Hei, I’m Anne. On this blog, I share my colourful take on Scandinavian interior design and the nature-inspired and balanced Nordic way of life. Thanks for being here with me!
IT’S ALL ABOUT NORDIC LIVING IN COLOUR
My Nordic background is the backbone of my interior style. I love wood and other natural materials, crispy white surfaces and simplicity. But I also love bold, strong colours and eye-catching patterns. The pared-back, muted Scandinavian interior style is beautiful. But I must also add pops of colour to my home to give me energy, lift the mood and make the space more inviting and interesting. So as the name of my blog says, my interior style is all about Nordic Living in Colour!
FINNISH-BORN, UK-BASED
Born and brought up in Finland, I left the country in my early twenties and had a decade of immense fun and adventures living in Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands (oh I miss those days!). My life changed when I met an English boy who swept me off my feet and took me to the UK. Nearly two decades on and I’m still here, married with two daughters, living in a beautiful country house in Buckinghamshire. My life now is less adventurous but all the more fulfilling!
INSPIRED BY NATURE
Nature means a great deal to me. I grew up surrounded by lakes and woodland and I have a deep connection with the natural environment. I’m ever so lucky to be living in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with breath-taking scenery, ancient woodland, open fields and pretty little villages. My love for nature is an inspiration for me in my home too. I have a passion for botanical patterns, organic shapes, natural materials, house plants and gardening. I also aim living as sustainably as I can.
BECOMING MY OWN BOSS
I had some fantastic jobs after graduating with a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Communications. I headed up the International Communications Department at advertising agency BBH in London and the Marketing & Business Development Department at PR agency Hill & Knowlton in Amsterdam. But when my first child was born I decided to take a leap into the unknown and become an entrepreneur. Having your own business requires brass balls (not the most appropriate phrase for women!). On the other hand it gives you a sense of control over your life both professionally and at home. It’s a rollercoaster ride with highs and lows but it’s so much fun and hugely rewarding.
My first business, Cloudberry Living, was an online store selling Scandinavian design. I’m so proud of myself for growing the store from scratch to one of the UK’s most popular destinations for Nordic design in six years. Cloudberry Living was ranked as one of the best destinations to buy Scandinavian Interior Design in the UK by several leading publications (e.g. Ideal Home Magazine, Guardian Newspaper). My second business was a PR Consultancy for Scandinavian design and interiors clients. I had a team in London helping home interior brands and stores to grow through PR. Our clients ranged from small start-ups to global brands. We collaborated with interior design publications as well as bloggers and social influencers.
STAY TUNED
I’ve wanted to have my own interiors and lifestyle blog for a long time so I’m super excited to finally have a platform to share my love for Nordic living. Please stay tuned if you are interested in reading about my interior projects and trips to Finland as well as seeing other inspiring, colourful Scandinavian homes.
With Love,
Anne