Holiday Rental: An Architects' Villa in Österlen, Sweden

I'm often being asked to recommend holiday homes in South Sweden. There are plenty out there, but some have that extra magical design touch! Although I haven't experienced this Architect's villa in Grevlunda, Österlen in person, from the listing it looks like somewhere I'd love to stay! Nestled among a one hundred year old apple orchard, the wooden villa is near the picturesque village of Kivik  on the Baltic coast. Inside, it's pared back and full of fab vintage pieces - as well as small reminders of the surrounding nature. Outside it has a small guesthouse, a clay boule pitch and plenty of sociable areas. But I rather like the idea of pulling up a chair under an apple tree and reading a book! Here are some snapshots! 

Could you imagine hanging out here this summer? If so, you can find the full listing here for more info! 

Oh, and if you are in the area, don't forget to sample the apple juice - the area is famous for its juicy, sweet red apples! 

Looking for other places to stay in Sweden? Here's a list of holiday homes, Airbnbs and design hotels I compiled a while back (maybe it's time for an update soon, what do you think?). I've always wanted to stay at Stedsans in the Woods too! 

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stugknutan

READ MORE...

2

A Vintage-Inspired Home in a Converted Church

Kicking off the week in style - rustic style, with Cheryl's perfectly imperfect home in a converted church the scenic rim of Queensland Australia. Cheryl is a stylist and prop sourcer as well as the owner of Albert and Grace store selling 'a curated collection of worn, weathered and imperfect wares'.  

Evidence of Cheryl's work can be seen throughout her home, which is filled with vintage and antique pieces from dressers and tables to lighting and nick nacks. The architect, is of course, also incredible. Think sky high ceilings, arched windows and exposed beams. Be still, beating heart. 

Is it the weekend yet, I need to go flea market hunting pronto! 

Such a beautiful home, in every way: the blend of furniture and accessories with all their time-honoured imperfections, the architecture of the former church, the surroundings. Everything! 

Has Cheryl's home inspired you too? 

See more snapshots from Cheryls' converted church here, and visit the Albert and Grace online store. 

Here are few more pictures from lovely Australian homes with a vintage touch: 

A Wabi Sabi getaway in the Bay of Fires

A dreamy little cottage by the sea

The white room studio

My dream holiday home and garden

A rustic barn conversion

Love converted buildings? Take a look in this archive for homes in everything from former warehouses, shops, barns, schools, vicarages and even a fire station! If this one pops up first, just scroll on past. 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Cheryl / Albert and Grace. 

READ MORE...

1

A White Summer Cottage in Finland that Oozes the Simple Life

This morning I'm prepping for my panel discussion about 'maximalism' at Formland design fair in Denmark tomorrow. So, I thought - why not go all out with a minimalist tour on the blog today (I can't help it, it's the rebellious streak in me!). Tarja, her husband and two boys spend their summers at this lovely summer cottage in Finland - and everything about it oozes the simple life. The wood panel walls, ceilings, beams and floor are a sea of white while furniture has been kept to a fairly spartan selection of vintage pieces - all of which emit warmth and nostalgia, giving it the space a cosy touch. 

I can just imagine the family leaving the hectic city behind and heading here to switch off for the weekend / holidays. No distractions, no schedule to keep, no mess - just an easy life flitting between the calm interior and the great outdoors! 

See more of Tarja's city house and country home over at @villavalkea. 

What type of vibe did you get from this cottage? I'm curious to hear! 

It's been while since I featured a Finnish home, why not stay a while and take a look at a few more: 

Step inside Maiju's delightful home in Vaasa

A beautifully simply island hideaway

Kati's charming 19th century log house

Stor kram! 

Niki

PS I'll share a post on the 2022 trend: 'Newstalgia' or new maximalism soon! It's an exciting development I the world of interiors, with something for everyone. 

Photography: @villavalkea

READ MORE...

7

The Storekeeper's House - A Beautiful Airbnb, Full of Character

I've figured out the best way to appreciate summer in Northern Europe - go against all gardening advice and sow grass at the beginning of July. That way every time it rains, you'll be super happy (our newly sewn grass is coming along nicely!). Even so, I am dreaming of escaping the chill and travelling to a faraway place (as exciting as it is to watch grass grow). Now, I know it's winter right now Down Under, but that doesn't stop me from gathering inspiration for a future trip (one day friends, one day!). And this beauty of a house is the latest one to be added to my little black book of beautiful stays! Read on to discover more about it. 

The Storekeeper's House in Tatura in Victoria, Australia was built in 1905 and started life as Flanagan's Store - a general store specialising in drapery and haberdashery and later, ironmongery, boot making and repairs. 

Carrie and Luis Casanova took on the major renovation two years ago - transforming it into a beautiful, warm and inviting home for guests. 

The house is full of character thanks to its original period features, cast iron stove, exposed bricks and lovely wood floor. Carrie and Luis have also scoured flea markets and second-hand sites to fill it with lovely old pieces, helping the house to reconnect to its past and celebrate the early storekeepers of Victoria. 

The house has three bedrooms (my eyes are on the one with the four-poster bed!), all fitted with linen sheets - of course! 

I love the bathroom with its claw foot tub and walk-in shower. Take a look at that antique chest-of-drawers which has been converted into a vanity too - such a great idea! 

Outside seating area provides a cosy spot for a cool glass of wine - and I also read there are plenty of cafes, bakeries and restaurants nearby. It's sounding more and more like my kind of place - do you feel the same?

The question is, when can I visit? 

All the details can be found over at Storekeeper's House and airbnb.

I love a great airbnb find, how about you? 

Here are a few others I've got in my little black book of holiday rentals: 

A charming miner's cottage among an acre of roses

Your own bohemian-style hideaway in the desert

A Swedish weatherboard cottage in South Australia

Two idyllic Danish cottages to rent this summer

In other news, I said that I was going to feature my cabin bathroom on Friday but let's just say... I've had a few teething problems so there's a slight delay with that one. I have something else inspiring lined up though, so please do pop back before the weekend! 

Vi ses på fredag! 

Niki

Photography: Abbie Melle, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

6

A Small(ish) Relaxed Boho Swedish Home Full of Soul

'Lived in', 'homely', 'real' - these are just some of the words used to describe the homes I am getting  requests for via e-mail. Well friends, I've got good news - this one fits the bill perfectly! Located in Gamla Enskede in Greater Stockholm,  this cosy Swedish home measures a rather small 58 m2  / 624 sq ft, but rather than whittling away possessions, the owners have made really clever use of space to ensure everything has a place! 

Laid out over two floors which are connected by a magnificent Packhus spiral staircase, every spare inch of the maisonette has been put to use. Keep an eye out for bespoke custom-built furniture and open and closed storage - which provides a home for books, LPs, clothing and as well as other items, while a fine art collection fills every inch of wall. I also love the use of colour - including muted, earthy tones and a dramatic black floor ensuring a relaxed, warm and inviting home that's full of soul. 

Ready to take a look? 

Jøtul fireplace, source a similar vintage scissor lamp here*. 

This corner reminds me a lot of the artists home in Oslo, Norway from my book The Scandinavian Home. So many lovely works of art! 

Jugendros wallpaper, Lim & Handtryck

The staircase doubles up as a library - which is ideal as it makes the most of a large wall space while keeping all the books in reach. 

A home workspace has been carved out in a small spot on the landing. 

Chrysanthemum Toile wallpaper by William Morris

A recess under the sloped ceiling serves as a bedside table, while bespoke storage on the opposite side of the room creates space for clothes. 

Note that while 58 m2 sounds small, in Sweden they do not count any floor space that has a ceiling height of less than 190 cm / 6ft2 or any areas that can't be accessed from inside. It's a little more complicated than this, but this is the basic gist! 

Why shouldn't you be able to have a bath in a small bathroom? I love that there's a little place to soak with a glass of wine under candlelight, at the end of a long day!

Such a cosy space! I'm sure there will be some of you who'll think this lovely space is spot on. And others who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. Either way, I'm sure we can all agree it has a wonderful lived-in vibe! 

Would you like to see a few more relaxed homes today? Put your feet up and have a scroll through these beauties: 

A vintage inspired Swedish home full of soul

A charming Copenhagen home full of vintage finds

Your very own garden retreat on a budget

Har det så bra! 

Niki

Photography: Boukari

Styling: Copparstad

For: Historiska Hem

Found via Nordroom with thanks

READ MORE...

10