Feel Inspired by a French Antique Dealer’s Charming Home

Tjena vänner! It's great to be back here on the blog again (thank you for your patience), especially as I have a lovely home to share with you!

One of my friends, Bettina—a Swedish interior designer living in a lovely chalet in Chamonix—writes a fantastic new weekly newsletter (definitely worth signing up here). In her latest edition, she recommended taking a look at the wonderful world of Fabienne Nomibis on Instagram, and I was so excited by what I found.

An antique dealer, Fabienne uses her charming French home as a photographic backdrop for the antiques she sells through her brick-and-mortar store, Archives, in Reims as well as online. Needless to say, every corner of her home features an ever-changing treasure trove of furniture and fascinating trinkets, with every single possession telling a wonderful story of a past life.

Also, keep an eye out for beautiful tiled floors, internal windows that help the flow of light, and bookshelves laden with tomes and other curiosities. There's so much to look at and feel inspired by! Ready to take a look? Bienvenue!  

Does this make anyone else feel like planning an urgent flea market road trip? Now that spring is in the air, I’m sure many will be throwing open their doors here in Sweden too—and I’ll be ready and waiting.

If you’re passing through Reims in France, Archives is open for business as well–and there's also Fabienne's online store Nomibis!

Did anything catch your eye? Perhaps a particular room or a specific item? Do you have a lot of antiques in your home? I grew up in a house full of antiques but sadly feel like I don’t have enough in my own home. Hopefully, that will change soon!

I’ve featured some beautiful French homes here in the past, including those of Swedes who have made the move south—like photographer Anna Malmberg with her lovely abode—and the holiday home of Kristin Lagerkvist. I am also a big fan of these charming French homes:

A stunning French country home filled with antiques
Old meets new in a former basketry workshop
An idyllic home on the south of France

As a child, we’d visit France all the time since it was easy to make day trips over the Channel. We also went with school a lot to practice our French (not that it got us very far!). It’s a little further away from us here in Sweden, so sadly I don’t get to go as often—which is why I really enjoyed today’s virtual trip. I hope you did too!

Niki

P.S. I’m looking forward to sitting in the sunshine with a coffee this afternoon and reading/responding to all your comments from last week. Thank you so much for taking the time to write; it’s always a pleasure to read your thoughts.

Photography courtesy of @nomibis, shared with kind permission. 

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Slow Living: My Peaceful Little Cabin in Sweden

Glad Alla Hjärtans Dag! (Happy Valentine’s Day!) Today is all about celebrating love in all its forms, so I thought—since this blog is all about our shared passion for the home—why not shine a light on the places we cherish most? Those spaces where we instantly relax, the ones we long for when we're away, and where we feel truly at peace. It might be a house, a room, or even just a cosy nook somewhere.

For me, that place is our little cabin. Members of this community will know we designed and built it a few years ago, carefully considering every detail (Per might say a little too carefully, but now he agrees it was worth the effort!). Nestled on Sweden’s west coast, it's just 30 square metres (322 square feet), but it has everything we need: a place to cook, eat, gather, listen to music, play games, and sleep. In winter, we arrive eager to light a fire; in summer, life flows effortlessly between indoors and out (hopping between the two depending on what the Swedish weather gods decide to throw our way!). We divide our time between the terrace, the beach, long coastal walks—and of course, the local pub—soaking up the changing seasons.

My heart belongs to this little retreat, where I'm happiest, surrounded by family and visiting friends. I hope you enjoy these pictures—some might be familiar, while others are new. I’ll share some details in case anything catches your eye!

Above: Wooden floor and panelling from Norrlands Trä. Windsor chairs, Skovby extendable table, IKEA kitchen (with a slight hack!) - complete guide here.

Plums from our neighbours garden in a bowl from Mölle Krukmakeri.

Monarch chair and Plico chair, Contura woodburning stove, Tense light by New Works

Children's wishbone chair

The ladder and railings were handmade by a local carpenter. 

Little wooden stools from Skovby

Complete guide to our bathroom here.

We've felt so honoured to see our cabin feature in Simply Scandi magazine and also Cate St Hill's forthcoming new book The Japandi Home. This year we hope to focus a little more on the garden (is it just me, or are gardens really tricky? I think it's going to take some trial and error to create the oasis we hope for, but we'll have fun trying!

In case you're curious about the layout and exterior, you can find more info here. 

I'd love to hear about the place you most cherish, if you'd like to share. 

Today, in southern Sweden there's a little extra love floating around as the sun is shining and it's the start of the 'sportslov' (meaning 'sports break'–or what others refer to as half term). I'll be taking a short break with my family and will be back on the blog on Monday 24th February. In the meantime, if you'd like to see a few more tours, you might want to cosy up and delve into these archives: 

Swedish cottages

Danish homes

Norwegian homes

Boho style homes

Vintage inspired abodes

Thinking of visiting Scandinavia this summer? You can find all my travel guides here. 

Looking to fill your home with a little Scandinavian romance? Skandinavisk have just launched a KYSS (Swedish / Norwegian for 'kiss') scented candle with notes of blackberries, rose, sugar candy and cloves and it's divine! 

Right friends, I'd best be off. Have a wonderful week and a very happy Valentine's Day! 

Niki

PS I came across this lovely rustic Swedish cottage earlier which I had completely forgotten about, take the tour here. 

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An Enchanting 1930s Swedish Cottage Filled with Colour, Charm, and DIY Creations

Oh, have I got a charming cottage to share with you today! Built in the 1930s, this beauty looks like something straight out of a fairytale from the outside, and the magic continues inside with a joyful mix of colour and pattern. Every room has its own unique charm, making this home a true delight.

Sandra Serefia, who lives just outside Gothenburg in Lerum with her young family, has a real talent for DIY. She creates everything from hand-painted patterns on floors to crafting her own dining table, all with a keen eye for design and plenty of creativity.

Keep an eye out for floral ceilings, dreamy pink shades (like the walls i the sun room below painted in NCS 2020-Y80R), checked floors, cosy cotton lampshades (a must-have right now!), and the sweetest children's bedroom you ever did see!

While the above shows the main sitting room, below is a glimpse of the cosy TV room  with layers of lovely textiles. Notice how all the bright coloured toys are concealed in a cabinet when not in use! 

Pink stairs? Why not! I love the pale pink (NCS code S3020-Y50R), white and green combination–how about you? 

A nook at the side of the bedroom has been transformed into an ensuite bathroom. This is the second time in the space of a week that we've seen a lovely bathroom with sloped ceilings (here's the tour with the other one), very inspiring!  

Here's another lovely pink shade (NCS 1820-Y97R), which goes beautifully with the blue (Icey blue by Jotun Lady). 

Are you even Swedish if your child doesn't have a Kånken mini rucksack? I love this one in yellow - my daughter had the very same one when she was small!

Even the dressing room / walk-in-wardrobe in the children's room is pretty!

This home is such a dream! I love how Sandra has thought about every detail and there is something fascinating to look at around every corner. 

Is there anything that caught your eye? Perhaps some details I missed? 

See more corners and discover from of Sandra's recent DIY projects over at @sandraserafia. You won't be disappointed! 

Fancy a longer mid-week break? Feast your eyes on these pretty country homes: 

A dated house is transformed into a charming country home

The idyllic thatched cottage and garden of a Danish artist

Emilia's laid back Swedish country home

Spring time in a rustic Swedish cottage

Have a happy mid-week.

Kram! 

Niki

Photography by @sandraserafia, shared with kind permission.

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Dreaming of Summer: A Gotland Island Retreat with a Pool

It's grey and cold in Malmö today. In moments like this, nothing lifts my spirits more than dreaming of summer—when I think Sweden shows its finest side. 

A few summers ago, my family and I went on a sailing trip up the east coast of Sweden. Halfway through, we almost abandoned ship due to bad weather. We had two choices: leave the boat where it was and come back for it once the wind had died down and the sun reappeared, or turn the trip into an exciting adventure and set sail for the Baltic island of Gotland. We chose the latter, and it became a journey I'll never forget (see my guide).

Blessed with wildflowers, rugged nature, and incredible light, Gotland is dotted with pretty villages, beachside restaurants, and countless artist ateliers—making it impossible not to fall in love with the island.

Needless to say, I've been dreaming about returning ever since.

For now, I'll get my fix of the island through this Gotland summer house that has just come on the market. Made from wood and stone—reflecting the surrounding nature—the coastal villa is beautifully pared-back while also offering a spa-like touch with its pool and sauna. Best of all? I can almost feel that incredible  warmth from the sun on my skin.

Let's take a look around!

Look at that coastline! So rugged and beautiful and the light is pin sharp thanks to the clean air.

Do you live by the coast too? 

Could you imagine spending your summers here or visiting Gotland? If so, take a look at my guide for all the things to see and do. For somewhere to stay, try The Stonecutter's Farm, a rustic summer cottage with a pool or limestone barn in Faludden. 

Fancy seeing a few more cottages from the island? Here are a few others - some more rustic than others:

Elsa's inspiring cottage on Gotland 

A summer oasis on the Swedish island of Gotland

A converted schoolhouse on Gotland

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bertwig, with thanks. 

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