A cosy Swedish cottage ready for Christmas

Hello! I hope you had a fabulous weekend?! Anyone in need of a cosy winter retreat?! If so, I have just the place! This lovely Swedish cottage in the snow is owned by Katarina Drevenlid, her two cats and pet dog. It's been decorated for Christmas using simple creative ideas which draw on the surrounding nature. Look closely and you'll see a star made of moss, pinecones in jars or strung together to create a pretty festive garland, sprigs of pine in a glass vase and a mini Christmas tree emerging from a demijohn. In Sweden it's also common to use fir tree branches as a makeshift doormat to wipe away excess snow from winter boots. Add a roaring fire, and a modern Christmas tree made from washi-tape or string and you're all set to go!

Hus o Hem. Photography: Karin Foberg (with kind permission). 

I could spend my Christmas holidays here, how about you?!

I actually thought the black and white rug in the hall was made from mosaic tiles at first glance. You can achieve a similar look with this monochrome rug or a Dhurrie.

Etsy is a great source for Demijohns.

If you're up for more Christmas inspiration today why not pour yourself a coffee and scroll through my Scandinavian Christmas archive (this home will come up first so simply move down the page to find all the others!). Or perhaps you have some links of your own to share in the comment section below?

Have a lovely day! 

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A relaxed, atmospheric family home in Malmö

I'm so proud of my adopted home town of Malmö. Having moved to Sweden from London ten years ago, I've seen it grow into a thriving hub with a flourishing creative community. Yesterday's post of my girls' bedroom was the result of a collaboration with two talented Malmö girls and today's fabulous home tour is also here in Malmö. The relaxed family space belongs to former model Malin Persson, blogger for Elle Decoration and self-confessed creative multi-tasker, her husband Damiano and children Tiago, Milo and Cleo. The family recently moved back to Sweden after a period in Rome, Italy. The two worlds have come together in the form of this beautiful, unique space, decorated with a mix of  fabulous vintage and antique finds and atmospheric colours.

Home: Malin Persson (with kind permission). Photography: Linda Alfvegren. Inspired by The Way We Play. 

What a beautiful, relaxed family home, don't you think? 

I love that children's toys can be seen through out the house (more pictures here). I also like the dark colours - especially in the cute little girls bedroom. A similar colour scheme has been used in this and this home.

Another thing that stands out to me is the use of clothing as decoration. A negligée hung in the window of the bathroom softens the feel of the room and adds a romantic touch, as does the lovely dress hanging on the mirror in the bedroom.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Today the sun will set at 3.25 pm - but really, it's never truly going to get light. This is why I'm eating my way through a packet of chocolate hob nobs. The good news? It's Saint Lucia here tomorrow, a festival of light in which a girl wearing a crown of candles will lead a procession who will then sing, and we'll enjoy a feast of Pepparkaka, saffron buns and glögg (mulled wine). It's one of my favoruite Swedish traditions.

I hope you have a lovely weekend too!

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