An utterly idyllic Finnish summer cabin with a sea view

I can't tell you how many times I've started to write this post only to delete it again. The truth is, there are no words to describe this idyllic Finnish cottage in the Inkoo archipelago belonging to Jonna Kivilahti, the blogger behind Mrs Jones- it's just to dream that you're there. The doors of the black and white cabin thrown open to reveal panoramic views of the glistening sea beyond.  Soaking up the warm sun on the terrace, watching the sail boats glide by. You might go inside to make lunch or even light a roaring fire on cooler evenings. Either way, I can't think of a more idyllic way to wile away a weekend, a week...a few months....

Photography: Krista Keltanen with kind permission

What an utterly idyllic retreat. Could you imagine spending your weekend here?!

Get the look - Terrace - this black sun lounger is similar, black lantern. Kitchen - white string shelves, striped rug, grey marble chopping board, Marimekko mugs. Dining area - bentwood chair, Series 7 chairs. Bedroom - try notPERFECTLINEN for the most beautiful washed bed linen, this striped cotton jersey top is similar (and fab for summer days by the sea!). Hallway - hunter boots and white converse.

In case you're wondering how to achieve that perfectly glossy grey floor in your own home - Farrow & Ball recommends Strong white paint in Full Gloss with a coat of Interior wood primer & Undercoat underneath to ensure the best finish or for areas of high traffic - the Floor Paint finish which is slightly less glossy but more durable. So there you go!

You can see more pics of this lovely cabin on Jonna's blog and instagram. 

These beautiful images have been captured by Krista Keltanen - you might recognise the name from this Finnish cabin built from containers or this beautiful rustic Finnish summer cottage also featured on here. Imagine!

Oh and there's over 53 summer cottages to explore in my archives. I would recommend pouring yourself a coffee first, but hey, it's Friday so perhaps one of these would be more appropriate. Just saying.

In the words of the Finns - Kippis!

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A charming innercity home with soul

One of the most popular homes I've shown this year has got to be this 'beautiful 1920's home decorated on a shoestring budget' in Brisbane, Australia. I can totally see why, it's relaxed, unique and personal - with fab vintage finds, treasured artwork and handmade pieces. All within a relatively small rental space of 55 metres square / 592 square feet. Yesterday I came across yet more lovely snapshots taken by the owner - photographer and documentary filmmaker Nicolette Johnson who shares the home with fiance, Tom Dawson. And fell in love with the space all over again. It just goes to show what you can do with a little creativity and oodles of love!

Photography: Nicolette Johnson. Found via The Design Files with thanks.

I never get tired of seeing this home - it's sooooo cosy and charming. I especially love the beautiful mix of dark blue and teak.

Is this your kind of style?

Items I love: sitting room - this navy blue mid-century chair is similar (and fabulous!), as is this mid-century oval-shaped table, I like this teak mid-century credenza. Workspace - wishbone chair, white sheepskin throw. Dining area - I love this mid-century style dining chair. Bedroom: blue linen bedding, sea grass belly basket. 

You can read more about this fab home here. And check out more homes with a cool mid-century vibe here.

Have a lovely day!

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A beautiful family home in The Hague

You may recognise this beautiful Dutch apartment from a post last April. It's the home of Saar Manche and her family, this time used as a muse for Over the Ocean - a store highlighting the best of European design with a handpicked selection of children's clothing, toys, and home goods.  Over the Ocean is inspired by 'creative mothers living in different European metropolises and reflecting the authentic style of those cities'. Photographer and illustrator Saar Manche recently opened her doors to share the essentials that make their everyday life more beautiful. Let's take a peek inside....

Photography / Home owner: Saar Manche. Over the ocean.

Oh so pretty. And relaxed. And calm.

I especially love the cabinet in the bathroom. How about you?

My usual get the look: Bertoia chairs in white, this mid-century credenza is similar (or pick up a vintage one here), Source vintage cameras here. Round rattan chair and white sheepskin throw. Milk maid stool. Children's clothes from Over the Ocean.

I love floors with hand painted harlequin pattern. You can see other examples in the hallways of Swedish singer's home, a Swedish country home and a lovely home on an island. Oh and this hallway is amazing too - so striking! This DIY tutorial is handy if you're tempted! Hmmmm, maybe I should do this in my bedroom?!

Have a lovely day!

PS This is not a sponsored post - just a great collaboration I thought you'd like to see!

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A Stockholm pad in monochrome and 'tan'

Wake up, it's a beautiful morning.....plus I've got a fab flat to show you! This relaxed two bedroom space in Södermalm, Stockholm (styled for sale) is full of nice touches, and rocks many of the design trends in the interior design world right now. From a tan leather sofa and kilim rug to a washed linen tablecloth and an abundance of plants (it seems they have a fondness for Kate Moss too!). I especially like the second bedroom - it's not always easy to furnish a narrow room but this one looks fab, don't you think? Loving the low bed.  Let's take a tour....

Bo /Sthlm - Fastighetsmäklare found via (my) unfinished home with thanks

I love how easy it looks to live here don't you? A super comfy sitting room, relaxed place to eat, a work space....and pretty much bathed in pools of light where ever you choose to sit. So nice!

A few items I know and love: sitting room - source a similar kilim rug here, I love this tan leather sofa. The koushi lamp is similar. The Kate Moss book and 'life is a joke' print. Dining area - burlap grey linen table cloth (beautiful!), bentwood chairs, grey sheepskin rug, bell jar. Bedroom - washed linen bedding in white and dark grey. bedroom 2 - blue linen bedding (love this).

I'm also loving this fantastic Danish apartment in the same scheme - imagine?!

Today I've been invited for lunch at a small local communal workspace inhabited by a bunch of talented creatives including the designer behind Swedish Ninja (looking forward to getting a glimpse of the 'Little Darling' first hand)!

I hope you've got some fun plans for today too!

See you tomorrow!

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Because very small can be very beautiful too

Well, hello there! I'm feeling all revived today after a long weekend in the sun - the highlight had to be our picnic on the little island of Hallandsväderö off the south west coast of Sweden with this view (that cottage?!). The girls even took a dip - so much fun, but BRRRRRR! I hope you had a wonderful few days too? Right, on with today's tour! We've seen a 'shrinking homes' trend lately - which is why I wanted to kick off the week with this little Swedish gem - proof that very small (we're talking 32 square metres / 344 square foot) can be very beautiful too with a few very clever tricks. For example, a raised bed gives space for storage underneath, floor- to-ceiling shelves act as a room divider (a coat rack divides the hallway and kitchen) and a swivel chair can be used for the corner of the bedroom or turned into the sitting room area. Which means you really can get it all - a kitchen / dining area, hallway, bedroom, sitting room area and even a desk to sit and study / work. So clever!

Stadshem. Photography: Jonas Berg.

What a great use of space! Perfect inspiration for anyone living in an itsy bitsy space.

The narrow space-saving sink in the bathroom is especially handy too.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look: bedroom - the bed is bespoke with MALM drawers in white underneath. I love this rattan pendant lamp, white waffle blanket, this white clothes rack is similar (this clothes rail is a good space-saving one too), sitting room area: these mid-century nest tables (need to hurry though! If sold, try these), this is a great source for antique chaise longues, Hay hero dot cushion, vintage string shelves. Kitchen / dining area: IKEA shelves, white KitchenAid, this pendant lamp is similar.

It's also might be worth checking out the small spaces archive for lots and lots of one room apartment inspiration!
 
Have a wonderful start to the week (if only we were all here......?).

PS Lovely of those of you who messaged me about catching a glimpse of our family summer cottage - you've inspired me to explore the possibility of taking a few snapshots this summer. My husband's grandparents bought the land and built it and it's been passed from generation to generation. It looks very much as it did when it was first built - both inside and out. In the meantime, I was honoured to be interviewed about 'My Expat Life' for Motherland - are you a mother living outside your home country too?

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