Old Meets New in an Artist’s Home in Devon

Calling all artists! Is it not a dream to live amongst sprawling grounds, a beautiful walled garden, and a very cool house – with space of your own to create? While I love to write, I was reminded this week just how much I love to make things with my hands, sewing an outfit for my daughter for a party. There’s something so grounding about it: the rhythm, the focus, the way it quiets your thoughts and pulls you fully into the present moment (even if the results aren't always quite what I had in mind!). Do you also like to make things?

That’s why I was immediately drawn to this house in Devon, on the English south coast. It feels like the ultimate artist’s paradise. Rooted gently in the landscape, this quirky home sits within a formerly abandoned Victorian walled garden, now ingeniously transformed into a cohesive cluster of buildings using brick and local stone. Inside, the spaces are made up of eclectic, carefully chosen pieces in muted, earthy tones – nothing shouty, but everything quietly fascinating to the eye. Relaxed modern architecture sits alongside old stone walls, creating rooms that feel both calm and deeply personal. It’s the kind of home that invites creativity. And if you need to down your tools for a while, the sea is a short drive away. Bliss! 

And then there's the atelier - complete with it's own wood burning stove! 

Lovely, lovely, lovely! 

Could you imagine living somewhere quirky like this - with a wonderful space to create? 

There are so many great details too. It's truly a home that tells the personal story of those who live there. 

Did anything stand out to you in particular? 

We used to spend our summers in Devon when I was little - it's a really beautiful part of the world. I've featured a few homes from that neck of the woods before including: 

A cosy cliffside hideaway on the Devonshire coast
Signs of summer and a dreamy Cornish home
An artist's home and atelier by the sea in Cornwall

I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit to a British artist's home today.

Niki

PS I am really enjoying all your comments, they add so much! If you have time, you might like to wade in on the discussions around curtains and pairing socks in this post - or start a new discussion below. There's no pressure though, you might also like to stop by here quietly to enjoy the tour and then scuttle away again, and that's absolutely fine too, everyone is welcome here! 

Photography courtesy of The Modern House 

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A Small Stockholm Space with a Playful Twist

I am always drawn to the opposite. Mention a documentary about climbing Mount Everest or another daring adventure and I’ve hit play before they’ve even put on their crampons – from the safety and warmth of my sofa, of course. And here on MSH, there’s always room for a big old house in a remote country setting – even if many of us live right in the middle of the city.

That said, some of the most inspiring homes are often the smallest ones. Spaces that rely on clever planning, flexible living solutions and smart storage – and prove that you don’t need endless square metres to create something full of personality.

And that’s exactly what this bright little Stockholm apartment does so well.

Measuring 36 m² (388 ft²), the one-bedroom apartment is full of lively prints, small pops of colour set against a soft, neutral backdrop (note the distinct lack of white), and a joyful collection of playful details that gently nudge a smile as you move from room to room.

Even though we haven’t seen the sun for some time, these cheerful touches make the flat feel bright whatever the weather. And isn’t that part of the magic of a thoughtfully put-together home? A flower-shaped bath mat underfoot. A botanical shower curtain that turns everyday routines into something a little more joyful. Cherry-themed glasses catching the light. A tablecloth dotted with tiny lemons, quietly reminding you not to take life too seriously. None of it shouts – it simply delights.

It’s a lovely reminder of how small, inexpensive details can completely transform a space – great news for renters and homeowners alike. Which playful touch would you borrow for your own home? And do you lean more towards calm and neutral, or do you enjoy adding cheerful little surprises like these?

Let’s take the tour!

Notice the Aarke carbonator again (told you it was popular here in Scandinavia!) – and I also spy a Sjöstrand Coffee machine, which we have at our cottage. Lovely appliances!

Have you noticed how popular blue and white ceramics have become lately? A true classic that perfectly suits the nostalgic phase we’re in.

How cute is this table cloth embroidered with lemons (from Swedish brand Midnatt)?

Another popular piece right now - the blue and white Klippan blanket. 

Tables attached to the balcony are perfect for saving space on a small balcony. And the chess set is lovely too! 

Cobalt blue is set to continue as a key colour this year (and hopefully forever once we've invested in it, after all, we don't need to stick to trends, just what we love!) - and this Siesta bedding from Midnatt is so vibrant! Word of caution if you buy Swedish bedding - their sizes are quite different, for example the pillows are almost square shaped (50 cm x 60 cm!), it's very strange! 

It's clever how they've created a thread of cobalt blue throughout the flat - look back and you'll spot small details everywhere - it really helps to tie the space together. 

Oh, so fun! 

I loved looking at all the details in this apartment, so fabulous! 

Did anything stand out to you? 

I think I might treat myself to the lemon tablecloth, it would be so pretty on our garden table at our summer cabin! 

Here are some more homes with a wonderful, playful touch: 

12 playful details in Sussie's Danish home (pink stairwell anyone?)

A Stockholm home full of colour and creativity

A vibrant loft with splashes of colour and playful art

I hope this home tour has filled with you ideas or at the very least brightened up your day. 

Thank you so much for dropping by! 

Niki

PS I have just written a piece for IKEA on how to update your bedroom for spring if you'd like to take a peek :) 

Credits: Historiska Hem, shared with thanks

 

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A Cosy Cottage Escape in the French countryside

Hello there friends, how are you getting on? I’m not going to lie, January in Malmö is not my favourite time of the year. The world is devoid of colour (I sent a picture to my sister in Mallorca the other day and she thought I’d put a black and white filter on it!!), and it’s really cold and raw. Hence, why I have been dreaming of cute places to stay far and wide. A mental escape if you like. And that’s what led me to this cosy and charming little cottage.

Aptly named La Petite Maison, the stone cottage is tucked away in the peaceful countryside of the Percheron region in Normandy, France, part of the picturesque Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. Here, we're told, you can truly slow down, enjoy panoramic views over rolling fields and woodlands, and step into a world of simple, rustic beauty — everything from the cosy wood-burning stove to the carefully curated décor feels like it was picked with love.

Owned and lovingly restored by a couple who fell head over heels for this corner of French rural life — and who live on the same property in the larger La Grande Maison — this little guest house was created so that visitors can experience the “Perche Effect”: that calm, gentle rhythm of life that only the countryside seems to offer. Every detail of La Petite Maison reflects their passion for this slice of France, from the antique-found décor to the quiet garden just outside your door. Bienvenue! 

Charming in every way — and just the virtual escape I needed on this grey winter day. How about you?

If you’d like to see more pictures — or even enquire about a booking (hey, why not? I don’t think any of us would regret that choice!) — head on over to Perche Effect.

On a brighter note, my day is actually very exciting as I’m at a photoshoot in Copenhagen, at a studio called The Lab, capturing a new collection for a client. It’s an amazing place, absolutely brimming with Danish creativity. I’ll see if I can share a few pictures on my Instagram stories — I hope you’re also up to something fun today.

If you fancy lingering for a while, you might like to delve into these tours:

A pretty, Swedish run b&b in the south of france
A Swede's lovely vintage-inspired home in the south of france
A stunning French country home filled with antiques
A swedish photographer and French hat-makers charming home

Have a lovely day, folks!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Perche Effect, with thanks. 

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22

A Cotswolds Country House with Peaceful Views Over the Hills

Do you live in your “forever home”? A place you’ve finally landed, fallen in love with, and can’t imagine ever leaving?

Our home in Malmö feels more transient. It’s wonderfully close to the sea and the city, and perfectly suited to our little family right now. But I can imagine that one day we might move — perhaps to an old cottage by the coast, or even abroad. Our summer cottage, though, will always be our true forever home. Inherited from Per’s grandfather, it’s a place we hope our children will one day love and share with their own families.

I could also imagine this extraordinary 17th-century Grade II listed Cotswold house being someone's forever home. Set high above the rolling hills of the Five Valleys, with architecture spanning the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it offers atmospheric, character-filled living spaces that feel both magical and relaxed. It’s the kind of home where you can kick off your wellies, light the fire, and enjoy a proper cup of tea — surrounded by dog hair, children racing through rooms, and the quiet comfort of lived-in beauty.

That’s why it’s hard to believe it’s for sale, especially when so much thought has gone into the kitchen, art, antiques and colour choices, all coming together in a laid-back, creative and deeply personal way. But perhaps that’s also the opportunity. Could this be your next forever home? If Thursdays aren't for a little dreaming, what are they for? Let's take the tour!

I am a huge fan of curtains - as a window dressing, to keep the draught out by the front door, as a room divider and to cover storage. All you need is a simple rail and that's it! 

Have you noticed the big return of the larder in recent years? So handy! Extra marks if it is painted in another hue - like this one (or the one seen in Natalie's Malmö kitchen!). 

A roaring fire anywhere in the home is lovely, but in the kitchen? Simply wonderful! 

Accents of deep blue, earthy green, blush and yellow really add to the richness of the home. 

I grew up with a chest-of-drawers that looked exactly like this one in my childhood bedroom. Getting a pair of socks out took a whole deal of shuffling, teasing and whatever means - not good if you're already running late for school. Still, they sure do look pretty! 

The checks, rustic bench and art deco lamp in the bathroom are yet another example of how the owners have gone a little 'off piste' and added quirky touches that break away from the traditional country home. 

Such a fascinating home - there's no denying the beauty of the architecture. 

I am so looking forward to hearing your thoughts below! 

Would you like to see a few more country homes today? How about: 

Exploring a soulful Cotswolds home
Anita's cosy little home in the Cotswolds (before and after)
An idyllic red and white Swedish farmhouse
Five Danish country homes to love

I hope you have a cosy weekend! See you Tuesday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks

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