Hannah's Swedish City Apartment and Country Summer Cottage

Despite the sunshine, there's a distinct crispness to the air and the start of Autumn is ever-present - are you noticing that too? Many Swedish summer cottages have been boarded up for the winter, but for some, the hideaway is just close enough to enjoy the last of the summer sun with relaxed weekends away. I've been doing this with ours, and it's like two different worlds - one urban, with routines and schedules to keep, the other wild and free! 

I've always marvelled at the difference in the decor between city apartments and summer cottages in Sweden. To emphasise this, I thought we could step into the lovely world of Hannah Persson today. Hannah and her family divide their time between an apartment in the centre of Gothenburg and a summer cottage two-hours way close to beautiful lake Vänern just outside Lidköping.

Let's start with her city abode! 

The city apartment

Hannah and her family's city apartment is blessed with turn-of the-century features including high ceilings, large windows and double doors. It has a wonderful calm vibe, making it the perfect oasis to return to after a hectic day of work, nursery and other family activities. 

The living space is full of mid-century furniture, art, and cosy patterned rugs against a backdrop of calm, earthy tones. 

Rug found at Myrorna (the Swedish version of Salvation Army). Round paper rice lamps from Hay are hugely popular in Swedish homes right now. 

The wool wall hanging is by Swedish artist Ingegerd Silow, below is a curated display which includes a Transparent radio, mirror, plant and paper lamp. 

Blanket by Arket

Bedside lamp Svenskt Tenn, baby bed Garbo & Friends

The summer cottage 

From the traditional red and white facade to the charming small rooms with original touches from times gone by, Hannah and her family's country getaway is everything you would imagine a traditional Swedish cottage to be and more. 

Hannah has furnished the living space with a mix of items picked up at flea markets and second hand stores, giving the home a lovely relaxed vibe. 

Items such as wall hung sunhats help to add a summery touch to the space. 

I was asked in the comment section about these wonderful fireplaces. The Swedish Kakelugn is a tiled oven which started to appear in Swedish homes as early the 1700s. The unit is designed to radiate heat at a constant temperature over many hours, making it a highly efficient way to keep a house warm. Many are still in working condition today, although more often than not they're used for the 'mys' factor (cosiness) rather than for actual heating! 

Despite being inefficient compared to modern triple or quadruple glazed windows you find in year-round homes, original windows like these are highly coveted in Swedish summer cottages. The glass has a slight waviness / imperfection to it which adds to the character of the house. 

The folk-art basket is a wonderful nod to the history of the cottage. 

Flowers from the garden reflect the season, and floral bedding also helps to draw nature indoors, while simple hooks reflect the relaxed grab and go lifestyle so enjoyed at the cottage. 

Displays tend to be less curated and more a thrown together selection of pieces - in the bedroom an impromptu dressing area includes a small vintage mirror with hooks and a jug used as a vase. 

Carefree days are spent picking wildflowers, swimming in the nearby lake - or perhaps simply doing nothing at all. 

I know where I'd rather be - how about you? 

Still, both properties are beautiful in their own way - and it's fascinating to see how the homes have been decorated in a slightly different style, don't you? 

You can see more snapshots from Hannah's apartment and cottage over at @hannahperssons. 

On another note, I'm receiving lots of emails about the My Scandinavian Home subscription - I've had to change it so if you are no longer receiving mails to your inbox each time I post, please re-sign up below! Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you so much for following along, I love this community. 

Happy Wednesday friends. See you Friday!

Kram!

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Hannah Persson, shared with kind permission

READ MORE...

4

Pattern, Prints and IKEA hacks in a Charming Swedish Cottage

Why, godmorgon! I hope you had a lovely weekend! I was up at the cabin and the light was so beautiful (you can catch a glimpse in this little film). Elsewhere in Sweden, illustrator and creator Kajsa Hagelin was also making the most of the late summer days with her family at their home in the countryside. Kajsa and her family have been renovating their quintessential red and white cottage by hand, sharing the inspiring kitchen transformation, Ikea DIY hacks and choice of wallpaper and textiles on instagram. Look closely and you'll also spot lots of Kajsa's own artwork throughout the house too. Ready to feel inspired?

Kitchen before

I'm not sure when the above 'before' kitchen shot was taken - it looks dated to say the least! Either way, Kajsa and her family decided it was time to strip it away and make space for a new kitchen!

Kitchen after

The pair installed an ikea kitchen themselves, adding custom handles for a traditional touch. 

I love this breakfast scene! 

A gallery wall in the dining room includes some of Kajsa's own work (namely the two top right pieces).  You can find many of her prints at Wall of Art. 

A pair of vintage rattan chairs ensure a relaxed vibe in the sitting room, while the gallery wall (which also includes some of Kajsa's own work) cleverly disguises a Samsung The Frame TV - can you spot it? 

Simple hooks hammered into the side of the staircase create a spot for children's coats and classic Swedish Fjellraven Kånken rucksacks. 

The wallpaper in the children's bedrooms is from Willam & Morris and the bedding above is from Garbo & Friends. But what really steals the show is the hand built wardrobe - made from an ikea Billy bookshelf as well as left over panelling and a wardrobe door. 

In the other children's bedroom, they've also worked their magic with a Billy Bookshelf, this time customising it with colour, knobs and fabric. So clever, don't you think? 

The wallpaper is by William & Morris. 

A less than attractive water boiler gave Kajsa the excuse to add pretty Svenskt Tenn fabric to the upstairs bathroom. Svenskt Tenn is a classic brand in Sweden having been around for nearly a century. Recently their colourful textiles and wallpaper have become really popular among a younger crowd! 

So many lovely ideas in this home, don't you think?  

I particularly love all the textiles, wallpaper and prints  - they add so much character. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

See more of Kajsa's home over at @kajsavisual and discover her work as an illustrator and creator here (she's so unbelievably talented!). 

Would you like to take a peek inside a few other creatives homes today? Here are a few to get your started:

The happy home of a Dutch illustrator and ceramicist

The Melbourne home of an illustrator and vintage bargain hunter

The studio and home of a Danish carpenter

Have a happy start to the week! 

Niki

Photographer Kajsa Hagelin, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

2