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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A Cosy Cottage Escape in the French countryside

Hello there friends, how are you getting on? I’m not going to lie, January in Malmö is not my favourite time of the year. The world is devoid of colour (I sent a picture to my sister in Mallorca the other day and she thought I’d put a black and white filter on it!!), and it’s really cold and raw. Hence, why I have been dreaming of cute places to stay far and wide. A mental escape if you like. And that’s what led me to this cosy and charming little cottage.

Aptly named La Petite Maison, the stone cottage is tucked away in the peaceful countryside of the Percheron region in Normandy, France, part of the picturesque Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. Here, we're told, you can truly slow down, enjoy panoramic views over rolling fields and woodlands, and step into a world of simple, rustic beauty — everything from the cosy wood-burning stove to the carefully curated décor feels like it was picked with love.

Owned and lovingly restored by a couple who fell head over heels for this corner of French rural life — and who live on the same property in the larger La Grande Maison — this little guest house was created so that visitors can experience the “Perche Effect”: that calm, gentle rhythm of life that only the countryside seems to offer. Every detail of La Petite Maison reflects their passion for this slice of France, from the antique-found décor to the quiet garden just outside your door. Bienvenue! 

Charming in every way — and just the virtual escape I needed on this grey winter day. How about you?

If you’d like to see more pictures — or even enquire about a booking (hey, why not? I don’t think any of us would regret that choice!) — head on over to Perche Effect.

On a brighter note, my day is actually very exciting as I’m at a photoshoot in Copenhagen, at a studio called The Lab, capturing a new collection for a client. It’s an amazing place, absolutely brimming with Danish creativity. I’ll see if I can share a few pictures on my Instagram stories — I hope you’re also up to something fun today.

If you fancy lingering for a while, you might like to delve into these tours:

A pretty, Swedish run b&b in the south of france
A Swede's lovely vintage-inspired home in the south of france
A stunning French country home filled with antiques
A swedish photographer and French hat-makers charming home

Have a lovely day, folks!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Perche Effect, with thanks. 

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A Cotswolds Country House with Peaceful Views Over the Hills

Do you live in your “forever home”? A place you’ve finally landed, fallen in love with, and can’t imagine ever leaving?

Our home in Malmö feels more transient. It’s wonderfully close to the sea and the city, and perfectly suited to our little family right now. But I can imagine that one day we might move — perhaps to an old cottage by the coast, or even abroad. Our summer cottage, though, will always be our true forever home. Inherited from Per’s grandfather, it’s a place we hope our children will one day love and share with their own families.

I could also imagine this extraordinary 17th-century Grade II listed Cotswold house being someone's forever home. Set high above the rolling hills of the Five Valleys, with architecture spanning the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it offers atmospheric, character-filled living spaces that feel both magical and relaxed. It’s the kind of home where you can kick off your wellies, light the fire, and enjoy a proper cup of tea — surrounded by dog hair, children racing through rooms, and the quiet comfort of lived-in beauty.

That’s why it’s hard to believe it’s for sale, especially when so much thought has gone into the kitchen, art, antiques and colour choices, all coming together in a laid-back, creative and deeply personal way. But perhaps that’s also the opportunity. Could this be your next forever home? If Thursdays aren't for a little dreaming, what are they for? Let's take the tour!

I am a huge fan of curtains - as a window dressing, to keep the draught out by the front door, as a room divider and to cover storage. All you need is a simple rail and that's it! 

Have you noticed the big return of the larder in recent years? So handy! Extra marks if it is painted in another hue - like this one (or the one seen in Natalie's Malmö kitchen!). 

A roaring fire anywhere in the home is lovely, but in the kitchen? Simply wonderful! 

Accents of deep blue, earthy green, blush and yellow really add to the richness of the home. 

I grew up with a chest-of-drawers that looked exactly like this one in my childhood bedroom. Getting a pair of socks out took a whole deal of shuffling, teasing and whatever means - not good if you're already running late for school. Still, they sure do look pretty! 

The checks, rustic bench and art deco lamp in the bathroom are yet another example of how the owners have gone a little 'off piste' and added quirky touches that break away from the traditional country home. 

Such a fascinating home - there's no denying the beauty of the architecture. 

I am so looking forward to hearing your thoughts below! 

Would you like to see a few more country homes today? How about: 

Exploring a soulful Cotswolds home
Anita's cosy little home in the Cotswolds (before and after)
An idyllic red and white Swedish farmhouse
Five Danish country homes to love

I hope you have a cosy weekend! See you Tuesday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks

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A Warm Swedish Christmas: Inside Sanna’s Country Home

Hej there! How are you holding up? It's a busy time of year! 

On Friday I shared a few snapshots from my own home this Christmas (along with a little gift!), and today we're spreading our wings a little further afield – to Sanna's beautiful Swedish country home in snowy Dalarna.

Sanna lives here with her husband and two children, and to give you a full tour I went back through her Instagram (with kind permission, of course) so I could gather snapshots from each room – which is why some feel more Christmassy than others. Either way, there's plenty of inspiration to be gleaned!

Built in the early 1900s, Sanna and her husband have been carefully restoring the house with great respect for its original charm. They place a strong focus on re-use and on giving old objects a new life. The home is filled with the kind of quiet, soulful details that make Scandinavian country interiors so inviting. Painted wood panelling in dusty blues and greys gives the kitchen a soft, heritage feel, while worn timber floors and simple rustic stools add a grounded warmth. Natural textures—ceramics, linen curtains, wooden cabinets—soften each room, and fresh flowers appear everywhere, bringing life to the winter light.

In the living areas, I especially love the paper lanterns and pleated lamps, which cast a gentle glow over vintage furniture, creating a layered look that feels both relaxed and personal. Just the house I'd like to come home to, whatever the season. Enjoy the tour! 

So beautiful! 

I actually love that there are pictures from each season here, as it gives you an idea of how it looks and feels over the year. Do you agree? 

It really is such a pretty home, and the views over the fields are magical. 

One thing that stood out to me was the upholstery on the armchairs. I tried (and failed) to find a source. Does anyone know where the fabric comes from? I'll also check with Sanna and update the post once I know. 

Did anything stand out to you in particular?

Just in case you'd like to see a little more Christmas inspiration today, here are a few beautiful home tours and edits I've shared in the past: 

11 festive ideas from Mari's lovely Christmassy home

Scandinavian Christmas crafting ideas (many of which are edible!)

Inspiration from a beautiful Swedish home at Christmas

Har det så fint! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @sannaprepuk, shared with kind permission. 

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