Finding Calm in a Swedish Forest Cabin

It appears another week has just swished by — blink and it’s Friday again. I’m very ready to hit pause a little this weekend and chill. While we’ll probably be in Malmö, my heart’s already halfway to the forest… ideally parked in a cosy Landet cabin with zero plans except maybe snacks, fresh air, and wearing the comfiest knit I own.

In Swedish, landet basically means “the countryside,” but it’s more than that — it’s about sneaking off somewhere calm and relaxed. That’s exactly what Landet is all about: a true escape without any of the faff. Think nature, fresh air, good design, and zero stress. 

The cabins themselves are dotted around some of Sweden’s most beautiful rural spots — close enough to get to easily, but far enough to feel like you’ve actually escaped. It’s the brainchild of Ted and Umberto, who were looking to help others to enjoy the Swedish countryside without needing to own a cottage (or chop wood, unless you want to). You can sauna, do yoga, take long walks, drink coffee on the deck, or just do absolutely nothing at all — which honestly sounds perfect to me! 

Ready to take a peek at what would be instore?

And relax. 

Could you also imagine spending your weekend here? 

Inhale, exhale and read more about a stay at landet cabins here.

Meet you at the sauna? 

Have a wonderful weekend friends, thank you so much for stopping by this little corner of the web and for all your lovely comments - I'll get back to you soon! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Landet, with thanks. 

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A Charming Holiday Home in Österlen, Sweden’s Summer Escape

My younger sister and her family are currently island-hopping in Greece, and every now and again she FaceTimes me all excited, ready to give me a real-time video tour of her Airbnb. I absolutely love these virtual tours – not least because they transport me straight from my desk to the shores of the Ionian Sea – but also because they remind me how much it matters to find a holiday home you truly love. It can honestly make or break a trip, do you agree?

That’s why I hunt high and low before booking our own stays. And since I so often receive questions about where to stay in Sweden, I thought I’d share a gem with you today.

Österlen is an area in southeastern Skåne, in South Sweden, known for its rolling countryside, sandy beaches, whitewashed fishing villages, apple orchards, and rich cultural history. Long beloved by artists, it has a special light and creative atmosphere that draws painters, writers and makers year after year.

This particular holiday home, named Försammlingshemmet in Fågeltofta, is charming – with old beams, walls rich in patina, and interesting colours (think deep forest, raspberry and earthy tones). There’s a wonderfully comfy-looking four-poster bed, a pool to cool off in on warm days, and serene views across the Österlen landscape.

One to bookmark for next summer, perhaps?

Lovely!

I’ve also been reading a lot about Scandinavia being the new “coolcation” – the perfect antidote to increasingly hot summers in central Europe.

Summers here can indeed be wonderfully mild, usually around 18–25°C (68–77 °F) in July (the height of summer in Northern Europe). Of course, you can be a tad unlucky too – in which case we’re all dreaming of a last-minute trip south… or digging our knits back out of winter storage!

Have you been on holiday to Scandinavia? If so, I’d love to hear about where you went!

If you're planning on coming south, you can find this home on Airbnb here. 

I have also shared a ton of other beautiful Airbnb's in the past. 

Would you like to see some other homes in Österlen? Here are a few of my favourites: 

My friend Karen's lovely summer house 
Marianne's Swedish country escape
A 19th century cottage where past meets the present
The home of an architect

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb / Församlingshemmet, shared with thanks.

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A Cosy 1800s Cottage Stay in Kullaberg, Sweden

Hej! How are you lovely people today?

A little while ago, I shared a guide to Helsingborg – a city close to my heart, not only because my husband is from there, but also because my father-in-law lives in a charming fishing village nearby, in the Kullaberg area. This beautiful peninsula is brimming with creatives, cosy cafés, great eateries, and spectacular cliff walks. If you’re planning a trip to southern Sweden, it’s an absolute must. And as luck would have it, I think I’ve just found the perfect Airbnb for you too!

This cosy stay is called Villa Mandelgren – a wonderfully peaceful half-timbered cottage dating back to the 1800s. With two charming bedrooms layered with textures and warmth, it makes the perfect hideaway for a small group or family. Nestled right on nature’s doorstep yet still close to Höganäs – the coastal town I featured in my guide – it makes for a great base. 

When I stumbled across it, I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps stylist Marie Olsson Nylander (whose home I featured here many moons ago) or artist Sara Bergman (who also lives in Nyhamnsläge and has appeared on the pages of MSH) might have had a hand in the decor. Or maybe there’s simply another local with a great eye for design – combining earthy tones, rich textures, and a soft touch of femininity.

Either way, this Airbnb is definitely one to bookmark for future trips – and such lovely inspiration for autumn interiors too!

The beams make all the difference, I think – adding so much to the overall cosiness. I’m curious though – have any of you ever knocked through a ceiling to reveal beams? If so, how tricky was it to do (asking for a friend ;)?

I also love the floral bed covers – they bring such a lovely touch of femininity and softness to the space. So often rental homes can feel a little sparse in the photos, but this one strikes just the right balance: calm and pared back enough for you to add your own personality, yet cosy enough to feel instantly at home.

Can you imagine staying here? If so, you can check out the booking on Airbnb here.

And if you’re planning a trip to Sweden, don’t miss my guide to Helsingborg, Helsingør, and Kullaberg!

I absolutely loved reading all your comments last week! It was a bit of a crazy one on our side with a full work week and a birthday in the house (thank you so much for all your kind wishes for Liv!). This evening I have a long train ride home from Formland in Jutland, Denmark, and I’m looking forward to replying to them all then. Which reminds me if you'd like to hear about the latest interior trend and news from the cool Danes, checkout my instagram stories over the next 24 hours to follow my day here! 

Wishing you an underbart start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks. 

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Tour the Beautiful St Oaks Studio by 'Our Food Stories'

The girls behind Our Food Stories have done it again. Those of you who’ve been following MSH for a while will remember the Berlin flat and country retreat, derelict classroom that became a  beautiful kitchen and even a charming house in Sweden. More recently, Laura and Nora have been busy renovating St Oak apartments near Berlin, and have just completed a beautiful 200-square metre (2150- square foot) studio. 

Their signature style is unmistakable — richly patinated walls, brass fittings, and incredible cabinetry that always steals my heart. As keen foodies, the kitchen is always at the centre of their projects, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Made from Frama CPH and Kvänum units, it has that old-world feel with a modern twist. I’m especially smitten with the glass-fronted pantry — how beautiful (and handy) is that?

The open-plan space also features two striking green Italian sofas by Tachinni which rest on a textured Cappelen dimyr rug, a light-filled dining area, and a bathroom with a very cool wooden bathtub from Michor (how I'd love to put this to the test!). And there’s even a balcony where you can soak up the summer sun.

It certainly has me dreaming of a weekend away in this holiday home: flitting about, relaxing, and using it as a base to explore the surrounding area (I hear there’s a lake nearby that’s perfect for swimming!) - maybe a day in Berlin (such a fantastic city, have you been?). 

I hope you feel as inspired by the tour as I do! 

Beautiful! I’m always amazed by how they manage to renovate so many spaces — each one unmistakably with their signature style, yet with its own unique character. I also love how they source distinctive pieces, like the sofa and that incredible wooden bath — it’s such fun to see something a little different.

Was there anything in this studio that inspired you?

If you're visiting Germany anytime soon and fancy giving yourself a wonderful spa-like getaway - you can find all the details about booking a stay in this studio here. 

Here in Malmö, the sun is shining and we’re basking in 28°C (82°F) — it’s shaping up to be a lovely weekend, not least because we have a birthday in the house! Liv is turning 17… where have the years gone?

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tours this week. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of St Oaks apartment, shared with kind permission.

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