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Slow Living: My Peaceful Little Cabin in Sweden

Glad Alla Hjärtans Dag! (Happy Valentine’s Day!) Today is all about celebrating love in all its forms, so I thought—since this blog is all about our shared passion for the home—why not shine a light on the places we cherish most? Those spaces where we instantly relax, the ones we long for when we're away, and where we feel truly at peace. It might be a house, a room, or even just a cosy nook somewhere.

For me, that place is our little cabin. Members of this community will know we designed and built it a few years ago, carefully considering every detail (Per might say a little too carefully, but now he agrees it was worth the effort!). Nestled on Sweden’s west coast, it's just 30 square metres (322 square feet), but it has everything we need: a place to cook, eat, gather, listen to music, play games, and sleep. In winter, we arrive eager to light a fire; in summer, life flows effortlessly between indoors and out (hopping between the two depending on what the Swedish weather gods decide to throw our way!). We divide our time between the terrace, the beach, long coastal walks—and of course, the local pub—soaking up the changing seasons.

My heart belongs to this little retreat, where I'm happiest, surrounded by family and visiting friends. I hope you enjoy these pictures—some might be familiar, while others are new. I’ll share some details in case anything catches your eye!

Above: Wooden floor and panelling from Norrlands TräWindsor chairs, Skovby extendable table, IKEA kitchen (with a slight hack!) - complete guide here.

Plums from our neighbours garden in a bowl from Mölle Krukmakeri.



The ladder and railings were handmade by a local carpenter. 

Little wooden stools from Skovby

Complete guide to our bathroom here.

We've felt so honoured to see our cabin feature in Simply Scandi magazine and also Cate St Hill's forthcoming new book The Japandi HomeThis year we hope to focus a little more on the garden (is it just me, or are gardens really tricky? I think it's going to take some trial and error to create the oasis we hope for, but we'll have fun trying!

In case you're curious about the layout and exterior, you can find more info here

I'd love to hear about the place you most cherish, if you'd like to share. 

Today, in southern Sweden there's a little extra love floating around as the sun is shining and it's the start of the 'sportslov' (meaning 'sports break'–or what others refer to as half term). I'll be taking a short break with my family and will be back on the blog on Monday 24th February. In the meantime, if you'd like to see a few more tours, you might want to cosy up and delve into these archives: 


Thinking of visiting Scandinavia this summer? You can find all my travel guides here. 

Looking to fill your home with a little Scandinavian romance? Skandinavisk have just launched a KYSS (Swedish / Norwegian for 'kiss') scented candle with notes of blackberries, rose, sugar candy and cloves and it's divine! 

Right friends, I'd best be off. Have a wonderful week and a very happy Valentine's Day! 

Niki

PS I came across this lovely rustic Swedish cottage earlier which I had completely forgotten about, take the tour here

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An Enchanting 1930s Swedish Cottage Filled with Colour, Charm, and DIY Creations

Oh, have I got a charming cottage to share with you today! Built in the 1930s, this beauty looks like something straight out of a fairytale from the outside, and the magic continues inside with a joyful mix of colour and pattern. Every room has its own unique charm, making this home a true delight.

Sandra Serefia, who lives just outside Gothenburg in Lerum with her young family, has a real talent for DIY. She creates everything from hand-painted patterns on floors to crafting her own dining table, all with a keen eye for design and plenty of creativity.

Keep an eye out for floral ceilings, dreamy pink shades (like the walls i the sun room below painted in NCS 2020-Y80R), checked floors, cosy cotton lampshades (a must-have right now!), and the sweetest children's bedroom you ever did see!




While the above shows the main sitting room, below is a glimpse of the cosy TV room  with layers of lovely textiles. Notice how all the bright coloured toys are concealed in a cabinet when not in use! 



Pink stairs? Why not! I love the pale pink (NCS code S3020-Y50R), white and green combination–how about you? 


A nook at the side of the bedroom has been transformed into an ensuite bathroom. This is the second time in the space of a week that we've seen a lovely bathroom with sloped ceilings (here's the tour with the other one), very inspiring!  





Here's another lovely pink shade (NCS 1820-Y97R), which goes beautifully with the blue (Icey blue by Jotun Lady). 

Are you even Swedish if your child doesn't have a Kånken mini rucksack? I love this one in yellow - my daughter had the very same one when she was small!

Even the dressing room / walk-in-wardrobe in the children's room is pretty!

This home is such a dream! I love how Sandra has thought about every detail and there is something fascinating to look at around every corner. 

Is there anything that caught your eye? Perhaps some details I missed? 

See more corners and discover from of Sandra's recent DIY projects over at @sandraserafia. You won't be disappointed! 

Fancy a longer mid-week break? Feast your eyes on these pretty country homes: 

Spring time in a rustic Swedish cottage

Have a happy mid-week.

Kram! 

Niki

Photography by @sandraserafia, shared with kind permission.

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Dreaming of Summer: A Gotland Island Retreat with a Pool

It's grey and cold in Malmö today. In moments like this, nothing lifts my spirits more than dreaming of summer—when I think Sweden shows its finest side. 

A few summers ago, my family and I went on a sailing trip up the east coast of Sweden. Halfway through, we almost abandoned ship due to bad weather. We had two choices: leave the boat where it was and come back for it once the wind had died down and the sun reappeared, or turn the trip into an exciting adventure and set sail for the Baltic island of Gotland. We chose the latter, and it became a journey I'll never forget (see my guide).

Blessed with wildflowers, rugged nature, and incredible light, Gotland is dotted with pretty villages, beachside restaurants, and countless artist ateliers—making it impossible not to fall in love with the island.

Needless to say, I've been dreaming about returning ever since.

For now, I'll get my fix of the island through this Gotland summer house that has just come on the market. Made from wood and stone—reflecting the surrounding nature—the coastal villa is beautifully pared-back while also offering a spa-like touch with its pool and sauna. Best of all? I can almost feel that incredible  warmth from the sun on my skin.

Let's take a look around!











Look at that coastline! So rugged and beautiful and the light is pin sharp thanks to the clean air.

Do you live by the coast too? 

Could you imagine spending your summers here or visiting Gotland? If so, take a look at my guide for all the things to see and do. For somewhere to stay, try The Stonecutter's Farm, a rustic summer cottage with a pool or limestone barn in Faludden

Fancy seeing a few more cottages from the island? Here are a few others - some more rustic than others:


Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bertwig, with thanks. 

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Weekend Dreaming: A Cosy Riverside Cottage in Denmark

Fridays are for a little dreaming, don’t you think? I’m always on the lookout for the perfect Scandinavian weekend getaway. While sinking into the lap of luxury is undeniably, well, luxurious… I often find myself more drawn to cosy little cottages tucked away in peaceful settings—ideally by the water.

This morning, I stumbled across the most idyllic riverside cottage in Veksø, Denmark.

Once upon a time, fire was the heart of the home, used for both cooking and warmth. These days, we still feel that unmistakable sense of hygge (cosiness) when gathering around the flames—chatting with friends and family, reading, or simply gazing into the embers. In this little cottage, a wood-burning stove sits at the centre of the open-plan living space, creating the perfect spot to unwind.

Look closely, and you’ll spot some beautiful details. A natural slab of wood serves as a worktop in the kitchen, while sheepskin seat cushions soften the wooden chairs—adding to the cottage’s relaxed and informal charm.

In summer, life spills outdoors, where a lovely terrace and fire pit await for those long Danish evenings under the setting sun.

Could you imagine relaxing here over the weekend? 











I forgot to mention that the cottage also has two bedrooms and a bathroom. You can see pictures of these and more corners on Airbnb

Oh, and also comes with a rowing boat in case you want to fish or mess about on the river. So fun! 

Would you like to see a few more Danish summer cottages today? Here are a few that are available on Airbnb: 


You can also find some charming Airbnbs from all over the world right here

Thank you for stopping by over at this little corner of the web this week. I've loved reading all your great comments and emails as always! 

Have a fabulous weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks. 

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