A Magical Norwegian Cottage With a Wabi Sabi Vibe

Here in Scandinavian we're counting down the days to Midsummer's Eve. Nature has sprung to life in a riot of colours - with meadows and grass verges bursting with poppies, daisies, harebells and lupins. The sun casts a long, hazy shadow well into the evening as adults and children alike soak up every last drop of golden sun. In the small hamlet of Nesodden, near Oslo, Norway, Hilde Mork and her two children are enjoying the midsummer sun from their magical country cottage. Last year, Hilde and a colleague converted the former ceramics studio and stables into a family home using 100% recycled and secondhand materials. Inspired by Scandinavian functionality and 'Nordic wabi sabi', today the cottage also serves as a studio for Hilde's work as a graphic designer, photographer and storyteller - and an idyllic base from which to enjoy the surrounding forest and countryside. Velkommen inn to Hilde's magical world - where the beauty lies in the imperfection. 

Grey curly sheepskin throw*, outdoor string lights*, bowl (below) by Dantes Ceramics

The neighbour's cat often stops by for a visit, making himself at home beside a vintage cabinet, cookery books and bunches of dried flowers. 

In this close-up you can really see how the kitchen has been built using secondhand and recycle materials - from the reclaimed porcelain sink and taps to the cabinet doors. A vintage scissor lamp* provides light after sunset.

A simple rail serves as storage for an array of pots and pans and a traditional woven birch basket* is ideal for other small items. 

In the winter a wood burning stove helps to keep the cottage feeling cosy and warm, while in summer it provides a perfect spot for a vase of wildflowers. 

A series of vintage mirrors help to bounce the light around while also creating a lovely wall display! 

On warmer days, life moves outside, where the family enjoy the surroundings in an understated way while making the most of the long hours of sunshine. 

 

What a magical world! Slow and sustainable living at its finest. 

Could you imagine soaking up the Scandinavian summer sun from this charming Norwegian country home? 

Take a peek at more of Hilde's home on her instagram @hildemork78 and find out more about her work as a freelance graphic designer, photographer and storyteller on her website www.hildemork.me. 

Up for a little more Scandinavian country inspiration today? Take a look at these magical homes:

A Beautiful Pared-Back Finnish Island Cottage 

Step inside an idyllic Swedish country home on a hill

A rural country home in Northern Sweden

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Hilde Mork, shared with kind permission. 

*This post contains affiliate links which means I might make a very, very tiny amount of money if you buy an item through the links marked with an asterisk. 

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A Beautiful Rustic Swedish Home Where Old Meets New

Why, hello there friends! How are you today? The sun is still shining in Southern Sweden, which is just what we need right now! I thought I'd kick off the week with a beautiful home tour which could have easily have hopped straight out of the pages of The World Of Interiors. It's got this wonderful, old school, rustic, romantic feel about it. Located in central Umeå, East Sweden the house belongs to Soraya Forsberg, a Mother to six children (yes, SIX!) and the founder of Byn Collective - a creative design studio in North Sweden. Soraya is unsure when the house was built since the records were destroyed in a fire, but it's thought to date back to 1800. The living space has been decorated and furnished with a wonderful nod to both the past and present. Look out for textured walls, bare wood ceilings and a wealth of vintage and antique pieces! 

I've looked back through these images a few times and every time I spot something new. It's full of wonderful details! Make sure you take your time to linger on each image, there's so much to feel inspired by!

Did anything stand out to you in particular?

You can see more lovely pics of Soraya's home over on her instagram here.

I've searched archives for similar home tours - so if you're loving this vibe, pour yourself a coffee, put your feet up and enjoy a cosy country home in rural north sweden (the picture of Nicole watching salmon jump in the river from her atelier is etched in my mind - so beautiful!) and a Rustic mill on the shores of lake Rinnen, Sweden.

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Soraya Forsberg, shared with kind permission

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Victorian Charm Meets Modern Scandinavian Style In A Lovely Bristol Home

This lovely Victorian terrace apartment in Bristol, England has been doing the blog rounds lately (it appeared on SF Girl By Bay and The Style Files) - and I can completely understand why! Currently under offer the beautiful property combines English Victorian charm with cool Scandi simplicity - as well as some very modern touches (loving the Crittall doors and windows!). Look out for the vintage touches and very cute dog who totally owns the space (love how one ear's up and the other's down!). I have to say, a wave of nostalgia washed over me as I looked through the pictures. Perhaps this is how our home would look if should we ever move back to old Blighty - here's hoping! I hope you feel as inspired by this charming space as I am! 

What do you think? Could you imagine living here?

I'm curious to know if the owners are from Scandinavia. The last time I raised this question was with this London home - and it turned out that the owner was very much British but had a passion for Nordic design. Stay tuned, in case I find out. What would you guess? 

Other British homes with a cool Scandinavian vibe: 

Before and after: a rundown flat becomes a stylish pad

Cate St Hill's London oasis 

A striking Victorian villa with deep blue walls

There's a big birthday coming up in the Brantmark household later this week, and I mean BIG. I'll be the crazy person sprinting around Malmö for the next two days (in case you're looking for me!). 

Hope your day is calmer than mine! See you tomorrow! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Modern House. 

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The Eclectic Home of Jewellery Designer Andrés Gallardo

Hands up who loves an eclectic home with splashes of colour, lots of plants, art and books? Well, you're in for a treat today! The relaxed bohemian home of designer Andrés Gallardo and his husband has all this and more. A creator of jewellery, handbags and porcelain objects, Andrés has decorated his home with an eclectic array of items from flea markets and secondhand shops as well as some high street finds. Surfaces are crammed with porcelain, glassware and other treasures, and climbing plants wind their way around works of art. Make sure you look through these pictures by Eduardo Boillos more than once - you'll spot a new detail every time! 

Andrés picked up the chairs at El Rastro, an area in Madrid known for its Sunday open air flea market and antique shops.

I love how he's opted for a vintage wall lamp instead of an overhead pendant light - and this one is beautiful, don't you think?

A 40s cabinet it used to store plates, bowls and other kitchen items. The floor has been covered with various rugs including a jute one* (under the dining table) and long mats not dissimilar from Swedish rag rugs*!

The walls are adorned with an eclectic array of art including everything from Mr Men prints, oil paintings, butterflies and porcelain plates. 

An Ikea Stockholm rug covers the floor in the sitting room. 

Uneven plaster walls add to the relaxed charm of the home.

Bunches of dried floor hang over the bed, while a vintage Verner Panton Flowerpot pendant light* adds a pop of colour. This exact late 60s one is currently available here* (you need to be quick - there's only one!). 

A little red chair sits atop a myriad of vintage rugs (the one in the hallway is from Ikea)

SNOOPY! *heart melts*

I used to play with Snoopy and Bella all the time when I was a child (once I tied long leaves to their feet with elastic bands and pretended they were skiing!). Did you have a Snoopy too?  

The rule books have been firmly ripped up with this vintage bureau, and art in the bathroom, and I love it!  

Climbing plants became extremely popular in 2018 (check out my feature / get the look here). I love the way ivy winds its way up over the pictures and the shower curtain. 

If you were worried about getting something 'wrong' in your home while decorating, I hope Andrés home has inspired you to think otherwise - and just follow your heart! 

The next time I'm in Madrid (I say that like I'm a regular visitor - but I've actually only been there once!) - I'm heading straight to El Rastro! While writing my book The Scandinavian Home I learnt that it's usually no problem to pick up larger pieces abroad - post offices are always happy to help ship. Although try telling that to your husband / wife / bf / gf.....!!

If you're feeling inspired by Andrés home, check out his fabulous jewellery, handbags and porcelain here. You might also like to see more pictures over at Revistaad.

I've featured several other homes belonging to jewellery designers - and they're always beautiful! Remember the home of Malia Grace Mao in Topanga Canyon? If you scroll to the bottom, you'll also get a glimpse of their Kauai surf shack. Take me there now! 

I also love the home of Danish jewellery and furniture designer Anders Forup! 

Have a fabulous day!

Niki

Photography: Eduardo Boillos shared with kind permission

Originally featured in Revistaad

*This post contains affiliate links (marked with an asterisk), which means I make a very small amount of money if you click on the link and buy something! Thank you for supporting My Scandinavian Home. 

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