An Enchanting 1930s Swedish Cottage Filled with Colour, Charm, and DIY Creations

Oh, have I got a charming cottage to share with you today! Built in the 1930s, this beauty looks like something straight out of a fairytale from the outside, and the magic continues inside with a joyful mix of colour and pattern. Every room has its own unique charm, making this home a true delight.

Sandra Serefia, who lives just outside Gothenburg in Lerum with her young family, has a real talent for DIY. She creates everything from hand-painted patterns on floors to crafting her own dining table, all with a keen eye for design and plenty of creativity.

Keep an eye out for floral ceilings, dreamy pink shades (like the walls i the sun room below painted in NCS 2020-Y80R), checked floors, cosy cotton lampshades (a must-have right now!), and the sweetest children's bedroom you ever did see!

While the above shows the main sitting room, below is a glimpse of the cosy TV room  with layers of lovely textiles. Notice how all the bright coloured toys are concealed in a cabinet when not in use! 

Pink stairs? Why not! I love the pale pink (NCS code S3020-Y50R), white and green combination–how about you? 

A nook at the side of the bedroom has been transformed into an ensuite bathroom. This is the second time in the space of a week that we've seen a lovely bathroom with sloped ceilings (here's the tour with the other one), very inspiring!  

Here's another lovely pink shade (NCS 1820-Y97R), which goes beautifully with the blue (Icey blue by Jotun Lady). 

Are you even Swedish if your child doesn't have a Kånken mini rucksack? I love this one in yellow - my daughter had the very same one when she was small!

Even the dressing room / walk-in-wardrobe in the children's room is pretty!

This home is such a dream! I love how Sandra has thought about every detail and there is something fascinating to look at around every corner. 

Is there anything that caught your eye? Perhaps some details I missed? 

See more corners and discover from of Sandra's recent DIY projects over at @sandraserafia. You won't be disappointed! 

Fancy a longer mid-week break? Feast your eyes on these pretty country homes: 

A dated house is transformed into a charming country home

The idyllic thatched cottage and garden of a Danish artist

Emilia's laid back Swedish country home

Spring time in a rustic Swedish cottage

Have a happy mid-week.

Kram! 

Niki

Photography by @sandraserafia, shared with kind permission.

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A Cosy Swedish Cottage with Stunning Sea Views

Happy Friday, friends! Got any fun plans for the weekend? I can’t help but think the owners of this charming Swedish cottage by the sea won’t be venturing far. Why would you, when you can snuggle up indoors, hide from the chill, and enjoy the most wonderful views over the Gothenburg archipelago from so many of the windows? It’s the perfect spot to sit, relax, and reflect!

Anna, John, and their daughter Gunnevi found this little gem by the water and have lovingly transformed it into their dream family retreat. They’ve worked hard to expand the space while staying true to the authentic look and feel of the original cottage.

On one end, they added a sunroom to soak in the light and those breathtaking views. On the other, they extended the house with an entrance, a new kitchen, and a dining area. To bring it all together, they decorated with delightful nods to the cottage’s West Coast roots, as well as incorporating warm earthy tones in ochre and green that radiate cosiness.

The furnishings are a delightful mix of vintage treasures, each chosen with comfort and practicality in mind, enhancing the timeless charm of the traditional cottage. 

Ready to take a closer look at Villa Valborg? Let’s start with a picture of the original cottage, so you can follow the family’s inspiring journey of transformation. I hope it sparks your imagination!

How wonderful! 

It's a dream of mine to live in a lovely cottage by the sea like this one day. 

Could you imagine relaxing here too? 

I love the green and ochre combination too - it's a tone that we are seeing everywhere right now. But most of all, for me this cottage is all about the cosy feel and the incredible vistas. 

Is there anything that stands out to you about Villa Valborg - or perhaps a detail I have missed? 

You can see more pictures as well as some behind-the-scene footage from the renovation over at @villa.valborg. 

Shall we take this opportunity to look at a few more cottages by the sea? I love: 

A cosy yellow Swedish cottage by the sea

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea

A beautiful Danish cabin by the sea becomes a lockdown haven

An artist's atelier and home by the sea in Cornwall

A dreamy cottage by the ocean filled with vintage finds

A swedish summer cabin overlooking the water in karlskrona

And with that, I'll leave you to have a wonderful weekend! See you Monday friends!

Niki

Photography: @villa.valborg, shared with kind permission. 

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Step Inside a Cosy Swedish Allotment Cottage Dressed for Christmas

I always get excited when I feature a kolonistuga (Swedish allotment cottage), but this little one is particularly exciting! Why? Allotment cottages are very seasonal. Since the water is usually turned off to avoid pipes freezing in colder weather, it's rare to see one decorated for Christmas.

Located in the heart of Gothenburg, this little cottage belongs to Elin Lannsjö. She loves staying here year-round. You might recognise the white abode from a summer feature way back in 2015. Now, I’m thrilled to share a tour of Elin’s cottage dressed in simple yet beautiful festive touches, complete with a roaring fire.

Outside, the snow blankets the ground, while inside, the glow of candlelight makes the cottage feel warm and inviting. Touches of greenery—branches of pine, amaryllis, and hyacinths—add to the cozy yuletide vibe.

Ready to step inside and soak up the Christmas charm of Elin's cosy cottage?

So cosy! A real little winter haven in the heart of the city. 

Perfect inspiration for the first Sunday of Advent (when traditionally in Sweden everyone starts to decorate their home, although I have noticed many couldn't resist starting already purely to brighten up the winter darkness!). 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Elin's cosy stuga? 

Before I wrap up for the weekend, why not grab a blanket and cosy up for a few more cabin tours:

A cosy candlelit cabin deep in the Norwegian fjords

A magical mountain cabin in Norway (captured for my second book!)

A Finnish log cabin in wintertime

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Check out the Christmas and Christmas decoration archives. 

Have a lovely weekend friends. Thank you so much for stopping by, I've loved reading all your emails and comments and so happy you have enjoyed the tours this week (and the chairs in my dining room!). 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Elin Lannsjo, shared with kind permission. 

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