The summer is over in Sweden. Not weather-wise, necessarily, but the majority have returned to work and the children are back at school. On the islands along the east and west coasts, little signs have started to appear in shop, café and restaurant windows: stängt för säsongen - closed for the season. Some will shut their summer cottages up completely, while others will continue to visit at weekends, enjoying the quiet, the changing seasons and the return of deer, seals and other wildlife that dare to venture a little closer once the summer crowds have dispersed.
This is how Sara will enjoy her beautiful, relaxed summer cottage near the village of Simrishamn in southern Sweden. It lies in Österlen, a part of Skåne famous for its rolling farmland, beautiful light and long association with artists and creatives. And Sara's home feels perfectly at ease here.
Inside, there's a wonderfully relaxed, country-style feel, with whitewashed timber walls and floors, old exposed beams and simple, honest materials setting the tone. The kitchen is a lovely example, with its open shelving, mismatched ceramics, rustic wooden worktops and mix of painted and natural wood cabinetry. Elsewhere, vintage finds, botanical prints, books, plants and quirky little treasures have been gathered over time, giving the space warmth and personality.
I especially love the way flashes of colour - a yellow cabinet here, a pale blue pendant there, a sunny paper lantern overhead - lift the otherwise quiet, earthy palette. Sheepskins, worn wood, old rugs and an eclectic mix of furniture add to the sense that this is a home designed for kicking off your shoes and staying awhile rather than worrying about everything being perfect. I can just imagine an autumn weekend here: putting an LP on, lighting a few candles and settling down to a board game while something bubbles away on the stove (we have learnt that Monopoly isn't the best choice though - as things can quickly go south!).
And beyond the windows lie views over the verdant farmland of Österlen - a reminder that although the summer season may be drawing to a close, there are still plenty of beautiful days to be enjoyed here. In fact, could this be the loveliest time of year to have a place like this?
Let's take a closer look!
I absolutely love homes that aren’t perfect or dictated by the latest trends, but instead are full of charm, character, and history. And this one is exactly that — such an inviting little house, just perfect for spending slow, peaceful hours in.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Petra, it is timeless and personal.
DeleteOne can tell that this is a much loved summer home. I especially love the texture on the walls. Happy weekend!! : > )
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is! A belated happy weekend to you too!
DeleteShe has created a wonderfully zoo seeming home blending rustic and refined elements. I loved seeing the display case (shadow box?) of mementos with seashells, dried flowers and stones.
ReplyDeleteThe box is lovely! I can imagine there are so many treasures to find when you walk along the coast and through the countryside of Österlen.
DeleteChecking in after having been gone on vacation. Always good to see you posting, Niki.
ReplyDeleteThis is a home of a nature lover, especially birds. I agree with Petra--so nice to see a "real" house.
A belated welcome back Kris! I hope you had a wonderful vacation! Yes, the nature element really shines through, which I really love.
DeleteLove it. .but, get rid of the yellow paper lantern.
ReplyDeleteLike every comment above. 'Simple honest materials set the tone', well said, Niki! I prefer a home that is relaxing, thrifty rather than worrying about a perfect one☺ So much to love about Sara's summer home, wishbone chairs, bird art in the bath, old rattan chairs and the farmland beyond.
ReplyDeleteHere too, the days are shorter, the nights colder. And we avoid Monopoly and Risk☺ Love drawing games like Skribbl.io and Telestrations.
Completely agree with your description; it's just my kind of home tour too! Happy to hear we are not the only ones who avoid Monopoly and Risk! We should try the other ones you suggest; thank you for the tips!
DeleteTelestrations is a favorite of ours. We prefer games that make us laugh, rather than games involving high strategy. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a card game that is easy to learn and tons of fun. I don't know if you can get these in your corner of the world, though.
DeleteThrilled to hear Telestrations is a favorite of yours, Kris☺. Thank you so much for Taco Cat, looked it up and hope to buy or download. We play games especially after our Thanksgiving meal and Christmas dinner. Will include Taco Cat this year.
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