my scandinavian home: swedish home

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.

Inside Anna's Coastal Home on a Swedish Island

Every time I visit Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast, I marvel at how friendly the people are – it’s something they’re well known for. I sometimes wonder why they’re so cheerful, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it might have something to do with the incredible archipelago right on their doorstep. With thousands of islands and skerries, it’s a spectacular, rugged coastline dotted with picturesque fishing villages – and one of our favourite places to sail (see my guide to the islands).

Anna Järelöv, a teacher, lives right in the heart of this magical seascape. She and her husband Jacob share their home with their two children on the island of Köpstadsö, in the southern part of the Gothenburg archipelago.

I often find that with Swedish coastal homes, it’s not immediately obvious that they’re by the sea – but there are always subtle hints. A striped cushion here, a touch of blue there, maybe a mirror or lamp with a wave-like form, or a carefully chosen piece of artwork. In Anna Järelöv’s home, however, the biggest giveaway is the incredible view from the windows!

So, pull up a seat, take in the soothing earthy tones and soft textures, and imagine the gentle sound of the Kattegat Sea just beyond the glass. See how many coastal nods you can spot – this home is a true joy!

There were quite a few things that caught my eye in Anna’s lovely home: the kitty (of course!) looking perfectly content, the wavy pedestals for plants (such a lovely idea!), and the green-blue and white striped cushions with ruffled edges (so pretty!). The view from the windows and the terrace is absolutely spectacular too – the ever-changing shapes of the Kattegat Sea are something you’d never tire of.

Is there anything that caught your eye about Anna’s home? Or anything you're curious about that you’d like me to check with her?

If you'd like to see more, head on over to the inspiring Instagram account @finhetermedmera.

My heart sings at the prospect of seeing more Swedish homes in the archipelagos today - here are few from the archives I think you'll love:

A magical little summer cottage in the Gothenburg archipelagos

A cosy Swedish cottage with spectacular sea views

A little fisherman's cottage on the west coast

Have a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @finhetermedmera, shared with kind permission.

Historic Charm Meets Boho Vibes in a Swedish Villa

Why, good morning, friends! I’m back—feeling refreshed, revived, and mildly aching in every muscle in my body, thanks to my novice attempts at backcountry skiing from hut to hut in Geilo, Norway. The ‘ice bath’ in the lake helped… somewhat. But despite that, it was an incredible experience!

I took loads of pictures and can’t wait to share my trip with you soon—just in case you’re tempted to give it a go yourself!

Anyway, that’s a long-winded way of saying—thank you for your patience, I’m back!

Today, let me whisk you away to a home that feels like a warm hug, where history peeks through in the most charming of ways. Welcome to Villa Emilsfrid in Gröndal, Sweden! Here, life has that dreamy summer house feel, even though you’re right in the heart of town, with the cliffs of Lake Mälaren nearby.

Keep a look out for the veranda–it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book, let your thoughts wander, or dive into a creative project. And don’t miss the beautiful tiled stove standing proudly in the corner of the living room—always a favourite and so uniquely Scandinavian! Add to that the original creaky wooden floors, intricate mouldings, and spegel (mirror) doors, and you’ve got yourself a home that oozes charm.

But the real heart of this place? The big, open spaces where the kitchen and living room flow seamlessly together. This, my friends, is a relaxed home with boho touches, just waiting to be loved by a new owner. Could that be you?

Welcome home to Villa Emilsfrid!