A Fairytale Escape on 'Happiness Island', Sweden

Hello good people! I thought I’d end the week on a happy note—literally. This dreamy Swedish cottage sits on its very own island, aptly named Happiness Island. Located in the northern part of Lake Barken, just outside Smedjebacken, Southern Dalarna, it’s like something out of a fairytale. No wonder it’s the most-clicked property on Hemnet, Sweden’s big real estate site. Clearly, we’re not the only ones swooning and daydreaming about a peaceful weekend escape, just a boat ride away from the daily grind.

It’s easy to see the appeal. You arrive at your own jetty, wander through woodland, and find a charming green cottage with light-filled, whitewashed interiors and wood-clad walls. Inside, it’s simply furnished with rag rugs, baskets hanging from the kitchen ceiling, and a cosy spot to put up your feet. What more could a girl need? Get ready to fall in love!

What an absolute dream! 

Could you imagine hopping in a boat there this evening, complete with a fine selection of cheese, maybe a bottle of red, some slippers and a good book? Oh, and don't forget to pack your bathers, it's still warm in the water! 

Let's keep the dream going with a few other cottages on an island: 

Rikka's island cabin in Finland
The stonecutters' farm on the island of Öland
A dreamy summer cottage on Sweden's west coast

I've also written quite a few guides about Scandinavian islands to visit. Take a peek below if you're curious: 

10 beautiful islands to visit in the Gothenburg archipelago

Visit the Skåne island of Hallands Väderö
My guide to Swedish island hopping in the Baltic

I hope this has got you in the mood for a great weekend ahead! Thank you soooo much for stopping by and sharing in my passion for Scandinavian homes, this positive community means so much to me. 

Niki

Photography: Ludvika / Smedjebacken

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A Serene Swedish Lakeside Cottage Escape

It’s Friday, friends – time for a little weekend dreaming. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend it in a pretty traditional Swedish cottage, gazing out over a lake?

When you have views like this one over Älvsjön, you really don’t need much in the way of décor. This lovely cottage has been deliberately pared back so that the sweeping vistas across the water take centre stage.

In this small but special selection of images, it’s clear that life here is all about the simple things: lingering over long summer evenings, gathering with loved ones, and just being. Picture white wood-panelled walls, a touch of stripes, a pair of binoculars by the window, a wonderful terrace, and even a little guest house right by the water’s edge.

And the best part? It’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Stockholm – making it the perfect weekend getaway. The perfect place to clear the mind, recharge the soul, and slip into the easy rhythm of lake life.

Could you imagine relaxing here this weekend?

If you’d like to keep dreaming, here are a few more lovely lake-side home tours from the archive: 

Anna and Martin's tiny home built cottage floating on a lake
A Swedish house on a hill with lovely lake views
A Scandi-inspired lakeside cabin in Norfolk, UK

Or better still, buy it! What are Fridays for, if not for a little spontaneity! 

Joking aside, it’s hard to believe it’s already the last few days of August. At our own cottage, the leaves on the oak tree are just beginning to turn brown — a gentle reminder that autumn is on its way. Even so, the water is still surprisingly warm, so we’re hoping to spend a few more days up here, soaking up the late summer sun while I try to forget about the 10 km run  I signed up for tomorrow evening in a moment of madness. Gaaaah! Wish me luck, I'll need it! 

I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend too?

Thank you, as always, for all your kind comments. It’s such a joy to read them, and I’m hoping to find a little quiet time later to respond to each and every one.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Trevlig helg!

Niki

Credits: Sjönära, shared with thanks.

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A Charming Holiday Home in Österlen, Sweden’s Summer Escape

My younger sister and her family are currently island-hopping in Greece, and every now and again she FaceTimes me all excited, ready to give me a real-time video tour of her Airbnb. I absolutely love these virtual tours – not least because they transport me straight from my desk to the shores of the Ionian Sea – but also because they remind me how much it matters to find a holiday home you truly love. It can honestly make or break a trip, do you agree?

That’s why I hunt high and low before booking our own stays. And since I so often receive questions about where to stay in Sweden, I thought I’d share a gem with you today.

Österlen is an area in southeastern Skåne, in South Sweden, known for its rolling countryside, sandy beaches, whitewashed fishing villages, apple orchards, and rich cultural history. Long beloved by artists, it has a special light and creative atmosphere that draws painters, writers and makers year after year.

This particular holiday home, named Försammlingshemmet in Fågeltofta, is charming – with old beams, walls rich in patina, and interesting colours (think deep forest, raspberry and earthy tones). There’s a wonderfully comfy-looking four-poster bed, a pool to cool off in on warm days, and serene views across the Österlen landscape.

One to bookmark for next summer, perhaps?

Lovely!

I’ve also been reading a lot about Scandinavia being the new “coolcation” – the perfect antidote to increasingly hot summers in central Europe.

Summers here can indeed be wonderfully mild, usually around 18–25°C (68–77 °F) in July (the height of summer in Northern Europe). Of course, you can be a tad unlucky too – in which case we’re all dreaming of a last-minute trip south… or digging our knits back out of winter storage!

Have you been on holiday to Scandinavia? If so, I’d love to hear about where you went!

If you're planning on coming south, you can find this home on Airbnb here. 

I have also shared a ton of other beautiful Airbnb's in the past. 

Would you like to see some other homes in Österlen? Here are a few of my favourites: 

My friend Karen's lovely summer house 
Marianne's Swedish country escape
A 19th century cottage where past meets the present
The home of an architect

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb / Församlingshemmet, shared with thanks.

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A Cosy 1800s Cottage Stay in Kullaberg, Sweden

Hej! How are you lovely people today?

A little while ago, I shared a guide to Helsingborg – a city close to my heart, not only because my husband is from there, but also because my father-in-law lives in a charming fishing village nearby, in the Kullaberg area. This beautiful peninsula is brimming with creatives, cosy cafés, great eateries, and spectacular cliff walks. If you’re planning a trip to southern Sweden, it’s an absolute must. And as luck would have it, I think I’ve just found the perfect Airbnb for you too!

This cosy stay is called Villa Mandelgren – a wonderfully peaceful half-timbered cottage dating back to the 1800s. With two charming bedrooms layered with textures and warmth, it makes the perfect hideaway for a small group or family. Nestled right on nature’s doorstep yet still close to Höganäs – the coastal town I featured in my guide – it makes for a great base. 

When I stumbled across it, I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps stylist Marie Olsson Nylander (whose home I featured here many moons ago) or artist Sara Bergman (who also lives in Nyhamnsläge and has appeared on the pages of MSH) might have had a hand in the decor. Or maybe there’s simply another local with a great eye for design – combining earthy tones, rich textures, and a soft touch of femininity.

Either way, this Airbnb is definitely one to bookmark for future trips – and such lovely inspiration for autumn interiors too!

The beams make all the difference, I think – adding so much to the overall cosiness. I’m curious though – have any of you ever knocked through a ceiling to reveal beams? If so, how tricky was it to do (asking for a friend ;)?

I also love the floral bed covers – they bring such a lovely touch of femininity and softness to the space. So often rental homes can feel a little sparse in the photos, but this one strikes just the right balance: calm and pared back enough for you to add your own personality, yet cosy enough to feel instantly at home.

Can you imagine staying here? If so, you can check out the booking on Airbnb here.

And if you’re planning a trip to Sweden, don’t miss my guide to Helsingborg, Helsingør, and Kullaberg!

I absolutely loved reading all your comments last week! It was a bit of a crazy one on our side with a full work week and a birthday in the house (thank you so much for all your kind wishes for Liv!). This evening I have a long train ride home from Formland in Jutland, Denmark, and I’m looking forward to replying to them all then. Which reminds me if you'd like to hear about the latest interior trend and news from the cool Danes, checkout my instagram stories over the next 24 hours to follow my day here! 

Wishing you an underbart start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks. 

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