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. 

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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.

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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

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This Magazine-Ready Cabin on a Swedish Island is on Airbnb!

Can you work from home? Or more importantly, need a holiday? If so, this lovely Swedish cottage on the island of Dalarö in the Stockholm archipelagos for you.  At the top of the Airbnb checklist is 'dedicated workspace - a room with wifi that's well suited for working'. But when you read the full description, it's enough to make you want to switch off your laptop and soak up the tranquility of the surroundings instead! 

Built in 1968, the cabin is surrounded by the ocean, forest and nature, and the grey and wood interior has been designed to mirror the beautiful rocky cliffs and woodland, giving it a subtle raw, masculine touch. 

On sunny days, life moves out onto the terrace where a bed swing (such a great idea!), hammock and barbecue awaits. On colder days, a wood-burning sauna offers a respite from the chill. Oh, and dogs are welcome too! 

Feeling tempted? Wait till you see the pictures!

Could you imagine swapping your desk for the one in this cabin? Or simply booking this stay for a relaxing holiday? If so, you can find more details here. 

I was in the Stockholm archipelagos recently and I can't tell you how tranquil it was - rain or shine! it's a great place to hike (there are trails everywhere) or sunbathe on the warm rocks. If you're visiting the Swedish capital, make sure you stay a few more days to explore the islands! 

Looking for more wonderful 'stays' in Sweden this summer? I love these lets: 

A limestone barn on the island of Gotland

The stonecutters farm on the island of Öland 

Get away from it all at a lakeside cottage in Sweden

Just a word of warning - always check with a Swedish airbnb if they provide bedding. In Sweden, you are often expected to bring your own sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases so it's good to ask the hosts to make sure you don't get caught out! 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

PS I am exciting to be heading to 3 days of design in Copenhagen, Denmark tomorrow, let me know if you're in town too! 

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