by Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

They say, the best things come to those who wait. I was pondering over this the other day, and asked Per - 'Do you think we would appreciate the Swedish summer so much, if the winter wasn't so harsh'? The truth is, I don't think we would. There's something about the plants and flowers bursting into life after lying dormant and the warm sunshine on your skin after months of covering up. I know I don't feel the same - the joy on my Nordic friends' faces when the good weather arrives is palpable. And we don't want to waste a second of it! 

Life moves outside - and our garden becomes our home. And one of my favourite places to hang out, is under the honeysuckle at The Wilsons (a family of Brits who moved to Malmö from Australia a few years back). Think comfy seating, cosy blankets and the sweet scent of honeysuckle. All that was missing was the lighting...

Lighting is often neglected or added as an impromptu after thought in an outdoor space, but it's equally as important as indoor lighting. Get it right and you can accentuate your favourite features as well as create a cosy oasis after sunset. 

As you know from my own back yard, I'm a big fan of Pernille Bülow ReUse String Lights, and knew they were er, the missing 'link' (see what I did there?!). 

The string lighting is handmade in the Pernille Bülow atelier on the Danish island of Bornholm and every piece is mouth blown from recycled waste glass (look closely and you'll see the beautiful bubbles!). How amazing is that?

Also, the chains, which are made up of 9 lights and 3 metres long, can be linked together so you only need one power outlet (power sources are a challenge in most outdoor spaces so this is really handy).  

And best of all, they emit a lovely warm glow! 

Sarah has added a load of other lovely touches - such as a mirror. In the right place, mirrors can help accentuate favourite elements, reflect light and other plants and flowers as well as visually extend small spaces. Perfect!

If you live in a country where it gets a bit chilly at night - lighting candles and keeping a basket of blankets at hand are perfect ways to stay toasty and prolong the evening! 

Such a pretty spot, don't you think? 

I think I might just hang out here all summer. I hope the Wilsons don't mind...

Read more about Pernille Bülow ReUse String Lighting here.

In case you’re curious about other items, the ReUse collection is constantly growing and currently includes a lamp, drinking glasses and jugs as well as a number of other lovely pieces (seen in my home here) – all designed to use as much waste glass as possible.

Oh, and they ship almost worldwide too! 

Har det så bra!

Niki

Photography by me - styling with the help of the entire Wilson clan!