A Contemporary Swedish Hillside Cabin (With An Incredible Infinity Pool!)

I absolutely love the idea of weekend / holiday retreats, how about you? A complete change of scene, somewhere you can unwind. It doesn't need to be anything decadent - a small log cabin surrounded by woodland or a little house by the sea.  Then again, when I see this, perhaps an infinity pool wouldn't go amiss either, what do you reckon?! This incredible cabin in Aspvik, East of Stockholm was designed by Andreas Martin-Löf architecture and successfully combines the pared-back nature of a Scandinavian retreat with a touch of LA luxury! Talk about taking 'forest bathing' to a whole new level! Come on, let's take a peek inside!

Made from steel, timber and glass, the structure allows you to sit back and enjoy panoramic views of the woodland from anywhere in the house. Or, you could just relax in the infinity pool and breathe in the fresh scent of pine!

The majority of the interior is made up of wood giving the space a wonderful organic feel. Other natural elements include cork (the cork table, bench and chairs are by Ilse Crawford for IKEA).

Open shelving (also seen in this make-over) ensures plenty of storage without interrupting the flow of light in the open-plan kitchen and living room area.

A grey marble worktop and splash-back brings the look up to date and contrasts beautifully with the timber. I love the patina on the brass tap too - and just how fab is that sink?!

The stairway leads down to the master bedroom, where you can look out over the forest from bed - not a bad way to start your day!

Just in case you can't quite shake off that weekday feeling - there's also a poolside sauna. I don't think I've seen a black one before - I'm feeling relaxed just looking at it, how about you?! And it's Monday.

Wow!

Could you imagine spending your weekends here?!

You can read more about the project here. And dream away by visiting the log cabin and rural retreat archives!

Thank you for the tip Nordic Design!

Have a great start to the week vänner!

Niki

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A Scandinavian Lakeside Cabin in Warm Ochre and Neutral Hues

I'm sure you know (I do talk about it ad nauseam after all - bah!), my dream is to have a home overlooking the water one day. Do you share the same vision? If so, perhaps something like this incredible Scandinavian cabin in Alingsås would do? I stumbled upon it thanks to Jotex - a Swedish brand who used the retreat as a backdrop for their 'minimal desert' AW18 collection. The pared-back space has been sparsely furnished with beautiful pieces and decorated in rich ochre, chestnut and cream tones against a backdrop of wood and stone. Oh and did I mention it has magnificent views over a lake and slips in the most wonderful dappled light?!

Oh I could be happy rocking about on my weekends here. So happy. How about you?!

It's so interesting to see a Scandinavian take on the desert theme, I think it works beautifully, how about you?

If you'd like to see a few more Cabins / weekend retreats today, put the kettle on and scroll through the log cabin archive - there are some real goodies in there! If this one pops up first just go on passed it (unless of course you want to admire it all over again!).

What does your dream cabin look like?

Have a lovely day!

Niki

PS many of the items featured are available at Jotex (of course!).

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A Charming Danish Summer Cottage on the Island of Fejø

It's officially the summer holidays here in Scandinavia. From Smygehuk in Sweden to Rossøya in Svalbad,  OOO's are on, the midnight sun is shining and cool, blue waters are lapping at the shores, waiting for the first of the 'morning dippers' to arrive. Forget fancy holiday plans - many Scandinavian's retreat to summer cottages, where they enjoy a simple life and make the most of what nature has to offer. Every July, part time teacher and part-time PR rep for Stolbjerg Copenhagen - Sidsel Garsdal, her husband Jakob and their two children Carmen (9) and Bror (5) take a 15 minute ferry ride out to their very charming cabin on the small danish island of Fejø to relax, be together as a family and in Sidsel's words: "make magic out of everyday life".

 

// affiliate links marked with * //

Round jute rug*, wicker basket*, vintage school poster*

Boucherouite rug*, grey sheepskin*, I like this round rattan table*

As with most Scandinavian summer residences, Sidsel's cottage has a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe and has been furnished in a simple, understated way, with no two pieces the same. "Most of the furniture here is vintage / second hand and inherited from our grandparents or bought at flea markets etc." confirms Sidsel.

This differs greatly from year round city dwellings, which often tend to be stricter with a more contemporary touch. "The furnishing here is more playful than in our Copenhagen apartment. I was aiming for a classic Danish summer house look, but also felt inspired by Southern beach houses. This is why I chose to paint the floors turquoise!" explains Sidsel. 

Since life at Scandinavian summer cottages tends to be centred around the great outdoors and soaking up the abundance of light before it starts to fade, nature becomes a central theme indoors too. Sidsel has drawn the surrounding nature indoors using vintage school posters*, plants, pretty botanical themed bedding and a mix of natural textures.

Making the most of what nature has to offer includes daily dips - rain or shine. And it's not unusual to see our Nordic friends cycling / walking to the nearest shoreline in their dressing gowns (the more worn the better!) to take their daily dip. "I love being close to the sea," enthuses Sidsel. "We start and end our days by the sea which is a two minute walk from our cabin. In spring and summer it's a house rule to go for a swim everyday."

What an idyllic way to spend the month of July, don't you think?

I love the way Sidsel has decorated their cabin too - relaxed yet with so much character! Is there anything that caught youy eye?

If you'd like to see more and check out snapshots of their home in Copenhagen too, hop over to Sidsel's wonderful instagram feed.

You also might like to check out one of these charming Scandinavian summer cottages: an idyllic swedish summer cottage,  a beautifully simple retreat on Gotland and a Swedish island cabin. Guh! Our Scandi friends have got it so right, don't you think?!

What are your plans for the summer? (or winter for friends in the Southern Hemisphere!).

If you're heading this way, don't forget your dressing gown!

Niki

Photography: Sidsel Garsdal

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Somewhere, in a Faraway Life...

It's said that creative souls need change to find new inspiration and stimulate the senses. Travel is one way, but for some, the ultimate is to divide their time between two homes. Detective novel writer Annika Von Holdt is one of them (enviably dividing her time between her apartment in Copenhagen and the Bahamas (Guh!). And jewellery maker Malia Grace Mau and film maker beau Jess Bianchi are another truly inspiring example. Malia, Jess their newborn son and furry friends spend part of the year in the laid-back vibe and lush landscapes of Topanga Canyon, California and the other in Kauai, an island in the Central pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. By my reckoning that's two incredible locations. Here's a glimpse inside the dreamy, bohemian lives of the Bianchi-Maui family. 

The pair's Topanga home is simply decorated in a neutral palette made up of warm brown, beige and off white. Natural textures, fluffy rugs, plants and wall hangings also help to add warmth. 

Wall hanging by Native line, Dreamer couch by Pop & Scott.

"One of my favorite things about this house is the old floors," Malia.

Baskets, sculptural wooden tables, drums and personal items are placed around the fairly sparse room attributing to the home's soul.

A magnificent mid-century teak credenza (source a similar one here) and Beni Ourain rug.

"I almost can't even explain it but I do know that I feel in harmony and balance when I am here up on this mountain." Malia

Malia's jewellery line 'M Grace' is made from locally sourced, recycled material and draws from images and symbols found in ancient civilizations and nature, combined with a modern rustic aesthetic. Malia believes jewellery transcends aesthetics and serves as power pieces to invoke the wearers intentions.  She also makes other items such as the beautiful Reda hook and incense holder. The shop is currently closed for maternity leave. I can't wait for it to re-open, how about you?!

Kauai Surf Shack

The pair also spend part of their year in Kaui, an island in Hawaii where Malia and Jess grew up. The idyllic cabin was featured on the cover of Surf Shacks, and although small and basic it has everything they need to enjoy the lush surroundings of 'The Garden Island'.

Is it OK to to feel a little envious of Robyn the cat, right now?!

All photography  © Malia Grace Mau / Jess Bianchi

Jess Bianchi's 2016 film 'Given' is the story of a legacy that takes one unique family (legendary surfers Daize and Aamion Goodwin) on an adventure from their home in Kauai around the world through 15 countries, a life depicted through the eyes of a child (named Given). The film is not designed to dictate a right or wrong way of living, but more inspire the idea that it's possible to live differently.

What a great thought to take with us into the start of the working week?! Kauai anyone?

You can see more of Malia's beautiful, creative life and their travels on her instagram feed and keep an eye out for the re-opening of her webshop here (*watches like a hawk*).

Other inspiring rural retreats include a relaxed artist's cabin by the sea (with one of my all time favourite 'get the looks'!) and an idyllic Scandinavian inspired cottage. 

Have a dreamy start to the week all! 

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A Relaxed Artist's Cabin by the Sea

It's Friday - woohooo! Any fun plans?! I'm actually going to have the biggest clear out (boring I know), followed by a well deserved Aperol Spritz and then I'm going to hunt for an off the grid cabin.  I kid you not! This cabin by the sea in South Hobart, Tasmania has totally won me over! It's owned by artist Brigitte May and her partner - who had a baby earlier this week (congratulations guys!)! Solar panels and a tank help to make the cabin completely self-sustained, and it's not unusual to wake up to a troupe of passing wallabies! The relaxed, bohemian-style of the interior taps into the off the beaten-track vibe and provides an inspiring spot for Brigitte to sit and create. Enjoy the tour!

Isn't it fantastic?! Such a romantic setting for arts and crafts (I love Brigitte's paintings and ceramics, and she's currently working on an ethical baby range too (how cute are these bloomers?!). Did you spot the little furry friend too?!  I have a feeling their little one's going to be very happy here, don't you?!

In case you feel exactly like I do but our off-the-grid cabins are a little far off just now - here's a guide on how to bring a little piece of South Hobart cabin style to our own homes:

GET THE LOOK:

1. Macrame wall hanging / 2. Speckled Mug by Brigitte May / 3. Eggcup stool / 4. Monstera plant
5. Macrame plant hanger / 6. Tabor Pot / 7. Losoya Round Stool / 8. Scrabble Game Linen Vintage / 9. Duo Pot / 10. Anjat Rattan Basket Backpack / 11. Fawn Print by Brigitte May / 12. Wooden Plant Pot.

Love the look? You can also see more of Brigitte's home on instagram here. 

And in case you're thinking of visiting Tasmania (it's certainly top of my list right now!) - a stay at this island hide-away is a must. Doesn't it look incredible?!

Have a dreamy weekend all and see you Monday!


Photography: Brigitte May

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