Anita's Cosy Little Cottage in the Cotswolds (before and after)

I hope you can humour me by visiting the Cotswolds one more time (after the house in Friday’s post) — after all, it’s such a beautiful part of England! This time, I’m taking you on a tour of Anita Russell’s very cosy little cottage. Anita has been busy renovating the house one room at a time, transforming it into a charming place to snuggle up in during autumn and winter — surrounded by beautiful warm tones, vintage furniture, country accessories, pretty wallpaper, and a roaring fire.

I couldn’t resist sharing some before pictures so you can see the incredible work that has gone into turning this house into a cosy family home - which is as snug as can be in Autumn time. 

So, get ready to wrap up, pour yourself a warm drink, and get in the mood for a cosy English cottage!

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

Dining area before

Dining area after

Sitting room before

Sitting room after

Master bedroom before

Master bedroom after

Children's room before

Children's room after

Cosy bathroom

I absolutely love what Anita has created. How about you? Much of the magic comes down to her use of paint, veering away from bright white to create a calmer, cosier feel. The textiles add layers of warmth, and the abundance of wood brings a touch of the countryside indoors, adding both texture and character. By incorporating one-off vintage finds, each with its own story, she’s given the space plenty of soul, while the wainscoting and window dressings soften the lines and add a beautifully traditional touch. Just my two pennies' worth! 

Is there anything you spotted that I missed? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!

See more pictures (and find out about the details) over at Anita's lovely instagram @by_anitarussell.

Shall we take a look at a few more cosy cottages this grey autumn day? How about:

A charming little Swedish cottage in the heart of Stockholm
A cosy Swedish cottage with stunning sea views
Helen's cosy Swedish cottage kitchen

Have a cosy start to the week!

Niki

Credits: @by_anitarussell, shared with kind permission.

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A Serene Swedish Home Filled with Warm Textures and Simple Pleasures

One of the things that captivates me most about people’s homes is how beautifully different they all are. Some favour calm, minimalist spaces - a serene oasis to unwind in. Others embrace bold colours and playful touches, while some lean into a cosy, homely vibe with layers of texture and candlelight. And of course, there are countless styles in between, each with its own unique personal touch.

This mysig Stockholm apartment falls firmly into the cosy category - and it couldn’t be more perfect for this moment in Sweden. The midsummer sun has quietly slipped away, replaced by fast-moving clouds delivering bursts of rain and hail. Once again, we find ourselves hunkering down, listening to the rhythm of summer showers from the comfort of our homes.

Terez Persson, who describes herself as a lover of interiors, food and pretty things, has created a space that reflects all of these passions. Her home is a warm embrace of earthy tones, soft, tactile textures, flickering candlelight and a crackling fire - a perfect example of Scandinavian interior charm.

Like many Swedes, Terez celebrates the beauty of each season. She arrives home with wildflowers in her bike basket and enjoys simple seasonal treats - juicy, ripe strawberries with yoghurt and a drizzle of honey.

Ready to peek into some of the lovely corners of Terez’s cosy Stockholm home?

So cosy! Do you agree?

I loved all the individual pieces - from the larger rattan chair (I found one like that at a flea market last year) to the coffee table and bed frame - as well as the smaller objects, such as the art, mirror, and collection of shells.

The only modern touches I can spot are the lights (the pleated paper table lamp in the bedroom is actually from H&M Home  - I know because I have the same one!). I also spy the Gatto table lamp from Flos and the Formakami pendant.

Did anything catch your eye in Terez’s home?

Here are a few other cosy homes to tour today: 

Hannes' cosy Swedish apartment with a yellow kitchen
A cosy Swedish cottage with beams and a fireplace
A Swedish west coast retreat

It’s been a while since I last shared my sitting room - but I still have the Söderhamn sofa from IKEA! So I was really excited to interview the designer behind it for a feature I recently wrote for IKEA.com - you can read it here if you're interested.

Also, there’ll be an extra post tomorrow - yay! I’ll be sharing highlights from my recent press trip to Italy, where I was invited by the bathroom brand Catalano to explore the region’s beautiful ceramics. Do stop by for a read if you get the chance!

Happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: Terez Persson / @twiceasfancy - shared with kind permission. 

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A Cosy Cliffside Hideaway on North Devon’s Rugged Coast

I've just arrived at our little cabin for the weekend, tapping away at my laptop, wrapped in a blanket, with candles lit and a cup of tea on the go. It’s so lovely to be here (even if it's taking a while for the place to heat up) and got me in the mood for weekend retreats. And where better to transport us today than a cosy, secluded getaway on the North Devon coast in England?

Nestled on a cliff overlooking Exmoor’s dramatic coastline and surrounded by forest, Rockton Mews is situated in a former coach house and has been beautifully renovated, all while ensuring the stone walls, roaring fire, and spectacular sea views take centre stage. I love the use of dark blue-grey, which creates contrast, adds a sense of drama, and connects the apartment to the sea beyond. It’s a perfect place to unwind and relax over a weekend—or hey, maybe even a week or two!

Ready to take a tour and dream away? 

Naturally you'd need to arrive in a racing-green Landrover Discovery (definitely the car of my dreams!). 

A windowsill in the kitchen doubles up as a spot for a cup of tea and a read. 

The open-plan room includes a kitchen, small dining area and sitting room - 

Could you imagine spending the weekend here? In my mind, I'm already pulling up in the Landrover Discovery, ready for my coastal walks and wine by the fire!

The interior has been beautifully done too - a perfect blend of modern and rustic, with a cosy twist! Is there anything that caught your eye? 

Oh, and if you're heading to England, you can actually experience this place in person as Rockton Mews is available to rent through Boutique Retreats. You can also see some before and after pictures of the renovation and words from the owner here, and follow Rockton Mews on instagram for more pics and news. 

The harbour in the last picture is so quintessentially English! It makes me look forward our trip back over the Christmas holiday.

Did you see this cosy English cottage I shared a few weeks ago? Another charming one! 

Have a great weekend - thank you for stopping by. I've loved reading all your comments and emails too! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Boutique Retreats / Rockton Mews

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