You know how sometimes you meet someone just by chance and you're not sure how you haven't met before? Tina Lekeberg is one of those people. Our paths have no doubt crossed many times in the past since we used to work for the same corporate giant, but we only met properly when our mutual friend Louise, invited us over to photograph her home in a converted school. Last Friday, Tina invited me over to her beautiful home in Eslöv, Skåne for lunch (she makes a mean pumpkin and zucchini lasagne!). I couldn't resist taking along my camera and grilling Tina on her personal style, thoughts on colour and other things about family life in a beautiful 1920's Southern Sweden home!
NB: How important is colour to you?
TL: Colour is very important to me. I was a colour and material designer for over 10 years and this is where my passion lies. To me, colour gives a product its spirit and brings it to life.
NB: Do you have any rules when it comes to using colour in your home?
TL: I take a lot of time selecting the right colours, but at the end of the day, it’s more down to what works best for each item and that we like it - only then will it have a place in our home! I believe using a diversity of colours is what makes a home unique and personal.
NB: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to introduce a touch of colour to their home?
TL: Work with a palette of at least 3 colors. Have fun mixing different colours - combining bright colors with faded earthy pastel tones will add a whole other dimension to your interior. Most importantly though, don't pick hues purely because they fit perfectly with what you already have, trust your instinct and go with what you like!
NB: What first attracted you to the house?
TL: I've always loved houses from the 1920's: they have such a nice atmosphere and the material choices are genuine and age with beauty. We immediately fell in love with the beauty of the house and garden and felt it was something special. Although the house is in a residential area, the garden is closed off and feels like it's in the countryside. I love to spend time in the garden.
NB: What renovations have you carried out?
TL: We completely changed the layout of the kitchen/ dining area by tearing down the dividing wall to create one big room and adding a door out to the terrace (which we also built). I love the new layout and stepping out into the garden to enjoy a coffee in the morning sun. We also built a fireplace between the dining room and living room which has been a fantastic investment for autumn and winter. Not only does it keep us toasty, it’s also so nice to sit in front of it when it’s grey outside. The kids love to grill marshmallows too!
TL: I've always loved houses from the 1920's: they have such a nice atmosphere and the material choices are genuine and age with beauty. We immediately fell in love with the beauty of the house and garden and felt it was something special. Although the house is in a residential area, the garden is closed off and feels like it's in the countryside. I love to spend time in the garden.
NB: What renovations have you carried out?
TL: We completely changed the layout of the kitchen/ dining area by tearing down the dividing wall to create one big room and adding a door out to the terrace (which we also built). I love the new layout and stepping out into the garden to enjoy a coffee in the morning sun. We also built a fireplace between the dining room and living room which has been a fantastic investment for autumn and winter. Not only does it keep us toasty, it’s also so nice to sit in front of it when it’s grey outside. The kids love to grill marshmallows too!
Picky Living cabinets in NCS 6010-B have been complimented with with a carrara marble worktop from Höörs Marmor & Granit. The back wall, side cabinets, shelving and glass cupboards are painted in Restful Le Havre from Nordsjö. Pick up a vintage industrial bar stool here.
A brass spoon from Stilleben, Copenhagen rests in a pretty ceramic pot bought in China.
NB: How would you describe your personal style?
TL: I don't really feel that I have a specific style. I aim to create an inviting home where people enjoy spending time and a space that evolves with our needs and the seasons. My husband Hans, has also played a big role in the interior. I think we compliment each other well as we have different skills: he is much more function orientated but also has a strong eye for aesthetics. I am more of a stylist. The house is a combination of our interests and ideas.
A blend of chairs including the Gemla Vilda and Magis Chair One create a relaxed feel, while a taupe sheepskin throw and cushion add a soft touch to the space.
"Andrea" portrait by Anders Udd hangs on the wall above an IKEA side-cabinet. The pink marble is from Höörs Marmor & Granit and the wooden surface was created from left-over wood flooring.
TL: I don't really feel that I have a specific style. I aim to create an inviting home where people enjoy spending time and a space that evolves with our needs and the seasons. My husband Hans, has also played a big role in the interior. I think we compliment each other well as we have different skills: he is much more function orientated but also has a strong eye for aesthetics. I am more of a stylist. The house is a combination of our interests and ideas.
Tina has combined flowers from Johans Trädgård with blooms from the garden to create a vibrant centre-piece.
NB: How important is colour to you?
TL: Colour is very important to me. I was a colour and material designer for over 10 years and this is where my passion lies. To me, colour gives a product its spirit and brings it to life.
NB: Do you have any rules when it comes to using colour in your home?
TL: I take a lot of time selecting the right colours, but at the end of the day, it’s more down to what works best for each item and that we like it - only then will it have a place in our home! I believe using a diversity of colours is what makes a home unique and personal.
A painting by Emanuel Bernstone hangs above the Bedside Gun Tablelamp by Flos and a console by Asplund.
A Hay Plus 9 blanket (now available in this colour) drapes on a green sofa from Bolia. The lamp to the left is the Shelter light from Bo Concept.
Jönssons cat from Svenskt Tenn has a great vantage point on the stairs!
A pink and white lamp from IKEA adds a splash of colour to the ceiling. The green headboard was made from Svenskt Tenn fabric. The white and peach throw was bought on a trip to Tunisia.
NB: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to introduce a touch of colour to their home?
TL: Work with a palette of at least 3 colors. Have fun mixing different colours - combining bright colors with faded earthy pastel tones will add a whole other dimension to your interior. Most importantly though, don't pick hues purely because they fit perfectly with what you already have, trust your instinct and go with what you like!
Hans made the mountains on the bed - which has been built using IKEA drawers. Posters from Matilda's House & Co. The chair is from IKEA.
The table, chairs and rug are all from IKEA.
The letter 'K' lamp was picked up at a Berlin flea market and the side cabinet was originally Tina's Grandmother's. The cot is from IKEA.
NB: What do you love most about your home?
TL: The light from the windows and the atmosphere! It's a place where the whole family feels happy, relaxed and at home.
Thank you so much for welcoming us into your lovely home Tina!
If you're looking for more colour inspiration, check out Tina's blog Colour Therapy and Instagram feed, which she co-writes curates with Sara Hallin Sandström.
And check out other wonderful Swedish homes here.
Have a fabulous weekend!
P.S. I'm just about to leave for the airport after an amazing few days at Habitare in Helsinki - I'll be sad to leave (I LOVE this city) - but can't wait to see my family and have a Saturday morning lie-in - weeeee! Do you have any great plans?
EmoticonEmoticon