The Serene Scandi-style Home of a Norwegian Living in Lisbon!

You can take a girl out of Norway, but you can't take Norway out of the girl.... I don't think this is the original saying, but it certainly fits in this instance!). Marriken moved from Norway to Portugal 11 years ago to live with her boyfriend. The pair instantly fell in love with the period details of this apartment in the centre of Lisbon and moved in three years ago. 

"The apartment had been well maintained, but we have still done some work to it after we moved in," Marriken tells me. "We renovated the bathrooms, painted, opened up a wall and replaced the kitchen. We try to make well-considered decisions that will stand the test of time and prefer to take the time to think things through rather than rushing into decisions, hence it's still a work in progress." 

Ready to take a peek? You're in for a treat! 

Coffee tables - De la Espada, Lucande Floor lamp

'Check' print* - The Poster Club, Wishbone Chair - Carl Hansen & Søn

Striped linen duvet cover* and pillow case* - Magic Linen,  Rug - H&M Home. 

Oak wall rack - by We Do Wood

So serene. Simplicity at its finest. 

I especially love the French balcony in the sitting room - the doors are like art, and all thew windows flood the space with light. Is there anything that stands out to you? 

You can see more daily snapshots from Marriken's Lisbon apartment over on her inspiring instagram feed @third_floor_left. 

Would you like to tiptoe around a few other homes of Scandinavians living abroad today? If so, you'll love these: 

The cosy home of a Swede living beside a Scottish loch

Exciting life change: a Swedish family home in the French alps (I was so happy to catch up with Bettina here in a Sweden a few days ago, whenever we meet, I'm always ready to pack my bags and head to the mountains afterwards. One day friends, one day!). 

The relaxed home of a Finn living in Mallorca

Oooooh, what a wonderful selection of places, styles and inspiring people! 

Do you live in the country you grew up in, or have you also moved abroad? 

Happy Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @third_floor_left

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A Swedish Florist Turns a Schoolhouse into a Home

There are some people in this world who are blessed with a rare talent to transform homes into beautiful, distinctly unique spaces - which could also grace the pages of a magazine. Sofie is one of them. We first met at her lovely flower shop Florista in the heart of Malmö (featured in this guide). I'd often stop by to pick up flowers and have a chat while her loyal dog Farfar (meaning 'Grandad') sat and guarded the door. At the time, she was living in this flat. 

Sofie left the city in pursuit of a country garden a few years ago, snapping up an incredible old school which she and her partner set about renovating and adding their signature stamp to the place. And now, I noticed on Bo-laget last night, it's time for the pair to move on once again - with Sofie taking up a job as a stylist in the fabulous eco-friendly store AB Småland in town. Which means, this beautiful house is waiting for a new owner. Could it be you? You're in for a treat if so! 

In the large open-plan kitchen, Sofie has installed freestanding stainless steel units with open racks - giving the space a contemporary industrial touch. 

Farfar in action behind Sofie! 

I love the windows to the right - evidence that this room was likely used as a classroom in the past. 

I've been seeing this check version of a seagrass rug pop up more and more in homes lately. It catches the light in the hallway in such a beautiful way! 

Faithful Farfar again, guarding the stairs! 

In true Sofie style, the sitting room is full of lush layers of texture and an amalgamation of styles. But the showstopper is the installation of pendant lights, don't you think? 

Sofie has a penchant for darker earthy shades, which help to add cosiness in areas like the bedroom. 

I absolutely love the bathroom! The combination of a deep earthy chestnut with white tiles, art and open shelving is spot on in my book! 

Beautiful. All of it. 

Whoever snaps this up is very lucky, I have to say! I even checked it out myself but we're not quite ready to leave Malmö. More info here! 

Also, if you missed it at the beginning, here is the link to Sofie's former apartment in town. I can't wait to see what she does next! 

Would you like to see a few other schoolhouses? Here are a few I've featured in the past: 

A beautiful family home in a Finnish schoolhouse

A rundown schoolhouse becomes a Swedish family home

An old school becomes a light and airy home

My friend Louise's home in a converted school

Here in Sweden we're gearing up for the big match in the women's World Cup - Sweden Vs Japan. The bacon sandwiches are ready and coffee is on the boil! May the best team win! 

I hope you have a fabulous weekend! 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Bo-laget. 

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A Warm and Relaxed Swedish Cottage by the Sea

Hello friends! It's so great to be back here on the blog after my summer break! I am easing myself in slowly with this wonderful summer cottage in the picturesque fishing village of Simrishamn, south Sweden. It's a popular summer destination and this cottage, with its charming touches from the 1860s and sea views is a perfect place from this to enjoy all the town has to offer! 

I was planning on sharing a carefully whittled down selection of pictures from the listing, but the task became impossible - there is simply too much inspiration to be gleaned from each and every room. What I love most about this cottage is how the owners have veered away from a more obvious blue and white coastal theme. Instead, an ode to the summer and sea can be seen in a variety of clever ways - from the warm yellow tones, straw hats, art, scalloped edges and sea-themed lamp shades! Välkommen! 

You'll be hard pressed to spot new items in this lovely home. Chairs, tables, cabinets and mirrors have a distinct vintage and antique vibe  while other touches have a traditional touch to match the soul of the 150-year-old property. 

Rattan, bamboo and woven rugs bring in a relaxed costal touch while rag rugs (seen furthest away in the above picture) bring time-honoured tradition to the cottage, while also helping to keep drafts at bay. 

A mix of pieces help to create a relaxed atmosphere in the sitting room. 

I don't think I've ever seen so many hooks! They are highly practical in a summer cottage when storage is limited, although you'd need to pack your prettiest garments - and underwear would need to go elsewhere (I'm not sure I would want to wake up to a row of Per's boxers!). 

The yellow bedspread brings instant sunshine to the space - well needed given the rainy summer we have just had in Sweden! Any tips on where this might be from? if so, please do share in the comments section below! 

Wildlife art in the stairwell draws the surrounding nature indoors, while curtains help to create privacy for extra bunks in the landing. 

Open storage is great for short term stays. I like the way they have made the most of space under the sloped ceiling. 

How lovely! I could definitely see myself wiling away the summers here, about you? 

See more pictures and the full floor plan here. 

You might also like to take a peek inside a few other these coastal cottages:

A charming coastal cottage in Denmark

A beautiful danish ceramicists house by the sea

A striking holiday home by the sea in Iceland

Also: 

15 coastal living ideas to steal from a Danish cottage

Thank you for stopping by, I'm excited to be blogging regularly again (Mondays. Wednesdays and Fridays) from now on. If you'd like to be alerted to new posts, you might like to sign up to my mail subscription here. 

Kram! 

Niki 

Photography courtesy of Ekström & Co

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10 Scandinavian Summer Cottages with a Little Extra Alfresco

The Scandinavian summer is all about making the most of the great outdoors, especially after the long, dark winter! Summer cottages are therefore designed to capitalise on the outdoor space. Alfresco living room areas, kitchens and bathrooms are a popular choice, while others might have anything from an outdoor pool to a more simple bathtub! For chillier days there's a sauna, and for everyday there's the lake, fjord or sea for morning, afternoon and evening dips! I hope you'll feel inspired by these ten wonderful Scandinavian summer homes. 

1. A dreamy Danish cottage with a simple outdoor bathroom

2. An idyllic Swedish cottage with an outdoor kitchen and bathroom

3. A Swedish pool villa with aw wonderful outdoor seating area

4. Before and after: A rundown house becomes a dream Danish summer home with an outdoor bath

5. This danish cabin has a lovely outdoor kitchen and living room

6. This idyllic swedish island hideaway has a wonderful outdoor shower! 

7. A charming Norwegian cabin with a relaxed outdoor living room and fjord side views 

8. A Danish hideaway which is close to nature inside and out. 

9. A pared down Finnish cabin with a cosy sauna

10. A Swedish country home with a floating sauna / tiny cottage! 

So many wonderful ideas here. Could you imagine incorporating some of these into your home / outdoor space? 

To be honest, the weather has been decidedly bad this summer so I think I'd opt for a sauna right now! Anna's floating one is really fabulous, don't you think?

With the holidays in full swing, I'm taking a couple of weeks off to be with my family. I hope you have a relaxing fortnight and the sun shines for you! 

See you on Wednesday 9th August! 

Niki

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