Step Inside A Cosy Gower Country Home (Plus an Airbnb You Can Stay In)

Hej! Or maybe hi feels more fitting today, since I’m whisking you away to a lovely corner of Wales called Gower. I first visited many moons ago on a school geography field trip to study the coastline – and I remember being bowled over by how wild and beautiful it was. So, you can imagine my delight when I recently stumbled across the charming home of Jane Griffiths.

Tucked away in the woods in a secluded valley, Jane’s country home is not just where she lives – it also serves as a location for shoots and includes a separate annex which she rents out on Airbnb (take note!).

While Jane shares plenty of lovely images over on her Instagram @parkplacegower, I thought I’d post a little snapshot here to give you a taste of her pretty stone-walled haven, with its gorgeous beams and sash windows. The furniture is mostly vintage and gives the place a cosy, lived-in feel, while the master bedroom – complete with a bathtub – adds a touch of spa-like luxury.

I hope you enjoy this peek into Jane’s beautiful world on the Gower - snoozing dogs, an outdoor kitchen, deserted beaches and all. 

Would you also like to see a couple of pictures from her charming Airbnb? Here's a sneak peek: 

So pretty and cosy! I could easily imagine winding down here for a week or two – how about you?

Tap here for more information about staying in Jane’s Airbnb, and head over to @parkplacegower to see more lovely snapshots from Jane’s life on the Gower.

It’s a busy day here in Sweden as we’re all frantically trying to wrap up our work and shut our laptops before heading out to celebrate Valborg in the sunshine. Valborg is a traditional Swedish festival that marks the arrival of spring, usually with bonfires, singing, and friends gathering outdoors. And with a bank holiday tomorrow, it’s the perfect excuse for a proper celebration!

Are you off tomorrow too for May Day?

I’ll be back here on Friday and hope to see you then for one more inspiring home tour before the weekend, thank you for stopping by! 

Niki x

Photography courtesy of @parkplacegower, shared with kind permission. 

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Signs of Summer and a Dreamy Cornish Escape

You know summer’s actually within reach when someone asks you what your summer plans are! A big moment for us in Scandinavia — we’re just emerging from a very long winter.

The truth is, we don’t really have any plans — we’ll probably just mooch around here in Sweden. Maybe a bit of sailing, maybe some time at our cottage. After all, we’ve waited so long for the good weather to arrive, we don’t want to miss a second of it.

If we were to travel, one of my favourite destinations is Cornwall, in southwest England. The coastline there is rugged and wild, and while the sea is definitely on the fresh side, it can be the most amazing shade of turquoise in places.

This brings me to today’s home tour: The Bell Tower, owned by couple Chris Blake and Christen Pears and located in Penzance, a coastal town in Cornwall known for its charming harbour, historic streets, and views of the iconic St Michael’s Mount.

One of the most recognisable buildings on the Penzance skyline, the Bell Tower began life as a school back in 1834. Today, it’s been artfully transformed into a holiday apartment with panoramic views over the harbour and St Michael’s Mount in the distance.

Following a thoughtful renovation, the space has been furnished with a mix of mid-century pieces and beautiful fittings from brands like Lefroy Brooks, Robert Welch, David Mellor and Sage. There are also some very Scandinavian touches (keep a look out for the Tremme sofa/daybed by Børge Mogensen and I also spy Danish dining chairs and lamps and Swedish textiles!). While the interior is lovely, it’s the arched windows and cosy window seat that really stole my heart.

What I wouldn’t give to swap my desk for this spot today — flitting about barefoot and sipping coffee while watching the boats drift by.

Enjoy the tour!

A lovely holiday home! Did you spot the Le Klint scissor lamp? We have the same one at home and I absolutely love it. I also admired the Børge Mogensen sofa/daybed with its clever collapsible armrests — I’ve seen it in a few homes before and have always been a bit fascinated by it. Such a smart, timeless design! 

Was there anything that caught your eye?

Can you imagine mooching around here today?

See more pictures and find out about booking a stay at The Bell Tower here or their other cottages here. Owners Chris and Christen live on-site at the farm, so if you decide to visit, there’s a good chance you’ll meet them! They’re a fascinating pair — Chris is a master mariner who specialises in square-rig sailing ships, and when he’s not off at sea, he’s usually pottering in the vegetable garden. Christen previously worked as a journalist before retraining as a Pilates instructor, and when she’s not out exploring Cornwall, she’s often reading, watching old films or hosting a reading party!

You can also check out some other lovely homes I've featured in the area here: 

An artist's cottage, atelier and gallery by the sea
A charming white coastal cottage in Cornwall
The historic home of a collector

And if you ever find yourself in that beautiful corner of England, don’t forget to tuck into a proper Cornish pasty and a scone with jam and cream — so delicious, especially after a blustery walk along the coast!

Happy mid-week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Bell Tower, shared with kind permission.

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Inside Brigette’s Poetic Brooklyn Home: A Calm Oasis in the City

Poetic. Some homes feel like romantic words on a page, a living sonnet. It’s hard to explain exactly why—perhaps it’s the gentle touch of a hand or an eye for detail that wouldn’t be out of place in a still-life painting. Often earthy in tone and filled with beloved, time-worn pieces gathered over the years, these homes speak softly. They are full of contrast, rich textures, small imperfections, and a certain softness—all of which come together to give the space its poetic soul.

Brigette Muller’s home in Brooklyn, New York, is one of these rare places. She has approached her little 1928 apartment with quiet tenderness, layering it slowly with meaningful objects, abundant greenery, tactile fabrics, and sheer curtains that let the day’s light gently spill through the windows.

Despite the background hum of beeping horns, passersby, and the general bustle of the city (as a girl from London, I’ve always found that kind of noise oddly comforting!), there’s a cool calmness to her space. It’s a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the city.

Ready to feel inspired?

Beautiful!

The built-in seating with olive green cushions tucked into the corner of the kitchen, the oil paintings, the whitewashed wood floors, the linen sofa, and the cosy bed nook—complete with curtains to draw for privacy—this is just my kind of style!

Did you enjoy this tour of Brigette’s home too?

You can learn more about Brigette and her creative world here, and explore more charming corners of her home on her Instagram feed: @hummusbirrd. Brigette also rents out her apartment for film and photography shoots—more details on that here.

Was there anything that stood out to you about her lovely space?

Here are a few other homes I see as having that same poetic soul, perfect to enjoy this weekend:

My friend Ida's poetic 19th century home in southern sweden
A dreamy little cottage by the sea
Nina's earthy home in Edinburgh

Today, Per and I are off to a city just outside Stockholm to cheer on Alice and her team at a Team Gymnastics competition—so exciting! On the way, we’re making a little detour to one of my favourite garden centres, where I’ve booked a one-hour garden consultation for our summer cottage.

I usually love doing all the home-related planning myself, but this garden has been a bit of a mystery to me! Probably because I’ve never really tackled an outdoor space before. So, I’m hoping to come away with a solid plan from someone who knows what they’re doing—then I can get stuck into some Easter gardening with a bit more confidence (and hopefully fewer "why on earth is this plant looking so sad?" moments). 

Do you have any fun plans for your weekend? Are you a fellow garden lover? I’d love to hear any tips you might have for getting started!

Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing couple of days ahead!

Niki x

Photography courtesy of Brigette Muller, shared with kind permission. 

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A Modern Open-plan Hideaway in the Treetops with a Spectacular View

Hej! How was your weekend? I hope it was filled with good coffee, great company, and maybe even a little adventure (or a blissful lie-in—no judgment here!).

In Sweden, open-plan designs are hugely popular. I often put it down to light—having less walls works wonders for allowing natural daylight flood into every corner. But while having a space that seamlessly blends the kitchen, dining area, and living room is fantastic in theory, it does come with its own set of challenges (trust me, our ground floor is open-plan, and it still baffles me from time to time!). How do you carve out distinct zones while still maintaining that all-important cosy feel?

Today, I stumbled across Highcliff Cottage perched among the treetops on a hill in Southwest England, and I just had to share it with you. The striking black timber house is cleverly positioned to make the most of breathtaking views that stretch all the way to the Jurassic Coast (if you ever visit the UK, this spot is a must-see!). What really caught my eye, though, is the open-plan living space—it’s a masterclass in blending function and style. The kitchen, dining, and lounging areas melt together beautifully, creating a space that invites everything from morning coffee to cosy evenings by the fire.

This home is all about texture, too—think warm wood, rich copper, soft linen, and cool concrete all working together in harmony. And while it’s a modern build, the furniture brings so much character, mixing rustic pieces with mid-century gems and even a subtle Mediterranean touch.

Fancy a look inside? Let’s explore!

Is it OK if I interrupt the flow here so that we can all admire this bunkbed for a second? The colours, built in shelves, the cosy privacy. Bunkbeds have certainly come a long way since my older sister and I shared one when we were small (visible springs and all!). 

That view is incredible! How I miss the English countryside. 

What did you think of this open-plan property? Could you feel at home here all cosy by the fire while taking in the view? If so, you might be interested to hear Highcliff Cottage is for sale! 

Are you a fan of open-plan designs, or do you prefer separate rooms? I'd love to hear! 

Would you like to see a few more open-plan homes today? 

An artist's super cosy and relaxed open-plan living space

An open-plan Swedish apartment with golden tones

A bright and light-filled open-plan loft

Happy Monday to you all!

Niki

Photography of Highcliff Cottage courtesy of The Modern House.

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