Revisting Minna's Serene Finnish Cabin

February huh?! This month always has me dreaming of summer in Scandinavia where time stands still and everyone revels in the 24 hours of daylight (I read a quote the other day which said 'nothing in nature blooms all year round, why should you?' and I realised this is simply not my time to bloom!! Is it yours?! If not, come on a virtual adventure with me to summer in the Finnish archipelagos and the beautiful rural cabin of Minna Jones. I've totally shared it with you before (here - and before it was rebuilt here) but was excited to see Minna recently captured it in a new light with Pauliina Salonen for Asun magazine. Any excuse to share it again in all its clean, serene, minimalist glory, right?! Prepare to dream!

As I wrote in my book  The Scandinavian Home: Interiors inspired by light, cabin life in Scandinavia is about switching off from the stresses and strains of everyday and going back to basics. By keeping the space clean and clutter-free it's said to be easier to relax and enjoy the simple things in life like the forest outside (or the fabulous safari daybed and beehive pendant light!). 

  

What an incredible cabin? Could you imagine spending a summer here? I'm sure even the most stressed among us would find their inner calm!!

I love how Minna has chosen only a handful of items, meaning the beauty of each piece stands out even more. Here's a quick shopping guide to recreate your own Finnish retreat!

GET THE LOOK

 

 

1. Lampe Gras Model 214 Wall Lamp
2. Normann Copenhagen - Tablo Table
3. Antiqued Nickle Steel Round Mirror
4. Knoll Bertoia Diamond Chair with Seat Cushion
5. Artek Chair 69 - Orange Lacquered Seat
6. Artek A331 Beehive Pendant Light
7. Fringed rough linen blanket
8. OGK Safari Daybed
9. Knoll Bertoia Side Chair with Seat Cushion

I have visited Finland several times (see my design guide to Helsinki here) and it's a wonderful country! In fact, I dream of spending an entire summer there. Potentially somewhere remote - like this little cottage on it's own island (with a little boat for getting around!) or this one with a view over the Baltic sea. Wouldn't that be wonderful?!

What does your dream summer look like?

Have a lovely day!

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A Small Swedish Space Bathed in Sunlight

There are so many wise Swedish proverbs (many of which I've included in my Lagom book!). But perhaps my favourite is "even the smallest stars shine in the darkness". What a beautiful sentiment?! I'm not sure why I thought about this when I woke up this morning but I was thrilled to find this very small apartment in Gothenburg glowing in warm winter sunlight soon after. Measuring a mere 45 square metre (424 square foot) and decorated by Emma Fischer for Bjurfors, the Swedish apartment has a wonderful cohesive look and feel thanks to the neutral colour palette and touches of soft, light wood. Let's take a tour!

Using white furniture and accessories with clean lines like the Söderhamn sofa (without arms) and a textured rug (this one is similar) helps to create a clutter-free look while still adding a cosy feel.

The 811 TON caned armchair is perfect to place in the middle of the room since you can see through it - giving the illusion of space. I also love the Flos Gatto table lamp seen to the right!

Annaleena's black rectangle clothes rail provides a place for day to day clothes  (there's also a wardrobe in the hallway for storage). Certainly beats a messy chair in the corner, don't you think?!

The light brown duvet brings a softness and hint of colour to the otherwise monochrome bedroom area. I love the simple abstract print above the bed too (this Atelier CPH print is similar).

Do you find that you hear a new word and then you come across it countless times afterwards?! It's the same with this &tradition Formakami pendant lamp (we saw another one from the series in Thursdays home tour!). A set of four Series 7 chairs can be seen around the table.

 A simple belly basket hanging from a hook is ideal for smaller bits and pieces like keys etc!

Isn't it such a lovely apartment? I could totally imagine rocking about it here today, how about you?!

A little note: this space has been styled for a shoot / sale so naturally there are a few things missing. For example, the new owners would likely need to add more storage in the living room area (especially if they're anything like me!!). Even so, I have a feeling they're going to get along just fine here, don't you?!

You can see the full tour over at Bjurfors and many more beautiful Swedish homes in the archives here.

Have a wonderful start to the week!


Credits: Photography: Alen Cordic. Styling Emma Fisher for Bjurfors.

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