A Charming Swedish Farmhouse in the Southern Sweden Countryside

I try to show a variation of properties from Scandinavia, so you get a true representation of the region. And today, I was keen to share a traditional 'skånegård'. The farms are found in the southern Swedish county of Scania, where I live and are instantly recognised by their quadrangle shape. 

While there are some exceptions (like beautiful Kullaberg), Scania is incredibly flat and its fertile lands are ideal for farming. But flat land also means there is nothing to prevent the wind from whistling across the fields - and while a light breeze on a summer's day might feel welcomed, bone chillingly cold wind in winter is not. A central courtyard, which is protected on all sides is therefore a perfect solution! 

While in the olden days many of the wings were used as barns - these days, some owners have chosen to convert them to extra dwellings - even with completely standalone facilities so each family has a private living space. I captured a beautiful one for my book Relaxed Rustic (previously named Modern Pastoral) and today I stumbled across this one in Ystad. 

I can tell by the clean surfaces of the interior. that it's been pared-back to sell, but you can still get an ideal of the simple country style. Would you like to take a peek?

Oh, how I'd love to have a property like this to make my own and fill with treasures, how about you? I've never lived in the countryside so I'm not sure if I'd like to live so remote. But it doesn't stop me dreaming.

If you're quick, you can see more pictures of this property here - you'll see that the other wings consist of a dwelling with a completely different style as well as a workshop. Some I've seen also have a party barn!

Would you like to see a couple of other Skånegårds today? Here are some beautiful ones: 

A traditional skånegård in the southern Swedish countryside 

A charming rustic farmhouse in Scania

Right, I think that's it for the week! We have suddenly got a new wave of great weather here in Malmö, and my Mother, sister and nieces are over from London so we're looking forward to making the most of the sunshine. Can't wait! I hope you have a great couple of days lined up too?

Thank you so much for stopping by this little corner of the web, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors with thanks.

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A Swedish Home in A Former School with Warm Earthy Tones

Can you guess what this building used to be by looking at the pictures? The clue is in the high ceilings, large windows and abundance of light. Although, I have to say that doesn't necessarily narrow it down. This is an old school built in the 1950s with a funkis (functionalist) design - the character of which still shines through! 

The only studying that is done here today is in the cosy light-filled study beside the kitchen or at the desk in the children's room, since today it serves as a wonderful family home! The architecture combined with rich earthy tones and abundance of wood and other natural materials offers something unique and emits a wonderful warm feeling. 

I am especially drawn to the reddish-brown tone of the kitchen (not a shade often seen) and the cushions and beads which offer a hint of someone who loves to travel the world. I also love the pretty, shared children's bedroom which includes a smaller bed by the window and a loft bed (we've been seeing quite a few of these lately!). And finally keep an eye on the hallway which includes open shelving as well as handy pockets by Norrgavel - a popular staple in Swedish homes for gloves, hats and other small items! 

Old meets new in this Swedish home with trinkets collected from far and wide atop an IVAR storage from IKEA (which you can paint). A Swedish friend was telling me recently that many Gen X and millennials grew up in fairly cluttered homes and have taken the opposite step in adulthood, choosing to hide more unsightly items in closed storage. 

Patchwork has become big this past year as has embroidery and other time-honoured skills. Jou Quilts make beautiful wall hangings like this - they are great for filling large wall spaces while also helping to dampen sound. 

I love this children's room filled with textiles in florals, patterns and even a bird motif, it's playful yet calm and looks so cosy too! 

The owners have used the long hallway for storage and a gallery wall made up of unique art. A pinboard nearer the door is ideal for keeping track of the family's coming and goings (Ferm Living make a similar one, available here). 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of this warm space too? 

It's no easy feat to make a home with high ceilings and lots of windows feel warm - but the use of rich, earthy tones and wood has really done wonders! 

Is there anything that caught your eye? 

You can see all the school conversions I've shared in the past here (this might come up first, hop over if so) and also all types of conversions here (think bars, shops, warehouses and even a Swedish fire station!). 

Have a happy Lillördag (little saturday!),

Niki

Photography: Therese Jahnson / C Lindholm Design for Historiska Hem

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An Light and Airy Guesthouse in a Former Potting Shed

Hej kompisar! I hope you had a lovely, relaxing weekend. I mentioned last week that I'd been chasing my tail, and it seems this week is set to continue - I arrived in Gothenburg late last night as I'm set to present on stage at Möbelmässan (the Gothenburg furniture fair) this afternoon. Eeeeek! During my research, I've learnt a lot about 2025 interior design trends which I'd love to share with you soon. 

In the meantime, I thought I'd start the blog week with a total reset in the form of a white shed, also known as The Potting Shed. Set in the grounds of Bunya House in Bowral, New South Wales, Australia, I found myself immediately drawn to it today as a) it's far away 2) it's on Airbnb so we can actually book it! 3) it's small - and if you've seen the tour of our tiny cabin, you know I love small and finally 4) it oozes simplicity. 

The shed is made up of one main room with a sink, small table and bed as well as a bathroom. Since it's hard to tell from the pictures - as you walk in the door seen above, the sink is immediately to your right and the table straight ahead. The bed is to the left. 

Ready to take a little tour of this simple, airy guesthouse? 

Could you imagine staying here and filling it with your holiday wardrobe and food picked up at the local market? Perhaps we could meet there: the main house is also available to rent through Airbnb. Now there's an idea for a Monday! I already see a spot for that glass of wine (Australian of course!). 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this little cottage? I'd love to hear below! 

Although I mainly show Scandinavian homes, you'll have noticed I do have a particular penchant for Australian properties (I must visit one day, never been!). You can see all the tours from the past here. 

Right friends, I need to get ready for this talk now, wish me luck and have a fab start to the week. 

Kram

Niki

Photography courtesy of @bunya_house_bowral, shared with kind permission

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A Playful One Room Swedish Apartment With a Golden Glow

Looks like we made it (in the words of Barry Manilow), it's Friday! I'm not going to lie; it's been one of those weeks where I've been chasing my tail and never quite able to catch up. But I still wanted to stop by and share this happy, golden glow of a home. 

Located in Stockholm, it's 40 sqm (430 ft.sq) so somewhat larger than the small space I showed on Wednesday - but still consists of a one room living room space plus kitchen. I felt it therefore presented another fine way to arrange a room designed for living and sleeping (love the way a canopy is used to shield off the bed and create a cosy, safe nook for some shut eye). If you're struggling with storage, keep an eye out for the units in the hallway (which I believe are IKEA) and the drawers under the bed. Closed storage has been used in other areas too and help to keep the home clutter free. 

But there is also more at play here - whoever lives here is into their funky details and takes pride in sourcing one off playful pieces that all come together to create a beautiful and unique home. 

I got such a lovely vibe from this home, did you? It's so full of warmth and personality. 

When I looked back through the pictures a second time, I couldn't help but notice the wall art which included textiles and paintings. Not only that, but the way a picture has been hung over the door to the sitting room - a unique spot, but it works! That and the mix of textures used throughout which add to the playful feel. 

I'd love to hear about what you noticed about this home - and any thoughts you had while looking through the pictures. 

As mentioned above, sadly I'm in a bit of a rush today - but I look forward to reading and responding to your comments over the weekend - maybe over a nice big glass of wine! 

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend! 

Niki

Photography by Mia Borgelin, styling by Anna van Keppel, courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks. 

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