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 Trä. Windsor chairs, Skovby extendable table, IKEA kitchen (with a slight hack!) - complete guide here.

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

Monarch chair and Plico chair, Contura woodburning stove, Tense light by New Works

Children's wishbone chair

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 Home. This 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: 

Swedish cottages

Danish homes

Norwegian homes

Boho style homes

Vintage inspired abodes

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. 

READ MORE...

22

Cosy Off-Grid Living in Swedish Lapland: Inside Olly & Lisa's Rustic Cabin

Oh, are we in for a treat today! They say if you can't beat it, join it – and with the cold settling in, I’m taking you on a journey to the chilly North to the cosy, rustic cabin of artist Olly – one half of the creative duo Olly Suzy. This British collaborative pair pride themselves on tracking, painting, and photographing endangered species in the wild.

Together with their children, Olly and his wife Lisa embrace life in their off-grid retreat, charmingly named ‘Bear’s Nest’. Perched high on a hill, it’s surrounded by wilderness in a remote part of Swedish Lapland, just south of the Arctic Circle. The cabin was a labour of love, designed and built from the ground up. Completely off-grid, with no road access, its core was constructed off-site and transported by a military truck – quite the logistical feat!

Now, the pair relish their remote, rustic lifestyle. At the heart of their home is a wood-burning stove, which serves as their source of heating, cooking, and even melting snow for water. Candles and lanterns brighten up the cabin after dark. They’ve also got an ‘utedass’ – a separate little hut with a dry toilet. The cabin’s interior is a delightful blend of Swedish and English antiques, creating a warm, relaxed, and deeply personal haven.

Photographer Mark Anthony Fox recently paid them a visit and captured these stunning images. Ready to take a tour? Let’s dive in!

How wonderful! 

Imagine how quickly the stresses and strains of daily life would fall away here? There's something special about going back-to-basics, it's so good for the soul. 

You can read more about Olly's fascinating line of work here and there is a a full article about it and more pictures over at House & Garden if you'd like to take a look. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Olly and Lisa's rustic off-grid cabin? 

Do you remember the little Danish cabin in the woods I once visited belonging to Conservationist Wildlife Photographers Uri Golman and Helle Olsen? If not, do head over to the post to take the tour! Tragically, long after I featured their home, Uri suffered from a serious incident on one of his expeditions but his passion and work for the Wild Nature Foundation continues. You can read more about his story here. 

Thank you so much for stopping by this week–and for all your insightful comments and emails. I am so happy you have been enjoying the home tours!  

Have a cosy weekend friends, see you Monday! 

Niki

Credits: All photography by Mark Anthony Fox, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

15

Step Inside a Cosy Swedish Allotment Cottage Dressed for Christmas

I always get excited when I feature a kolonistuga (Swedish allotment cottage), but this little one is particularly exciting! Why? Allotment cottages are very seasonal. Since the water is usually turned off to avoid pipes freezing in colder weather, it's rare to see one decorated for Christmas.

Located in the heart of Gothenburg, this little cottage belongs to Elin Lannsjö. She loves staying here year-round. You might recognise the white abode from a summer feature way back in 2015. Now, I’m thrilled to share a tour of Elin’s cottage dressed in simple yet beautiful festive touches, complete with a roaring fire.

Outside, the snow blankets the ground, while inside, the glow of candlelight makes the cottage feel warm and inviting. Touches of greenery—branches of pine, amaryllis, and hyacinths—add to the cozy yuletide vibe.

Ready to step inside and soak up the Christmas charm of Elin's cosy cottage?

So cosy! A real little winter haven in the heart of the city. 

Perfect inspiration for the first Sunday of Advent (when traditionally in Sweden everyone starts to decorate their home, although I have noticed many couldn't resist starting already purely to brighten up the winter darkness!). 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Elin's cosy stuga? 

Before I wrap up for the weekend, why not grab a blanket and cosy up for a few more cabin tours:

A cosy candlelit cabin deep in the Norwegian fjords

A magical mountain cabin in Norway (captured for my second book!)

A Finnish log cabin in wintertime

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Check out the Christmas and Christmas decoration archives. 

Have a lovely weekend friends. Thank you so much for stopping by, I've loved reading all your emails and comments and so happy you have enjoyed the tours this week (and the chairs in my dining room!). 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Elin Lannsjo, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

12

Henriette & Tommy's Charming Danish Cabin Oasis

Let's just say the weather in Scandinavia is 'mixed' right now. Torrential rain, cold and windy one minute, sunshine the next. But that's not going to deter us from enjoying our holiday! Thankfully, summer cottages across the region are equipped for every eventuality - with doors that swing open to create an indoor / outdoor feel on sunny days, and cosy sheepskin-lined chairs and fireplaces that can roar into life at the drop of a hat on colder days! 

In Houstrup, on the east coast of mainland Denmark, Henriette and Tommy have created a cosy oasis in which to switch off and relax - no matter what the weather decides to do! 

The little black and white wooden cottage seamlessly blends in with its wild surrounds thanks to a beautiful turf roof, and the garden has been kept deliberately untamed and natural. Inside, the cabin is simply decorated in soft, earthy tones and furnished with items in wood and rattan. Danes tend to love their floral quilts and cushions which bring a subtle romantic touch to the rooms. Keep an eye out for pastel florals on the sofa and large quilts over the beds (try IB Laursen for similar). 

Overall, a wonderful, informal and 'hyggeligt' place in which to relax all summer long!

So charming! And in my mind, everything a summer home should be. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Henriette & Tommy's cabin? 

If you'd like to see more pictures and films, head over to their instagram feed @sommerhusetkirkeflod. 

Perhaps you'd like to explore more Danish summer cabins this weekend? Here are a few I love: 

A charming and relaxed Danish cabin by the sea

This beautiful danish cabin is on airbnb! 

A light and airy coastal cabin

A Danish cabin that's all about the hygge

A Danish summer cabin with 10 garden elements for a relaxing summer

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @sommerhusetkirkeflod, shared with kind permission.

READ MORE...

10

A Dreamy Swedish Summer Cabin by the Sea in the Karlskrona Archipelagos

Happy 1st July! it's officially the month many Scandinavians head off for their great summer staycation! Vacation time is serious business here - with most taking at least three weeks off to enjoy the (hopefully) good weather. But it's not unusual to take four or more weeks in a good year. 

This is definitely where Scandinavians have got things right. Many use the time to relax and reset and simply enjoy all that the Scandinavian summer has to offer from the comfort of their home, summer cottage or caravan - without a workday looming. Bliss! 

If you're liking the sound of this and considering moving to Scandinavia with immediate effect, I've found you just the summer cabin! This beautiful, contemporary cabin made by Sommarnöjen is right by the sea on the island of Aspö in the stunning Karlskrona archipelago. Made up of several buildings, it's geared up for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The wooden exterior and interior mirrors the surrounding nature and large windows and doors ensure that all rooms have immediate access to the great outdoors. 

Ready to feel inspired? 

So beautiful. I love the simplicity, something that's incredibly important in a summer cottage. The less items you have, the less you need to tidy up, leaving more time for relaxing! 

Notice how there are subtle changes in the wood and also a soft grey has been brought in as an accent. It's enough to make the interior interesting without detracting from the sea view. 

And I especially love how so many of the windows and doors can be opened right out giving the feeling that you're outside. 

Could you imagine spending your summers here? I would in a heartbeat! 

In the mood for more cabins today? Check out these lovely summer places for inspiration: 

A dream holiday cabin in Latvia becomes a reality

This Swedish cabin on airbnb is like something out of a magazine! 

A charming and relaxed Danish cabin by the sea

Have a fantastic start to the week!

Niki

Ps loved all your comments about 'grippers' and 'dogs' in Friday's post - they did make me laugh! And thank you for all your kind words about my landing makeover - a reminder that you have until 27th July to make use of the scandi20 20% discount code with Superfront, so if you have any IKEA cabinets that need an update / hack, this is the time! 

Photography courtesy of Liwing Mälarbyrå, shared with thanks

READ MORE...

9