A Charming Swedish Summer Cottage in the Countryside

Last weekend, we headed to our summer cottage for a few days. The tiniest buds were just beginning to appear on the lilac bushes, and a blackbird hopped around the garden, readying itself for spring. Although it was still cold, there was a quiet promise that soon the countryside will burst into life, turning lush and vibrant green. Just like at this beautiful cottage in the countryside, not far from the magical Gothenburg archipelago.

Traditional on the outside and quintessentially Swedish on the inside, the classic ochre, blue and white tones, botanical-themed wallpaper, and charming individual pieces have an air of the Swedish artist Carl Larsson's home.

Although most summer cottages in Sweden do have running water and electricity, it’s not unusual to find some that don’t. One friend of mine has a cottage on an island, and they have to take all their water with them for cooking, washing and drinking. Helen’s cottage has an outdoor loo only (not going to lie, I once stayed there during a two-day photoshoot and it gets so dark outside at night that I sprinted there and back in record time!). And I see this charming old cottage also has an outdoor loo — in fact, you’ll notice there are two side by side. Is it because they’re particularly sociable? Scroll down to discover why!

But prior to that, I hope you enjoy all the details first – the wallpaper, the oil lamps, mirrors, and views over the fields. Let's take a peek inside! 

Have you noticed the doors with the diagonal pattern? It’s something you see a lot of on doors and shutters in the countryside here. I recently got curious about why they’re built that way.

Like many things in Scandinavian design, there’s actually a practical reason. Traditional Swedish cottage doors and shutters often have diagonal wooden braces (sometimes forming a “Z” shape). These braces help keep the door stable, prevent it from sagging, and stop the wood from warping over time.

This construction method is called “ledge and brace,” and apparently it works especially well in climates like ours, where humidity and temperature change a lot throughout the year.

So, the loo or 'utedass' as it's called in Sweden. Just why are there two side by side? It's hardly a place you'd want to sit and chat for a while, right? The reason is actually very practical (as you might have guessed)- it is designed to accommodate different members of the family with a larger hole for adults and a smaller one for children (hence the stool to give the, a 'leg up'! 

I love that the owners have gone to the effort of painting checks on the flor and hanging a picture too! 

Oh, and I thought you might be curious about the wallpapers. The yellow one is 'hiprose' by Borås Tapater, and the one in the dining room is Duro by Gastgivars wallpaper.  

 I love seeing all the lush green - I can't wait to see all the leaves come out here (are they out where you are?). But also I noticed the beautiful old stone wall and steps in the garden. I wonder how long it would take for these took look lovely and aged if you were to add something like this today? I'd love to put something in like this at our little cottage - but not sure if modern-built stone has the same affect?

I'm really keen to here your thoughts about this Swedish country cottage too! 

It's actually for sale right now – maybe something to consider over the weekend? 

Since the weekend is coming up, how about a few more cottages to dream away over? 

A serene Swedish lakeside retreat

From classroom to country retreat
A cosy Swedish summer cottage to explore

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

PS busy getting your outdoor space ready for Spring / Summer? I have written a guide with some nice tips in my latest story for IKEA here, if you fancy a read! 

Photography courtesy of Mäklerhuset with thanks.

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An Old Tack Room, Reimagined for a Cosy Stay

I once heard that winter is meant to be a quiet reset — a season to lean into tiredness, keep warm, and stay cosy at home rather than fighting it. Never one to sit still, I was forced into this mindset yesterday evening when a snowstorm in Malmö meant I had to cancel padel.

Fun fact: in Sweden, part of your driving licence involves something called the “moose test” — basically proving you can handle a car in bad conditions, either on ice in winter or oil in summer (I think it involves slaloming around bollards without panicking). London doesn’t have anything like that, so Per understandably gets nervous when I’m out driving in snow and wind.

That said… an evening at home with a glass of red, and my newly arrived copy of Vogue Scandinavia doesn’t sound too tragic. Anyway — I digress. You’re not here for my winter ramblings. You’re here for the home tour. And luckily, I have a lovely one, just for you!

This cosy little home for two in Suffolk, England feels like the ultimate escape. Tucked away on a quiet family estate, The Old Tack Room is compact, calm, and very cosy. The interior was created in collaboration with Design & That, and features soothing tones, beautiful textures, and an easy, open-plan layout made for slow mornings and long evenings. by the fire. 

And then there’s the estate itself. A stay might include yoga classes… or private dining… or beauty treatments… or horse riding… or watersports. Or — and let’s be honest, my favourite option — tiramisu and a glass of red by the fire (and maybe a cuddle with a llama!). Which would you choose? 

Either way, it's the perfect escape for the weekend! 

Lovely!

Once again, we're witnessing the warmth of veering away from sheet white walls and opting for warm, muted tones instead - sometimes so subtle, you might not notice. 

Recently, while working on an interior design project here in Malmö, we opted to paint the white walls a soft off white and the result was instant. It felt warmer, welcoming and a little more luxurious. 

What colours do you have on your walls? 

I also really love the traditional wood panelling, it works wonders here.  Oh, and the kitchen is beautiful too! 

If you're curious about a stay - check out the Old Tack Room for more info. 

And for more cosy stays to dream about (or book!), I love: 

A magical escape on a Norwegian island outside Bergen
A limestone barn on Gotland
A rustic stay in a former railway carriage

I am not sure if you noticed but I got my days muddled up this week. I had promised to post Tuesdays and Thursdays this year - but now I realise that it might need to be a little more flexible depending on what I am up to - so Monday or Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. I do hope that works fine from your side? 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, 

Niki

PS I am so looking forward to finding a quiet moment this weekend, pouring a coffee and reading through / replying to your comments, it's something I so enjoy! 

Credits: Sand and Stone Escapes

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