Happy Monday! Sweden is still feeling the energy of Friday's midsummer's eve celebrations, and although the cut wildflowers have started to wilt, the memories of the day remain strong (although slightly hazy for those who imbibed a little too much aquavit!).
Last Monday I featured a pretty summer cottage on the Swedish island of Gotland - which one eagle-eyed reader recognised as the former home of Emma Sundh. I've always loved Emma's projects, having featured her summer cottage (and pink caravan!) in the past. So, today I thought I'd share what she's been up to lately, and you won't be disappointed!
Over the past two years, Emma and her partner have been busy building a house in Värmland. And not just any house. As a strong environmental advocate, the property has been built entirely from 'stone, clay, straw, recycled materials, laughter, hope, happiness and sorrow' (in Emma's own words)!
Emma has covered the entire process in her new book Att Bygga ett Hem - halm, lera & återbruk (To Build a Home - straw, clay & recycling). Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful interior:
Look closely at the sink and you'll see a crack in the sink. When Emma found it, there was a huge chunk missing from the front. Not to be deterred, she sought advice from expert friends and filled it in!
I love these snapshots. It makes me want to see more and read Emma's book! Do you feel the same? I think it's only available in Swedish right now, but hopefully it will be translated to other languages soon! I'll keep you posted if so.
We're about to head home from our own summer cottage now, life is whirring around me as we speak. I'd better close my laptop and help pack up!
Wishing you all a great start to the week, see you Wednesday!
Niki
Photography: Emma Sundh, shared with kind permission.
Darn! No pics of the living area...I look forward to every one of your vlogs,but I need more pics!
ReplyDeleteI know, I hear you! I searched and searched for more. I hope Emma shares more broader views from her lovely home soon, and if she does, I promise to update this post!
DeleteUm ... I don't know what "sambo" means in Scandinavia, but in the US it's an awful term leftover from.slavery.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for pointing this out. In Swedish 'sambo' means 'live-in partner' where 'sam' is together and 'bo' is to live. I have been here 20 years and it's such a common word in the Swedish language for 'live-in partner' that I foolishly forgot that it is an absolutely dreadful term in the english language. Rather than try to explain the swedish meaning in this post, I have since removed it to avoid any confusion or offense. Thanks again for catching this and raising it up here in the comments section.
DeleteIt means cohabitant. When you live with your partner, but are not married, so not a racist term 😊
DeleteYes, exactly. The 'bo' part is pronounced with a sound that rhymes with 'who'.
DeleteSo it sounds different too when spoken.
DeleteI notice that Swedes always have hard chairs around the dining table which seem uncomfortable for any length of time, and the candles indicate long meals. Can you address this in a blog? I never feel, these chairs are welcoming when I look at scenes from your wonderful blog
ReplyDeleteThis is very good question, thank you for sharing this observation. Let me have a little think around this and come back :)
DeleteI noticed cushions on the chairs in this home, but I'm with the commenter, if I'm sitting down for an extended time, comfort is key. I've never been a fan of backless benches at tables because of that.
DeleteAnyway, this is such a pretty home, and I love the sustainability aspect.
It feels so good you're back! Love this little corner. Thank you for another of Emma's creations. Love very little detail in her new home, from the wooden floors/ ceiling, clay/stone walls to the accessories! Please let know when her book is out en anglais.
ReplyDeleteWe had a graduation party , which felt like a lovely start to the summer with outdoor games, music and salads, just no drinks!
P. S I like rustic wooden chairs/stools around the kitchen and dining table, its so easy to wipe down as often as you need to. My children don't:-)
What is light fixture over the kitchen table? It looks like a gathered cloth shade. What sort of shade is this? What is it called?
ReplyDeleteAdmiration for the brave .. beautiful in it's simplicity ..
ReplyDeleteI always love when I see an email pop up and get to see all the pretty homes. Love the seaside ones. 🥰
ReplyDelete