An Idyllic Cottage in the Swedish Countryside

I might be sitting here at my laptop in the city of Malmö today, but that doesn't stop me from pretending I'm deep in the heart of the Swedish countryside. Fancy joining me? 

This quintessential Swedish estate in Katrineholm is made up of several buildings not unlike Astrid Lindgren's famous tale 'The Children of Noisy Village'. Laidback and unpretentious, the main cottage is filled with antique furniture, wildflowers and plenty of books creating a wonderful, homely space in which to read, play back gammon, tinker away on a piano or simply relax! 

On sunny days, life moves outside where everyone gets to splash around in the pool, tuck into long lunches or allow the sights and sounds of the Swedish wilderness to lull you into an afternoon nap. I'm sure it's a great area for chanterelle picking too - but the owners would never let on! 

How lovely. As someone who is currently thinking about building an outdoor cottage at our cabin, I was happy to see the simple solution of simply hanging a shower curtain (especially when the whole thing was getting more and more complicated in my mind). 

I also really like the timeless, typically Swedish white and grey interior - made cosy with extra plump sofas, sheepskins and a big fireplace! 

I'd love to hear what stood out to you. 

Could you imagine spending your summers here? If so, the property is currently for sale here. 

Now that I've got you in the mood, would you like to see a few other idyllic Swedish summer cottages today? 

Before and after: a rundown croft becomes an idyllic summer cottage

A charming swedish summer cottage in the forest

A beautiful swedish country home in a former Mission house

Oh, to spend the week in the Swedish countryside. Do you feel the same? 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Svenskfastighetsförmedling, with thanks. 

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A Traditional Swedish Cottage by the Sea with a Splash of Colour

A few summers ago, my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Saltsjöbad, a beautiful area in the Stockholm archipelago. I was bowled over by the nature, but also found myself captivated by how locals can whizz into central Stockholm by boat to go the theatre, shop - or even commute to work! Imagine that? 

Perhaps that's why this charming traditional red and white cottage caught my eye today? Nestled in the woods, the pretty abode feels a world away from civilisation - and yet a boat bobbing on the dock means Sweden's capital city is within easy reach. From the exterior you'd guess that the interior is furnished using antiques, vintage finds and family heirlooms with a traditional touch. But it's full of surprises! Let's take a peek inside to discover more. 

The black open-style kitchen has a contemporary touch - and the green wood floor givers the space a unique feel. 

In the dining room and sitting room, furniture in vibrant green, red and yellow is a nod to the current trends and adds an unexpected playful touch to the interior. I like that! 

The landing also offers some surprises with angular furniture and bold hues - as well as a dark wood floor. A wall mounted desk is a great way to create a home workspace in a small area.  

Various patterns in the bedroom add a lovely unique touch, while the painted floor mirrors the woodland surroundings. 

I love that this cottage offers something unique, it's always fun to see! Plus, I absolutely love the idea of arriving at a summer cottage by boat - what a dream! Do you agree? 

The cottage is currently for sale here (just saying!). 

What do you think about the 'pop of red' trend? Do you have primary colours in your home? 

If you'd like to see a few more Scandinavian cottages by the water today, check out: 

A cosy little Swedish cottage by the sea

A warm and relaxed cottage by the sea

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea

Have you been watching the Olympics? I am absolutely loving it! I have a little square up on my screen while I type so I can keep an eye on the synchronised diving! 

Have a fabulous start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

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A Charming Summer House on the Swedish Island of Gotland

Tjena! Summer in Scandinavia is still in full swing. You may have noticed from my posts lately that it's a time everyone takes super seriously - if you haven't got your out of office on, are you even Scandinavian? With this in mind, I hope you don't mind that I share one more summer cabin today. I know many of you are here to feel inspired by urban spaces too, so I promise to dig around and find something beautiful for you in the city for Wednesday. But this one, I couldn't resist! 

A barn-style property, this charming house on the summer paradise of Gotland was built in 1970 but has the appearance of a traditional Swedish house with its red walls and yellow window frames. The deck is a natural extension of the house, providing plenty of space to relax, hang out and dine in the sunshine, while a large open-plan living space ensures everyone can be together, yet still do as they wish. Large rooms like this can be difficult to furnish, but I think the owners have done a great job - carving out a spacious dining area and a cosy sitting room / TV corner in one. 

Upstairs, angled ceilings and beams create interest and an airy feel. I picked out one bedroom in particular that caught my eye thanks to the pretty botanical-themed wallpaper which draws nature indoors. 

I hope you feel inspired by the tour! 

Such a summer paradise, don't you think?  

One of the things I remember most from visiting Gotland was how wildflowers lined the roadside. Evidence of these can be found dotted around the rooms, and even the table outside! 

Do you have a garden or meadows nearby which are full of flowers that you can bring in at this time of year? I'm working on it in our summer cottage garden but it's going to take time - as a gardening rookie I had no idea how complicated it can be - but I'm enjoying the challenge! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely summer house? 

Check out more cottages on Gotland here and my guide to the island here. 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Svensk Fastighetsförmedling with thanks. 

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A Swedish Summerhouse in the West Coast Archipelago

Hej friends! The sun is shining, and the Scandinavian summer is in full swing. I have been swept up in the relaxed vibe and now that my children are finally free, we have arrived for a few days in the Swedish high coast - to explore and soak up the scenery of the breath-taking archipelagos. With this in mind, I will be taking some time out from My Scandinavian Home and will be back here again on Monday 22nd July. 

But I'd never leave you high and dry without some inspiration - so here are a couple of snapshots from a stunning summer house in Smögen, on Sweden's West Coast complete with its own jetty - after all, Mondays are made for dreaming, right? 

So beautiful! 

The more I explore of Sweden, the more beauty I find - and with its immense coastline and thousands of lakes, waterfront cottages are forever present! 

I have a dream to live overlooking the water - maybe one day this will come true, but for now I will admire from a far! Do you share the same dream? Or perhaps there are other vistas you long for? 

Wishing you all a wonderful week - see you next Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Fastighetsbyrå, shared with thanks

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