Could You Imagine Relaxing At This Hill Top Guest House?!

God morgon, god morgon! I hope you had a fabulous weekend?! We've been in London celebrating my nieces' 1st and 3rd birthday - you forget just how much they love birthdays at this age - it's so sweet! We're heading home today, but I might just ask the pilot to divert to Hunt, Texas. Situated two and a half hours west of Austin, Hunt Sunday House has been newly renovated by photographer and artist Kate Zimmerman Turpin and her husband Luke. The cabin rests on a brow of a hill surrounded by golden grass, oaks and cedars, which is popular feeding ground for deer and hummingbirds. The couple were keen for the property to blend with the surroundings, opting for a simple design in soft, natural tones.  The A-frame ceilings, open plan living space and minimalist kitchen have helped contribute to a handful of design awards (including Remodelista's 'best amateur kitchen') but best of all, the guest house has been artfully transformed into somewhere friends and family can relax, and recharge in the grounds of Kate's family's holiday house. Ready to dream a little?!

The renovation budget was fairly tight so the pair opted for open shelving (a clever idea in a guest house, since it helps guests easily find things) and white concrete countertops. A lot of the furniture was taken from Kate's parent's house in Houston, or found at flea markets. 

Kate and Luke wanted the house to blend with the surroundings. The earthy, natural tones and minimal yet warm furniture was one of the ways in which they drew nature indoors. 

Someone's loving that sofa! 

The artwork is by Kate (see her online shop for more). The chairs are vintage IKEA (try Ebay for similar). 

Campaign sofa, Jute rug*

Side table from Room and Board, this striped bed linen* is similar

The shower head (from Signature Hardware) adds contrast to the simple, yet richly textured shower. 

Kate loves a clutter-free living space in which she can breath. Hunt Sunday House is bathed in  natural light and peppered with items she finds on her walks and small treasures picked up on travels. 

What a breath-taking guest house! I'd certainly feel at home here, how about you? How do I tell my husband I've swapped Malmö for Hunt today?

Is there anything that you love in particular?

For more pictures check out Kate's instagram and website.

Looking for a little more escape this Monday? You can always head on over to the rural retreats archive (you'll find me there with my feet up). For something similar, I'm loving this Topanga Canyon home or for something a little different, I could quite happily sip tea all day looking out over the Baltic at this Gotland hideaway - how about you?!

Have a wonderful start to the week! This is gonna be a good un', I can feel it!

Niki

Photography: Kate Zimmerman Turpin with kind permission

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Subtle Christmas Touches in A Swedish Country Home

Twinkling lights are starting to appear up and down the country in preparation for the first of advent. Ever since moving to Sweden, I have had a weakness for subtle white and green displays - a simple wreath here, a mini Christmas tree there. Located just outside Gothenburg, the country home of Caroline Bodehed (founder of shop Lily and Honey) and her husband, three children, three cats and a dog is a fine example of this. Every room in the 1970's house features a subtle nod to the festive season. "I like to bring natural and organic elements into my decoration," Caroline tells me. And this, she does with style! Välkommen in!

Walk past Swedish homes at Christmas time and you'll see one of two things in the window: paper star lanterns* or advent candlebras (available here) - or perhaps both! 

Paper star

Pimpernel wallpaper, Small paper star

Anyone else a big fan of simple wreaths? I think this is the first time I've spotted one nailed to a book shelf, not a bad idea if you're short of wall space (like I am!). 

"I prefer to use a more neutral and subtle colour palette. Although my Christmas tree has a lot of colourful decoration that my children have created," Caroline tells me.

Well, I think their family Christmas tree (taken last year) is so pretty, don't you? I bet it smells divine too!

3D star lantern*

This image almost requires a caption competion - what is that curious cat thinking?! My guess is: 'will anyone notice if I cosy up on that sheepskin and bat those wreaths all afternoon?!'

The half wreaths look so pretty in the window and thankfully, are well out of reach of mischievous cats! I love the small paper star resting on the windowsill too.

Potted mini Christmas trees are always a good idea! I've been a fan ever since this Norwegian home tour (they make a great pressie too). You could also go for mini trees up the stairs, like in this home. 

I bet doing the dishes wouldn't feel half as bad looking out over the snowy landscape, that's if you can get the crafty cat out of the way! She's looking pretty comfy, don't you think?!

Candle wreath ring, L:A bruket hand soap*

This home has definitely got me in the mood for decorating, how about you? I have promised myself not to put anything up until 2nd December (except for the advent calendar), but I'll be already to rock when the time comes!

Do you have a date when you start to decorate your home?

There is something extra special about the snow too - we had a white Christmas in the south of Sweden a few years back and it was magical! Have you ever enjoyed a white Christmas?

If you live in Sweden and looking for some pretty Christmas decorations, you'll love Caroline's shop - if not, there's always her lovely instagram feed for more inspiration.

And while we're on a roll, don't miss this Swedish country home all decked out for Christmas too!

Happy thanksgiving to all my American friends out there!

And have a great weekend all!

Niki

Photography: Caroline Bodehed with kind permission

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