my scandinavian home: country style living

A Carpenter's Swedish Country Home in The Snow

In my last post I mentioned that I was going to start sharing a few Christmas posts this week – but bear with me, because first I have the charming home of a carpenter (or at least, studying to be a carpenter) in north-west Skåne to show you – no doubt not far from our own summer cottage!

This traditional red-and-white Swedish country home belongs to Henrik and his family, who have been renovating it over time, transforming it into a lovely space where home-grown onions and garlic hang in the kitchen, a fire crackles in the living room and cats roam freely. Keep an eye out for classic Swedish colours – green, blue, ochre and burgundy – as well as the pretty wallpaper that adorns the bedroom walls.

Välkommen in (as they say in Swedish).

So cosy! I love the wood cladding – it adds so much character. I’m also a fan of how the window frames and skirting boards have been painted in different colours (or darker shades) – it’s something we’re seeing a lot of at the moment, and it works particularly well in older homes.

Did you spot anything that caught your eye? If so, please do share below. And if you’d like to follow the carpenter’s work, and see their latest home updates, head on over to @bokbacken5.

For more inspiration today, head over to the country home archive – or, if you’re keen to get decorating for Christmas (it is the first sunday of advent coming up after all), you might like to start scrolling through the Christmas archive. It's my favourite - there is so much to see!

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @bokbacken5, shared with kind permission.

FILED UNDER: country style living

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.

A Swedish Cottage Straight from an Astrid Lindgren Story

While the city might be a little dark and grey right now, the countryside is bursting with vibrant autumn colours, and country homes are truly having their moment. Cue: endless daydreams about swapping city streets for gravel driveways and apple trees (it’ll likely never happen, of course, but it’s fun to imagine!).

That’s exactly where my mind wandered when I stumbled upon this dreamy house in Malmby, west of Stockholm. The fairy tale-like property dates back to 1927 and feels like something straight out of an Astrid Lindgren story.

And something extra special happens when a house like this finds the right owner, and this one clearly has. Green is the colour of choice throughout, flowing from the conservatory and kitchen to the living room and bedroom. It’s a calm, grounded shade that ties the whole home together, natural, timeless and wonderfully traditional.

Meanwhile, every corner tells a story: a ceramics collection lined up on the windowsill, a cupboard brimming with textiles, patterned upholstery and curtains, and perfectly chosen vintage pieces. It’s the kind of home that feels cherished. I can’t help but hope the next owner will treasure it just as much. Could that be you? Take the tour… but fair warning, you might just fall in love!

Wonderful – so much soul! Did you feel it too?

I bet this house is as cosy as can be at this time of year, but it also comes into its own in summertime, when you can throw open all the windows and doors.

Is green your shade? I have surprisingly little of it at home in the city, but I think it’s a particularly lovely shade for a country home. Do you agree?

Would you like to see a few more country homes on this autumn day in November?

Emilia's laidback Swedish country home
Jessica's idyllic Swedish country croft
A relaxed vintage inspired home in the French countryside

Have a great start to the week and month! Is it really November already?

Niki

Credits: BOSTHLM, with thanks.

FILED UNDER: country style living decorating with green rural retreats

A Charming Glimpse into Sophia's Swedish Country Home

A couple of years ago, my family and I enjoyed a wonderful break in Saltsjöbaden, part of the stunning Stockholm archipelago. We have such happy memories from our trip, swimming in the Baltic, kayaking through calm waters and taking long, scenic walks (althogh Per and I probably enjoyed that last activity more than the kids!). So it feels extra special to revisit today, this time in the form of a house tour.

This charming home belongs to Sophia Schyman, who has lovingly restored it with a thoughtful, sustainable touch. The house’s beautiful bones have been enhanced by pretty patterned wallpaper, striped curtains, vintage furniture and elegant tiled floors.

Each room has such an easy charm. I love the warm wood panelling in the dining room and gingham tablecloth; it feels made for long, cosy meals. The bedroom is so calm and inviting, with soft linens and a lovely view of the garden. And even the bathroom has that timeless touch with its chequered floor.

Ready to be inspired by a few corners of Sophie's charming Swedish country home?