A Dreamy 17th Century Swedish Summer Cottage With a Focus on 'The More the Merrier'

Hello there friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend? On Saturday we had beautiful blue skies and warm weather here in Skåne (let's not talk about Sunday!). For a day, we dared to dream of the Swedish summer when many flock to cottages in the countryside. The cottages are usually geared up to cater for as many as possible - with beds at every turn! Take this wonderful summer cottage in Breven, just east of Stockholm. Tucked away among meadows and forest, this 17th century timber cottage comprises two dwellings - a main house (seen below), and an outhouse (featured above). The first serves as a gathering place (when times allow) as well as bedrooms for the owners. The second is for overnight guests and extended family- with one large room kitted out with a double bed, a bunkbed and two sleep alcoves. Pretty curtains help to block out the midnight sun - or the light of a lamp, for those who like to stay up and read! My children would love this - especially Allie, who thinks it's really cosy when we all bunk up together as a family! Roll on Swedish summer days. 

Look closely and you'll notice a painted diamond wood floor - a popular feature in traditional Swedish dwellings. I also the uneven wood logs - which add to the character of the space. 

The master bedroom has such a wonderful romantic air to it. And is that a TV on the ceiling I see?!

The thick walls pave the way for windowsills which are wide enough to double up as seating. A perfect spot for a morning coffee!

The guest house:

If you're ever invited to stay at someone Scandinavian summer cottage, remember to bring your own bed linen. I've been caught out on a few occasions... and I'd hate for you to make the same faux pas! 

The pool house (below) is kitted out with a sauna and extra bathroom - for cooler days. 

Saunas are a common sighting in Swedish homes (Especially in the basement) - although not quite as common as in Finland! The jury is still out on how much people use there here, with some enjoying regular sessions amongst the steam with their family, and others admitting they simply use it as a fancy place to dry their clothes! 

How dreamy! A perfect summer oasis. And with all those fireplaces, a wonderful place to visit all winter long too! 

Could you imagine spending your summer here? 

Find out more about this property over at Historiska Hem. 

Feeling intrigued about the Scandinavian summer cottage having seen this? Check out the entire archive here. 

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography Lina Östling

Styling: Stories by Chaundy

For: Historiska Hem

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A Malmö Home Full of Design Classics And Art

It's Friday friends - woohoo! I don't know about you, but I feel it's come around so quickly this week. I'm hoping to nip around the town on my lunch break today and visit some of my favourite design stores to celebrate (in a social distanced / safe kind of way, of course). My usual circuit always includes the Malmö store Olsson & Gerthel - which sells the most incredible iconic design furniture, mixed in with some beautiful pieces by local artists. It's a total feast for the eyes, and food for the design soul! One of the co-owners - Nina Gerthel, lives a stone's throw from the store, in her childhood home in the picturesque old area of Gamla Väster. Nina, an interior designer, is a firm believer in filling your home with pieces you love and that make you feel good and her recently renovated home is a fine example of this - and a wonderful extension of the design ethos and offering of the store itself. Ready to take a peek inside? 

Oh to have beams like these! I am always eyeing up houses in Gamla Väster when they come on the market,  but homes like this rarely come up (Nina took over this one from her parents).  

The other thing that struck me was the art - I love sculptures and Nina has really given them space to breathe so they catch the light and stand out. 

I was reading an interesting article the other day about how, when faced with a design conundrum and looking to improve a look, people naturally add things, when actually, the solution is often to take something away. 'Less is more'  is an artform and one at which the Scandinavians excel! Something to think about over the weekend when organising / arranging your home!

Is there anything that stood out to you about Nina's lovely home? 

Shall we finish off the week with a few other Malmö home tours? Here are a few favourites: 

Sofie's home (owner of my favourite go-to florist): The cosy, vintage inspired home of a Malmö florist 

A local home in St Knut's: A 'mysigt' apartment in soft, earthy tones

The home and studio of the wonderful girl I share my studio with: Carina Grefmar

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by this week :)

Niki

Photography by Robert Våhlström for Olsson & Gerthel

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