Inside a Swedish Home with Subtle Tones and Surprising Touches

Why, hello there! On Friday, I promised in the comments that I’d share something with a touch of colour - so here it is!

Quick disclaimer: if you’re looking for a riot of neon brights, clashing patterns and wild, noisy interiors, this isn’t it. When I say 'colour', I mean it in a softer, more thoughtful way - just enough to add interest and warmth, but still with that earthy calm I love. Think of it as colour with the volume turned down.

This Swedish home in Gothenburg completely caught my eye because it feels different from anything I’ve seen before. Each room has its own theme - a whisper of burnt orange here, a wash of green there, a cool brush of blue beyond - yet the spaces flow together beautifully, like chapters in the same story. It’s the kind of balance someone with a real eye can pull off.

I especially love the tone-on-tone play - lighter shades layered with deeper ones from the same spectrum. It’s subtle, clever, and so visually captivating!

And don’t miss the personal collection of treasures tucked throughout the home - a mix of pieces that make you want to lean in for a closer look.

I’m so curious to hear what you think of this home! Granted, many of the personal possessions have been removed since it’s on the market - and in Sweden that’s the norm - but the pieces left behind, along with the colourways, are still so inspiring. I also think the owners have been very brave. If I'd suggested that colour for the sitting room and a pink front door, I'd have got a very baffled look from Per! 

And how sweet is the little girl in the window, making her necklace? Such a darling detail!

Would you like to see some more homes with colour today? If so, why not take a peek at: 

Maria's colourful apartment will brighten up your day

A rare peek behind the scenes of Nyhavn's colourful facade

A fabulous Danish home in a plethora of colours

Have a 'mysig' evening! See you Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem

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A Serene Swedish Lakeside Cottage Escape

It’s Friday, friends – time for a little weekend dreaming. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend it in a pretty traditional Swedish cottage, gazing out over a lake?

When you have views like this one over Älvsjön, you really don’t need much in the way of décor. This lovely cottage has been deliberately pared back so that the sweeping vistas across the water take centre stage.

In this small but special selection of images, it’s clear that life here is all about the simple things: lingering over long summer evenings, gathering with loved ones, and just being. Picture white wood-panelled walls, a touch of stripes, a pair of binoculars by the window, a wonderful terrace, and even a little guest house right by the water’s edge.

And the best part? It’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Stockholm – making it the perfect weekend getaway. The perfect place to clear the mind, recharge the soul, and slip into the easy rhythm of lake life.

Could you imagine relaxing here this weekend?

If you’d like to keep dreaming, here are a few more lovely lake-side home tours from the archive: 

Anna and Martin's tiny home built cottage floating on a lake
A Swedish house on a hill with lovely lake views
A Scandi-inspired lakeside cabin in Norfolk, UK

Or better still, buy it! What are Fridays for, if not for a little spontaneity! 

Joking aside, it’s hard to believe it’s already the last few days of August. At our own cottage, the leaves on the oak tree are just beginning to turn brown — a gentle reminder that autumn is on its way. Even so, the water is still surprisingly warm, so we’re hoping to spend a few more days up here, soaking up the late summer sun while I try to forget about the 10 km run  I signed up for tomorrow evening in a moment of madness. Gaaaah! Wish me luck, I'll need it! 

I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend too?

Thank you, as always, for all your kind comments. It’s such a joy to read them, and I’m hoping to find a little quiet time later to respond to each and every one.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Trevlig helg!

Niki

Credits: Sjönära, shared with thanks.

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