A Swedish House with an Outdoor kitchen and Living Room

While up at our cabin, rather than relaxing, I can't help but spend my time plotting our next update. A long way in the future, we'd like to have an outdoor kitchen! Do you love them too? There's something about cooking alfresco (and I don't just mean on the barbecue!), don't you think? 

The swedes who own this house have got there outdoor space right! 

The outdoor kitchen has a gas barbecue, sink and all the utensils you might need to throw together an evening meal. We recently bought a portable plug-in induction stove from IKEA for our cabin and it would make a nice addition here too! 

I also like the plant boxes. Placing raised beds around a terrace like this is a nice way to add flowers beside the seating area. 

Around the corner they have created a covered terrace with a lovely sitting room area for cosy evenings. I love the pendant lamp for a true 'living room' feel!

Cushions, blankets, candles - all the things you need for a cosy evening! I often bring out a basket of blankets late afternoon and plonk it beside our outdoor seating - so that blankets are at the ready as soon as the chill sets in! Having tried and tested many blankets - from budget to blowout (hey, it's cold up here in the north!), my favourite actually turns out to be the wool-blend ones from H&M Home - they are really soft and a firm family favourite. 

A simple bench serves as a perch for a reflective morning coffee for one. 

Water tight Glass / plexiglass roofing can get really hot in the sunshine. A wicker cover like this one helps to keep the area cool and looks pretty too! 

I couldn't resist sharing a few snapshots from the downstairs living area too - perfect inspiration for anyone who loves serene white / neutral spaces! 

I hope this lovely outdoor kitchen and open-plan living space have given you plenty of inspiration for the weekend! 

Do you have any experience with outdoor kitchens? If so, please do share any in the comments below! 

Could you imagine installing one in your outdoor space? 

Here are some other wonderful ways you can transform your alfresco lifestyle at home: 

19 ways to create a swedish summer oasis from basic to blowout!

An idyllic Finnish cottage with an outdoor kitchen

8 ways to pep up your outdoor space, Scandinavian style

7 boho ideas for outdoor spaces big and small

10 ways to maximise your tiny balcony 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Erik Olsson

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Before & After: A Dated Danish house Becomes a Vibrant Summer Cottage

The rain is coming down in Sweden and I'm guessing there are plenty of card games going on behind closed doors of everyone's summer cottages. Meanwhile, judging by these pictures, the sun is shining over the Öresund strait in the Danish town of Rørvig, North of Zealand. 

This pretty 80 sqm / 861 ft2 cottage in the woods is owned by sisters Ane and Sigrid. Since buying the property, the pair have completely renovated the property both inside and out to create a dreamy place for their families to spend summer and in fact, to get away from it all in other seasons too. 

It's somewhere they come to relax - clearly seen by the day beds, window seats and casual style. The fresh whites help to create a bright and airy feel, while pops of pink and other bright colours add to the vibrancy of the living space. Ready to see a few before and after pictures? 

Exterior before

Exterior after

An entirely new shade (earthy pink), new windows, sunroom extension and new deck have completely transformed the exterior into an inviting cottage! 

A cosy dining nook has been carved out under the sloping roof using built-in seating and rattan chairs. 

Kitchen side view before

Kitchen side view after

Walls were knocked through to create a light and airy open-plan living space and a new kitchen has been installed with pretty blue cabinet fronts to reflect the coastal location. 

An antique bed serves as a place for afternoon naps and overnight kips! 

Sunroom before

Sunroom after

New windows, a fresh lick of white and a new herringbone floor was what was needed to completely transform the sun room into a beautiful bright space to relax, surrounded by greenery! You often see pretty floral cushions like these in danish summer houses. 

Bedroom before

Bedroom after

I am guessing the beautiful wood floor was lurking under the laminate flooring - what a find! New windows, a fresh lick of paint and old beams have added a wonderful summer cottage vibe to the bedroom. 

Toilet before 

Toilet after

A new, larger and lower window has made a huge different to the feel of the bathroom. I also love the tiles! 

What a perfect transformation from a slightly pokey, dated house to an idyllic summer cottage. I would perfectly happy relaxing here all summer - sunshine or rain, how about you? 

You can see more pictures of Ane and Sigrid's cottage over at @det_lille_hus_i_skoven. And also, great news. If you're looking for a holiday home to rent in Denmark this summer, this one is available through Landfolk here. 

Take a peek inside a few other Danish summer cottages today: 

A dreamy danish summer cottage with an outdoor bathroom

An idyllic summer oasis on North Zealand

A light and airy summer cottage by the sea

I hope today's post has transported you to summers in Denmark and filled you with inspiration! 

Niki

PS if it's sunny where you are, please can you send a little our way?

Photography courtesy of @det_lille_hus_i_skoven with thanks. 

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A Romantic Swedish Country Home in Summertime

There's something very special about July in Sweden. The lush green of the countryside. The flowers in full bloom. The chorus of the birds and insects going about their work. Little wonder Swedes press the pause button for a few weeks to take it all in. 

I felt this country house perfectly captured the essence of the Swedish summer cottage. It's about leading a back-to-basics lifestyle where the days are shaped around a dip in the sea or lake, slow coffee, long lunches and reading a book under a tree. The beauty of the summer cottage interior lies in the imperfection and simplicity, allowing the vibrancy of the surroundings to take centre stage. 

I'd be perfectly happy to sit at any one of the desks in this house in the name of work but more likely simply gaze out of the moth blown windows. Oh, and if you love wallpaper, you're in for a treat too!  Welcome to a lovely country house northeast of Stockholm. 

There's something poetic about this house, don't you think? 

Are there any details that caught your eye? 

There are so many great Swedish wallpaper brands. Two that are worth checking out are Boråstapeter and Sandberg. William Morris is also popular, although not Swedish of course! 

Here are a few more country homes to tour today (just in case I've got you in the mood): 

A dated house transformed into a beautiful country home

A cosy country home in the North of Sweden

An idyllic red and white swedish farmhouse

Do you have a similar style of celebrating summer in the country where you live? 

Have a great start to the week. 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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Smart ideas for Small Spaces in a Stockholm Flat

A friend of mine recently transformed a tiny outhouse into a living space and asked me about small dining space solutions. I've been on the lookout ever since! And this Stockholm apartment popped up just at the right time - who wouldn't like to enjoy a morning coffee by the window? And then, as I took the tour, I discovered more exciting features which help to make a small space (50 sqm 540 f2) fabulous and practical. Keep a look out for clever tricks such as the use of mirrors, raised beds with storage underneath and a hidden washer-dryer. Välkommen! 

A small table, bench and chair tucked into the corner are all that's needed to carve out a quiet spot for breakfast! 

Carefully placed mirrors can brighten up a darker space and visually enlarged a room. 

A dining table by the window in the sitting room serves as a work and more formal dining space. 

Using the full height of the room is important in small spaces. This wooden shelving system provides open and closed storage. 

In a small space, it's important to keep the home as clutter-free as possible. Hiding appliances such as washers and dryers can help to keep the space looking clean and serene! Plus no one can see your smalls spinning away when they stop by for a visit. Major bonus! 

A raised bed makes way for an entire under-the-bed storage system. 

Loved some of these ideas. And the kitchen too - such a beautiful design! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

The sun has returned here after a very stormy week on the west coast, so I'm very keen to head out and enjoy it while it lasts. Plus, I have two girls here waiting to go for a morning dip! 

I hope the sun is shining where you are today and that you have a fabulous weekend!

I'll be back on Monday with a very exciting 'before and after' tour, see you then! 

Niki

Photos: Jockeono Studio

Styling: Studio Rydman

For: Historiska Hem

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