From Foraged Feasts to Fireside Reads – A Cosy Island Getaway Near Bergen

On my way to the studio this morning, I felt the first crisp bite of autumn – a puff of mist curling from my lips, and a favorite knit pulled down over my hands to keep them warm. Glove season has arrived, along with October.

And so, I thought it was the perfect moment to share the first glimpse of “snow” here on My Scandinavian Home – in the form of a dreamy island escape in Norway: Lilløy Lindenberg. Lilløy means “little island,” and while it lies quietly near Bergen, there’s nothing little about the experience.

From what I read, guests who arrive by boat are welcomed into a world where time slows down. You can feast on foraged, plant-based meals, kayak through still waters, go Nordic snorkeling among seaweed gardens, or simply wander the island paths. And then, when the outdoors has worked its magic, retreat inside: the interiors are a love letter to Nordic craft, filled with handmade ceramics, seaweed-stuffed mattresses, locally blown glassware, and artworks by Bergen artists. Everything has been carefully restored using natural materials, so the old house feels rooted in history while quietly modern.

I also love the story behind the place. The island’s main house had stood unused since the late 1980s, until the Lindenberg team reimagined it as a retreat with a creative soul. Early on, it even hosted artist residencies, and that spirit lingers – you can sense it in the way the spaces invite you to write, paint, dream, or just sit still by the fire with a book.

Ready to take a look at what awaits?

Wow – what an incredible place to unwind. Honestly, this might just be my ultimate dream escape! Could you imagine staying here too?

I’m already picturing myself enjoying a foraged meal cooked on the old aga – though I’ll happily admit the Nordic snorkelling isn’t quite for me (Per and the girls call me a real badkruka – Swedish for someone who either avoids cold dips altogether or takes forever to ease themselves in!). A book by the fire, though – that would suit me just fine. How about you?

You can find more about Lilløy Lindenberg – and even book a stay – here (just saying!).

And if you’re in the mood for more daydreaming, I’ve gathered a few of my other favourite Scandinavian stays for you to explore…

My stay at Villa Copenhagen
A magical stay at Wanås sculpture park 
A romantic weekend at Vårgård Saltsjöbad in the Stockholm archipelagos

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, happy dreaming! 

Niki

Photography: Robert Rieger & Jack Johns for Lilløy Lindenberg

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A Cosy 1800s Cottage Stay in Kullaberg, Sweden

Hej! How are you lovely people today?

A little while ago, I shared a guide to Helsingborg – a city close to my heart, not only because my husband is from there, but also because my father-in-law lives in a charming fishing village nearby, in the Kullaberg area. This beautiful peninsula is brimming with creatives, cosy cafés, great eateries, and spectacular cliff walks. If you’re planning a trip to southern Sweden, it’s an absolute must. And as luck would have it, I think I’ve just found the perfect Airbnb for you too!

This cosy stay is called Villa Mandelgren – a wonderfully peaceful half-timbered cottage dating back to the 1800s. With two charming bedrooms layered with textures and warmth, it makes the perfect hideaway for a small group or family. Nestled right on nature’s doorstep yet still close to Höganäs – the coastal town I featured in my guide – it makes for a great base. 

When I stumbled across it, I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps stylist Marie Olsson Nylander (whose home I featured here many moons ago) or artist Sara Bergman (who also lives in Nyhamnsläge and has appeared on the pages of MSH) might have had a hand in the decor. Or maybe there’s simply another local with a great eye for design – combining earthy tones, rich textures, and a soft touch of femininity.

Either way, this Airbnb is definitely one to bookmark for future trips – and such lovely inspiration for autumn interiors too!

The beams make all the difference, I think – adding so much to the overall cosiness. I’m curious though – have any of you ever knocked through a ceiling to reveal beams? If so, how tricky was it to do (asking for a friend ;)?

I also love the floral bed covers – they bring such a lovely touch of femininity and softness to the space. So often rental homes can feel a little sparse in the photos, but this one strikes just the right balance: calm and pared back enough for you to add your own personality, yet cosy enough to feel instantly at home.

Can you imagine staying here? If so, you can check out the booking on Airbnb here.

And if you’re planning a trip to Sweden, don’t miss my guide to Helsingborg, Helsingør, and Kullaberg!

I absolutely loved reading all your comments last week! It was a bit of a crazy one on our side with a full work week and a birthday in the house (thank you so much for all your kind wishes for Liv!). This evening I have a long train ride home from Formland in Jutland, Denmark, and I’m looking forward to replying to them all then. Which reminds me if you'd like to hear about the latest interior trend and news from the cool Danes, checkout my instagram stories over the next 24 hours to follow my day here! 

Wishing you an underbart start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks. 

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Step Inside A Tiny Scandinavian-Inspired Hideaway in the Wilderness

You’d be forgiven for thinking this tiny cabin is an attefallshus tucked away in the garden of a Swedish summer cottage. But in fact, this charming red-and-white retreat is located on the other side of the world, in Tasmania (yes, I know—I’m obsessed with Tassie, even though I’ve never actually been!).

Owners Maša and Michael, the duo behind Heartful Table—a blog dedicated to plant-based recipes—are passionate about tiny homes and the magic of Scandinavian living. Embracing the simplicity and cosiness of both, they built this wilderness escape near Little Blue Lake and aptly named it Little Falu.

The name is a nod to Falu red (Falu rödfärg), the traditional deep red paint used on wooden cottages and farmhouses across Sweden. Originally derived from the Falun copper mine in Dalarna, the pigment not only gives that signature rustic look but also helps preserve the timber.

Though compact, every detail of Little Falu has been thoughtfully considered and designed for comfort and practicality. The kitchen is fully kitted out, inviting guests to settle in, enjoy the surrounding wilderness, light a fire, and maybe even indulge in a bath or two.

Small space living at its finest—let's take a peek inside! 

The stairs have been designed around the cabinets in order to maximise the full use of the space. 

A kitchen with modern amenities is especially important to Maša who is passionate about plant-based cooking. 

When space is of a premium, every inch counts. Everything in the cabin has been built bespoke to fit the space. Notice how a small gap between the sofa and door has been used for extra storage! 

Note the 'Dalarna häst' (or Dala horse) - a traditional, hand-carved and painted wooden horse from the Dalarna region of Sweden. Originally made as children's toys, these cheerful figures have become a beloved symbol of Swedish folk art and heritage. Have you seen one of these before? 

While the cabin may be small, the owners have made sure to make room for comforts such as a soothing bath! 

Wow, this cabin is so incredibly well designed—it’s like a TARDIS!

I’m a huge fan of tiny house living ever since building my own tiny cabin, which only measures 30 sqm (323 square feet), but somehow has everything we need.

Do you live small too? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience!

Or maybe there’s something that caught your eye in Little Falu? Let us all know below!

You can find out more about this gorgeous little space, book a stay (lucky you!), and see more pictures here.

Shall we take a peek at a few more tiny homes today? Check out:

A tiny off-grid Swedish cabin in the woods
A dated Swedish caravan becomes a stylish and cosy home
A tiny cabin and pottery studio in the woods
A Swedish couple turn a Mercedes Sprinter into a tiny home

Would you also like to feel inspired by some lovely small apartments today? Head on over to this archive. 

Have a great start to the week all! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @littlefalu / littlefalu.com, shared with kind permission. 

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Old Meets New in a Cottage in South Moravia

"Time slowly passing, homely comfort and instead of a television, only a huge window with a view of the garden." This is how Marika and Jirka - food bloggers and authors of cookbook The Kitchen Story, describe life at their cottage in a small South Moravian village. 

It all started with a simple wish: "to switch off for a while, escape from everyday life and just be at peace." The pair were looking for somewhere they could getaway from the city and gather with friends and family without distraction. And they fell instantly in love with Chalupa mez sklepy. 

The cottage required so much work that in the end it became a re-build, but the couple were determined to maintain the rural character and style (keep an eye out for wooden windows and floors, stone lintels and an exterior designed in collaboration with Adéla Lipar Kudrnova and Petra Stein). 

Today, Marika and Jirka love coming here with friends and family (it sleeps up to 10) - and also rent it out as a guesthouse for others to enjoy. Let's take a look around. 

Wow! I think this is the first home I have featured from the Czech Republic, which makes it entirely unique to me. I love the tones of rust red, pale blue and cream - which match the colours of the village.  And I also appreciate how Marika and Jirka have combined a modern feel with a rich historical touch from the region, all while keeping the look simple, understated and comfy looking. 

Was there anything that stood out to you about this lovely home? 

You can see more pictures over on their instagram @chalupa_mezi_sklepy and find out more about booking the property as a holiday home here. 

You know what's coming, don't you? Yep, I found another home tour from the Czech Republic that I've featured in the past! Take a peek at: a Scandi-inspired home in the Czech Republic in soothing neutrals. 

Other connections on My Scandinavian Home include a beautiful Swedish home featuring a mural by an artist from the Czech Republic. And also, I feel very honoured that my Lagom book is available in Czech too! 

Have you been to the Czech Republic? I haven't, but it's certainly on my wish list! 

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @chalupa_mezi_sklepy, shared with kind permission. 

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