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Helen's Cosy Swedish Cottage At Christmas

The First Sunday of Advent is just around the corner and already we're seeing stars and twinkling lights appear in windows throughout Sweden. With the shorter days and much of the country blanketed in snow, the decorations help to brighten up the darkness and add cosiness and warmth.  

A couple of winters ago I spent a magical few days at my dear friend, interior designer Helen Sturesson's cottage in Blekinge, southern Sweden. You have likely seen some of these cosy Christmas pictures before, but I couldn't resist featuring the entire cosy tour today. 

I love the rustic feel and focus on understated tradition - little wonder the family choose to spend Christmas here by the fire. Ready to get into the festive spirit?


So magical! 

I'd be so happy here cosying up by the fire, how about you? 

It's so lovely and quiet there, and only a short walk from the baltic sea.

The glass decorations seen on the table, hanging on the tree and on the windowsill are all mouth-blown on the Danish island of Bornholm by atelier Pernille Bülow. My family and I are actually heading to the island this weekend to visit the Christmas market so I must stop by and pick up some Christmas decorations! I can't wait, it's such a beautiful part of the world! 

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Helen's charming little cottage! 

Niki
 
Photography - Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home
Home / styling - Helen Sturesson

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A Swedish Cottage in the City - In Autumn Time

Many of my Swedish friends tell me that November is their least favourite month. Admittedly, it is very dark. Here in the furthest south the sun will set at 4pm today. And in Kiruna - a city in the far North famous for its ice hotel, the sun will dip below the horizon at a crazy 2pm! Could you imagine? And we still have six weeks until the winter solstice. 

But I have always loved November. I love the golden leaves. I love the cosiness of coming home to a warmly lit home and I love steaming stews and apple pie! 

This charming cottage is my way of sharing not only the beauty of the fairytale quarter of Högelid in central Stockholm, but also the capital city in all it's Autumn glory! It's also a rare opportunity to take a peek behind the facade of one of the city's historical homes. 

Welcome to Sweden in 'höst'! 

What a beautiful haven to come home to each day. It's hard to imagine this cottage is in the heart of a city, don't you think? 

Did I mention it's for sale? A unique chance if ever there was one! 

Incidentally, I have had quite a few questions lately asking if Scandinavians tend to own less stuff. The simple answer is yes! Granted, some of these homes have been decluttered to make them appeal to potential buyers, on the whole, Scandinavians take a 'less is more' approach to decorating. I wrote a load about it in my Lagom book if you'd like to find out more*! 

In the mood for some autumn / fall inspiration? Here are some of my favourite sources: 


Happy mid week!

Niki

Photography: stern interiors
Styling: Olivia Lind

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A Charming Little Swedish Cottage in the Heart of Stockholm

In a city where space is limited, owning a cottage is like gold dust and an absolute dream. Even so, you need to ensure that it doesn't feel like a goldfish bowl. And I think this wonderful little abode in the heart of Stockholm offers some perfect privacy solutions - especially when it comes to the outdoor space. 

It also helps that the inside is charming - with an open-plan kitchen, dining area and sitting room downstairs and a cosy bedroom upstairs (look out for the window dressing - great inspiration for anyone dealing with awkward shaped windows!). Ready to take a look and dream of cosy cottage life in the capital? This little 61 sq.m (656 ft.sq) place has it all! 


Note the wood panelling with beading - a cohesive touch that matches the traditional cabinetry and style of the house. Corston is great for traditional antique brass knobs like these. 


The dining area set-up with sofa and chairs lends itself to both a relaxed spot for a cup of tea looking out over the garden, or as a more formal dining setting. 


The open spot at the top of the stairs is often referred to as an 'allrum' in Swedish - which lovely translates as 'family room' or 'space for everyone'. In this 'allure' the owners have added a cosy armchair and a home office space. 


I love the curtain solution in this dormer window! Something to steal if you're in the same conundrum? 

A covered terrace with plenty of climbers not only helps to extend the living space but also ensures you're not overlooked while enjoying your time outdoors! having some kind of canopy also adds a cosy feel to a space, don't you think? 

And finally, if you only have a small outdoor space, making the most of vertical space for plants is a great way to add greenery without cluttering with pots. In our little yard in Malmö we've gone for climbers such as roses, wisteria and clematis. 

Draping sheepskins over the back of chairs is a perfect way to add a little comfort to harder chairs. Sheepskin also has great insulating qualities so it will keep you warm for longer too! 

A small circular heater and a ring of candles amp up the cosiness after dark - and extend the outdoor season (it's pretty short in Sweden)! 

Plants on outdoor tables and shelves also shield the space from those on the same level as you. 

And just in case you need a little sunshine, this lovely cottage has an open area too! 

If you have a back yard that leads into a communal garden, an arch is a nice way to create a boundary / entrance without sealing your space off completely. We have an arch just like this one in our garden too and it looks so pretty when the clematis are in full bloom! 

Could you imagine living in a lovely cottage like this in the heart of the city? A rare find for sure! 

I'm going to take this opportunity to share other rare finds like this one with you! 


I hope you have a fabulous weekend and the sun shines for you wherever you are in the world! Here ins Sweden, we're looking forward to a cosy autumn weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Tradition Mäkleri where this is currently for sale! 

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A Cosy Little Swedish Cottage by the Sea

I have to confess, I dread the day my children leave home. On the one hand of course, I'll be happy that they have found their path in life and will be setting off on a new adventure, on the other, I sure will miss those crazy girls. Thankfully, there are quite a few years left. But I have a plan! 

I dream of living in a little cottage by the sea with Per one day, where I can snuggle up beside a woodturning stove with a book and a cup of tea come winter. 

With its cosy small rooms, thick stone walls to buffet the cold winds in winter, exposed wood beams, walls covered in books and art and a sun dappled garden - this 107 m2 (1150 f2) 19th century cottage is just the ticket. What's more, it's just down the road from us in Limhamn, South Sweden - and a short hop from the harbour! 

The eclectic blend of furniture, shelves that bow under the weight of books and pops of blue, red, green and yellow help to add to the relaxed feel of the space. 

I spy a stacked stereo system, just like the one I had at uni! Did you have one of these too? 

A tiny hallway space in the corner of the sitting room beside the entrance is reserved for coats and shoes while a nook in the stairwell is used to store firewood. 


The area up and over doorways is ideal for book shelves - especially in a small living apace. Lights have been added to illuminate the tomes after sunset. 

Curious to see the layout? Erik Olsson shared this along with the listing: 

Translation: Entre - hallway, Vardagsrum - living room, Matrum - dining room, Kök - kitchen, Trädäck - decking. Övre plan - top floor, Sovrum - bedroom. Kamin - woodburning stove. 

How charming and cosy is this cottage? It's certainly designed for 'njutning'! Looking back through the pictures I noticed a cat tree too - of course! I'd love to have another cat one day but I fear I've put Per off for life after the very crazy, viscous feline we had years ago! 

Are you a cat person? 

And more importantly, could you imagine cosying up in a cottage like this? Or do you prefer a more minimalist living space? 

See other cosy cottages here: 


Have a mysig (cosy) start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Erik Olsson (this property is currently for sale). 

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