A Warm Swedish Home with Built-In Bookshelves

Bookshelves. That was a question in the comments this week. And if January is known for one thing, it’s reading. Some love to read from their iPad or a Kindle, others prefer audiobooks, and of course, there’s the beauty of a physical book too. Either way, seeing tomes in a home automatically makes it look more lived-in and cosy. Hence one of the reasons why I picked this Swedish home (among other reasons, of course)! I mean, just look at those built-in shelves! I love how they blend with the wall colour too (Ginseng by Jotun).

In fact, there’s plenty to admire in this home. From the open-plan kitchen with its green cabinets (fronts from Picky Living, who make designs that can be mounted on an IKEA frame) and the kitchen island (topped with Jura stone) that doubles as a room divider, to the multifunctional way the sitting room can be a cosy spot for two to put their feet up — or use the chaise longues and pouf for extra seating when socialising. And why not add a spotty chair in the corner of your bedroom? A fun, slightly quirky touch — and I’m expecting to see more bespoke armchairs upholstered in cool patterns this year too.

Speaking of the bedroom, the large wardrobe is also a treat (made by Deco Form). Do you think if you had somewhere this big to store your clothes, you’d still let them spill over to a ‘chairdrobe’? Knowing me, probably!

Anyway, I digress — it’s time to let you get on with the tour! Put your feet up, friends, this is a goodie.

I did enjoy this tour, I must say. A couple of details caught my eye: when it comes to kitchens, I am a firm believer that you can save a little on the skeleton (like they have here, using IKEA as a base) and then use a company like Superfront or Picky Living to spruce it up. Not only that, but I also love how smart appliances can really give your kitchen a lift. I’ve been patiently waiting for some of ours to break down just so I could replace them with favourites — and three great ones that I’ve invested in lately are an Aarke carbonator (also seen in this home), a Dualit toaster, and a Bodum kettle (none of which are sponsored - they simply have caught my eye!).

Do you have appliances in your kitchen that you love, too?

The other thing to note is the splashes of primary colour — a dot of red, a hint of blue… it goes a long way in adding to the relaxed feel of the space.

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely Swedish home? 

Would you like to see a few more tours today? How about: 

A white Swedish home in Stockholm in winter time
A cosy Danish loft full of plants
Interior designer Sasa's Stockholm apartment

Before I head off today, I wanted to say a huge thank you for all your comments on Monday’s post — I was so grateful for all your support about going down to two posts a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and also for all your positive thoughts about the blog posts and this community — such a great way to start the year! I am just nipping down the road to buy some chocolate — hey, it’s a dark January day, a girl needs a lift, right? And then I’m going to settle down and reply to each and every one of them.

See you back here on Tuesday!

Niki

Credits: Historiska Hem

READ MORE...

6

Rustic Meets Industrial: A Unique Airbnb Escape in Skåne

I'm not going to lie, it’s Monday and I’m already daydreaming about the weekend. I recently stumbled across this Airbnb — a rugged, industrial hideaway that somehow still feels warm and totally inviting. Think wood, greenery, soft textiles… and a sauna with a view over an old Swedish quarry. 

The place is run by Martin and Andrew, who discovered the quarry by accident on a summer road trip and instantly fell in love. They eventually transformed the old manager’s house and the surrounding buildings into a peaceful little escape tucked into the Skåne countryside. Now they live in the main house and rent out the guest spaces — and it looks like the perfect spot to disappear for a few days, breathe, and soak up some nature.

If you’re craving a quiet escape with a bit of character (and a lot of charm), this quarry retreat might just be the weekend break you didn’t know you needed. Ready to take a look?

Very industrial and different! And such a fun place to escape to! 

There are quite a lot of unique touches in this home - I love how different it is. 

Could you imagine heading off here for the weekend? 

In case you're visiting this neck of the woods sometime soon, you might also like to dream about these stays: 

A Swedish lakeside cabin retreat
A charming holiday home in Österlen

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Quarry Compound, with thanks.

READ MORE...

8

Step Inside This Charming Cottage in Limhamn, Sweden

One day, when the children have flown the nest (sniff sniff), I can imagine us downsizing to a little cottage that’s just big enough for Per and me. A cosy place with lovely old features and a fireplace, not far from the sea.

And that’s exactly how I ended up sending Per a link to this little gem yesterday while he was at work (subject line: “priority,” of course!). Needless to say, he agreed that this charming home in the old Limhamn part of Malmö would be the perfect little nest for us.

Maybe it was the hand-made bricks, the exposed beams, or the elegant ceiling rosettes. Or perhaps the solid joinery, mullioned window arches, lofty ceiling height, vintage kitchen, classic stove, and mirrored doors. All the charming details of yesteryear have been beautifully preserved in this semi-detached house from the turn of the century.

Equally lovely are the newer touches that blend seamlessly with the old, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout.

Either way, it’s a little too small for our family right now — but whoever snaps up this cottage is very lucky. Could it be you? I hope you enjoy the tour!

I love the idea of a garden bedroom for guests, too - or maybe it could be converted into an atelier? 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this southern Sweden semi? Could you imagine living in a house like this? 

I once shared another little cottage in Limhamn here - also charming! 

On another note, I completely forgot to share Monday’s post in the newsletter — sorry about that! It’s been a bit of a whirlwind this week as I’m in the middle of a really exciting interior design project here in town.

You might remember that I offered an interior design service a while back — and recently, I decided to bring it back to life. It’s something I truly love doing, and I’m thrilled to be working with more people to create homes that feel just right for them.

If you’re feeling a bit stuck with a corner of your home (or the whole thing!) and could use a friendly helping hand, just drop me an email. My (very lovely) team and I are happy to help — no matter where you are or how big or small your project may be.

Wishing you a happy mid-week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

15

A Funky 1960s Swedish Townhouse Full of Personality

I’ve got something a little different to share with you today: a funky Swedish townhouse from the 1960s that’s absolutely brimming with personality. It’s one of those homes that feels warm and lived-in the moment you step inside.

The house itself has a clever mid-century layout, featuring a half-floor plan and an abundance of natural light, but it’s the way the family has personalised it that truly makes it stand out. Think second-hand treasures, playful details, bold art photography, bookshelves that wrap around entrances and colour-drenched bedrooms in pinks and blues. The kitchen, a mix of blue, green and stainless steel, is the kind of place where you just know people end up lingering over dinner. And upstairs there’s a snug living room with a fireplace that’s made for hunkering down on the cooler days to come!

Oh, and outside there’s a warm surprise waiting at the end of the tour. Any guesses what it might be?

Gaaaah, where to start? There are so many lovely things about this home, and it’s clear the owners have spent a lot of time turning it from a house into a home. It’s filled with wonderful, quirky pieces that bring so much personality and warmth to the space.

I have to say, I’m a big fan of the sauna too. They really come into their own in winter, offering a brilliant way to beat the winter blues and unwind. Are you a sauna fan as well?

What stood out to you about this home? Did you spot any ideas you’d like to try in your own space?

Happy mid-week, friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

12