Signs of Summer and a Dreamy Cornish Escape

You know summer’s actually within reach when someone asks you what your summer plans are! A big moment for us in Scandinavia — we’re just emerging from a very long winter.

The truth is, we don’t really have any plans — we’ll probably just mooch around here in Sweden. Maybe a bit of sailing, maybe some time at our cottage. After all, we’ve waited so long for the good weather to arrive, we don’t want to miss a second of it.

If we were to travel, one of my favourite destinations is Cornwall, in southwest England. The coastline there is rugged and wild, and while the sea is definitely on the fresh side, it can be the most amazing shade of turquoise in places.

This brings me to today’s home tour: The Bell Tower, owned by couple Chris Blake and Christen Pears and located in Penzance, a coastal town in Cornwall known for its charming harbour, historic streets, and views of the iconic St Michael’s Mount.

One of the most recognisable buildings on the Penzance skyline, the Bell Tower began life as a school back in 1834. Today, it’s been artfully transformed into a holiday apartment with panoramic views over the harbour and St Michael’s Mount in the distance.

Following a thoughtful renovation, the space has been furnished with a mix of mid-century pieces and beautiful fittings from brands like Lefroy Brooks, Robert Welch, David Mellor and Sage. There are also some very Scandinavian touches (keep a look out for the Tremme sofa/daybed by Børge Mogensen and I also spy Danish dining chairs and lamps and Swedish textiles!). While the interior is lovely, it’s the arched windows and cosy window seat that really stole my heart.

What I wouldn’t give to swap my desk for this spot today — flitting about barefoot and sipping coffee while watching the boats drift by.

Enjoy the tour!

A lovely holiday home! Did you spot the Le Klint scissor lamp? We have the same one at home and I absolutely love it. I also admired the Børge Mogensen sofa/daybed with its clever collapsible armrests — I’ve seen it in a few homes before and have always been a bit fascinated by it. Such a smart, timeless design! 

Was there anything that caught your eye?

Can you imagine mooching around here today?

See more pictures and find out about booking a stay at The Bell Tower here or their other cottages here. Owners Chris and Christen live on-site at the farm, so if you decide to visit, there’s a good chance you’ll meet them! They’re a fascinating pair — Chris is a master mariner who specialises in square-rig sailing ships, and when he’s not off at sea, he’s usually pottering in the vegetable garden. Christen previously worked as a journalist before retraining as a Pilates instructor, and when she’s not out exploring Cornwall, she’s often reading, watching old films or hosting a reading party!

You can also check out some other lovely homes I've featured in the area here: 

An artist's cottage, atelier and gallery by the sea
A charming white coastal cottage in Cornwall
The historic home of a collector

And if you ever find yourself in that beautiful corner of England, don’t forget to tuck into a proper Cornish pasty and a scone with jam and cream — so delicious, especially after a blustery walk along the coast!

Happy mid-week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Bell Tower, shared with kind permission.

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A Stockholm Home That Balances Colour and Calm

Hooray for a brand new week (though I’ve seen more than a few tired faces around Malmö this morning…). 

To give this Monday a much-needed boost, I thought I’d share a colour-drenched Stockholm apartment that’s bursting with personality.

We’re talking deep, earthy pinks, greens, oranges, yellows, and blues. But true to Swedish style, there’s a calmness to it all too—a sense of balance. Think springtime blooms in full swing, windows thrown open to let in that fresh April air.

Keep an eye out for the curtains in the bedroom and hallway—used in place of doors to add softness and flow to the space. I also spotted a built-in desk and chair tucked into the closet. Such a clever idea for a dressing table in a small space—just add a mirror and some great lighting!

Throughout the apartment, there’s a lovely blend of high street finds and designer touches—like IKEA cabinets and Flowerpot lamps—which keeps the look sophisticated yet relaxed. The kind of place you’d love to come home to after a busy day in the capital: kick off your shoes, put your feet up, and unwind.

Ready to feel inspired?

Such clever decorating—with the same colours popping up in every room. They dominate in some spaces, and act as accents in others, which really helps to pull the whole look together.

Did you spot how the owners used clever paintwork above the sofa? Pipes and shelves are painted the same colour as the wall so they blend in, adding a lovely sense of calm. I also loved the library wrapping around the corner—such a smart and cosy touch.

The art is interesting throughout, too. I found myself paying particular attention to it in each image!

Was there anything that stood out to you and drew you in? Any ideas you might take away and try in your own home?

If you’re in the mood for even more Scandinavian colour inspiration today, check out:

A Danish home in a plethora of colours

Home tour, how to add colour the Danish way

A creative Swedish home filled with art

Have a great start to the week. 

Stor kram!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, found via Nordroom, with thanks. 

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Inside Brigette’s Poetic Brooklyn Home: A Calm Oasis in the City

Poetic. Some homes feel like romantic words on a page, a living sonnet. It’s hard to explain exactly why—perhaps it’s the gentle touch of a hand or an eye for detail that wouldn’t be out of place in a still-life painting. Often earthy in tone and filled with beloved, time-worn pieces gathered over the years, these homes speak softly. They are full of contrast, rich textures, small imperfections, and a certain softness—all of which come together to give the space its poetic soul.

Brigette Muller’s home in Brooklyn, New York, is one of these rare places. She has approached her little 1928 apartment with quiet tenderness, layering it slowly with meaningful objects, abundant greenery, tactile fabrics, and sheer curtains that let the day’s light gently spill through the windows.

Despite the background hum of beeping horns, passersby, and the general bustle of the city (as a girl from London, I’ve always found that kind of noise oddly comforting!), there’s a cool calmness to her space. It’s a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the city.

Ready to feel inspired?

Beautiful!

The built-in seating with olive green cushions tucked into the corner of the kitchen, the oil paintings, the whitewashed wood floors, the linen sofa, and the cosy bed nook—complete with curtains to draw for privacy—this is just my kind of style!

Did you enjoy this tour of Brigette’s home too?

You can learn more about Brigette and her creative world here, and explore more charming corners of her home on her Instagram feed: @hummusbirrd. Brigette also rents out her apartment for film and photography shoots—more details on that here.

Was there anything that stood out to you about her lovely space?

Here are a few other homes I see as having that same poetic soul, perfect to enjoy this weekend:

My friend Ida's poetic 19th century home in southern sweden
A dreamy little cottage by the sea
Nina's earthy home in Edinburgh

Today, Per and I are off to a city just outside Stockholm to cheer on Alice and her team at a Team Gymnastics competition—so exciting! On the way, we’re making a little detour to one of my favourite garden centres, where I’ve booked a one-hour garden consultation for our summer cottage.

I usually love doing all the home-related planning myself, but this garden has been a bit of a mystery to me! Probably because I’ve never really tackled an outdoor space before. So, I’m hoping to come away with a solid plan from someone who knows what they’re doing—then I can get stuck into some Easter gardening with a bit more confidence (and hopefully fewer "why on earth is this plant looking so sad?" moments). 

Do you have any fun plans for your weekend? Are you a fellow garden lover? I’d love to hear any tips you might have for getting started!

Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing couple of days ahead!

Niki x

Photography courtesy of Brigette Muller, shared with kind permission. 

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See Inside A Dreamy Falsterbo Beach Villa

Tjena friends! Do you have a go-to nature spot near your home that you love to visit? In the summertime, Per and I often like to head down to Falsterbo on the southern Swedish coast. It’s this magical little spit of land where the sea meets sandy beaches, wild dunes, and bird-filled wetlands. The area’s known for its amazing wildlife – especially during the autumn bird migration – and there’s even a seal colony that likes to sunbathe near the tip. 

The village itself is full of sweet little shops and cafés too. We usually take the scenic route and admire the villas (you know me!) – a mix of cosy year-round homes and dreamy beach houses. And today, I’m so excited to share a peek inside one of them.

This villa is a true original—built in 1901 for a Stockholm bank director who came here every summer with his family and staff when sea bathing became all the rage. With its grey-painted façade, small-paned windows, and detailed carpentry, it’s full of turn-of-the-century charm. Inside, the original light wood floors, beadboard walls, and vibrant wallpaper bring that nostalgic summer vibe to life.

The house has eight rooms over two floors, including a veranda, a big kitchen and four upstairs bedrooms. One still has its original sink – and I love that. I’d save myself so much queueing in the mornings! The master bedroom has a balcony with views through the park down to the beach - so peaceful! And the garden is just as dreamy, with roses, century-old trees and a greenhouse made for long fika moments. No wonder this gem’s been featured in over 30 interior mags. Ready to take a look around? 

This villa really is a dream – the history, the style, the architectural details, the mature garden, the greenhouse (imagine sitting in there with friends under the glow of oil lamps? So cosy!) – it has everything I could possibly need and more. Sadly, it’s a little out of our budget… but that doesn’t stop me dreaming!

Could you imagine living in a Swedish beach villa like this, too? Is there anything in particular that caught your eye?

One thing that stood out to me is the use of textiles with a floral or botanical theme - seen in the kitchen and on cushions. What a difference this makes to the overall space - and it's such a quick update too. 

See more pictures and find out more about the property here.

Shall we take a nosey around a few more villas today?

How about summer in this Swedish pool villa?
This architect's villa in Österlen is on Airbnb
A Swedish photographer's magnificent pool villa

Lovely!

Wishing you all a very happy 'Lillördag' (little Saturday). 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks.

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