A Cosy Norwegian Home at Christmastime

This is the time of year when I always start to panic — is Christmas really only 14 days away? I have so much to do… how about you? Even so, let’s pause for a moment and enjoy some festive calm inside the charming home of interior designer Guro Jovall, just south of Oslo, Norway. Guro lives with her son, dog and boyfriend in a beautiful house built in 1838 — and at Christmas it becomes truly magical.

Guro’s style blends Scandinavian simplicity with warm, historic character. The tones throughout her home are soft and natural — creamy whites, warm woods and gentle greys — creating a calm backdrop for Christmas greenery and candlelight. I love how the textures do so much of the talking here: the rough, hand-brushed brick by the fireplace, the smooth painted floors, the cosy sheepskins and woollen throws, and the layers of linen on the table. It all feels so inviting.

Look closely at the dining table, and you'll see it's been set with understated linens, sparkling glassware and blue-and-white plates (so pretty!) — a perfect mix of pattern and calm neutrals. It’s the kind of space where I can imagine gathering with friends and family, lingering as the light fades with a roaring fire in the background. Simple wreaths, pine cones and fresh greenery add just enough festive detail, and the soft glow of candles brings everything to life. 

I love how Guro's home is the perfect reminder that Christmas decorating can be both subtle and incredibly cosy!

 Isn't Guro's home truly magical? Is there anything that stood out to you? 

You can see more inspiration and find out more about Guro's interior design services over at @designguro.

If you haven't already explored the Christmas archives, please do pour yourself a coffee, grab a blanket and have a scroll - there are so many beautiful Scandinavian homes and decorations to discover!

I'm heading off to Copenhagen shortly for a 'Julefrukost' (Danish Christmas lunch) with the team at Skandinavisk (don't forget the exlusive 20% off with code 'jul20', it's a perfect place to pick up a wonderful-smelling gift!). See more from my home here. 

Wishing you all a relaxing mid-week!

Niki

Photography by @designguro, shared with kind permission.

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Inside An Idyllic Norwegian Island Getaway

Hej hej! Happy Friday! In case you’re wondering about the current mood in Scandinavia – it’s very much a case of “gone fishing” or, more accurately, “gone to the summer cottage, back in three weeks.” It’s July, and no one works in July unless they absolutely have to. After all, we’ve endured a long, cold, dark winter – this is the moment we’ve been waiting for!

One of Scandinavia’s best-kept secrets is the incredible array of islands that come alive at this time of year. There’s something for everyone – tiny skerries, uninhabited nature reserves with hiking trails and camping spots, and charming islands dotted with clapboard summer cottages, old fishing villages, and small harbours where life gathers in the evening. The days follow a simple rhythm: eat, swim, nap, repeat.

This delightful summer cottage is situated in Hvaler, a municipality made up of islands in the southern part of Østfold County, Norway, and perfectly captures the essence of the Scandinavian summer idyll. Its relaxed coastal interior, with blue and white accents, reflects the hues of the Skagerrak Sea, glimpsed through the windows. A sailboat here, a cluster of ornamental glass fishing buoys there – it’s all part of the charm.

Though modest, the cottage offers an effortless comfort: a relaxed sofa, soft blankets, sheepskins and cushions invite you to kick back and unwind. But if the sun’s shining, you’ll probably be tempted to join the alfresco gathering, where fresh prawns await – or slip away to the water’s edge for a quiet moment alone, soaking up the scenery and recharging for the season ahead.

Enjoy the tour!

Charming in every way!

It’s been captured so beautifully that I feel as though I’m right there – soaking up the sunshine on the warm rocks with a book in hand.

Do you feel it too?

Does it sound like your kind of summer? Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’d like to see more snapshots, hop over to @hvalerlivet on Instagram – it’s a true feast for the eyes!

Would you like to explore more Norwegian summer houses today? If so, take a peek at: 

A magical Norwegian house by a fjord
An idyllic fjordside retreat in Norway
A charming little cabin by a Norwegian fjord

By the way, if you're curious about the scent of these islands - Skandinavisk have managed to bottle it up in the beautiful ØY collection and this July you can get 20% off all their fragrances (including candles, washes, lotions etc) with code ISLAND20. Just saying! 

Have a wonderful weekend – and thank you for stopping by!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @hvalerlivet, shared with kind permission. 

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A Serene Cabin Stay in Norway’s Wilderness

Why, hi there friends! I hope you had a wonderfully relaxing weekend. I also hope you have your bags packed, because we're heading off on a virtual trip to the Norwegian wilderness — to visit the newly built wood cabin of Lin Christin Mortensholm!

Now, as we’re enjoying the beautiful spring weather, you might be puzzled by the snowy picture above — but in some parts of Norway, the backcountry ski season is still in full swing.

Designed according to Lin’s philosophy of a "natural, quiet interior, and mindful living", the Scandinavian-style blond wood cabin was the well-deserved winner of "The Year's Cabin Gullfjæren". Naturally, I was keen to find out more — and discovered a beautiful, serene living space where the indoors blend seamlessly with the wild beauty of the outdoors.

Immersed in nature — where the contrasting seasons create an ever-changing series of striking landscapes — the interior has been kept wonderfully simple, allowing the surrounding scenery to take centre stage.

An open-plan design, the striking monochrome interior is furnished with an array of pieces crafted from natural materials like cork, wood and canvas. Freshly picked foliage, such as lupins and bracken, helps to capture the true essence of the season.

Ready to take a tour?

What a wonderful getaway! It's definitely the kind of place where you’d pull up, unpack and feel instantly relaxed, with nothing to do except immerse yourself in the incredible nature — whether walking, skiing, or simply sitting by the fire with a good book.

Can you imagine chilling here this week? Was there anything that caught your eye?

Hop on over to @lysthus_skrim to see more beautiful angles of Lin’s cabin.

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE Norway. It’s an incredible country. I’ve visited many times — for holidays, work, and to write travel guides for Simply Scandi magazine. Here are a couple of guides I’ve featured on My Scandinavian Home:

Spectacular Bodø and Lofoten

The Hardanger Fruit Trail

Is there anywhere you've been in Norway that you would recommend? 

Oh, and some beautiful Norwegian homes to feel inspired by: 

A magical rural escape by a Norwegian fjord

A summer fjord side retreat in Norway

A Norwegian house by a fjord

A ski chalet in Hafjell

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @lysthus_skrim, shared with kind permission. 

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