A Romantic Swedish Country Home in Summertime

There's something very special about July in Sweden. The lush green of the countryside. The flowers in full bloom. The chorus of the birds and insects going about their work. Little wonder Swedes press the pause button for a few weeks to take it all in. 

I felt this country house perfectly captured the essence of the Swedish summer cottage. It's about leading a back-to-basics lifestyle where the days are shaped around a dip in the sea or lake, slow coffee, long lunches and reading a book under a tree. The beauty of the summer cottage interior lies in the imperfection and simplicity, allowing the vibrancy of the surroundings to take centre stage. 

I'd be perfectly happy to sit at any one of the desks in this house in the name of work but more likely simply gaze out of the moth blown windows. Oh, and if you love wallpaper, you're in for a treat too!  Welcome to a lovely country house northeast of Stockholm. 

There's something poetic about this house, don't you think? 

Are there any details that caught your eye? 

There are so many great Swedish wallpaper brands. Two that are worth checking out are Boråstapeter and Sandberg. William Morris is also popular, although not Swedish of course! 

Here are a few more country homes to tour today (just in case I've got you in the mood): 

A dated house transformed into a beautiful country home

A cosy country home in the North of Sweden

An idyllic red and white swedish farmhouse

Do you have a similar style of celebrating summer in the country where you live? 

Have a great start to the week. 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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A Beautiful Swedish Rectory on the Island of Gotland

It's been way too long since I featured a house on the Swedish island of Gotland, don't you think? Long-term followers here know that I have a huge love for the Swedish Baltic island. We visited by sailing boat a few years ago, and Per had to practically drag me away, otherwise I would have stayed! 

I can't wait to return again someday - have you been? In the meantime, we can all dream about the beautiful island via the Gotland house tours I share. And this one just popped up in my feed! An old rectory dating back to 1902, the stately house is a short stone's throw from the church (I love the sound of church bells ringing in the morning, do you?). Inside, the rooms have wonderful vistas over the surrounding farmland and have been beautifully renovated in earthy tones of stone with deep blue and grey. All that's waiting now, is for someone to add their personal touch with books, art, textiles and all the cosy items that make a house a home. Could it be you? Step inside and decide for yourself! 

I love the huge windows and imagine each room to change with the time of day and season! The outside space looks wonderful too. Imagine how peaceful it is there? 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

You can find my guide of the Swedish Baltic coast here, and also don't miss these lovely homes on Gotland: 

A rustic summer cottage on the island of Gotland

Elsa's inspiring summer cottage

A beautiful limestone barn (for hire via Airbnb!)

Oh, and did you see Monday's tour of Riikka's cabin on a Finnish island? I'm still romanticising about arriving by boat and spending my days diving in and out of the water! 

Happy Lillördag ('little Saturday).

Niki 

Styling: Sofie Gidfeldt

Photo: Emma Jonsson Dysell

For sale via: Skeppsholmen

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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. 

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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. 

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