From Scandinavian Calm to Vintage Charm: Inside Swedish Homes

Fun fact: Sweden has more islands than any other country in the world? 267,570 to be exact! Only 0.4% of them are inhabited - but that's still 984 islands!

This love of nature and connection to the landscape is at the heart of Swedish design. It’s all about bringing the outdoors in, with a focus on soft colours, natural textures, and creating serene, welcoming spaces.

This month we've been exploring the realm of pale blues, so today let’s look at how these colours, along with others are used in Swedish interiors, and how you can capture some of that serenity in your own home.

Welcome to Laholm: Where Tradition Meets Tranquility

Today we're journeying to what I would call a tiny town (a bit more than 6000 inhabitants) by the name of Laholm. This town is commonly referred in Sweden as a city, however, due to its history - of being named a 'city' in the 13th century, making it one of Swedens oldest 'cities'. It is home to the St. Clemens Kyrka (Church) which was founded in 1225, although people have lived in Laholm for much longer than that - which countless stone, bronze and iron age ruins can be found as testament to this.

Laholm is surrounded by rich green countryside, and close to the coast.

Meet Heidi Chard: Vintage Works, Laholm

Nestled in the quiet town of Laholm we find a striking white house: The home of Vintage Works - and online store dedicated to finding new love in Sweden's vintage treasures. At the helm of Vintage Works is Heidi Chard.

Heidi’s love for “unnecessary necessities,” as she calls them, brings a special character to her unique, vintage homewares store. It’s not about luxury labels but about timeless finds with soul and story. We asked her to talk to us about her business:

How Do You Select Vintage Finds For Your Shop:

"If a piece could belong in my own home, then it belongs in our shop. That's our guiding principle. We specialize in affordable Swedish vintage art, vintage textiles, and bespoke lighting. Most of our pieces are mid-century and from the first half of the 20th century.

We believe in the value of vintage pieces for their quality, sustainability, and the unique character they bring to your home. It's all about creating an atmosphere that's true to you. My mission is to inspire you to curate a life you love, focusing not on brands and costly labels, but on your unique personal touch."

Heidi brings a painting home, Vintage Works

Lamp with golden framed Girl in Pastel, Vintage Works

What Makes Your Store a Great Place For Someone Searching Out A Touch of Sweden For Thier Home?

"Well, our products are sourced in Sweden by a Swede! Art is a great way to add character and personality to your home, as well as handwoven wall tapestries. It's also an easy fix, no need for big renovation plans.

You can also play around with the pieces and see how they change the atmosphere of different rooms. If you're renting use poster strips instead of nails to keep the walls intact."

The Perfect Edge

Have you ever considered the frame's role in displaying an artwork? A frame does more than hold art; it presents it. Vintage art can completely alter a room's vibe, but the whole picture can feel off if the frame isn't quite right.

Framing is an art that they have down pat at Vintage Works. Its a way to enhance and protect the treasures you've chosen to be part of your life. Whether you lean towards the understated or the bold, remember that the right frame is out there waiting to complement your vintage artwork perfectly. You can learn more at Vintage Works here.

Preserving the Charm

Vintage treasures - whether they are paintings or textiles - bring timeless beauty and unique character to any space. To preserve these cherished pieces, it's essential to care for them properly, ensuring they remain in great condition for years to come.

Taking the time to properly care for your vintage pieces not only helps preserve their beauty but also extends their life. Remember, they all come with stories, and your careful handling ensures those stories continue to be told for generations. You can learn more about caring for your vintage finds at Vintage Works here.

Photographs courtesy of Vintage Works

The Process: From the Streets to the Store

"At Vintage Works, what you see on our website or social media is just the tip of the iceberg. Running an online vintage business is a constant dance of creativity, logistics, and hands-on work, all driven by our passion for curating unique pieces with a story to tell. Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes of the process that brings each vintage find to our store, day in and day out."

• Sourcing: The hunt for unique finds is never-ending, and we wouldn't have it any other way! Every item in our collection is handpicked - whether scouting auctions, estate sales, or even those surprise discoveries, we're always on the lookout for items with character and charm.

• Collaborating with Local Craftspeople: We partner with locals to breathe new life into the vintage pieces we find. Expert framers, electricians, and a seamstress help ensure that each piece is fully functional and beautiful presented.

• Cleaning, Polishing and Photographing: Once we've sourced an item, the real work begins! Each piece is carefully cleaned, some polished, and then carefully photographed to showcase every detail.

• The Daily Post Office Run: Carefully wrapping, finding the right boxes and filling out customs declarations is all just part of the process.

The finds, and the finding - all photos courtesy of Vintage Works

Shopping with Vintage Works, Laholm, Sweden

Vintage Works ships worldwide, making it super easy for shoppers, with the price of shipping included in the list price!

Find them or follow them online here: vintageworks.se or on Instagram @vintageworks.se

Take your own little trip, and go check them out!

Swedish Interiors: Light and Serenity

Swedish homes are famous for their bright, airy feel—a necessity in a country where winters are long and dark. Light walls, often in whites or pale shades, reflect as much natural light as possible. Natural wood floors and simple furniture complete the look, creating spaces that feel fresh yet timeless.

Heidi's Take: A Bolder Twist to Swedish Style

Heidi Chard’s home offers a refreshing take on Swedish interiors, blending timeless traditions with deeper, nature-inspired hues. Her mid-blue and green walls, paired with patterned wallpapers, bring a sense of intimacy and warmth, all while staying true to the Swedish love of nature and history.

Vintage art, handwoven textiles, and carefully chosen lighting complete the space, proving that Swedish interiors don’t have to be light to feel serene. Heidi’s approach is perfect for those who want a home with soul and story.

(above photos courtesy of Heidi Chard, Vintage Works)

Here are a few takeaways from Heidi's Swedish home, that you can try in your own! In the first image the array of patterns in the wallpaper, art and plant work well without being overwhelming due to the restricted colour palette - blue and white are calm and serence, with small amounts of red added in to bring warmth and charm.

The second image showcases a great trick fo adding character with colour - without things feeling too heavy. In an otherwise dull stairwell, Heidi has gone for white upper walls and ceilings, but added depth with a beautiful blue shade on the wainscoting.

On our far right is another example of pattern mixing - bringing an eclectic and collected look. By keeping the colour scheme simple and introducing natural elements such as wood, a charming cottage look is acheived.

A Careful Balance You Can Bring Home

With a careful balance of simplicity, nature-inspired colours, and practical design, the Swedish have long championed an air of calm in their beautiful homes. Here are some takeaways:

1. Colours Rooted in Nature: Pale blue walls, soft greens, and warm whites dominate Swedish homes. These colours reflect the outdoor palette and make interiors feel open and airy.

2. Layers of Texture: To avoid feeling too minimalist, Swedes add interest with texture—woven rugs, linen cushions, and natural wood finishes. These elements bring warmth and a 'lived in' charm

3. Function Meets Beauty: Every piece serves a purpose. Whether it’s a vintage lamp or a bespoke frame, each item has a story and a function.

Wandering the Swedish Landscape

From the landscapes to the interiors, Swedish design is all about capturing the soul of nature. Whether through Heidi’s carefully curated vintage finds or the colours and textures inspired by Sweden’s beauty, there’s something here for every home.

Ready to add a little Swedish calm to your own interiors? Start small with a vintage art piece, a woven textile, or even a soft green wall paint. And if you’re inspired by Heidi’s story, visit Vintage Works online to explore her handpicked collection.

As we wrap up, it’s impossible not to admire how Sweden’s landscapes inspire its interiors. From serene lakes to vibrant red cottages, the beauty of nature is everywhere.

If you're looking for help on picking the perfect shade for your room, or have questions about putting it all together, I'm here to help - let's create a space that you love!

Next week, we're exploring the art of pastel blue palettes. See you there!