A Traditional SwedishVilla Overlooking the Stockholm Archipelago

I've been to Stockholm many times, but it was only when I visited the surrounding archipelago that I truly grasped the allure of living there. We passed thousands of cottages on the water's edge nestled among forest, while commuters, kayakers and sailors ambled along the waterway. I was straight on 'Hemnet' (Sweden's database for the property market), searching for a new family home! Alas, we're still based in the south and very settled, but a girl can dream! I mean, who wouldn't want to return to this beautiful villa in Oxön each day, one-hour drive from the city? 

The villa combines traditional Swedish style with a coastal vibe and capitalises on the light that reflects off the water - as well as the magnificent views of the Baltic Sea. 

This winter, the tiled masonry oven seen in the corner here, will no doubt roar into life. I don't know about your neck of the woods, but here in Sweden many house owners are panicking about electricity prices and looking for alternatives - wood is in high demand! 

One of my favourite types of bathroom cabinets - up cycled antique dressers! 

Can you see yourself waking up at the weekend and heading out here in your robe with a morning coffee? 

The family bathroom also makes use of an antique dresser, while twin basins help to ease the morning congestion (we could so do with this in our family bathroom, how about you?). 

How wonderful! I can just imagine returning here each day, could you? That view! 

In midwinter some of the waterways freeze over, paving the way for long distance ice-skaters - who snake their way through the islands. It's a sight to behold! 

Dream away over other Scandinavian waterside properties here:

A magical rural escape by a Norwegian fjord

An idyllic fjordside summer retreat

A Norwegian cabin by a fjord

 

Have a relaxing start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Eklund via Nordroom with thanks. 

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A Light and Airy Danish Cabin by The Sea

A few weeks back I told myself it was time to wrap up the Scandinavian summer cottage posts and return to the city or year-round country homes. But you know me, I'm never one to stick to the rules - especially my own! I couldn't resist sharing this charming, simple Danish cabin with you today. The wooden structure is situated in a cosy, untouched area on the southern tip of Falster, an island in south-east Denmark. 

Zine bought the cabin in 2020 and has been busy transforming it into a simple, relaxing, light and airy place to spend weekends and holidays. As with most Scandi getaways, mix and match 'loppis' (flea market) finds, open storage and a cosy spot in the sun are the order of the day. Enjoy the tour! 

Despite being potentially a little higher maintenance with the dusting, open shelving gives kitchens a relaxed grab and go feel and also means that your porcelain and vases can be a part of the decor! 

Coffee beans and percolators - the most important items in any Scandinavian home! Remember to make it extra strength! 

Stripes and art with nautical motives are a subtle nod to the coastal location. 

Le Klint Sax - A popular Danish lamp, for good reason! 

When designing our own cabin, I was very much inspired by Danish cabins with high, wood panelled walls and ceilings and a stark black wood burning stove (ours is from Contura and looks similar to this). I love the contrast, the statement chimney but also the promise of warmth! 

I also love the parquet floor; it makes me feel really nostalgic as we had a similar one in my childhood home. Some of the pieces had become loose and I used to pick it a part and then build things with it. I don't think that gamer was particularly popular with my parents. 

Baskets are really handy at a cottage like this - and make pretty wall decor when not in use! There are so many beautiful vintage baskets available on Etsy*. 

I am guessing you can enjoy this cabin year-round thanks to the wood burning stove and insulation (thinking blustery walks along the beach followed by a coffee by the fire!). 

And the good news is, it's 1 hr 45 mins drive from Copenhagen and available for short term holiday lets! Danish island life, anyone? 

See more snapshots from Zine's cabin here. 

Would you like to explore other Danish cabins and country homes this weekend? Take a look at: 

The idyllic thatched cottage of a Danish artist

Before and after: a century old Danish cottage is given a revamp

A Danish cabin by the sea became a lockdown haven 

Right guys, that's it from me. I hope you've enjoyed the tours this week of three very different properties (did you see the artist's home in Kent and Copenhagen apartment).

Have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Landfolk. 

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The Copenhagen Home of an Interior Stylist and Vintage Store Owner

Hej hej! It's been a long while since I've hopped on a train over the bridge to Copenhagen - a visit is definitely in order soon. In the meantime, I hope you'll join me on a virtual trip to the Danish capital today and a tour of Freya Asgersdatter's beautiful home. Freya is a freelance interior stylist and founder of an online vintage interior shop - and evidence of her natural eye for decorating and skill at sourcing lovely second-hand pieces can been seen throughout her apartment.  The backdrop has been kept distinctly neutral, with a hint of light beige on doors, architraves and the wall of the open-plan dining / sitting room. This subtle colour palette allows the furniture, art and lighting to shine. Ready to take a look around?  

A mix and match vintage dining set rests in front of built-in shelving and a covered radiator (designed and made by Mette Steensig). The wall mounted shelving is from We Do Wood.

The lone piece of art is from framer Kristine Bendsten. 

Freya has opted for the Bodarp kitchen from ikea. I was actually looking at this just the other day for our own home. The dark green creates a great contrast against the white tiles and walls. The work surface has been specifically made for the space by Nicolai Bjørnstrup. 

Here you take a closer glimpse at the radiator cover. I love the way it's also provided space beside it for shelving. The radiators in our house are ancient and really ugly so my head is now buzzing with ideas. I wonder if Per's ears are burning! Could you imagine covering the radiators in your house like this? 

The VL45 glass pendant over the dining table is a Louis Poulsen design and below you can spot another radiator cover by Mette - this time creating space to display items over. 

A Valerie Objects hanging lamp makes a statement in the sitting room over a vintage sofa. 

The TV has been sandwiched between picture shelves to create a display and ensure it doesn't take centre stage in the room. In the opposite corner (below) Frama shelves provide space for books, magazine and knick knacks. 

Freya picked up the vintage chest-of-drawers in her bedroom at Boho Habits in Copenhagen. The picture is from Freya's own store. 

To create a unique home, you don't always need to make hug statements. In the bedroom, simple striped fabric has been used to create a curtain to hide items in the wardrobe and a quilted bedspread brings a touch of nostalgia to the space. 

Such a lovely, cohesive home where everything seems to come together so effortlessly! 

It's making me want to head to Copenhagen for some vintage shopping - I wonder how much I can carry back on the train? 

I'm very curious to hear your thoughts on the vintage items, art, kitchen and radiator covers! 

In the meantime, here are a few other lovely Copenhagen homes to browse: 

Books, art and golden tones in a Copenhagen home

Sedsel's serene oasis in the heart of the Danish capital

A Copenhagen family home full of design treasures

Warm tones and texture in an elegant Copenhagen apartment

And of course, you can see more of Freya's own home here. 

Happy mid-week friends, see you Friday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Freya Asgersdatter, shared with kind permission

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The Lovely Georgian Home of a Textile Artist

Good morning, friends! Today, I'm taking you on a journey to Kent, England and the wonderful Georgian terrace belonging to textile artist Jessie Cutts. Jessie and her husband have been restoring the property on a tight budget, with much of the renovation done by hand. Jessie's love for textiles can be seen throughout, as can her passion for vintage finds. Keep a look out for details such as upcycled magistrate doors, beautiful kilim rugs and a unique blend of furniture and accessories. The interior may not be incredibly Scandinavian inspired, but I love it all the same. It's everything you'd expect from the home of a talented artist - and more! 

Charming in every way - and full of surprises! 

Loving the figurines with party hats! 

I have to say, looking around this house took me straight back to my early twenties in London. My Mother worked in the art world, and we'd often visit artists homes, all of which were wonderful and unique just like this one! There's something really nostalgic about the Georgian architecture too! 

I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I did! Was there anything that stood out to you in particular? 

See more of Jessie's house and follow her ongoing renovation projects over at @townley_terrace. 

Oh, and here are a few other beautiful English homes to peek inside: 

London calling - could this be your next home?

A creative London home full of light, art and plants

Tamsin Flower's cheerful London home

Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography shared with kind permission from @townley_terrace

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