Get the Look Decor: Scandinavian Simplicity

Etsy.com handmade and vintage goods

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This weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by the Copenhagen, Denmark home of Tina and her family. Every corner of her beautiful home is decorated with reminders of the many places the family has lived and traveled.

Check out Tina’s Etsy shop, travelinmama, where she sells gorgeous handmade cards, photographs and jewelry. Visit Tina on Flickr for more photos of her beautiful home, and stop by her blog, Flying House, for even more decorating inspiration.

Where do you live and with whom?
I live in Copenhagen, Denmark with my husband Jack and our three kids, Hailey (10), Parker (6), and Landon (2). We have lived here for just over a year after living in Morocco for three years and Barcelona, Spain for two years. In between Morocco and Spain, we took a brief break from life overseas, bought a house in the U.S. and swore we had gotten all of our wanderlust out of our systems…but that only lasted for about a year before we started the moving process again!

   
   

[Left to right, top and bottom: Milk Glass Pedestal Bowl by finickyfindsmore; 1950s Decoroare Canister Set by TickleMeVintage; Antique Sunbeam Mixmaster by TheVintageParlor; Milk Glass bowl by lydiasvintage; White Porcelain Planter by taylorceramics; White Jar Soap Dispenser by postroadvintage]

Describe your home decorating style.
After selling almost everything we owned in the States, we started almost from scratch in our new home. At first that totally freaked me out: I felt lost, and buying quality furniture was either hard to find in Morocco or crazy expensive. We loaded up our van many times while at IKEA! Now that we are in Denmark, I really feel our home is evolving again. Scandinavian design is so inspiring and I feel like I cannot get enough!

             
   
   
   

[Left to right, top row: Custom Family Portrait by asklaver; Wooden Leaf Dish by voladoravintage; Craftsman Style Oak Buffet Cabinet by daisychainvintage; Table Lamp With Tilt Shade by cubecone; Magazine/file holder by bashfulbunnie ; 6×9 Vintage Kilim Rug by FashionIsle; Left to right, second row: Large Faceted Pendant Light by Zipper8Lighting; Mid-Century Coffee Table by dejavulongbeach; Paper Garland by ElizabethSt; Left to right, third row: Table Cloth with Printed Hummingbirds by OrwellandGoode; About A Girl 11×16 by belafontesbunsa; Flock of Chevrons Pillow Cover by rispok; Left to right bottom row: Mini Bird Plate by boxofhollyhocks; International Poster Art by OldTimersClub; Turquoise Chippy Flower Vase by SweetLoveVintage]

Where are your favorite places to shop for home items?
I love shopping for my home on Etsy, of course! I love supporting the handmade community. I also adore flea markets and thrift shops. After arriving in Copenhagen, we quickly discovered a vibrant and flourishing community for artists and creative types. Since my husband is a photographer and I had yet another new home to shop for, we started a project called Shop 52 — each week we feature a different small shop from Copenhagen. At the moment we are talking with a publisher about having it printed. There are at least 32 shops that will have you itching to hop on a plane!

What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
I am inspired by people’s homes and photographs that tell a story. There is a story behind almost everything in our home, like the handmade wrought iron beds we watched being made in a dusty back street in Morocco or the beautiful jar a local artist made here in Copenhagen. I feel most inspired when another’s heart and soul is so evident in their work.

   
   

What is your favorite part about your home?
My family is my favorite aspect of my home. Seeing them adapt to a new country and a fourth language is incredible. I know I have a huge responsibility to create a home that they feel relaxed in. I love that they feel at home in the space I have pulled together; living as expats can make you very aware of how foreign you are and make the idea of home an illusion.

   
   
   

[Left to right top, from top to bottom: 6 Fairy tale story books by KhaliNouveau; Ombre Toddler Bed and Side Table by RDboles; 50′s Style Cars Organic cotton pillow set by elizabethbloomfield; Car Mobile by WildChildShop; Matchbox Series Red Double Decker by VintageSurplus; Mini Pennant Fabric Banner by oliverbludesigns; Robot Lamp by winborgdesign; Granny Squares Throw Blanket by capegiftshop; Best Friends – 8 x 10 by NanLawson]

Does your home hold any strong memories?
As you might have guessed, we bring our memories with us. It was very hard to leave behind the memories of our kids walking for the first time or a special Christmas morning. I have just started admitting that I cried myself to sleep the night we sold our house in the States. But after our first few years overseas, we realized that it wasn’t the walls around us that made those memories special, but the people we shared them with. So, even though the walls around us have changed many times (and the landscape outside!), we feel a strong connection to our home and all the memories we bring along as we travel the world and live out our dreams!


Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

More Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

Housewares CategoryVintage Housewares

2 Featured Comments

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  • breadandroses2

    breadandroses2 says: Featured

    Well done spaces! One thing about living in the U.S. is that it's not all that difficult to find good quality, interesting design & affordable 2nd hand, vintage/antique furniture and one is not forced to resort to shopping Ikea and other mass producers/asian importers. Sounds like you've had some fantastic global experiences. Best wishes!

    1 year ago

  • chiquiita

    chiquiita says: Featured

    Tina .. Congratulations for your lovely house and shop. I loved the article and feel very identified with you and your family, after living in many places througout my life I feel that I am from everywhere and the fact that I have seen outside of the box has helped me in all my roles: wife, mother, daughter, teacher and now that of an Etsy seller. I love the part that you wrote: "after our first few years overseas, we realized that it wasn’t the walls around us that made those memories special, but the people we shared them with. So, even though the walls around us have changed many times (and the landscape outside!), we feel a strong connection to our home and all the memories we bring along as we travel the world and live out our dreams!" Exitos! Tania

    1 year ago

  • FluffyFlowers

    FluffyFlowers says:

    sounds exciting to sell everything off and move to a different country! starting with a clean slate would be fun :)

    1 year ago

  • FirebirdJewellery

    FirebirdJewellery says:

    Sounds familiar! I recently relocated from the UK to Finland... Still trying to make the house a home though! There's some great inspiration here, and I think I'll be making a trip to Ikea too! ^_^

    1 year ago

  • kathyjohnson3

    kathyjohnson3 says:

    What an adventure! I think you did a most beautiful job of decorating your home, it looks lovely!

    1 year ago

  • TheCookieClutch

    TheCookieClutch says:

    I like your long cabinetry by the dinning table. Looks like it holds lots of goodies!! Terry

    1 year ago

  • Addy

    Addy says:

    You've lived a ton of places - what an adventure! I love the faded vintage books and the china by the camera, that looks like a great room!

    1 year ago

  • theowlshop

    theowlshop says:

    Your home is lovely…and how lucky your children are to experience "life" in interesting corners of the world!

    1 year ago

  • scandivintage

    scandivintage says:

    This is just lovely! :) I live in Sweden, and I love getting on the train to Copenhagen to enjoy the atmosphere in the friendly capital city. I always felt Copenhagen is the most relaxed and easy going capital in Scandinavia. Love your eclectic home, thanks for sharing. :)

    1 year ago

  • QueenBeeVintiques

    QueenBeeVintiques says:

    Beautiful home, I too have moved many times and started over with furnishings and decor, I can so relate. Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us!

    1 year ago

  • littleshopofphotos

    littleshopofphotos says:

    Very beautiful!!! I love it! Thanks or sharing your amazing story!! So inspiring! My husband and I often talk about extended travel...I will have to check out your blog!! Awesome to see a family with children enjoying this adventurous lifestyle!

    1 year ago

  • AKingsThings

    AKingsThings says:

    Always evolving....always editing. Will it ever end? Not on my watch...

    1 year ago

  • AliceCloset

    AliceCloset says:

    So chic! It looks really lovely :D Great article! thanks

    1 year ago

  • thewOOlyOwl

    thewOOlyOwl says:

    My husband and I sold everything as well and moved across Canada. We thought we were going to move to Australia, however, Canada is very beautiful, so we decided to stay. I was great to have less "crap" and we found that when you rid yourself of it, new thing have room to come in:)

    1 year ago

  • kararane

    kararane says:

    being Swedish~ I have a strong connection to Scandinavian aesthetic,, love white + bright color & simple + functional design. Home is definitely where you are and what you create >> Love, Peace, Happiness.

    1 year ago

  • MegansMenagerie

    MegansMenagerie says:

    Such a beautiful home you have! You've done an amazing job decorating! I love it =)

    1 year ago

  • AliKan

    AliKan says:

    The London Design Festival is on right now and i have to say that some of the best Designs are coming from Norway ;) http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/100-norway

    1 year ago

  • SweetandDandyVintage

    SweetandDandyVintage says:

    Always a lovely way to start my Sunday morning...beautiful showcase!

    1 year ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    Love those looks!

    1 year ago

  • hazelstark

    hazelstark says:

    VERY envious, I'm trying to wangle a trip over to Denmark with work. Lovely article and inspiring stuff

    1 year ago

  • blueroompottery

    blueroompottery says:

    Gorgeous house!! Love the clear cut lines of Scandinavian design, it has always inspired me! Thank you for sharing with us, and thanks Christine for the nice Sunday article! :>)

    1 year ago

  • blueflowervintage

    blueflowervintage says:

    Pretty! Especially love that little folk side table with drawers in the kids room!

    1 year ago

  • gardenmis

    gardenmis says:

    You have a lovely home ~ inspirational! So happy to have been introduced to your lovely shop as well :)

    1 year ago

  • breadandroses2

    breadandroses2 says: Featured

    Well done spaces! One thing about living in the U.S. is that it's not all that difficult to find good quality, interesting design & affordable 2nd hand, vintage/antique furniture and one is not forced to resort to shopping Ikea and other mass producers/asian importers. Sounds like you've had some fantastic global experiences. Best wishes!

    1 year ago

  • tricotaria

    tricotaria says:

    Love Tina's home decor + blog + shop!

    1 year ago

  • berryisland

    berryisland says:

    I love your eclectic home, looks so cozy and comfortable.

    1 year ago

  • BlueMoonLights

    BlueMoonLights says:

    Love your home decor, thank you for sharing your story with us :)

    1 year ago

  • birdie1

    birdie1 says:

    One of my favorite looks ~ so light and fresh!

    1 year ago

  • VioletQVintage

    VioletQVintage says:

    I love your blog! It does make me want to hop on a plane and go shopping in Copenhagen. :)

    1 year ago

  • ohbabydotcom

    ohbabydotcom says:

    Wonderful interview. Lovely shop and items. Those white paper doilies stem from the old Royal Lace Paper Co. from Fort Wayne, IN. My father was their engraver. He did all that intricate engraving work. Love seeing them used in such a creative and artistic way! I still have some here at home.

    1 year ago

  • MaryFosterCreative

    MaryFosterCreative says:

    Thanks for sharing your lovely home and story.

    1 year ago

  • LavenderField

    LavenderField says:

    This is wonderful, I really love it!

    1 year ago

  • bhangtiez

    bhangtiez says:

    beautiful story & sounds like a fun journey!

    1 year ago

  • CreeksideDiner

    CreeksideDiner says:

    Wow! Your home is amazing. What great finds! Makes me want to curl up and read a book..... beautiful and comfy.

    1 year ago

  • vintagegoodness1

    vintagegoodness1 says:

    Beautiful home!

    1 year ago

  • myvintagecrush

    myvintagecrush says:

    Great interview, beautiful home!

    1 year ago

  • TheIDconnection

    TheIDconnection says:

    This is so beautiful! So many of my favs. I love the vase of bittersweet, reminds me of home in Ohio on a Fall day! Thanks

    1 year ago

  • AvianInspirations

    AvianInspirations says:

    Beautiful, welcoming, and cozy! Your home, story, and blog are lovely. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    1 year ago

  • seasidecloth

    seasidecloth says:

    Hands down, this is one of my top favorite styles for interior comfort and design aesthetic. Gorgeous.

    1 year ago

  • opendoorstudio

    opendoorstudio says:

    just darling! LOVE this . color, sleek style with a touch of whimsy thrown in! nicely done! wonderful surroundings! congrats on the feature!

    1 year ago

  • accentonvintage

    accentonvintage says:

    Lovely home! Wonderful story! Congrats!

    1 year ago

  • MomsCottage

    MomsCottage says:

    oooohhhh... love, love this one! Off to explore all the links! ♥

    1 year ago

  • FauxFurPetBakery

    FauxFurPetBakery says:

    Thank you so much for this post. Your design ideas are wonderful and your lifestyle inspiring. Congratulations on learning a fourth language and for the feature. Best wishes to you and your family in the future.

    1 year ago

  • dekoprojects

    dekoprojects says:

    There were one IKEA shop in plans to built near my city. It's a pity that they didn't accomplished those plans. Maybe it's better for my pocket :) I love IKEA designs. They're simple and useful. I dream about the furniture that could have a place for ALL my thing, all my mess...

    1 year ago

  • chiquiita

    chiquiita says: Featured

    Tina .. Congratulations for your lovely house and shop. I loved the article and feel very identified with you and your family, after living in many places througout my life I feel that I am from everywhere and the fact that I have seen outside of the box has helped me in all my roles: wife, mother, daughter, teacher and now that of an Etsy seller. I love the part that you wrote: "after our first few years overseas, we realized that it wasn’t the walls around us that made those memories special, but the people we shared them with. So, even though the walls around us have changed many times (and the landscape outside!), we feel a strong connection to our home and all the memories we bring along as we travel the world and live out our dreams!" Exitos! Tania

    1 year ago

  • sonyarasi

    sonyarasi says:

    Your home looks so warm and welcoming! I love the decor!

    1 year ago

  • OceansideCastle

    OceansideCastle says:

    Creative and beautiful home! I love that you and your husband are collaborating on Shop 52. How lovely that you both have artful spirits. What I admire most was your response to the question 'What do you like most about your home?' You answered, "My family." You have a wonderful but very busy life. It is obvious what is at the center of all you do. Bless you and your family.

    1 year ago

  • LittleWrenPottery

    LittleWrenPottery says:

    I love Scandinavian design, it's got a very elegant simplicity about it. I loved your story too, home is always just where you make it!

    1 year ago

  • NaturalandVintage

    NaturalandVintage says:

    it looks so nice and organized! love the style

    1 year ago

  • azteca

    azteca says:

    Wow, so cool that I read this!!! My husband and I are currently in the process of selling everything we have here in the States in preparation for moving over-seas. You have given me much encouragement!!! One of our favorite places to shop for home items is IKEA! as well! Love simple, multi-use, easy to move stuff!!! best of luck in your travels! :-D

    1 year ago

  • slgdesigns

    slgdesigns says:

    So much goodness for the eyes, like candy! Love it.

    1 year ago

  • thewildplum

    thewildplum says:

    Vidunderligt!

    1 year ago

  • everythingok

    everythingok says:

    I'm properly jealous of your spirit of adventure and style! What a wonderful story :)

    1 year ago

  • KKCollectibleCollage

    KKCollectibleCollage says:

    Very interesting story...loved to see your home, thanks for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • cristinams2002

    cristinams2002 says:

    Loved your home, I am spanish and also lived for a couple years in Morocco, and my home is a mix of ikea and items brought from trips abroad....now visitting Scandinavia is definitelly my next target :)

    1 year ago

  • amoronia

    amoronia says:

    I love how simple everything is made to be. Life is meant for living...

    1 year ago

  • baconsquarefarm

    baconsquarefarm says:

    In like with her simple style of decor, enjoyed my peek inside her home, thanks...!!

    1 year ago

  • mypetitemaison

    mypetitemaison says:

    Beautiful home. Absolutely love the simplicity, just lovely and real living space! Enjoyed much.

    1 year ago

  • OuterKnits

    OuterKnits says:

    Wonderful style! Great story.

    1 year ago

  • jewelrybyjackie

    jewelrybyjackie says:

    Wow! Tina's home is so lovely, eclectic, warm and stylish! Very inspiring story. Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • Parachute425

    Parachute425 says:

    Simple and wonderful. Simply wonderful. Thanks for the peek. We almost packed up once, to move acrosss the street to a larger house. Ugh. Decided it was too much effort. Can't imagine moving from country to country. But what a super great experience for your children!! Best of luck to you.

    1 year ago

  • BanglewoodSupplies

    BanglewoodSupplies says:

    Simply beautiful!

    1 year ago

  • regansbrain

    regansbrain says:

    great article! Love the style. Also - thanks for featuring my vintage Ball jar!

    1 year ago

  • OnlyOriginalsByAJ

    OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:

    I love the style! Thanks for sharing! :-)

    1 year ago

  • gilstrapdesigns

    gilstrapdesigns says:

    I love your style and taste.

    1 year ago

  • AlbertinesCreations

    AlbertinesCreations says:

    Sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and style.

    1 year ago

  • ElsewhereFiction

    ElsewhereFiction says:

    Your home/story is very inspirational! Having moved three times in the past year, I've had trouble making my house a home. Surrounding myself with happy memories and keepsakes from travels was a great way to start life in my new home. I love your style and thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • reflectionsjewelry

    reflectionsjewelry says:

    I am inspired by your ideas, and relate with your love of travel! (I'm taking a trip to zambia, Africa in November...Amazing!). Thank you for telling your tale.

    1 year ago

  • gretchenmist

    gretchenmist says:

    beautiful!

    1 year ago

  • JillianReneDecor

    JillianReneDecor says:

    Such a beautiful home and beautiful story - so inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing and very best wishes to you and your family!

    1 year ago

  • EndQuotes

    EndQuotes says:

    Lovely decor, and beautiful photos!

    1 year ago

  • GracefullyGirly

    GracefullyGirly says:

    I love the simple lines and pretty vintage touches! It was so fun to find some of the very same things in my own home.

    1 year ago

  • solocosmo

    solocosmo says:

    This is so lovely! I love the kids room!

    1 year ago

  • JunkieTrunkETC

    JunkieTrunkETC says:

    I love this style! Beautiful decor!

    1 year ago

  • katrinaalana

    katrinaalana says:

    Beautiful decor. It's always nice when the home reflects the owners personality. I love collecting items from my travels. Souveniers that can decorate our home when we finally settle down in our last country of residence.

    1 year ago

  • tiltomorrow

    tiltomorrow says:

    Good article. Recently been reading about the Scandinavian Home Decor. I like your display of the vintage Kodak box camera, Blue glass mason jar and delicate lace doily. I'm partial to the white milk glass home items you have. So chic and easy to decorate with. The decor is simple, chic and breath-taking. So relaxing to explore and uncover a special treasure that is dear to your heart. You did a great job decorating your new home. Thanks for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • tiltomorrow
  • ablemabel

    ablemabel says:

    love your style!

    1 year ago

  • felicitycrew

    felicitycrew says:

    Such a lovely place. Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • sandboxcastle

    sandboxcastle says:

    beautiful place! I love the decor- its really calm and relaxing but really interesting with a nice bold splash of color every now and then. Love it!

    1 year ago

  • LaronDesign

    LaronDesign says:

    Interesting article. your style is chic.

    1 year ago

  • cottonbirddesigns

    cottonbirddesigns says:

    Great article, beautiful home!

    1 year ago

  • redemptionart

    redemptionart says:

    Nice feature! I have always appreciated the clean lines and simplicity of Danish/Scandinavian design. Love your home! Best of luck to you!

    1 year ago

  • buzzybee

    buzzybee says:

    Congrats on the feature! Such a gorgeous home and such inspiring creatives!

    1 year ago

  • LovelyZJewelry

    LovelyZJewelry says:

    Thanks for sharing! Tina's home is so lovely and stylish!

    1 year ago

  • YarnUiPhoneApp

    YarnUiPhoneApp says:

    What stands out the most? What appears to be felted balls spilling out of a white vase. Now this would be super easy to do with some roving. Even the cheap variety. Even a child could do this! Make a bunch of balls with different colored roving. Get some green floral wire. Stick in the middle of your ball. Plop all wired balls into a vase of your choice. Instant decor!

    1 year ago

  • expressyourself

    expressyourself says:

    Lovely home! Great interview!

    1 year ago

  • TheScarfTree

    TheScarfTree says:

    Great story and beautiful job with decorating your home! All the best to you and your family!

    1 year ago

  • junkyardglitter

    junkyardglitter says:

    My family lives in Nyborg! Love your style and I love Danish style. I was there for months and realized that Denmark is my inspiration for my own decorating! Congrats on your great style!

    1 year ago

  • ACupOfSparkle

    ACupOfSparkle says:

    Very original findings. I loved all the birds!

    1 year ago

  • ZinniaSnipSnap

    ZinniaSnipSnap says:

    I love all these finds-great article!

    1 year ago

  • carlossantiago

    carlossantiago says:

    pretty and fun.

    1 year ago

  • KettleConfections

    KettleConfections says:

    There is such great form to Scandinavian design - everything is designed to be elegant, functional, and perfectly proportioned (neither too big nor too small)

    1 year ago

  • RedorGrayArt

    RedorGrayArt says:

    simple every day beauty ~

    1 year ago

  • FranceGallery

    FranceGallery says:

    I especially like the bright accent colors.

    1 year ago

  • valeriephoto

    valeriephoto says:

    OMG! It's like living in an Ikea catalog! I love it!

    1 year ago

  • yellowfield7

    yellowfield7 says:

    Beautiful!

    1 year ago

  • paroliro

    paroliro says:

    Thanks for the visit, a whiter shade of pale in the land of the Midnight Sun.. http://www.etsy.com/shop/paroliro

    1 year ago

  • kristimcmurry

    kristimcmurry says:

    What a beautiful place to live! It's very in line with my style, so I feel like I could move in a feel right at home.

    1 year ago

  • Armalique

    Armalique says:

    So Pretty!

    1 year ago

  • louise35flower

    louise35flower says:

    congratulations on the feature Tina, can't believe I missed this when it first came out, love your style and photography as always L x

    1 year ago

  • catiques

    catiques says:

    Clean, fresh look and add the exciting beauty.

    1 year ago