Swedish Farmhouse Style: A Serene Country Escape in Kumla

In my book Njuta*, I wrote about how we often need to have longed for something in order to truly delight in it. That might be a cool drink after a long run, the scent of lilacs bursting into bloom after a long winter, or the first sun-ripened, juicy strawberry of summer. Right now, Sweden is a feast for the senses. After months of monochrome dormancy, the world has erupted into colour – lilacs, wisteria, and blossom in full bloom—and we’re truly delighting in the newly vibrant landscape and the birdsong, as our feathered friends go about their business again after their winter migration.

This beautiful country house in – Kumla nestled in Örebro County, in the heart of central Sweden—is surrounded by lush greenery from every window. A vibrant spray of lilacs brightens the farmhouse kitchen table, bringing the outside in. But this home offers more than just lovely views. The owners have taken great care in crafting a space where dark wood contrasts beautifully with white wood-clad walls. The rooms are simple, yet tastefully decorated, making me wonder who lives here – someone who clearly has an eye for interior design. Sadly, we may never know, as the owners have decided to move on.

Here’s a glimpse into a couple of the lovely rooms—and the outdoor space, where you can dream of summer dining alfresco by the pool. Enjoy the tour!

So lovely!

I’d be very happy flitting about in this farmhouse this weekend—or year-round, for that matter. How about you?

I wish I had more photos to share with you, but the full listing isn’t out just yet. As soon as it is, I promise I’ll update the post and show you more.

In the meantime, did anything in particular catch your eye about this house?

I loved the traditional Swedish gate-leg table in the kitchen, and the mix of vintage chairs. I recently bought a similar table myself, though it still needs a bit of renovation. I suddenly feel like my mother – our childhood weekends were spent at auctions, and she would always come home with something beautiful and old. Some of those pieces made their way into our house, but there was always that one chair sitting in the garage for about 25 years, just waiting to be done up! Does that sound familiar to you too?

Anyway, it’s finally time to welcome the weekend – yay! Thank you so much for stopping by this week. I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour of the coastal Swedish island summer cottage, the Latvian cabin, and today’s countryside house. I’ve really loved reading all your comments.

See you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Erik Olsson, with thanks

*ad for my own book

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A Peek Inside Rene Humphrey’s Evolving Family Home in Malmö

It’s Friday, friends – yay! I’m keeping it local today… very local, in fact!

A few weeks ago, I moved into a new studio on Lilla Torg – a picturesque old square right in the heart of Malmö. I feel so lucky to be sharing the space with some truly lovely, inspiring, funny, and all-round awesome people – one of whom is Rene Humphrey.

Rene has a background in landscape garden design and now works as an interior designer and stylist. Needless to say, the home she shares with her partner Aron and their two little girls, Bonnie (4) and Billie (3), is beautiful in every way.

Set in a leafy villa area, the family moved to the house in 2022. Since then, Rene has been adding her signature touch to the space with an earthy palette, lush textures, and a wonderful sense of warmth. She also loves playing with shape and symmetry, bringing depth and personality to each room. All around the house, you’ll spot her collages-in-progress – mood boards that not only guide her interior projects but also shape her own home, one room at a time.

Dark wood has made a strong comeback in recent years, and it’s lovely to see how it adds contrast and character throughout Rene’s home.

The house is very much a work in progress, with some rooms still waiting their turn. I’m already looking forward to sharing an update when the next chapter unfolds! For now, here are a few lovely angles from Rene’s place to enjoy on this fine Friday!

So calm and serene! If I know Rene right, the garden will also be transformed into a complete oasis. But as a (rookie) gardener myself, I understand the length of time it takes. It's definitely more about the journey than the end destination! 

Did anything stand out to you about Rene's lovely home?

You can see more pictures from Rene's work and home, fashion tips, and delicious-looking culinary creations here. 

I must take some snaps from the new studio I work in soon, I think you'll like it. If you're curious about visiting Malmö, check out my city guides, including 30 things to do for design lovers and 15 favourite local hangouts - although so many cool places have popped up since then, I think it's time for a new one! Have you ever been to Malmö? 

It's a small place, and everyone in the design world is connected somehow. For example, Rene is great friends with Natalia Andersson, whose former home I featured here. Another Malmö home I think you'll love is Natalie's cosy city apartment where old meets new - who happens to be best friends and business partner to Patricia Rodi, a Swede living by a Scottish loch. I told you it's a small world!

That's it from me this week. I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend? It's been a long week of work for me so I am looking forward to kicking back in the sunshine with a glass of rosé! 

Skål from Sweden! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @rene_humphrey, shared with kind permission. 

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See Inside A Dreamy Falsterbo Beach Villa

Tjena friends! Do you have a go-to nature spot near your home that you love to visit? In the summertime, Per and I often like to head down to Falsterbo on the southern Swedish coast. It’s this magical little spit of land where the sea meets sandy beaches, wild dunes, and bird-filled wetlands. The area’s known for its amazing wildlife – especially during the autumn bird migration – and there’s even a seal colony that likes to sunbathe near the tip. 

The village itself is full of sweet little shops and cafés too. We usually take the scenic route and admire the villas (you know me!) – a mix of cosy year-round homes and dreamy beach houses. And today, I’m so excited to share a peek inside one of them.

This villa is a true original—built in 1901 for a Stockholm bank director who came here every summer with his family and staff when sea bathing became all the rage. With its grey-painted façade, small-paned windows, and detailed carpentry, it’s full of turn-of-the-century charm. Inside, the original light wood floors, beadboard walls, and vibrant wallpaper bring that nostalgic summer vibe to life.

The house has eight rooms over two floors, including a veranda, a big kitchen and four upstairs bedrooms. One still has its original sink – and I love that. I’d save myself so much queueing in the mornings! The master bedroom has a balcony with views through the park down to the beach - so peaceful! And the garden is just as dreamy, with roses, century-old trees and a greenhouse made for long fika moments. No wonder this gem’s been featured in over 30 interior mags. Ready to take a look around? 

This villa really is a dream – the history, the style, the architectural details, the mature garden, the greenhouse (imagine sitting in there with friends under the glow of oil lamps? So cosy!) – it has everything I could possibly need and more. Sadly, it’s a little out of our budget… but that doesn’t stop me dreaming!

Could you imagine living in a Swedish beach villa like this, too? Is there anything in particular that caught your eye?

One thing that stood out to me is the use of textiles with a floral or botanical theme - seen in the kitchen and on cushions. What a difference this makes to the overall space - and it's such a quick update too. 

See more pictures and find out more about the property here.

Shall we take a nosey around a few more villas today?

How about summer in this Swedish pool villa?
This architect's villa in Österlen is on Airbnb
A Swedish photographer's magnificent pool villa

Lovely!

Wishing you all a very happy 'Lillördag' (little Saturday). 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks.

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Soft Greens and Floral Dreams: A Gothenburg Apartment Tour

It's Friday, the sun is shining, and spring is in the air here in Sweden! Throughout the city, small signs of spring are popping up everywhere—from delicate first buds appearing on rose bushes clinging to the sides of houses to vibrant crocuses brightening the roadsides. Even so, when you live in an apartment high above the city, nature and the changing seasons can sometimes feel distant. That's why I was so captivated by this lovely Gothenburg home.

Laid out over two floors—with a brand-new loft conversion—the apartment has been thoughtfully decorated in soft shades of green, creating a wonderful sense of harmony throughout the living space. Even more charming, subtle botanical-themed wallpaper adorns the walls, while floral textiles decorate the bedroom beneath an oil painting of blooms arranged in a vase. And throughout the home, you'll find pretty yet simple displays of fresh spring flowers.

A gentle reminder for us all to pick up our Friday flowers!

Another aspect of this Swedish apartment that caught my attention was the blend of materials—warm wood and exposed brickwork create visual interest and contribute beautifully to the mix of old and new elements throughout the space.

Ready for a look around? Let's go! 

It's definitely the raw materials that caught my eye—such a clever way of highlighting architectural details that you might not have noticed otherwise. 

Despite the more minimalistic feel of the decor (the flat is currently for sale via Entrance), glimpses of personal touches shine through, such as this floral retro stool beside the bed and the pink Panton chair! 

I realise that without ALL the images, the gymnastic rings and ropes might seem strange, but if you click here for the complete tour, you'll also see a nice children's room, which explains their presence! 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular about this Gothenburg loft? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts below as always! 

For a few more Scandinavian city apartment tours this weekend check out: 

Warm tones and texture in an elegant Copenhagen apartment

A light and airy Swedish loft with an open-plan layout

Sarah's earthy and calm Danish apartment

A small, cosy swedish apartment with charming details

Did you see the tours earlier this week? If not, don't miss Anna's coastal home on a Swedish island (I loved reading all your comments!) and a rustic surfer's cabin that's currently for sale in Tasmania, complete with its own Headland! 

Have a fantastic weekend all! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Entrance, with thanks. 

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