An Idyllic Rustic Swedish House In The Countryside

Tjena! I hope you had a great weekend! I might be at my studio in the heart of the Malmö right now, but my mind is distinctly in the quiet of the countryside - or at least, that's where I'd love to be today. And when you see this rustic cottage, I've got a feeling you might feel the same! This traditional red and white Swedish house has been decorated in muted greys and fresh white and filled with antiques, vintage finds and lots of interesting art. I could quite happily pad around here all week - working from that desk, tinkering away on the piano, enjoying coffee on the terrace and taking leisurely walks by the water. How about you?! 

What an idyllic retreat! 

Could you imagine spending your week here too?

I have always been a fan of a simple white and light grey combo! 

Incidentally, a friend of mine is moving into a new home this week and asked me to recommend a white paint. In Sweden the most popular seems to be 'Stockholmsvit' (Stockholm white) code S0502Y. It has a warm tint to it which adds a homely vibe of the living space. It also works in well with warm textures such as wood, rattan and other natural, earthy materials. 

I'll be quiet now and leave you to dream! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week. I hope it's as peaceful as this very house! 

Niki

Photography: Fantastic Frank found via Nordic Design with thanks

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A Charming Swedish Home Full of Pattern and Plants!

Fancy a trip to the North of Sweden today? Actually, the East coast city of Sundsvall is only halfway up the country (it's one EXTREMELY long land mass!) - but living in the South, it feels a long way North - so wrap up, we're in for a long ride! Johanna and Aron used to live in an apartment, but when their dream house came on the market, they jumped at the chance to move in with their children Elsi and Jack and poodle Louie (look out for him in the snapshots below, he's so handsome!). The previous owners had done a wonderful job of renovating the property, which allowed Johanna and Aron to focus on the fun part - like "choosing wallpaper and adding colour, pattern and plants!" The pair are extremely passionate about furnishing their home with secondhand pieces "that have a history" - which, in my experience, is key to creating a beautiful, interesting and personal home! Välkommen in! 

I can't believe it's September already! Eeek! This is just the type of climbing plant I was talking about in yesterday's home tour. Plants like these, combined with fresh flowers and cushions with botanical motifs (like this William Morris one) will help to feel the transition into Autumn and winter less severe (especially if you're a summer babe like I am!).

Johanna and Aron have created a BEAUTIFUL conservatory using rattan furniture and an abundance of cushions and plants -  giving a feeling of being outdoors! Imagine how cosy this space is on a sunny Autumn day, or all lit by candles in the evening?! 

This leather pouf* and jute rug* are similar. 

Johanna has chosen two different William Morris wallpapers for her bedroom and the guest room.  

I'm a big fan of the glass cabinet - look out for my post over the next couple of days and you'll see why! The one in this bedroom (could it be from IKEA?) serves as a great place to store creative kit which is way to pretty to hide away.

What a lovely, relaxed home!

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

I think all the plants add such a great feel! Some say you can never have too many plants  - just look at the home of Caroline Reichel, Hilton Carter, and the Arctic Gardener!

Are you a big fan of greenery too?

See more of Johanna and Aron's home over at her inspiring instagram feed @kvarteret_krukan.

Thank you for joining me on our armchair trip to Sundsvall today - I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! I hope one day, we can all visit in person, I think I'd feel right at home here. 

Niki

Photography: @kvarteret_krukan

*affiliate links

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Could You Be The Next Owner of This Idyllic Swedish Country Estate?

Rumour has it this summer every single Swedish summer cottage was sold - even little shacks surrounded by forest in the middle of nowhere that have been on the market for years. During the pandemic it seems, Swedes have fallen even more in love with the idea of somewhere to escape and koppla av (relax) surrounded by nature nearer to home. The latest house to come on the market is this idyllic estate in the fairy tale region of Sörmland, South west of Stockholm. It's owned by landscape architect and interior designer Kristina Dexter and her husband Karl, a carpenter (who's former home I featured here).

The turn-of-the-century property is made up of a farmhouse, large party barn, carpentry workshop and guesthouse surrounded by orchards, vegetable patches and flower gardens making it perfect as a year-round residence, or somewhere for extended families to gather in summertime. 

Oh, and did I mention the main house has been renovated to perfection? Yep, Kristina and Karl have worked hard to maintain many of the original details and recreate the typical character and charm of the house while adding their signature deep blue accents and wallpaper! 

Could you be the next owner?

Beautiful!

And at the time of going to press, it's still on the market! I wonder who'll be the lucky person to snap it up? If it's you, can I come to your first barn party?! 

You can find more details about the property here. 

Looking to recreate Scandinavian country home style at home? Here are a few other homes I love: 

A rundown house becomes a fairytale home

A Magical Norwegian cottage with a wabi sabi vibe

Before & After: dingy house becomes a charming farmhouse

Ha en bra dag!

Niki

Photography: Kristina Dexner

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A Magical Farmhouse on a Hill In Vermont

One magical, sunny day in 2014, photographer James Gardiner and I made our way up a long, winding track in Vermont, USA. Eventually we came to a clearing, and there at the top of the hill amidst 100 acres of luscious New England pasture stood Nadine Dole's farmhouse. We spent the day shooting the house known as 'The Hill' for my book Modern Pastoral (now re-named to Relaxed Rustic). It would be a day I'll never forget. 

The remote farmhouse is simply furnished with a mixture of antiques, handmade items, vintage finds and wonderful pieces of art. Natural materials and a neutral colour scheme unify the eclectic pieces and work in harmony with the surroundings. The windows open inward and upward, filling the living space with a wonderful cool breeze - and providing uninterrupted views over open fields towards distant mountain ranges. 

Meals and afternoon tea are enjoyed at a 19th century pine harvest dining table. The natural woven seating of the dining chairs is slowly coming unraveled, enhancing the relaxed nature of the home. 

The kitchen is simple yet purposeful and made entirely from salvaged items. 

A row of linen aprons (this lovely linen apron* is similar) in muted makes a delightful display on the back wall. Vintage rolling pins are stored in the pockets. 

A Kasanof's & Paramount Bakeries tin bought in an antique store sits above the green armoire. The impressive 'Blueberry' painting is by John Young. 

Nadia collects art from all over the world. The nude portrait was found in a brocante (a secondhand market) in Maussane, France. Dried honeycombs found in the garden in winter rest on a table found at auction. 

An old schoolhouse light hangs above an ornate mirror and porcelain sink and a simple lion claw tub provides a perfect place for a soak while looking out over the pastures, where black bears, coyotes, wild deer and chickens wander freely. 

You can see more pictures of Nadia's magical home in my book Relaxed Rustic (formerly known as Modern Pastoral). 

I also love following Nadia's latest projects on her instagram. 

If you're as taken with her style as much as I am, you might also like to keep an eye out for one of her workshops - and if you're lucky enough to be in the area a little birdie tells me she might be opening a small shop, cafe or bakery (or perhaps all three?) soon! 

Discover other incredible country homes in the archive! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

PS There's currently a give-away over on instagram to win Relaxed Rustic along with five other interior books. 

PPS If you are one of the first to pick up a copy of Relaxed Rustic online and enjoy it, I'd be so happy if you could leave a review - thank you so much :)

Credit: Relaxed Rustic by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books (19.99 GBP). Photography by James Gardiner - copyright CICO Books. 

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A Rundown House Becomes a Fairytale Swedish Country Home

In 2010, Johanna Berglund and her family were living in a tiny cottage in the village of Broddarp, North East of Gothenburg - and dreaming of owning a house. One day they heard a rumour that the nearest property was for sale. They immediately knocked on the door. And the rest, as they say is history. Well, not quite. The 280-metre square house needed a lot of work - but they knew it had great bones as it had been built by Johanna's husband's great uncle - a talented builder. The pair set about transforming the house room by room, learning as they went - and ten years later it's nearly finished. Before we take the tour, I can't resist sharing a picture of the house before the renovation - the transformation is simply incredible! 

Before

After

I actually had to do a double take to check it was the same house! I'm so impressed with their vision and how they've gone the extra mile. The level of detail is a rare sight these days and really warms the heart - don't you think? Her online moniker 'snickarglädjen' (joiner joy) starts to make sense now! 

Behind the beautiful carpentry, there's a deck complete with an outdoor kitchen and dining area - an idyllic place to enjoy long summer evenings! 

Johanna and her partner have taken equal care with the interior, creating a charming home full of traditional details, beautiful wallpaper (mainly by Boråstapeter) and a cosy corners. Enjoy the tour! 

 

What a magical home! The level of care that has gone into the renovation oozes out from every room.

So much so, that it's worth going through the pictures several times - you're bound to spot something new every time!

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

You can see more pictures of Johanna's home over at @snickargladjen and on her website. If you're in the area you might also like to stop by Prästgården - where Johanna runs a boutique and a place to enjoy a swedish fika - as well as pick your own flowers. I'm all in!

If like me, you're now dreaming of rural life, here are a few other homes you might enjoy today: 

A relaxed, vintage inspired home in the French countryside

A magical Norwegian cottage with a wabi sabi vibe

A wonderful estate in the Stockholm archipelago

Speaking of rural life... we're up at the summer cottage for a few days and word on the street is that my parents-in-law are about to arrive in the harbour by boat. The girls are rushing around me in excitement. I'd better get busy so we can go and welcome them!

Wishing you a happy hump day (nope, still not quite used to that term!!). 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Johanna Berglund with kind permission. 

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