Step Inside A Swedish Summer Cottage Oasis From the 1700s

I was meant to post a tour of a city apartment today, and then I realised my mind is already in the countryside - sitting by the sea, legs dangling idly in the cool, sparkling Scandinavian waters. So I hope you don't mind that we return to the beautiful island of Gotland today (yes, I am obsessed!). This summer paradise dating back to the 1700s is nestled in the old town of Visby, a few hundred yards from the Baltic Sea. The current owners described the renovation as a 'treasure hunt' since it unearthed so many exciting discoveries from times gone by including a deep well and an old baking oven. And now, it's time to pass over the reins. Could you be the next one to enjoy this little oasis, with its historic details, traditional kitchen, earthy tones and a seat under the boughs of a blossoming peach tree all summer long? 

 

 

Forget the summer - I could live here all year round, how about you?

So happy to see there's an outdoor shower in the garden too, there's nothing nicer than rinsing off under the open sky don't you think (see my outdoor shower and bathroom round-up here!). 

I think I've linked to it quite a few times already (understatement, I hear you say!) but just in case you missed it and would love to see a few more pictures from Gotland and other east coast islands, take a peek at my travel diaries. 

This summer we're hoping to sail up Sweden's west coast (weather permitting!) and I was thinking of taking my camera and writing a feature about it once we're back. What do you think? Could this be interesting? The Gothenburg archipelago is one of my favourite places in the world and I'd so love for you to experience it one day (if you haven't already!). 

Leaving you with a few other charming summer cottages today: 

A Danish oasis on North Zealand

A Swedish island summer oasis

A striking cabin on the island of Ingarö

Have a lovely, sunny day friends!

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Fastighetsbyrån - with thanks

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A Magical Norwegian Cottage With a Wabi Sabi Vibe

Here in Scandinavian we're counting down the days to Midsummer's Eve. Nature has sprung to life in a riot of colours - with meadows and grass verges bursting with poppies, daisies, harebells and lupins. The sun casts a long, hazy shadow well into the evening as adults and children alike soak up every last drop of golden sun. In the small hamlet of Nesodden, near Oslo, Norway, Hilde Mork and her two children are enjoying the midsummer sun from their magical country cottage. Last year, Hilde and a colleague converted the former ceramics studio and stables into a family home using 100% recycled and secondhand materials. Inspired by Scandinavian functionality and 'Nordic wabi sabi', today the cottage also serves as a studio for Hilde's work as a graphic designer, photographer and storyteller - and an idyllic base from which to enjoy the surrounding forest and countryside. Velkommen inn to Hilde's magical world - where the beauty lies in the imperfection. 

Grey curly sheepskin throw*, outdoor string lights*, bowl (below) by Dantes Ceramics

The neighbour's cat often stops by for a visit, making himself at home beside a vintage cabinet, cookery books and bunches of dried flowers. 

In this close-up you can really see how the kitchen has been built using secondhand and recycle materials - from the reclaimed porcelain sink and taps to the cabinet doors. A vintage scissor lamp* provides light after sunset.

A simple rail serves as storage for an array of pots and pans and a traditional woven birch basket* is ideal for other small items. 

In the winter a wood burning stove helps to keep the cottage feeling cosy and warm, while in summer it provides a perfect spot for a vase of wildflowers. 

A series of vintage mirrors help to bounce the light around while also creating a lovely wall display! 

On warmer days, life moves outside, where the family enjoy the surroundings in an understated way while making the most of the long hours of sunshine. 

 

What a magical world! Slow and sustainable living at its finest. 

Could you imagine soaking up the Scandinavian summer sun from this charming Norwegian country home? 

Take a peek at more of Hilde's home on her instagram @hildemork78 and find out more about her work as a freelance graphic designer, photographer and storyteller on her website www.hildemork.me. 

Up for a little more Scandinavian country inspiration today? Take a look at these magical homes:

A Beautiful Pared-Back Finnish Island Cottage 

Step inside an idyllic Swedish country home on a hill

A rural country home in Northern Sweden

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Hilde Mork, shared with kind permission. 

*This post contains affiliate links which means I might make a very, very tiny amount of money if you buy an item through the links marked with an asterisk. 

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Exciting Design News From Some of My Favourite Italian Brands!

Every April the interior world flocks to Milan for the annual Salon del Mobile. It's arguably one of the biggest interior fairs of the year and one of my favourite events - offering a perfect place to meet other people from the industry and hear all the latest design news. Sadly, this year it was cancelled due to the (whisper it) coronavirus pandemic. So, in honour of the event - 12 of my blogger friends and I have clubbed together in partnership with Design Diffusion to share the latest design news from some of our favourite Italian brands.

Holly of Decor8 will kick-off tomorrow, and I will follow on my own instagram on Tuesday 16th June, sharing the latest news from Cantori, Casalgrande Padana, CRISTINA Rubinetterie, Doima Cucine, Maistri, Minotticucine, Quadro Design and Viva in my stories. You can then follow the instagram 'chain' as we take turns to present the exciting design news.

We hope you'll come and join us for an Italian design fest!

Niki

Picture 1: Macro Grigio granite-effect porcelain stoneware by Casalgrande Padana
Picture 2: Kitchen by Maistri
Picture 3: East Side tap from Cristina Rubinetterie

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Design Diffusion, all words are my own.

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A Relaxed Swedish Island Summer Cabin on The Water's Edge

Per and I both grew up with sailing, and as you know, we usually spend our summers sailing the Swedish, Danish, Norwegian (and sometimes North German) coastline. I readily admit, Per's more into the technical (some might say important) stuff like trimming the sails, navigation etc. While I'm more of a G+T, fair-weather type of sailor who's forever asking to sail closer to the shore so we can take a look at the waterside cottages!! In my mind, the prettiest coastal homes of all can be found out on the islands. What I love most about them is that despite their prime location, they often still possess a wonderful, understated feel.

Just with all Scandinavian summer houses, the focus is on being outdoors - and the interior should never distract from the beautiful surroundings. This wonderful cabin, nestled on the water's edge on a tiny island called Jutholmen in the Stockholm archipelago, is a fine example of this! 

Formerly a workshop, the cabin has been transformed into a year-round holiday home with a relaxed industrial meets boathouse vibe. In fine weather, the family can head outdoors and relax on a large terrace overlooking the water. 

Bamboo furniture from Tine K Home and iconic Swedish Grytthyttan outdoor dining furniture help to add a natural, laidback feeling to the outdoor terrace without taking away from the stunning scenery! 

The island is accessed by boat - and once settled, a small speedboat is used to head to the nearby island of Dalarö which has many restaurants, shops and cafes. People often use their boats to head to smaller uninhabited islands to enjoy picnics and swim.

In Sweden 'allemansrätten' gives you the 'right to roam' anywhere in the countryside as long as you don't disturb or destroy it, enabling everyone to experience nature and enjoy the beautiful Swedish lifestyle. That's one very large playground!

I love this fairly basic outdoor kitchen. Why miss a moment of sunshine to wash-up and cook when you can do it outside! 

The interior has a relaxed, industrial vibe. Mainly black and white, touches of wood help to bring a warm feel to the space. 

Wood panelling, vintage ship lights* and vintage school biology print* help to draw attention to the coastal location, adding a subtle 'sjöbo' (boat house) vibe. 

I spy vintage gym equipment - always a winner in my eyes, and not a bad spot for a round of boxing either! FYI Etsy is a great source for vintage gym equipment*! 

Bunking up! Simple sleeping quarters lime this or a common site in Swedish summer cottages and are ideal for family and guests to catch some shut eye before another day outdoors soaking up the sun (or rain!!!). 

The Swedish summer can be chilly at times. I'm not kidding when I say last summer we witnessed water temperatures of 9.5 Celsius (49 Fahrenheit) and driving rain on the east coast. A sauna is ideal (some might say mandatory) for thawing out after a day on the frigid waters - and taking a dip in the sea. When visiting it's unlikely you'll have a private 'bastu' (sauna) like this one, but many islands have public saunas you can book (one of my favourites is on the island of Tjärö - which I featured in this post). 

What a stunning oasis! 

This rare gem of a property was actually on the market a few weeks ago but, as you can imagine was quickly snapped up - more details here.

Probably the most ridiculous question I've asked all week (although you never know!) - but could you imagine spending your summers here?! 

I'll be thinking about this beautiful cabin when we take to the water this summer - maybe I'll discover come other hidden gems (from a distance!) - if so, I'll be sure to let you know! 

If you have more time today / over the weekend - take a peek at: 

A photographer's charming cabin in the woods

An idyllic summer cottage that dreams are made of

A charming and relaxed summer cabin by the sea

All so dreamy - do you have a favourite? 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend friends, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sjönära with thanks

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