A Charming Swedish Summer Cottage in the Countryside

Last weekend, we headed to our summer cottage for a few days. The tiniest buds were just beginning to appear on the lilac bushes, and a blackbird hopped around the garden, readying itself for spring. Although it was still cold, there was a quiet promise that soon the countryside will burst into life, turning lush and vibrant green. Just like at this beautiful cottage in the countryside, not far from the magical Gothenburg archipelago.

Traditional on the outside and quintessentially Swedish on the inside, the classic ochre, blue and white tones, botanical-themed wallpaper, and charming individual pieces have an air of the Swedish artist Carl Larsson's home.

Although most summer cottages in Sweden do have running water and electricity, it’s not unusual to find some that don’t. One friend of mine has a cottage on an island, and they have to take all their water with them for cooking, washing and drinking. Helen’s cottage has an outdoor loo only (not going to lie, I once stayed there during a two-day photoshoot and it gets so dark outside at night that I sprinted there and back in record time!). And I see this charming old cottage also has an outdoor loo — in fact, you’ll notice there are two side by side. Is it because they’re particularly sociable? Scroll down to discover why!

But prior to that, I hope you enjoy all the details first – the wallpaper, the oil lamps, mirrors, and views over the fields. Let's take a peek inside! 

Have you noticed the doors with the diagonal pattern? It’s something you see a lot of on doors and shutters in the countryside here. I recently got curious about why they’re built that way.

Like many things in Scandinavian design, there’s actually a practical reason. Traditional Swedish cottage doors and shutters often have diagonal wooden braces (sometimes forming a “Z” shape). These braces help keep the door stable, prevent it from sagging, and stop the wood from warping over time.

This construction method is called “ledge and brace,” and apparently it works especially well in climates like ours, where humidity and temperature change a lot throughout the year.

So, the loo or 'utedass' as it's called in Sweden. Just why are there two side by side? It's hardly a place you'd want to sit and chat for a while, right? The reason is actually very practical (as you might have guessed)- it is designed to accommodate different members of the family with a larger hole for adults and a smaller one for children (hence the stool to give the, a 'leg up'! 

I love that the owners have gone to the effort of painting checks on the flor and hanging a picture too! 

Oh, and I thought you might be curious about the wallpapers. The yellow one is 'hiprose' by Borås Tapater, and the one in the dining room is Duro by Gastgivars wallpaper.  

 I love seeing all the lush green - I can't wait to see all the leaves come out here (are they out where you are?). But also I noticed the beautiful old stone wall and steps in the garden. I wonder how long it would take for these took look lovely and aged if you were to add something like this today? I'd love to put something in like this at our little cottage - but not sure if modern-built stone has the same affect?

I'm really keen to here your thoughts about this Swedish country cottage too! 

It's actually for sale right now – maybe something to consider over the weekend? 

Since the weekend is coming up, how about a few more cottages to dream away over? 

A serene Swedish lakeside retreat

From classroom to country retreat
A cosy Swedish summer cottage to explore

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

PS busy getting your outdoor space ready for Spring / Summer? I have written a guide with some nice tips in my latest story for IKEA here, if you fancy a read! 

Photography courtesy of Mäklerhuset with thanks.

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Spring-like Shades in Tone’s Calm Norwegian home

Naturally, with any creative outlet, whether fashion or interiors, there will always be trends. But one thing I remain firm about is creating an environment with just the right feeling. A home that helps you thrive really is essential, don’t you think?

I can appreciate more maximalist homes bursting with items and colour. They can be wonderful to look at. But when it comes to my own home, I like things to feel calm. Somewhere I can breathe and truly unwind. How about you? Do you prefer a home that feels busy and layered, or one that feels quiet and soothing? I really believe there is no right or wrong way.

That is why I love Norwegian Tone Trollbu’s service, 'Interior Therapy'. Tone combines interior design with her background in psychology to help clients create a home that truly suits them. Isn’t that such a thoughtful idea?

It helps that Tone also has a wonderful eye for design. You can see this clearly in her own home just outside of Oslo, which balances calm, soft colours with just a touch of edginess to give it personality. Think wavy mirrors, a delicious combination of pink, buttercup yellow, lime green, a hint of terracotta and soft milky tones. There are also so many individual pieces that make the space feel truly personal.

I hope you feel inspired by the tour!

Beautiful. 

Did you notice all the art and sculptures? And the mural in the bathroom is such a lovely touch, don't you think?

Was there anything that particularly stood out to you?

If you have the time today, do stop by Tone’s Instagram feed. And if you understand Norwegian, you might also enjoy listening to her podcast, where she interviews experts from the interior industry.

Shall we take a look at a few more Norwegian homes today? How about: 

A charming rural cottage by a Norwegian fjord
Inside Juni's creative Oslo apartment
A simple, yet cosy Norwegian cabin
A magical, rural Norwegian escape

Happy Tuesday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Tone Trollbu, shared with kind permission.

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Texture, Warm Tones and Contrast in a Swedish Home

Texture, texture, texture.

That’s usually my answer when someone asks how our Scandinavian friends manage to create such lovely homes in warm neutral tones.

This Gothenburg apartment, for example, has been stripped back a little for sale, yet it still manages to balance simplicity with a cosy feel. Much of that comes down to texture: the exposed brick, the beautifully patinated kitchen wall, and the mix of natural materials throughout the space.

Then there’s the contrast. Dark tones sit alongside lighter ones, while rattan and wood furniture add warmth and depth. A variety of shapes, from soft curves to more angular forms, also helps create visual interest.

It’s also lovely to notice the mix of eras. Mid-century pieces sit comfortably alongside contemporary elements and the occasional antique, giving the space a layered, collected feel rather than something that has come together all at once.

Together, these layers of texture, tone, shape and time bring life and personality to an otherwise pared-back palette.

I hope this lovely apartment brings you a little inspiration this sunny Friday. How I’d love to step inside and layer it with a few of my own personal belongings!

Sure, this space has been styled for sale, but I do appreciate the natural ease of it. The tones on the walls, the furniture and the accessories all feel so beautifully curated: calm, cohesive and quietly inviting.

I am a big fan of Tulip dining chairs, I think they always add something special to a room, especially when mixed with chairs from different eras. I also thought the darker shade in the bedroom worked beautifully. For a small, windowless room like this, it’s as if they’ve gone all in and embraced the cocoon-like feel. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear more!

For now though, it’s the first true spring day here and everyone has appeared like lizards, gathered by the water, faces angled up to the sun, soaking in the first warm rays of the year. And among them is Per, with a beer in hand, waiting for me!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and thank you so much for stopping by.

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem, with thanks.

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Golden Light and Design Pieces in a Swedish Apartment

Well, well, well — another week has rolled around, and it’s really starting to feel like spring here (it’s amazing how 7°C can feel positively balmy!). With that comes the arrival of pastel colours in the shops, which is always my sign that the long winter is finally nearing its end. Yay!

This 100-square-metre (1000 square foot) turn-of-the-century apartment sits on the top floor of an Art Nouveau building, and while the living spaces are kept fairly calm and neutral, there’s a joyful burst of colour waiting in the bedroom. The 3.4-metre-high ceilings allow light to pour in, but what truly caught my eye was the mix of furniture and lighting – a beautiful blend of designer pieces and vintage finds, some perfectly in tune with the era of the architecture itself. And then there’s the balcony, dressed with a chintzy parasol and hues reminiscent of a glowing sunset.

Other details worth lingering over are the wood panelling (something I’m seriously considering for the cottage right now) and the soft green shade framing the kitchen window. I’d love to try something similar in our home in Malmö, but since it dates from 2001 and lacks period features, I think I’ll simply admire this modern touch from afar — at least for now. What do you say?

Spotted: Gubi semi-pendant, Flowerpot pendants, Rugvista rug. 

I spy: Flos Viscontea pendant light, Gubi floor lamp (we put this in one of our interior design project homes recently, and it looked so nice!), &tradition Little Petra chair. 

Love this vintage Cassina 675 Maralunga armchair designed by Vico Magistretti.

Possibly one of my favourite lamps right now: the green Snoopy (yes, it's inspired by the cartoon character)!

Big fan of this a-symmetric Gubi wall mirror and Lilla wall sconce. 

This vintage Italian Murano glass light is sooooo cool. Are you a fan too? 

I am not entirely sure where this parasol is from, but it reminds me a little of the vintage-style parasol designed by the Swede Maria Olsson Nylander for HK Living.

Imagine being greeted by that front door each day — quite an entrance!

I hope this Swedish apartment has given you a few ideas for your own home and that the links were helpful (even if we aren’t blessed with 3.5-metre-high ceilings!).

Were there any lamps or pieces of furniture you were particularly fond of? Perhaps you have a favourite piece at home? I’m often asked that in interviews, and I used to say this vintage trolley (remember it? Such a blast from the past!). These days, it’s my Plico armchair (even though I don’t get to sit in it very often, as it’s so popular with everyone in the family!).

Before I shoot off, perhaps you’d like to see a few more homes today?

How about a Danish family home with a warm golden touch and the home of a danish interior design consultant? 

In other news, do you remember the beautiful home of Jennie-Anne? I noticed that it has just been listed for sale. Quite the find! Maybe this is your cue to move to Sweden (or enjoy your summers here)?

Niki

Photography: Vova Sowsonov styling Clason Gahm, for Historiska Hem. 

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