a working table … (I’m working on the very same Ikea table, right now)
>> to me a dining table should be pretty, comfortable & inviting …
- Oh ! And I’m not keen on the big artsy wooden “X Chromosome” thingy hanging on the wall …
But the rest is gorgeous ! I love the very fresh ambiance, the flowers (!), the “nude” wooden floor and OH MY ! the swedish stove !
x x x
___m___
January 29th, 2009 at 8:48 am
There is something really great about these images. Normally, I think all white would make me think of cold and and not too cozy (although great). However, I think that the fairy lights and the sheepskin rug, along with the natural floor, make the room incredibly inviting. Yes please!
Zoes last blog post: Thursday Blues (and yellows)
January 29th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I’m in love with this space! Love the roomy-ness, the pops of color and that Moroccan inspired bench.
GT
Get Togethas last blog post: *get togetha food: friends.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:45 am
As a former New Englander living in Stockholm area I love your up beat view of this place. I do… The design mags do lend the idea that life is light like those photo environments but, sadly, no. The friendly and supportive people and the great health care, hmm, not so much. The long dark winters are so long and dark that you need to reread these mags often to survive. Ok, it’s a nice country with wonderful design but no utopia.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:59 am
OMG! I love this room. I would move in yesterday.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I LOVE this house! Incredibly beautiful light, colors and textures. Does anyone know where to get a light “vine” like the one shown on the wall?
January 29th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Thank you for introducing us to this photographer–her work is stunning. I am of Swedish heritage, and although I have never been to Sweden, I perhaps have genetically acquired an attraction to this look. To me the look is not so much about the absence of color, but of clarity and simplicity, and a love of nature. There can be color, but it is clear hues, not muddied. The idea is to capture as much light as possible, because light is the greatest of luxuries. It is light hearted and casual, a place for family and friends to feel comfortable. It is not pretentious, or overdone. I live this way, amplifying light as much as possible, with shots of lively color. It is a look that I never grow tired of, and is uplifting for the spirit.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I used to want everything to be colored, almost like a circus. Not anymore.
I have a lot of white furniture now, and I really like it. I don’t think I could ever handle a white couch, but if every other piece of furniture in my house was white I would be very cool with it. But white walls make me feel like I’m in a nut house. We have the softest green walls in our bedroom and I’m in love. I want my other painted walls to be as soft. Next time around! If the walls are soft and the furniture is white, then I can easily swap out the accessories that make the room more lively. I’m definitely heading in this direction. And raw, dark woods. Oh boy. Lots more of that in my life please!
Fresh flowers? no. not nearly enough. If I lived in the States again I would DEFINITELY do a monthly purchase from one of those bulk floral webshops. Pick a couple of things from them and create a floral theme around the house for the month. Most of the affordable flowers on those sites will last several weeks with proper care and in the right location indoors.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:53 am
I absolutely love this style!! Just gorgeous!!
Sabinas last blog post: Bambu
January 29th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I love those sheepskins, and the corner fireplace. Overall it’s too much white for me, I think. But the natural wood and lots of white is nice. I would just have more colorful accents, I think. Reds especially!
Dianas last blog post: The Dragon’s Egg
January 29th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
ooh…crisp and fresh and white…I love it!
stacy dis last blog post: italian indie.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Amy – I know you can get them at a store in Germany and London called Habitat…
January 29th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I love this look in photographs, but in real life it’s not for me, or my kids…I need more color. We just painted several of our walls a very light grey and I’m surprised at how many fingerprints are showing. It definitely confirms that there will be no white walls in my home anytime soon.
lindsays last blog post: Holla! Michiganders on Etsy…
January 29th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Hi Meg – I guess it’s all about life experience, where you are from, what you value, expect, etc. I hear lots of Americans going abroad and disliking it and others absolutely loving the whole experience of it. I found Sweden to be very nice, more interesting than New England but I bet you enjoy NE more than Sweden from the sound of it. I love in NE and though it’s nice, I find it’s definitely not ‘my’ place on this planet.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
MathyLd – I think the skins MAY be from IKEA so they are faux, but then again in Scandinavian countries they do use the real thing too so perhaps you are
right. I wouldn’t like the real deal either. :)
January 29th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Holly, the sheepskins from IKEA are most definitely real!
Anna @ D16s last blog post: Spice jars.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
It feels like summer. So bright and clean. It seems like somewhere I could relax!
January 29th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Anna REALLY? I thought they were faux. Wow, big surprise!
January 29th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Indeed, very beautiful images. Although the white interiors might give a feeling of coldness and crispness, the opposite is that the rooms look very clean. Also adding some pale colors and natural flowers or plants brings a bit of romance and intimacy to the home, and those images are just perfect for expressing this.
They remind me of french country homes: natural details, unfinished spots, and a lot of white. Definitely I would love to live in a home like that :)
Vica (Flying Umbrellas)s last blog post: What about some clogs for the Spring?
January 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I would love to live here. Practical with two boys, not so sure. A girl can dream though! I love the natural floors probably one of my favorite features.
Gabreials last blog post: Swanky Swag Giveaway – Valentine’s Print Jennifer Squires Photography
January 29th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
The rooms look so clean, fresh and yet very cozy! Very scandinavian style!
Malenes last blog post: Danish Design, Fashion
January 29th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I love the sheep furs on the chairs. A very cozy style for the wintertime. Since a few weeks, I’m thinking about whether I should decorate our chairs just like this.
nicoletters last blog post: Wieder da, aber zuviel zu tun… back, but busy
January 29th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Crisp. The first word that comes to mind when I look at the pictures. I would love (stress on word love) to live in a space that looks like that however I am sure my clutter would eventually overwhelm the space.
January 30th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Something to the sheep fur discussion: the sheep fur from IKEA is real, yes. If you have reservations about this, you could buy a fur from an ecological sheep fur retailer (german example http://www.schaffellhandel.de/). In germany this is cheaper than an IKEA fur and you could be sure, the sheep had a happy live before – much more important than the price. Maybe in this way, you can sit on in with a clear conscience? You could also take a fake fur, but is a synthetic fiber better than a natural material? I think, that’s a matter of opinion. Sorry, my english is not very well. I work on it.
January 30th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Your blog is beautiful and the photos let one fantasize and that is part of the experience……I don’t know why I felt the need to provide a disclaimer to living in Sweden….I shouldn’t have done that. Thank you for this blogg.
January 30th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
No-can-do the high ceilings and corner stoves — but I’m working on everything else :-D. I’m enveloping myself in cream to combat our dreary Pacific Northwest light. Also, I love the artworks that I own — but I’ve found out the hard way that I need lots of light and places for my eye to rest in order to enjoy them.
January 31st, 2009 at 6:49 am
I love the look, but with three young kids, all that white would be a whole lotta dirty. My favorites are the high ceilings and the clean look of the furniture, along with the wood floors. I’d need more saturated color and more upholstery. :)
Christine Brandels last blog post: Reunion
January 31st, 2009 at 9:54 am
The news of a decor magazine folding may seem trivial, but Domino wasn’t just any decor mag. They engaged people in efforts to live smart (eco) and live well, live simply, but also to think in a humanitarian way. Does anyone remember their design project where they worked themselves frantic re-designing 40 apartments of families living with AIDS – just to give them an amazing space to call their own? I teared up over it. Domino was different. And they made me see that the things I already owned was precious when re-imagined. I wish I had the first year’s issues. No one will part with theirs online. I will miss all of the people who designed/wrote for them. Some may fuss over subscription money.. why? They didn’t charge enough for what they gave in return.
February 1st, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Does anyone know where I can get the white chairs in the first picture? Or even the name of that type of chair so I can search for it?
February 1st, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Jackie, the white chairs called “Series 7″ designed in 1955 by Arne Jacobsen. An original chair will be very expensive. In germany between 400,00 – 500,00 Euro – one! Maybe you can get a similar chair at a lower price. I hope this information helps you.
nicoletters last blog post: Copenhagen souvenirs
February 1st, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Thanks for the info, Nicoletter. I’ll try for something with a somewhat similar shape. Doesn’t have to be exact. I definitely won’t be getting the originals in this lifetime….
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:11 am
There’s peace, I love it. I like the design and it’s a great. I also think the layout is really neat!…
February 14th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
We aaaalmost live like this. :-) We have the sanded floors, white walls and also two 7- chairs. That used to be dark blue but we had them painted some years ago so now they are white. And they are comfortable. We don’t have fresh flowers all of the time but often. But we have lots of live plants.
Jette in Denmark