From Dated to Dreamy: Jennie-Ann's Swedish Farmhouse Renovation

One of the things I’ve always marvelled at is just how great my Swedish friends are at DIY. There’s no task too daunting for them (although, thankfully, they’ll call in an expert for electrics!). It certainly helps that absolutely everyone learns how to sew, work with wood, and generally run a home (even budgeting!) at school. But anything that hasn’t been covered "can be conquered with the help of YouTube" (or so they tell me!).

Jennie-Ann is a prime example of this. She and her partner have lovingly transformed an old Swedish farmhouse in Larv, taking it from a dated and rundown building to a beautiful home that stays true to its original character. Jennie-Ann is also the founder of Lin & Lera, which includes an onsite boutique offering everything you might need to renovate your home sustainably, a salvage yard, and workshops to help with every aspect of updating and caring for your home and garden.

If the beautiful natural materials, colours, and details in Jennie-Ann’s home are anything to go by, I think the farm could be well worth a visit if we're ever passing by! In the meantime, let’s appreciate her beautiful and unique house. 

First, let me just give you a glimpse of how the kitchen looked before they started. It’s a great marker to see just how much they’ve accomplished since moving in.

Are you ready to see the results? Varsågod:

Note that the lower kitchen cabinets were salvaged from the original kitchen. Jennie-Ann sells an array of earthy-toned linseed oil paint colours in her boutique - many of which feature throughout her home. She is also a pro at making her only paint colours from clay! 

Look extra carefully at the details and you'll spot traditional Swedish pendant lamps, tables and rugs.  

Mid-blue and ochre make for a beautiful combination and create a calm feel in the bedroom. 

The bathroom is potentially my favourite room of all - it's filled with nostalgia while also providing all the modern amenities you need to feel comfortable. 

Needless to say, locals flock to Lin & Lera to discover what's in store - and for exciting events. I hope I can be a part of the crowd one day! 

Keep an eye on Lin & Lera for one of Jennie-Ann's upcoming workshops (sometimes held in the barn seen below) which include themes such as 'how to make your own colour from clay', 'how to cultivate your own forest garden' and 'basic courses in window renovation' as well as many more! 

Truly inspiring! 

Does this give you the boost you need to get a paint brush out or dabble in a little DIY this weekend? 

Feel inspired by Jenni-Ann's latest renovation projects over at @lin.o.lera and find out more about her boutique and workshops here. 

Would you like to see more homes that have been lovingly restored with sustainability in mind? Check out Emma Sundh's country home (one of the most popular tours of 2024) and also Anna Swain's charming cottage on Lamb Island, Australia. 

Wishing you all a great Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: @lin.o.lera, pictures 12 & 13 Daniel Strandroth 

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Step Inside Höda’s Creative Swedish Farmhouse

Earlier this week, I had a delightful surprise: a note from Höda Vestregård arrived in my inbox, complete with a link to her beautiful home just outside Jönköping, Sweden.

Höda, along with her husband, two daughters, and their cat Tiger, represent the seventh generation to live on her family’s farm, having purchased the farmhouse from her grandparents. The property offers plenty of room for the family to spread out and for Höda to pursue her art—some of the larger paintings you see on the walls are her own. But the creativity doesn't stop there. 

"I am an artist with a very creative mind, and I’d rather build something myself than buy it," Höda shared. True to her words, much of the renovation has been done by hand. Höda and her husband built the kitchen themselves, with help from Höda’s father. Just last weekend, she took on the bedroom, adding paneling and using fabric in place of wallpaper.

Throughout the home, there are inviting spots for writing, playing music, and collaborating, reflecting the family’s creative spirit. These spaces are brought to life with unique vintage finds, clever use of wallpaper, and personal, beautiful details that make each corner feel inspiring.

Välkommen to Höda’s charming family home and atelier!

Wait. There's just one picture missing. Say 'hej' to Tiger! 

What a great tour! There's just so much to look at. Did anyone else spot the old wooden clogs? They've no doubt been on the farm for generations. 

Is there anything that stood out to you, or any important details you felt particularly charmed by? If so, please do share below! 

You can see more of Höda's farmhouse and art over on her instagram @fiiint_som_snus. 

Got a little more time today? How about taking a little look around these farmhouses: 

The beautiful white farmhouse of an interior designer

A charming farmhouse in Piteå

Old meets new in a Danish farmhouse with a thatch roof

Happy mid-week friends, thank you for dropping by!

Niki

Photography by Höda Vestregård / @fiiint_som_snus, shared with kind permission.

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Amanda's Charming Vintage-Inspired Swedish Country Home

Tjena! Today we're heading to the Swedish countryside to dream of a simple life. One which involves a beautiful country home, a separate ceramics workshop and even an antique and homeware shop with a cafe selling delicious cinnamon buns and fresh coffee. 

Välkommen to the home of Amanda Forster who lives in the countryside near Jönköping with her family and their delightful dog. Amanda shares her passion for decorating, flea market finds and ceramics while surrounded by sheep, hens and a beautiful garden on her instagram feed @ladanskuriosa. What vintage finds Amanda doesn't choose to keep for her own home, she sells in her beautiful boutique Ladans Kuriosa (the curiosity barn) - somewhere I am now very keen to visit the next time I pass by. 

I hope you enjoy the tour of this charming home which is filled with beautiful items, cosy layers of textiles and pretty wallpaper. maybe it will have you dreaming of a new life in the Swedish countryside! 

So beautiful! And so cosy in Autumn too with the fireplaces, blankets and sheepskins. 

Could you imagine cosying up here this weekend? 

It was hard to find pictures of Amanda's pottery studio - but there's a lovely film clip here. And you can find plenty more pictures of her home and store here. 

Check out more country homes this weekend in the archive (if this crops up first, just scroll past). I was so happy to read how much you all fell in love with Frida's home on Monday. Take a peek here if you missed it. 

Have a wonderful weekend all, thank you so much for stopping by. 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @ladanskuriosa, shared with kind permission. 

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