A Delightful Swedish Family Home In A Former Schoolhouse

A few weeks back I wrote a post about all the pretty pastels that are popping up in interiors right now. But it’s one thing seeing a series of inspiration images and a whole other ball game checking out how it might work in practice. And let me tell you, pastels can look fierce! Welcome to the world of Swedish artist and stylist Emilia Ilke! Emilia lives in a 1950s former schoolhouse in Stockholm with her partner Fredrik and son Igor. Captured by Andrea Papini for the September issue of Elle Decoration Sweden, the family home is a place where calm neutral tones meet cheerful pops of pastel. It’s also home to original artwork (some of which is Emilia’s own) and flea market finds from all over the world. Välkommen inside Emilia, Fredrik and Igor’s delightful apartment!

Emilia works in an analogue way to produce her art (seen here over the shelves). The process for a composition includes sketching, painting and cutting out shapes and then moving the shapes around until everything falls into place.

String shelving in the sitting room provides a perfect place to hideaway less design-ery (not a word I know, but it’s been a long week and I think I kinda get away with it, right?!) objects and a place to display little treasures like ceramics, vases, candleholders and art. So handy!

When the pair went to look at the apartment three years ago, they completely fell in love with the windows and the massive amount of light they let in.

I love the way the bed spread matches the pendant lamp in the bedroom – so fun! The Fleck bed cover and big dot lampshade are similar.

Igor’s bedroom is full of vintage furniture and cute details – I love that Emilia has created artwork especially for him. It looks lovely by the bed!

Wow! A real lesson in how to apply pastels to your home, Scandi style! Emilia’s home really does strike that perfect balance between cool and calm, and cosy and happy. Love it!

Do you feel inspired by Emilia’s home too?

If you’d like to see more, check out the full feature / interview in Elle Decoration September issue (in Swedish).

Oh, and a selection of Emilia’s wonderful paintings are available to buy through her website – and you can also pick up prints over at Wall of Art. I’m on it!

All into the pastel thing?! Don’t miss Daniella’s home with pretty touches of pastel – it’s another favourite of mine. Do you have any favourite pastel-inspired homes? If so, I’d love to hear about them!

Ha det fint!

Niki

Photography: Andrea Papini (shared with kind permission)

Design: Emilia Ilke

Featured: Elle Decoration Sweden