One of the things I love most about Scandinavia is how seriously summer is taken. It’s not unusual for people to take a minimum of three weeks of uninterrupted leave. After the long, dark winter, this is the season everyone has been waiting for, and you can feel it everywhere. There’s a lightness in the air, a summery smile in every coastal village, and a sense that life is meant to be enjoyed outdoors. People flock to the sea for morning, noon and evening dips, zip around in every kind of boat imaginable, and gather for long, lazy meals in the sunshine. Just the way summer should be!
The summer houses are part of the charm too, simple, understated and beautiful, often designed to reflect their surroundings. And then there’s the light: clear and pin-sharp, with the sea shifting between grey and blue, and the sand glowing in soft off-white tones. On interior designer Marie’s Instagram, @vestkysthjem, she shares endless inspiration from dreamy summer cottages, including this beautiful thatched house she recently sold, set among the dunes on the west coast of Denmark near Søndervig, just a stone’s throw from the sea.
Inside, the pale blue and off-white palette, wood panelling and simple rag rugs create a calm, welcoming feel. It’s the kind of place made for relaxing in the summer sun, bare feet, salty hair, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves. What more could you need?
Thank you for the occasional reminder that there are still simple, peaceful, beautiful places in the world.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but imagine the little Maileg mice happily living in this cottage!
Now I'm obsessed with Maileg mice. I blame you for many wasted hours imagining the happy lives of little mice! 😉
DeleteThe interior of this house took me by complete surprise. It's sheer perfection! I thought it would be dark inside, but it's the most beautiful, soft shade of blue and cream. I can feel the breeze blowing through! The picture of the path to the beach through the dunes looks so much like our Lake Michigan beaches, although our water is fresh, not salt. Niki, you'll be proud of me for noticing the repeated gold accents here. Normally I would think it was too dressy for a seaside home, but somehow, it works here. Love love love this!
What a dream of seaside serenity - the perfect shade of pale blue that's warmed by the soft textiles and light wood, the seagulls embroidered on the tablecloth... so simple and so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love the simplicity and colors used in this exquisite home. I could be happy there and try to achieve this same brand of happiness in my own home, although it might be buried under more clutter than I would like. I am obsessed with Maileg mice. I bought one ten years ago for my granddaughter and then kept it. I dream of getting the farmhouse and furniture to go with her!! They are too sweet!! : > )
ReplyDeletePS At Christmas time I have a “mouse tree” that my Maileg mouse lives under. The tree has a cheese topper, all mouse ornaments plus one cat disguised as a snowman ornament. I hate mice IRL, but toy ones are enchanting!! : > )
ReplyDeleteThis has to be my most favourite cottage ever!
ReplyDeleteSuch an idyllic setting, inside and out. Loved the calming, serene rooms. It would be a delight to spend time there. I enjoyed your descriptions of light, water and sand!
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