It's Allan Torp here, and welcome all of you gorgeous decor8 readers to my favorite things column. Last month, I paid homage to my home country, Denmark. So, this month I wanted to take a closer look at our neighbors to the East, Sweden, which means that everything you see in my favorites this month originates from Sweden. Cool, right? Enjoy today's column and vi ses as they say in Sweden.

 1 // FURNITURE:

It is hard to do an all Swedish column without a little homage to Ikea. Year after year Ikea is leading the way and pushing the limits on great design at affordable prices. In recent years, they have worked with some of the greatest modern designers like Ilse Crawford and Tom Dixon. Ikea’s Billy bookcase has sold more than 60-odd million that’s nearly one per 100 people. Another bookcase that it slowly making its mark, is a new favorite of mine, Svalnäs. A 70s inspired wall mounted unit in bamboo. Very old-school realness.

2 // ART:

If you are adding one thing to your home this month, it has to be a drawing by Peytil. It is the hottest thing in Scandi living right now. Peytil is Stockholm based fashion designer and artist, Eitil Thorén Due. His art is a simple pen drawing often built from minimalistic black lines.

3 // DECORATE:

With a focus on interior details and books, the new Swedish brand Livrest has launched. The first collection consists of bookstands that come in walnut, cherry and black-stained ash. All bookstands are handmade in Sweden and made out of solid wood, with great consideration for functionality, aesthetics and craftsmanship. This is the bookstand you want to give to the most extraordinary books in your collection.

4 // SLEEP:

If anything, the Swedes know how to build hotels and make you feel like home. The best of the best is of course, Ett Hem (A home). A hotel in a private 1910 residence, which was transformed into a magnificent homey hotel by Ilse Crawford. The result is that Ett Hem is again a happy house filled with the best collection of furniture, Scandinavian antiques and design. Ett Hem only has 12 rooms, which makes it not the usual hotel, it really is a place where guests are treated as friends of the family, a place that allows guests to become part of it and feel at home.

5 // LISTEN:

They gave us Abba, Avicii (RIP), and Robyn. I have had a crush on Robyn ever since her first single “Do you know (what it takes)” came out in the early 90ies. It was until mid-2000 when she really broke through to stardom – and who can honestly say they haven’t rocked the dance floor to her mega-hit, “Dancing On My Own” – if not, then I urge you to go for it NOW.

6 // GROOM:

For years, I have been using Swedish Tangent GC detergent, a company that specializes in eco-friendly garment, shoe and skin care. I just love to open the washer to clean clothes – and I have even used their simple and clean bottles of detergent as a different hostess gift. Just recently they also launched an organic skin care collection, which includes four perfumed soaps and two long-lasting and very absorbent hand cream – all so natural in its scents that immediately brings you deep in the fir forest or into a spring garden full of tulips.

When it comes to my hair, I am very low maintenance, meaning, I really cannot be bothered spending too much time obsessing in front of the mirror every day. Right now, I am obsessed with Swedish Lernberger Stafsing hair products – I use their MR Saltwater Spray on a daily basis, it gives a matte finish and a little bit of hold. For those long days out and about I have added a bit of the MR Styling Gel, a non-sticky gel, which keeps my flat hair in place all day – even on VERY windy days.

7 // READ:

Niki Brantmark, or better known as the woman behind the blog, My Scandinavian Home (avid decor8 readers, have probably seen Niki in Holly’s stories on IG from their joint travels). Not only is Niki one of the top Scandi bloggers right now, but she also has written a few books, latest Lagom has become a top seller worldwide. If you haven’t already, you should check it out and get acquainted with the Swedish art of living a balanced, happy life.

8 // EAT:

Camping is one thing. Glamping is a whole other thing. Once again, whiskey brand Talisker is taking the joy of enjoying their golden drink to a whole other level. For two weekends only this summer, one can journey to Fejan, an island in the Stockholm archipelago, spend a night under the stars in beautiful canvas tents fully equipped with beds and a wood stove. Best of all you’ll also enjoy local produce dinner by Danish chef Mikkel Karstad and cocktails shaken by Mate Castlos. This is truly an exhibition you don’t want to miss. Get a sneak peek in the short video.

9 // SHOP:

Speaking of Ikea, or so I did in #1 at least, you’ll be happy to hear that they have announced they're stepping on the accelerator to speed up their webshop, so soon we should all just be one click away from Ikea. On another totally unexpected note coming from me, you have to check out my favorite kids clothing brand, Swedish Mini Rodini. Their clothes would be the sole purpose of me ever getting a kid, it is all just so darn cute. Love the prints, colors, and wish it came it grown man sizes sometimes. They even have their most perfect home collection.

10 // ONE LAST THING:

If you want to be up to date on everything new in Swedish design, I encourage you to go follow Swedish star stylist Lotta Agaton, who always seem to find everything new and trendy before everyone else.

See you in June for my favorite things! - Allan Torp

[Editor's Note: All grooming products book are gifted as part of reviewing for this column in partnership between Allan Torp and the brands. Allan was also invited to Stockholm to review the glamping experience. This review is provided by Allan Torp for decor8, any collaborations are his own. All words and opinions are his own.]