my scandinavian home

A Cosy Cliffside Hideaway on North Devon’s Rugged Coast

I've just arrived at our little cabin for the weekend, tapping away at my laptop, wrapped in a blanket, with candles lit and a cup of tea on the go. It’s so lovely to be here (even if it's taking a while for the place to heat up) and got me in the mood for weekend retreats. And where better to transport us today than a cosy, secluded getaway on the North Devon coast in England?

Nestled on a cliff overlooking Exmoor’s dramatic coastline and surrounded by forest, Rockton Mews is situated in a former coach house and has been beautifully renovated, all while ensuring the stone walls, roaring fire, and spectacular sea views take centre stage. I love the use of dark blue-grey, which creates contrast, adds a sense of drama, and connects the apartment to the sea beyond. It’s a perfect place to unwind and relax over a weekend—or hey, maybe even a week or two!

Ready to take a tour and dream away?

Naturally you'd need to arrive in a racing-green Landrover Discovery (definitely the car of my dreams!).

A windowsill in the kitchen doubles up as a spot for a cup of tea and a read.

The open-plan room includes a kitchen, small dining area and sitting room -

Could you imagine spending the weekend here? In my mind, I'm already pulling up in the Landrover Discovery, ready for my coastal walks and wine by the fire!

The interior has been beautifully done too - a perfect blend of modern and rustic, with a cosy twist! Is there anything that caught your eye?

Oh, and if you're heading to England, you can actually experience this place in person as Rockton Mews is available to rent through Boutique Retreats. You can also see some before and after pictures of the renovation and words from the owner here, and follow Rockton Mews on instagram for more pics and news.

The harbour in the last picture is so quintessentially English! It makes me look forward our trip back over the Christmas holiday.

Did you see this cosy English cottage I shared a few weeks ago? Another charming one!

Have a great weekend - thank you for stopping by. I've loved reading all your comments and emails too!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Boutique Retreats / Rockton Mews

A Touch of Calm: Alisan’s Serene Copenhagen Home

Ready for a midweek breather? This pared-back Copenhagen apartment offers just the respite you might be looking for. Home to Alisan—a Londoner who moved to the Danish capital with her husband and their baby daughter two and a half years ago—this space exudes warmth and calm. I've had the pleasure of meeting Alisan a few times; she is as lovely inside as she is outwardly, and it’s no surprise her home reflects that same beauty.

Located in vibrant Vesterbro, the family’s two-bedroom rental comes with its own creative limitations, meaning they've had to embrace some inventive solutions, like command strips! Still, with its warm natural materials, curated lighting, and mix-and-match furnishings, this oasis feels so welcoming and tranquil in the heart of Copenhagen.

Here are some snapshots of Alisan's home, along with her reflections on creating this haven.

"Being an architect, I love classic, timeless design, so over the years I've tried to build a collection of pieces I love - mainly in natural materials so they don't date as much. The goal is that they can easily fit anywhere in future homes."

"I love plants, they're a great way to add texture, colour and height to spaces, especially here as our ceilings are so high. We actually moved our cacti here with us from London and now they're huge!"

"I haven't shown much of our baby girl's room as her crib is in our bedroom. We have kept the room neutral and added fun pops of colour. We moved from London with this IKEA daybed and it's been used so much over the years. Firstly as a sofa, then a guest room bed, and now as a spare bed for sleepy parents doing shifts when needed!"

Isn’t it a lovely tour? I think it’s the simplicity of the decor that makes everything feel so naturally “in place.” Calm personified—just what I crave amidst my not-so-calm mind! And seeing her little baby girl brought me right back to when my own girls were small (they’re now 16 and 14—how does time fly by so fast?).

Did Alisan’s home resonate with you, too? Are there any details that caught your eye? If so, I’d love for you to share in the comments! And if you're curious about where any of the pieces are from, feel free to ask—I’ll do my best to help.

You can see more corners of Alisan's home over at @livingroomdanishly.

And here are a few other Copenhagen homes to enjoy today:

The Copenhagen home of a stylist and vintage store owner

A stationary designer's lovely Copenhagen home

Sidsel's elegant Copenhagen home with a snoozing dog

Stor kram (or 'klem' as they say in Danish).

Niki

Photography courtesy of @livingroomdanishly, shared with kind permission.

Touring a Dreamy Townhouse with Classic Swedish 'Funkis' Architecture

Monday calls for something with a light touch, don't you think? That way, we can float into the week in a bit of a dreamworld! This lovely Stockholm townhouse fits the brief perfectly with its bright rooms, splashes of colour, and playful touches.

The spotted lamp, colourful floral wallpaper, and hues of pink, blue, yellow, and green give it just the whimsy I was looking for today, lending the entire space a youthful, cozy look. Despite the sharp, functionalist lines typical of 1960s Swedish architecture, there’s a softness to it that makes it feel both lived-in and inviting.

For those of you unfamiliar with Swedish functionalism (or 'Funkis'), it's an architectural and design movement that was especially prominent from the 1930s to the 1960s. It focused on simplicity, practicality, and functionality, with the main principle being 'form follows function.' In contrast to ornate styles, Swedish functionalism emphasises clean lines, minimal decoration, and efficient use of space and materials. Importantly, it aimed to make good design accessible to everyone, with a particular focus on affordable housing and communal spaces that supported modern, healthy lifestyles.

You can really spot the practical 'Funkis' nature of this house—from its functional layout across two floors to its simplicity. It’s the perfect space for a family to hang out, read peacefully (they’re hardly spoilt for choice with that wonderful library!), create, and gather. And when summer comes, Lake Mälaren is just a quick trip away for a swim!

Ready to take the tour?