A Relaxed Swedish Family Home, Where Sofa's are Part of the Fun!

What month is considered the height of summer in your country? In Scandinavia it's July - which I always struggle to adjust to considering throughout my childhood in England, it was always about August! While my instagram feed is flooded with summer holiday pics from Europeans, here in Sweden, we're eking out the late summer and sneaking moments outdoors at lunchtime or after work - acutely aware that our summer will aoon be over, and Autumn is just around the corner. 

Perhaps that's why I've been drawn to Swedish villas with pools lately? I even had a dream that my family and I had bought a house with a pool AND a sea view last night (imagine my disappointment when I woke up?)- what does that mean I wonder? 

Alexandra Isaksson and her family are no doubt enjoying their pool in the late summer sun - but their beautiful home in Alingsås, Northeast of Gothenburg is also perfect for cosy autumn days. Natural materials seen in the vintage wood furniture, textiles and stonework help to create a cosy feel and botanical-themed wallpaper ensures that nature, although faded, is never far away. 

I love that in this home, nothing is too precious - true to the Scandinavian design ethos, everything is there to be used and enjoyed. You only have to look at the little children jumping from sofa to sofa (this would never have washed with my Mum and her upholstered antique chesterfields nor with my grandmother where the living room was for special occasions only!). Enjoy the tour! 

Wall mounted shelving like this has made a major comeback in Scandinavia lately and it's a great way to keep everything to hand. Keep a look out for vintage ones at flea markets - they're easy to personalise with paint! Or, do like Kristin Lagerqvist and make your own! 

I have always loved the use of curtains in replace of wardrobe doors, it adds a really soft touch to a space and can be a great quick fix to hide junk!

You might well recognise the sofas - they are the popular Söderhamn from IKEA covered with linen from Bemz - I have changed up my sofa a number of times thanks to the Swedish brand (who sell worldwide) ! 

I have always loved this Flos Gatto Piccolo lamp, it's soft yet makes a statement.

Do you recognise the wallpaper in the little girl's room? I recently used this in the bedroom makeover at our summer cottage. I love how Alexandra has paired it with a pink accent.

The bedroom got a small recent update to include shelves over the desk too - practical and pretty. 

I hope you liked this tour of Alexandra's home today! It's certainly brightened up my mid-week. 

Please do share your observations / comments below - whether about this home or even general stuff (feel free to start your own thread!), I'd love to hear from you. I really enjoyed reading about your childhood nostalgia in Monday's post (and happy you agreed that the little chair I featured is lovely in every way!). 

You can see more pictures from Alexandra's home over on her instagram feed @alexandraeleonor.

Would you like to see a few more homes with wallpaper today? Take a peek at:

A dream-like Swedish family home that's full of inspiring details

Pattern, prints and inspiring hacks in a charming Swedish house

A rundown house becomes a Swedish country home

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @alexandraeleonor, shared with kind permission

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Tour Helena's Pool Villa Overlooking the Gothenburg Archipelago

Hello, I'm back! Thank you for your patience - and for all your kind comments on my travel guide to Bodø and Lofoten in Northern Norway, I'm so happy you felt inspired! 

Scandinavia is slowly cranking back into action - with many heading back to work today and school starting later this week (can you hear the audible sigh of relief?). But at this beautiful home in Gothenburg, it will feel like summer for far longer thanks to the pool nestled among the rocks and views over the archipelagos! 

The 'svarta ladhus' (black barn), belongs to Helena Fältivar Bundgaard and her family who have built the house from the ground up, personalising it every inch of the way. Here's their faithful hound Beppe who will take you on today's tour! 

The spacious kitchen from Himlekök is an absolute dream, featuring everything from a wood cabinets, open shelving, a bench seat and fireplace. Beppe's favourite though, is the stone island which mirrors the cliffs outside! 

Classic Danish Wishbone chairs have been placed around a large wooden dining table made by Joakim Løth. 

In the sitting room area, a pair of iconic Danish Spanish Chairs designed by Borge Møgensen sit side by side.  

A second living room area featuring a Cuba Chair has doors open to the pool area. 

In the bedroom, sound proofing in the form of oak panelling from WoodUp helps to create a restful space. 

A desk area with a series 7 chair capitalises on natural light in the bedroom. 

Bathroom cabinets also by Himlekök, have been designed to match the Kitchen. 

The practical laundry room features a shower area for Beppe - complete with his own shampoo! 

Outside, a pool has been nestled among the cliffs, with views over the archipelago. 

Wow! What a fabulous home, thank you so much for the tour, Beppe! 

I would happily laze by that pool all week long, how about you? Is there anything that stood out to you about Helena's black barn? 

You can see more pictures of this lovely home and keep up to date with Helena's latest projects at @villanordrevik. 

Perhaps you'd like to feel inspired by a few more Scandinavian pool villas today? Here are a few of my favourites: 

The stonecutter's farm on the island of Gotland

A fabulous open-plan Swedish pool villa

A Swedish photographer's fabulous pool villa

In case you are considering a pool but only have limited space, here's my guide to small pools for every budget and shaped garden! 

This morning, I'm on the early train to the IKEA headquarters in the forests of Älmhult - the early start was a total shock to the system and I'm already two coffees down, but I'm excited about the project that lies ahead! I hope you have a more relaxing start to the week! 

Niki

Photography by Helena Fältivar Bundgaard, shared with kind permission. 

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Explore A Dreamy Swedish Pool Villa on Gotland

With much of Scandinavia basking in sunshine and warmth this week, it would be rude not to transport us to the Swedish holiday of Gotland today! After all, there's only one month left until the school holidays, and the start of summer cottage life! 

While it would be wonderful to spend the summer at this house on the southeast of the island (the pool looks heavenly for starters!), I could quite happily pull up a seat by the fire in wintertime too. 

True to Swedish style, it has a light and airy open floor plan and features traditional furniture and rugs so often seen in country homes. But perhaps what stands out to me the most are the pops of red and orange in each room - which add so much warmth against the cool stone floors. 

Välkommen in! 

Could you imagine living here? 

And what do you make of the pops of red and orange? I think they add a lovely personal touch and lots of warmth. But even if you're not a fan, the use of colour is a great example of how to add a favourite accent to each room. 

You can currently see more pictures and discover more about this Swedish country home here (it's for sale!). 

Shall we take a moment to drool over a few other houses on the island of Gotland today: 

A rustic summer cottage on the Swedish island of Gotland

Elsa's inspiring summer cottage

A beautiful barn on the island of Gotland

Step inside a converted old schoolhouse

And if you're thinking if visiting the island (it's a must!), you can read about some of my favourite spots in this travel guide of the Baltic coast. 

Have a lovely weekend all! 

Niki

PS I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed reading all your comments recently, I still have some left to reply to, but rest assured, I devour each and every one of them, they add so much to each post. Thank you!

Photography: Bertwig via @hemnet with thanks. 

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Summer at this Swedish pool villa?

Not far from Kivik, a summer paradise on Sweden's Southeast coast, you'll find the picturesque village of Södra Mellby - not far from where Nora and Laura of Our Food Stories used to have their charming summer house. It's well worth a visit by bike - but for those of you who fall in love, you might want to think about snapping up this villa!

The two-bedroom open-plan villa has clearly been revamped by someone with a keen eye for design - and has absolutely everything you might need to rock about in style all summer! I for one, would be perfectly happily flitting between the white linen sofa, to coffee at the rustic table, followed by an afternoon siesta on the daybed (curtains can be pulled across at night to form a bedroom). But on days like today (the sun is shining in South Sweden!), the pool and outdoor kitchen are surely where the action is! 

Note the magnificent ceiling height and the blend of natural materials from concrete and wood to linen and wool - which add so much texture! Ready to dream? 

The villa is laid out over two floors with a bedroom on each. Sometimes it can be hard to gauge the configuration so I've shared the plan below. There is also a separate dwelling with a further bedroom. 

Sovrum - bedroom, kök - kitchen, vardagsrum - living room. 

Could you imagine living here? 

One to share with Per I think, I can already see him setting up the barbecue and our Friday night drinks around the pool! 

Would you like to see a few other pool villas today? It would be rude not too with the lovely weather we have in Scandinavia right now! Here are a few of my favourites: 

A Swedish photographer's magnificent pool villa (the cat steals the show!). 

Airbnb tip - the Stonecutter's farm on the island of Öland

18 ideas to steal from a Swedish pool villa, from budget to blowout

Also, take a peek at 10 small pools for every space and budget and 15 outdoor shower and bathroom ideas!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Erik Olsson, with thanks. 

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