The relaxed Norwegian home of Maja Hattvang

Apart from having a very cool name, Maja Hattvang also has style, and bags of it. But looking through her instagram and blog it's not your usual, classic, Norwegian style. There's a raw, cool edge to it with the slightest hint of glamour (spend a few minutes browsing her inspiring instagram feed and you'll see what I mean). Her signature style seeps into everything she turns her hand to - including the way she dresses, her book (see below) and the way she decorates her home. The Olso apartment is a mix of designer and vintage finds (note how the curved furniture helps to break up the angular architecture and add softness), and although fairly minimalist - piles of books, plants and groups of objects give the space a lovely, relaxed vibe.

Photography: Maja Hattvang - shared with kind permission. Found via SF Girl By Bay with thanks.

So lovely! It's the kind of space you could walk into and feel instantly welcome and at home, don't you think?

Maja's first book is an extension of this wonderful rawness. Naturlig Nok - (naturally) contains a variety of recipes for face masks and body scrubs to soaps and scented candles using natural ingerdients. "Nature is full of things that have proven good effect on the skin, if you only know how to use them." I so need a copy of this, how about you?

Get the look from Maja's home: dining room - 'woman with a fan' by Pablo Picasso, side cabinet from Montana, Flos light,  sitting room - Grand piano sofa, knoll diamond chair.

N.B. Maja has recently moved out of this home - I'm so looking forward to seeing what she does next, how about you?!

Have a lovely day!

PS I'm currently in New York and preparing for three exciting events today: An interview with a USA TV channel,  a magazine for my Lagom book - and the Domino Design Blog Awards 2017 (I'll so be needing a cocktail by then!). Excited and nervous all wrapped into one!! Weeeee!

My Lagom book is now available in French!

My Lagom book launched in French today! I'm so excited! A huge merci to HarperCollins France who've had the book beautifully translated, created a pretty cover and also put together a special promo package which includes five cards containing some of my favourite Swedish proverbs, recipes (my children's Swedish Great Grandmother Olga's cinnamon buns are a must for a 'fika' break) and more from the book.  I can't wait to visit Paris (yay - I get to visit one of my favourite cities in the world!) next week for a book signing and fun DIY session at the book store in Galeries Lafayette at 4 pm on 9th November (perhaps I'll see you there?!). In the meantime, here's a sneak peek.

Photography: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian Home

I hope all my lovely French speaking friends out there enjoy it and feel as inspired reading it as I did writing it. I'd love to hear from you if you pick up a copy!

If you're looking for an English version - the UK version is available here and US version here - you might also like to try your local book store / library.

Thank you so much for all your incredible support!

Bonsoir! 

The US Version of my Lagom Book is Out!

I'm super excited to announce the USA version of my new book Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life has hit the shelves today! The content is exactly the same as the UK version (i.e. full of fun and inspiring tips and tricks graciously passed onto me by my Swedish family and friends over the thirteen years I've lived here   - but with a different cover. I hope the book inspires you to bring a little lagom into your daily life - whether hopping on your bike to the shops, taking morning dips, enjoying a fika (a coffee break with homemade cinnamon buns from my children's great grandmother's recipe!), going mushroom picking, or creating a calm and clutter-free home (I'm going to try my hand at creating that capsule wardrobe this Autumn too!).

If it sounds like a book you might enjoy, you can pick up a copy here.

Thank you so much to everyone who has got their hands on a copy of my book so far - and for all your kind words and wonderful feedback - it means so much to me! I hope the book inspires you as much as it inspired me to write!

Niki x

PS - Thank you for all your questions about availability -  The UK version is available in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India and other Commonwealth countries. Amazon is a good bet, or ask in your local book store - even if they don't have it in stock I'm sure they'd be more than happy to order you a copy.  The book will also be available in French, Portuguese, German, Czech and Russian soon (I'll keep you updated as there's a chance more languages might be added - so fun!).