The Best DIY Design Minds – Via Sweden
It is time for another smart & creative person to be added to my portfolio of the best DIY minds. (You will find others in the collection behind the button in the right side column).
This time I am putting the spotlight on my friend Anna-Malin behind the gorgeous Swedish blog “Helt Enkelt“.
I have known Anna-Malinfor a good while in blog land but have also gotten to know her outside the cyber world. This lovely lady is unbelievably creative, her house is like a dream and she comes up with projects around her house that are all magazine worthy. (She is also a great photographer). I find her home and DYI ideas incredibly inspirational.
Her design motto:
“Mix old with new. Let high-end design meet flea market finds. Trust your own style. Be brave and decorate from the heart.”
Anna-Malin has introduced her readers to so many lovely projects that it is rather difficult to pick just one. I decided to show you a collection of images perfect for the holiday season. And here is the thing, Anna-Malin is a busy mother, wife and teacher and yet she takes the time to do what she is passionate about and puts her heart into and takes on big things and small that really add beauty to daily life.
For instance this natural arrangement that she literally put together in a few minutes, when she realized she had no advent holder for December. Easy (once you come up with the idea) and stunning.
Or these linen and paper ornaments she worked one day “just because she felt like it”. I need to carve out time for projects like this. But my brain does not seem to be wired that way.
One day she decided to paint some milk glass bottles and use them as Christmas candle holders (jul = Christmas). First she painted them black, then soon after, she decided to paint them white. I can feel the love and creativity all the way to me in Seattle!
And when Anna-Malin wants some added, extra fun, she makes it, rather than buys it. Like this fleet of flags. She made them out of linen fabric and stencils. This inspires me to make my own! (Oh, and she painted the cabinet as well. A weekend project).
There is something so peaceful about Anna-Malin’s projects. She takes the time to sit down and work with her hands (and camera) with the family all around her. I applaud her for that. 
When asking Anna-Malin about her own favorite project she picks her dining room table.
“It is special to me because I put it together with little effort and with little money and yet got the simple, lovely look I wanted. I am very pleased with it and its personality.”
And here it is in its full glory. With a friend’s help she put together the planks. She sanded the top lightly and put a Swedish “drift wood” varnish on it. The base is simple Ikea table legs. Just screw them on and there you have it! It took her 2 hours to put the table together!
Some more amazing projects to add to the DIY portfolio. And projects to be inspired by and hopefully tackled by yourselves. (I know that I am and will try).
Anna-Malin, thank you so much for taking part in this series. It has been an honor to feature you.
I Salute You And Your Incredible Design Mind.
Happy new week to all of my readers.
Don’t forget to read more about my new store here.
And to enter my worldwide giveaway.
Warm hugs to you all!
All images via Helt Enkelt. (DIY button via Splendid Willow).
23 Comments »
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Helt Enkelt is a great blog, I read it every day, love Anna Malins beautiful photos!
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Thanks for sharing Anna-Malin’s work with us, Mon, I am blown away by the ability to capture the softness of a moment in her photographs. Simply beautiful.
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These are all great ideas! It amazes me how some women can do it all!
Thanks for sharing these Monika! Hope you had a fantastic weekend!
xo
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She is amazing this girl! I love her blog and always come out feeling so inspired!
That table is fantastic! I love the simplicity of it all!
Speaking of dining tables. Which one did you go for in the end?
KRAM
xx C
Nu har jag ocksa atit lussebullar.. Herre gud sa matt jag ar!! Varfor ater man alltid sa manga.. 2011 = ‘the year of restraint’!!
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Monika,
You just gave me the best idea with that table. I’ve searching high and low for a table of very specific measurements. I may do this.
Love everything else she did. She is very creative indeed.
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Complete contentment. franki
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I too LOVE the table…so talented!
Julie xo
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WOW – that table is fabulous! vShe is very talented. She makes things look so easy. Happy Lucia today!
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The idea with that table is great!
Your store is absolutely beautiful, Mon! The boots are so stylish. Love the name Splendid Willow Avenue and everything featured there. Much luck and success! Hugs to you!
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Stunning projects!
I’m so happy to hear the store is doing well. How could it not with turquoise rain boots as one of its offerings?! Too chic for words.
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Beautiful blog and project! I can see why you have highlighted Anna Malin.
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Monika, Thank you for introducing us to Ms. Malin’s work. Very creative.
And I love your new store!
Best,
Joe
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Hej Anna Malin och Mon
Intressant läsning och kul att få veta lite mer. Som vanligt fina bilder. Jag blir verkligen inspirerad din stil och talang
Ha en bra dag!
Kram Mia
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What a talented soul! Love her blog. Love her style and her photos are breathtaking.
Thank you for sharing, Mon.
Bianca
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You know sweet Anna-Malin is one of my favorites! And so generous with her creativity and sharing it with the world.
What a great day at Splendid Willow – two of my favorite ladies.
Merry December!
Leigha
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Great ideas! Love her site. Tried to comment but couldnt figure it out!
XX-Gina
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you were not kidding, Mon. She is amazing!!!
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Anna-Malin…so creative, new to this lady’s talents, thanks for sharing!
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Love Malin! Added her to my bookmarks titled SCAN BLOGS—that table is crazy–and it had ikea legs? wow! Her home is beautiful, so is she and her photography–what is it with Scandinavian women? Are you all born with a style chip? I think you are! xocc
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Anna-Malin, you are so creative and talented!! I cannot believe that dining table is DIY – it’s incredible!! Absolutely gorgeous – I’m stunned. What talent!! I would love to do something like this, just beautiful. Can I ask – what is Swedish drift wood varnish?
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The dining room table is great – wish I was so talented! I also love the floors in that room with the wide white grout. Kind of different take on what you usually see. Very inspiring!
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Hi sweets!
LOVE and very deserving of a mention! I love blogging for the introductions to such talent that I might otherwise never be exposed to
I thought of you just today. I was in a book store and bought a design book with Campion Platt’s work. The other one in my hand was all about Swedish design. I put it back and thought if you ever published, that would be my first pick 
That NOEL banner is precious!
XOXO,
Kel
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Wow, I can’t wait to check out her blog, I love her style! The dining room is lovely!
ps your Christmas wishes are up today Mon!x
http://lanaloustyle.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-wishes-ii.html
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