An idyllic Swedish cottage with outdoor kitchen and shower

Hello! How are you this Monday? The schools break up in Sweden later this week and I'm starting to get that summer feeling; think bare feet, dips in the sea, fishing, cooking and eating alfresco and showers under the open sky. At least that's what would happen if I were to spend the summer in this idyllic Swedish summer cottage. Like many Scandinavian holiday homes, it's been designed to make the most of the outdoors. And for rainy days, the interior has been decorated with traditional rag rugs, summer quilts in a basket, antique and vintage Swedish furniture and wicker chairs for enjoying the summer read. Oh yes! Could you spend your summer here?

 

 

Photography: Clive Tompsett (shared with kind permission). Sköna Hem

I'm such a big fan of holiday homes with a black exterior (see also this and this cottage!).

And I've always been a fan of bathing and showering outdoors (do you remember this post?!). Not only is there something special about washing under the open sky but they're also perfect for rinsing little feet after a day at the beach. Do you have an outdoor shower?

And move over barbecues - this summer I've got my eye on an entire outdoor kitchen (more inspiration can be taken from this Finnish cabin - so wonderful?!). 
More fabulous Swedish summer cottage inspiration here.

Thank you to everyone who entered the Houseology give-away this weekend. The winner has now been announced here..(oh how I wish I'd won!). 

Have a great start to the week!

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The winner of the Marimekko tea cups and tray is...

Thank you to everyone who entered the Houseology give-away. I'm excited to announce the winner of the set of four Oiva tea cups and a Fokus tray by Finnish brand Marimekko is.....Maria. Congratulations! Please send me an e-mail with your address so we can ship the prize to you.

And thank you to Houseology, congratulations on your shiny new website, I'm looking forward to stopping by to get design tips, interior inspiration and ideas. Oh and a little shopping too! 

This give-away is now closed.

 This post is sponsored by Houseology.

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A pared-back Swedish summer home on Gotland

Oooo, it's Friday and it feels like the summer's finally arrived here in Sweden - wooohooo! When it comes to Swedish summer time - a pared-back lifestyle is the way to go. Many like to retreat to a summer cottage for up to 4 weeks to make the most of the long summer days and surrounding nature. This home of a Swedish actor and comedian on the beautiful island of Gotland is a fine example, although a little bigger than most! It's made up of several buildings which allow friends and family to come and go and it's decorated with a lovely no-frills approach. And guess what? it's for sale! Could. You. Imagine? Gotland anyone?!


 

All Photography: Mats Hemlin / Bertwig fastighetsförmedling

Could you wile away a summer with family and friends in this cottage? If so, you might want to see the full tour here....

Other Gotland homes I absolutely love include this former lighthouse keeper's cottage, the boho home of a Swedish fashion photographer and the idyllic stone cottage of a stylist / photographer.

Got to love Gotland!

In case you're in the mood for a little Scandinavian summer cottage inspiration today (hey, the sun's shining, it's Friday, why not?!) you might want to check out all the summer cottages / Swedish cottages and rural retreats I've squirreled away over the years. 

Roll on the long summer holidays..are you up to anything fun?

Don't forget tomorrow I'm holding an exciting weekend give-away so pop back if you have the time, I think you're going to absolutely love the prize. 

Have a lovely day!

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