Stay in This Beautiful Victorian House in Nottinghamshire, England?

You can take a girl out of England, but you can't take England out of the girl - as the saying goes. Despite having swapped my morning tea for coffee, bicycling in all weathers and celebrating midsummer, I will always have a penchant for English country homes! Nicola Huthwaite lives in a 150-year-old Victorian house in the village of Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire. Founder of Brand Design Studio and a passionate photographer, Nicola has decorated her home in a beautiful muted palette, and focused on texture and the way the sunlight flows in through the magnificent sash windows to create shadow and light. 

It's one thing to admire lovely decor from afar, but entirely different to experience it first hand - and luckily for us, the house is available for hire! Complete with fireplace, three bedrooms, large garden courtyard, a Victorian greenhouse and outbuilding with an outdoor kitchen - who wouldn't want to spend a week, month... year here! Ready for a nose? 

The kitchen has been painted with an earthy chalk paint. Try Kalklitir for a similar affect. 

Nicola has filled the house with lovely vintage furniture for a relaxed look. 

I bought a drop leaf table like this in a Swedish second-hand shop recently - it's so useful since it can be extended and also contain small drawers. The funny thing is, I didn't even have a place for it, but couldn't resist it anyway (that's the thing with second-hand - you have to seize the moment!). And now that it's home I realise it's equally useful as a side table! 

There's something very English about walking through a front door and immediately seeing stairs. In Sweden houses are configured differently - there must be a reason, but I'm not sure what it is! How about in your country?

I love the ruffles on the shower curtain (source one here*)!

Could you imagine staying here? 

See more snapshots of this Victorian home and find out about hire here, and explore Nicola's Instagram for more inspiration!

Would you like to see a few more country homes today? Check out the country style living archive. 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography: Nicola Huthwaite - shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

4

Relaxed, Colourful Boho Style in a Swedish Country Home

If you plan on visiting Sweden, think about coming between mid-May and beginning of June. It's a beautiful time: the world has sprung to life in an array of vibrant greens, the birds are back and singing their wonderful chorus and the sweet scent of lilac and wisteria fills the air. And everyone has a spring in their step! 

This charming former schoolhouse in the countryside near Uppsala, Sweden fits the mood perfectly! Think early 20th century architecture, playful patchwork, funky art, vibrant colours and warm pools of sunlight. Welcome to a relaxed, boho Swedish country home in springtime! 

Oh, so charming. You couldn't help feeling anything but relaxed here the moment you walk in the door - do you agree? 

Patchwork and embroidery are making a major comeback in the interior world - which is lovely to see, but you definitely get the impression that the owners of this house don't care for trends and simply decorate in a way that makes them happy. Just how a home should be!

I can see myself at that desk - potentially my favourite spot in the house other than sitting at the table in the warm sunshine! Can you imagine yourself kicking about here too? 

Take a peek inside a few other former schools today: 

My friend Louise's home in a converted school (look out for the picture of her cat!!)

A converted schoolhouse on the Swedish island of Gotland

A Swedish artist home in a converted school

An old school becomes a light and airy home

A magnificent townhouse in a converted school

Wishing you all a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Boukari, Styling: Copparstad for Historiska Hem. Found via Nordroom with thanks. 

READ MORE...

8

An Idyllic Swedish Country House With a Party Barn!

Ever dream about moving to the Swedish countryside? Or somewhere rural near you? What makes me tempted is the nature (of course) but also how much space you get! Take this wonderful house near Hjälmaren (Sweden's fourth largest lake= - with its own party barn and workshop. Imagine? The interior has been impeccably decorated in an array of earthy tones and bold wallpaper. It's amazing what a splash of paint can do - something particularly noticeable in the kitchen where the cabinets, island and architrave has been painted in the same dramatic deep blue / grey tone. I have also always loved the idea of having a sofa in the kitchen - so sociable and cosy! Ready to feel inspired? 

Idyllic! 

I have to say, this house looks so familiar. I have shown SO many interior on here that it's hard to keep up - even if I have featured it many moons ago, it's well worth revisiting and this time round it's on the market via Historiska Hem - so someone's dream to move to the country is about to come true! Could it be you? 

Per would absolutely love that workshop. And imagine the parties you could have? So much fun! 

Speaking of the countryside, I discovered a new channel on Swedish TV yesterday - 'Den Stora Älgvandringen' ('The Great Elk Trek') - a channel purely dedicated to following the elk migration in real time through a series of hidden cameras in the North of Sweden. It's in its fifth season and has a cult following. I watched it for about ten minutes last night and absolutely nothing happened - no elk, no deer, not even a bird! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I think you may need a fair amount of patience to enjoy it! Swedish Psychologist have put its popularity down to being a perfect antidote to the fast paced life we lead. 

That said, if you live in a house like this one, I'm sure you'd spot passing elk every now and again! 

Happy Lillördag (little Saturday)! 

Niki

Styling: Copparstad Interior, Photography: Utsikten  / Historiska Hem

READ MORE...

3

Shades of White in a Swedish Country Home on Gotland

In need of a little escape today? Buckle up friends, we're off to a serene country home on the Swedish island of Gotland! 

Julia Khouri lives in the North of the Baltic island with her husband and four children. Her home is a sea

of serenity with milky white shades throughout. "A light and simple look has always appealed to me and gives me a harmonious feeling at home," she explains.

Keep a look out for the mix of materials and texture which help to add interest and cosiness, the tiled masonry ovens and the blend of old and new (that bathroom cabinet!).

Have you noticed fee-standing range-style ovens creeping into Scandinavian homes more and more lately? This one is by Smeg.

The mix and match items - including a Little Petra armchair and antique table in the sitting room are lovely! I really appreciate a combination of old and new. 

It's not always easy to throw objects of different styles and eras together, but it works really well here because they share similar tones. 

You'll spot vintage glass cabinets throughout Julia's home. Not only do they look nice, but they also provide great storage. They are also hot property right now, but if you're prepared to get the paint brush out, you can still find one for a steal! 

I don't feel like I show enough TVs in the home tours - so here is an example! I like it when they are more of a side show than a focal point, as seen here, do you agree?

The master bedroom is also on the ground floor. Notice how Julia has added lace inside the cabinet, which adds a soft, romantic touch and also helps to hide the items inside for a calmer look. 

I really appreciate the way Julia has found furniture to fit all kinds of nooks in her home - seen here in the window (old Gotland homes often have deep walls like this), and also in the bathroom. 

It's no easy feat when you are working with vintage / antique finds. If you're looking for an item in particular for your home, it's important to know the measurements in advance and carry a tape measure with you. Or you can do what I recently did, find something you absolutely love, buy it and THEN work out where to put it. After all, a coveted second-hand item of beauty is not always easy to find, so you have to seize the opportunity when it arrives (if you have the space to store it)!

The bathroom has been renovated in a classic, timeless way. 

I have to say, out of all my years of blogging, I've never seen a bath this small in Scandinavia! I have been in one though - many years ago as a child on a visit to Morzine, France. I found it very relaxing - mainly because I didn't need to share it with my sister for once! It's a great idea if you'd love a bath but don't necessarily have the space. 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Julia's home as much as I have, and it has left you feeling inspired. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more country homes today - or if you're looking for urban inspiration, check out the Danish apartment archive - it's one of my favourites! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography Julia Khouri, shared with kind permission

READ MORE...

15