my scandinavian home: cosy homes

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.

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

FILED UNDER: cosy homes holiday rental International homes Rustic

A Cosy, Historic Shipbuilder’s Cottage in Tasmania Awaits!

Hej hej! I hope you had a lovely weekend. We've been up at our cabin, and it’s got me in the mood for an extra-cosy home tour today—are you up for the ride?

Great, because we’re heading to Twiss Street in Northern Tasmania!

You might recognize this charming little heritage cottage from a feature I wrote last year. Formerly a shipbuilder's cottage dating back to 1890, this 160-year-old property underwent a major renovation before becoming a cosy Airbnb retreat. And now, it could be your own personal getaway as the owner has decided to sell it!

I love how these pictures reveal new angles, allowing us to appreciate the craftsmanship, unique corners, and details like never before. While the beautiful vintage and antique furnishings are relatively understated, it’s the original hand-sawn local hardwood timber, exposed roof shingles, and wide-plank flooring—salvaged from a ship’s deck—combined with lime-rendered walls and a brick fireplace that give it its striking, unique look and help transform it into the cosy cocoon that it is.

Ready to step into the dark side? Let’s take a peek inside.

So beautiful! I love how the ceiling varies throughout, along with the wood cladding and dark timber floors, which truly bring the property’s heritage to the forefront.

Plus, it seems like every piece of furniture and each painting has its own story, making them fit right in.

Needless to say, the cottage has been featured in numerous magazines and books, including The Poetry of Spaces by Sarah Andrews.

I could easily spend a week cosied up by the fire—how about you?

Is there anything in particular that stands out to you about this cottage?

I have a real soft spot for cottages and cabins in Tassie! Here are a few more of my favourites:

Captain's Cottage - a cosy bolthole in Tasmania

A wabi-sabi getaway in the Bay of Fires

Imagining a weekend at Millington house

Cosy Hide-away: The Butcher's House

I hope this has given you something to dream about for the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Circa heritage & Lifestyle, you can see more images over at @twissstreet.

FILED UNDER: cosy homes decorating with wood International homes rural retreats

Cosy Autumn Ideas From Laura and Nora's Beautiful Homes

I have heard that Autumn is fairly late around the Northern Hemisphere this year, is this the case where you are? In Sweden, it has hit us with full force! Think blustery gusts sending golden leaves spiralling through the chilly October air and dark candlelit days. It's definitely time to update the home to embrace the golden season to the full!

I have been following Laura and Nora for many years and never tire of the beautiful inspiration they share. Famous for their recipes, the pair live in Germany (although once flirted with a summerhouse in Southern Sweden) and love to share snapshots of their apartment in Berlin and country home. Here are some Autumnal (that's 'fall' for you guys across the pond!) touches from their living spaces (including several tablescapes!) to get us into the spirit and fill us with ideas for the new season ahead.

Nothing says Autumn like an artisan teapot* and a steaming cuppa to warm the cockles!

A little side table in their outhouse can be pulled out at dinnertime. At this time of year, small items foraged from the great outdoors help to bring nature in. Why not create a simple bowl of acorns, conquers and other items for an instant display.

Blankets are your best friend in Autumn and winter - add them to sofas, armchairs and beds so that you can curl up, get cosy and keep the chill at bay!

Cosy sheepskins add to the cosiness of the season. This Danish-made Little Petra chair is a favourite of mine, but simply draping sheepskins* on furniture can make a difference!

A thick rug (by Cappelen Dimyr) and branches with berries help to add a cosy in-season touch to their cosy sitting room.

A simple vase of foraged branches with golden leaves looks so pretty on the dining table.

Or if you'd like to go all out, hang branches from the ceiling for an autumn dining table with wow factor!

Edible berries and fallen leaves make a charming touch to the table setting.

I couldn't resist sharing a snapshot from their powder room. Although tiny, it packs a punch thanks to the textured wall, pretty tiles and linen towel.