Past Meets Present in a 1760's Captain's Cottage By the Sea

There are many reasons Coaster's Chance Cottage has appeared across several TV networks over the past few years -  not only has the 1760s captain's cottage gone through an incredible transformation by Moore House Design, the results are absolutely stunning. And don't even get me started on the waterside location in Cutler Maine, USA! So beautiful! Every single room is magical, but I especially love the kitchen - where the lofty ceiling height and rustic wood beams create a light and airy space with a nod to the past. A sea of muted colours, the interior is also a master class in texture from aged dark wood, reclaimed floorboards, vintage rugs, exposed brickwork, ceramic pots, linen curtains and bedspreads to the lovely antique furniture, giving the entire space a wonderful, warm soul. Can I move in, please? 

How beautiful. 

I've heard that Maine is probably the place in America which is most like Scandinavia (is this true, Maine friends?) and I long to visit one day.  If I do, I'd certainly try to book this house! 

Could you imagine staying here, too? 

You can read all about the various room renovations and the details over at Moore House Design. 

Meanwhile, it's our final day in Cornwall - the surfer paradise in Southwest England, and my girls have had so much fun  with their cousins. We'll be sad to leave tomorrow! If you'd ever like to visit this corner (literally) of the world, my sister rents her beautiful home through Airbnb. 

I'll be back on Friday with some snapshots from our cabin - and our new armchair which has quickly become my favourite item (and Per's too - ''finally a comfortable chair''!). See you then! 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Moore House Design. 

READ MORE...

8

A Small(ish) Relaxed Boho Swedish Home Full of Soul

'Lived in', 'homely', 'real' - these are just some of the words used to describe the homes I am getting  requests for via e-mail. Well friends, I've got good news - this one fits the bill perfectly! Located in Gamla Enskede in Greater Stockholm,  this cosy Swedish home measures a rather small 58 m2  / 624 sq ft, but rather than whittling away possessions, the owners have made really clever use of space to ensure everything has a place! 

Laid out over two floors which are connected by a magnificent Packhus spiral staircase, every spare inch of the maisonette has been put to use. Keep an eye out for bespoke custom-built furniture and open and closed storage - which provides a home for books, LPs, clothing and as well as other items, while a fine art collection fills every inch of wall. I also love the use of colour - including muted, earthy tones and a dramatic black floor ensuring a relaxed, warm and inviting home that's full of soul. 

Ready to take a look? 

Jøtul fireplace, source a similar vintage scissor lamp here*. 

This corner reminds me a lot of the artists home in Oslo, Norway from my book The Scandinavian Home. So many lovely works of art! 

Jugendros wallpaper, Lim & Handtryck

The staircase doubles up as a library - which is ideal as it makes the most of a large wall space while keeping all the books in reach. 

A home workspace has been carved out in a small spot on the landing. 

Chrysanthemum Toile wallpaper by William Morris

A recess under the sloped ceiling serves as a bedside table, while bespoke storage on the opposite side of the room creates space for clothes. 

Note that while 58 m2 sounds small, in Sweden they do not count any floor space that has a ceiling height of less than 190 cm / 6ft2 or any areas that can't be accessed from inside. It's a little more complicated than this, but this is the basic gist! 

Why shouldn't you be able to have a bath in a small bathroom? I love that there's a little place to soak with a glass of wine under candlelight, at the end of a long day!

Such a cosy space! I'm sure there will be some of you who'll think this lovely space is spot on. And others who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. Either way, I'm sure we can all agree it has a wonderful lived-in vibe! 

Would you like to see a few more relaxed homes today? Put your feet up and have a scroll through these beauties: 

A vintage inspired Swedish home full of soul

A charming Copenhagen home full of vintage finds

Your very own garden retreat on a budget

Har det så bra! 

Niki

Photography: Boukari

Styling: Copparstad

For: Historiska Hem

Found via Nordroom with thanks

READ MORE...

10

The Fabulous Eclectic Home of A French Antique Dealer

Bonjour, ça va? That's about the limit of my French. I studied French at school for five years - and now almost every word has been replaced by Swedish - what's the deal with that? Mind you, I never have been much of a linguaphile! Language abilities aside, I think you might have guessed that I'm whisking you away to France today.  An antique dealer, Sonia has filled her home in Ardèche, an hour from Lyon with funky, eclectic pieces from all different eras and countries. Throw in a disco ball, bold wallpaper and lots of art and you have a home bursting with character - where old meets new. Bienvenue chez Sonia! 

Oh mon dieu! 

How fantastic!!! 

It's the kind of home you need to return to time and again for inspiration - and you'll spot something new every time! 

Who's up for a disco ball in the bathroom? MOI!

See more snapshots from Sonia's home here. I noticed Sonia is a personal shopper - perfect for anyone out there would love more antiques in your home but don't have the time to source. 

Would you like to take a peek inside a few other fabulous French homes today? Here are a few of my favourites: 

A relaxed vintage-inspired family home in the French countryside

Inside the home of a French chef and photographer

A dreamy home on the French Riviera

Have a beautiful day!

Niki

Photography: @undouzeavril shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

4