Inside An Idyllic Norwegian Island Getaway

Hej hej! Happy Friday! In case you’re wondering about the current mood in Scandinavia – it’s very much a case of “gone fishing” or, more accurately, “gone to the summer cottage, back in three weeks.” It’s July, and no one works in July unless they absolutely have to. After all, we’ve endured a long, cold, dark winter – this is the moment we’ve been waiting for!

One of Scandinavia’s best-kept secrets is the incredible array of islands that come alive at this time of year. There’s something for everyone – tiny skerries, uninhabited nature reserves with hiking trails and camping spots, and charming islands dotted with clapboard summer cottages, old fishing villages, and small harbours where life gathers in the evening. The days follow a simple rhythm: eat, swim, nap, repeat.

This delightful summer cottage is situated in Hvaler, a municipality made up of islands in the southern part of Østfold County, Norway, and perfectly captures the essence of the Scandinavian summer idyll. Its relaxed coastal interior, with blue and white accents, reflects the hues of the Skagerrak Sea, glimpsed through the windows. A sailboat here, a cluster of ornamental glass fishing buoys there – it’s all part of the charm.

Though modest, the cottage offers an effortless comfort: a relaxed sofa, soft blankets, sheepskins and cushions invite you to kick back and unwind. But if the sun’s shining, you’ll probably be tempted to join the alfresco gathering, where fresh prawns await – or slip away to the water’s edge for a quiet moment alone, soaking up the scenery and recharging for the season ahead.

Enjoy the tour!

Charming in every way!

It’s been captured so beautifully that I feel as though I’m right there – soaking up the sunshine on the warm rocks with a book in hand.

Do you feel it too?

Does it sound like your kind of summer? Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’d like to see more snapshots, hop over to @hvalerlivet on Instagram – it’s a true feast for the eyes!

Would you like to explore more Norwegian summer houses today? If so, take a peek at: 

A magical Norwegian house by a fjord
An idyllic fjordside retreat in Norway
A charming little cabin by a Norwegian fjord

Have a wonderful weekend – and thank you for stopping by!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @hvalerlivet, shared with kind permission. 

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A Dreamy Swedish Summer Home by the Water

There’s something about Swedish summer that feels almost magical — and this house captures it perfectly. Tucked beside the water, it’s the kind of place where you can imagine long, golden evenings spent dining al fresco with friends, especially on a day like today, with Sweden basking in 28°C (that’s 82°F) sunshine (I've heard some serious heatwaves are going on elsewhere, I hope you are all OK?). 

Described as “like being in the countryside, but in the middle of town,” this charming Swedish house is tucked into a sheltered bay just a 15-minute bike ride from Nacka, Stockholm county. Built in 1820 and recently renovated, it still retains its beautiful heritage features and light pours in through the windows  – pure magic.

I’m particularly taken with the glass verandah – a popular architectural detail in houses from this era. In this home, it’s been styled as a covered porch area, though in other homes, you often see it as a dining area or cosy sitting room nook. I also really like the semi-open-plan kitchen, divided by a windowed partition that allows the light to flow freely while keeping the spaces distinct.

Summer here is all about swimming in the lake and taking a boat out for a spin. But it’s not just a fair-weather retreat – there’s clear evidence of winter warmth too, with a snug spot by a roaring wood-burning stove. And when the water freezes over, it becomes a playground for ice skating. In Stockholm County, many of the lakes are connected, making it possible (and popular!) to skate long distances.

I hope you enjoy this tour of a truly dreamy year-round home. It’s a beauty!

I'd happily bask in the sunshine there today—wouldn't you?

I really appreciate how the traditional look blends with an industrial touch. It makes the space feel both personal and relaxed.

What did you think of this lovely cottage? Did anything in particular stand out to you?

If you'd like to dream over a few more summer cottages today, head over to the archive.

Also—I'm hosting a fantastic giveaway on Instagram right now! You can win a collection of the ØY scent from Skandinavisk, including a wash, lotion, candle, scent diffuser, shampoo, conditioner, and a bundle of other beautiful products inspired by the islands of Scandinavia. Pop over and enter—and do tell me about your favourite island. I'll be sharing mine here on the blog next week.

Happy Wednesday, stor kram!

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem. 

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Inside a Beautiful Light Swedish Villa That’s Bathed in Natural Light

Do you ever find yourself slipping onto estate agent websites, dreaming over local villas that are wildly out of budget — but irresistible all the same? It’s a pastime I’m no stranger to. I confess, on more than one occasion, I’ve even turned up to viewings — Per in tow — looking completely bewildered!

This villa, to me, is one of those dreamy homes. Had it been closer, I’d have certainly signed up for the viewing!

Located in picturesque Gamla Enskede, Stockholm, the villa has everything I love in a home: a pretty façade, a beautiful, light and airy entrance (complete with a window seat — after all, a girl needs to be comfortable when taking off her shoes, right?), large open-plan rooms, each with a traditional tiled masonry fireplace, high ceilings, a dining nook drenched in light, and the perfect party kitchen! Be still, beating heart.

While it's simply decorated, the fresh white, grey and green tones create the perfect blank canvas to springboard into your own design palette, ready for your signature touch. Time to get those Pinterest moodboards going? Oh, what fun I could have with this one. 

Breathtaking property! It’s all that sunshine pouring in that I really love. One of the beautiful things about open-plan living is how the entire space feels light, airy, and spacious, creating a wonderful sense of calm.

Could you imagine living in a Swedish house like this? If so, you can find out more about it here. And if you happen to be the lucky one to snap it up… could I at least invite myself over for a cup of tea? 

Would you like to see a few more dreamy Swedish villas this bright and sunny Monday? Take a look at:

A dreamy Falsterbo beach villa

Summer at this Swedish pool villa? 

A 19th century house ready for summer on the island of Gotland

Here's to a little dreaming at the start of the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of SkandiaMäklerna

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