Dreaming of a “Coolcation”? This Swedish Cottage Could Be Your Summer Sanctuary

Ciao! I got back from Rome late last night after a really fabulous few days. I absolutely love that city — it feels like living inside a museum. Just incredible. Have you ever been?

One thing I really noticed this time was just how hot it was though. After living in Sweden for 22 years, I’m definitely not as heat-resistant as I once was — and 36°C (that’s about 97°F!) had us clinging to the nearest gelato boutique at every turn!

On the way home, I was reading about how Scandinavia is becoming a hot summer destination for a so-called “coolcation” — and I totally get it. The air is fresh, and you can do things without melting (even if you do need a raincoat or maybe even a hat and gloves, depending on what the Norse weather gods decide!). So, what do you think about your very own Swedish summer cottage?

There's one currently for sale that looks just perfect — nestled among lilac bushes and forest, with a cool lake nearby for swimming when the thermometer starts creeping up. I personally love the look of the verandah; I can already imagine myself in the wicker chair, soaking up the birdsong. The interior feels like a step back in time — a deep green kitchen, charming vintage wallpaper (even on the cupboard doors!), and sweet little touches of Swedish folk style in every corner, no doubt passed down through the family for generations.

A summer filled with card games, foraging, good food, and complete relaxation? That sounds like bliss to me, I hope you feel inspired too!

This cottage really took me back in time — a few elements reminded me of my grandmother’s house! Did you feel nostalgic seeing these pictures too?

It was also refreshing to see a different shade of green in the kitchen, especially with sage green being so popular lately.

Was there anything in particular that stood out to you?

If you feel like a 'coolcation' this year, you can find a load of Scandinavian Airbnb and holiday rentals in the archives. 

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Styling Åsa Copparstad for Historiska hem

READ MORE...

17

Scandinavian Calm in a Small Space

Why, hello there! I thought I’d ease into the week by taking you on a little tour of a mini Swedish apartment. After all, over half of us (according to the stats!) now live in cities – and that often means compact living. But small can be beautiful and seriously inspiring still, don’t you think?

Measuring just 24 square metres (258 square feet), this bright 1940s apartment in Stockholm’s Södermalm district is a masterclass in calm, clever design. Everything you need is within arm’s reach: a charming kitchenette with internal windows to let the light (and conversation) flow, traditional Swedish storage jars, a cosy dining nook – and even a balcony.

It’s easy to imagine someone putting their personal stamp on it and calling it home. Or perhaps using it as the perfect little pied-à-terre — I actually know a couple of people who commute from Malmö to Stockholm during and need a peaceful place to stay while they’re away from their families.

I could happily picture this as a dreamy little city pad – perfect for working, wandering, and tucking into a bowl of fresh strawberries in the sunshine. How about you?

A lovely, peaceful, calming spot.

I really like the three colours in the bedroom zone: that soft blue-green, the warm cognac, and a pop of fuchsia pink! The little dining area is charming too — simple but inviting.

What’s missing from these pictures is storage — I’m guessing there’s some tucked under the bed, and there’s definitely room for more at the foot of it. There might even be some built-in space around the corner in the hallway. And of course, it could use a few bookshelves — but there’s plenty of space for those!

Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Do you live fairly compact yourself? If you’re in the mood for more small-space inspiration today, feel free to scroll through the small spaces archive. (This one might pop up first — if it does, don’t worry, you’re still in the right place! Just scroll on down to the next tour.).

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I was going to start small this week — what I didn’t mention is that I’ll be ending on quite a big note… with a trip to Rome! I’ve been kindly invited by a lovely Italian bathroom company, and I’ll be staying on for a couple of days to explore a little. I feel very lucky — and excited!  If you happen to have any tips or favourite spots in the city, I’d be so grateful to hear them.

It does mean I won’t be able to post on the blog this week, but if you fancy tagging along, I’ll be sharing a few glimpses of my trip over on Instagram Stories.

See you back here on Monday — and in the meantime, I hope you have a really lovely week!

Niki

Photo: Dana Ozollapa
Styling: C Lindholm design
For Historiska Hem

READ MORE...

16

Slow Living by the Sea: A Tiny Cabin Getaway on Gotland

Today is a "red day" in Sweden – a public holiday – and like many others, I’m spending it at our summer cottage. With less than two weeks until the school holidays, thoughts are already drifting toward summer.

Sweden has no shortage of classic holiday spots, but few are as iconic as Gotland.

This beautiful island in the Baltic Sea truly comes alive in summer – with cosy cafés, artist studios, farm shops, beaches, and a laid-back, joyful vibe. It’s one of my all-time favourite places in Scandinavia.

This morning, I stumbled across a tiny beach cabin in Väskinde, and it instantly had me dreaming of slow, simple days by the sea.

The cabin has everything you need – a kitchenette, dining table, sofa bed, and a separate little bathroom cabin just steps away. There’s a peaceful outdoor nook between the trees, perfect for morning coffee in the sun. And at night, you can drift off to the sound of the waves. 

A small pier sits just beside it – perfect for a refreshing dip and the large sea-facing windows are shielded with a wooden screen, letting in the light while keeping things private.

Oh, and best of all? It’s on Airbnb – dangerously easy to book, and very hard to resist. A perfect little escape to get us in the weekend mood! 

So lovely!

Can you imagine relaxing here, drifting off to the sound of the waves?

If you're visiting Gotland, I highly recommend renting a car — it's the best way to explore the island at your own pace. I put together a guide a while back that you might find helpful — you can check it out here.

Want to see a few more Gotland homes today? Here are some beautiful tours to inspire you:

A rustic summer cottage with a pool
Elsa's charming summer cottage
A beautiful limestone barn on Gotland

Well friends, that’s it from me this week. As always, thank you so much for stopping by — and for sharing your thoughts and observations. I’ve loved reading them, and I’ll be settling down with a coffee at some point this weekend to respond.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

9

Astrid's Charming Finnish Lakehouse Full of Soul, History, and Vintage Finds

It’s been way too long since I last featured a home from Finland — which is rather shocking, considering how much I adore the country. I visited Helsinki and the Finnish countryside while working on my book The Scandinavian Home*, and fell head over heels. The forests, the lakes, the saunas! It’s such a beautiful, peaceful country.

So, I’m thrilled to take you on a virtual visit today to a truly special home. Perched on the edge of a lake in Ruovesi — a small village near Tampere — this charming house belongs to Astrid Aminoff, her husband Henrik, their two children, and their dog Pablo (who may or may not be the real boss of the house).

The original lakehouse was built in the 1890s, back when its neighbour was none other than Finnish artist Hugo Simberg. It started as a tiny summer cottage, passed down through Henrik’s family. In the 1990s, it got a bit of a boost with an extension, and for the past five years Astrid and Henrik have been slowly and lovingly renovating it to create their dream retreat from which to enjoy the long Finnish summers.

Astrid describes their family as “culturally mixed” — she has British, Scottish, Finnish, and American roots, and Henrik is Finnish-Swedish. This wonderful blend is reflected throughout the home. And the couple has taken a heartfelt, sustainable approach to renovating: reusing old materials, snapping up vintage finds, and working within a tight budget. Think Danish furniture, Finnish Arabia ceramics, some lovely British pieces, and a vinyl collection that brings serious soul.

So without further ado — Tervetuloa (welcome) to Astrid’s charming lakeside house! Let’s step inside...

What a beautiful home — so unique, steeped in family history, and set in the most incredible location. Can you imagine spending your summers gazing out over that peaceful lake? A morning dip, lazy lunches on the terrace, the sound of birds in the trees… absolute bliss!

Did anything catch your eye?

If you’d like to see more glimpses of Astrid’s home and follow their ongoing renovations, pop over to @thefinnishhouse — it’s a real treat.

Fancy diving deeper into Finnish living? These lovely apartments and houses are well worth a peek:

Pia's cosy country home in snowy Finland
Maiju's delightful home Vaasa, Finland
Kaati's rustic 19th century log house 

Wishing you all a happy Wednesday — or as they say in Finnish, Hyvää keskiviikkoa!

Niki

Photography by Astrid / @thefinnishhouse, shared with kind permission

READ MORE...

12

Tour an 18th-Century Treasure in the Heart of Vaxholm, Sweden

Hello there! I hope you had a lovely weekend. Over here, it’s been one of those classic rainy ones—and honestly, the only way I could keep my spirits up was by telling myself how good this must be for the garden at our summer cottage. Silver linings, eller hur?

Speaking of all things green, it ties in perfectly with today’s home tour: the historical Löwenström Garden in Vaxholm—a true cultural gem with roots reaching back to the 18th century. Vaxholm, for those unfamiliar, is a charming coastal town in the Stockholm archipelago, often called the gateway to the islands. It’s got that magical mix of seaside calm, cobblestone charm, and storybook history.

This property combines a heritage-protected garden with a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century home, measuring a staggering 328 square metres (approx. 3,531 square feet) of thoughtful renovation and soul.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by solid wooden floors, beautiful limestone touches, and characterful wood walls that wrap the space in a rustic yet elegant hug. 

The entire home is wrapped in a calm, harmonious palette—soft whites, gentle beiges, warm greys, pale blues, and light greens, which gives it a sense of cohesion and serenity. 

And then there are the kakelugnar—those gorgeous Swedish tiled stoves—tucked around nearly every corner. I’m a little obsessed. Not only are they wonderfully efficient at keeping things toasty (even though, these days they have become more decorative rather than a vital source of heat) they’re also just so beautiful. 

Let's take a look around! 

Lovely, isn’t it? So calm and considered. I especially appreciated how they’ve used contrast on the doors and skirting boards—a look that’s become quite popular lately and really adds to that timeless, heritage feel.

If you'd like to see a similar effect but with a bold splash of colour, check out this vibrant flat I completely fell in love with a few weeks ago.

Did anything in particular catch your eye?

Could you imagine yourself living in this beautiful piece of Vaxholm’s history? If so, you can read more about it here and see more pics! 

Shall we visit a few other properties in the Scandinavian countryside today? How about:

Emilia's laid-back country home

A traditional red and white farmhouse in Sweden

A cosy rural home in Northern Sweden (love the picture of Nicole watching salmon jump in the river from her cabin window). 

Have a lovely week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Alexander White, with thanks.

READ MORE...

16