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A Bromma Treasure: Touring a 1909 Lakeside Cottage

It’s funny how family and friends can take you to places you’d never normally get to. It might be something big, like someone marrying into another country and settling there, or small — like your child competing in a sporting event somewhere you’d never have thought to visit, but are glad you did.

That’s how I came to know Bromma, through my brother-in-law Johan, who lived here for many years. We’d often visit, and I came to love its setting: nestled by the water, with coastal forest trails winding along the cliffs, and dotted with pretty cottages — some tucked inland, others opening out to glorious views of Lake Mälaren.

One of those special houses is this gem from 1909, a rare survivor from Bromma’s early days as a summer retreat. Back then, families would arrive by steamboat, long before there were roads or trams, and build villas along the shoreline. Stepping inside, you can still feel that history in the tiled stoves, the open fireplace, and the craftsmanship that’s lasted over a century.

Today, thoughtful updates bring that charm into the present. I love the pretty botanical wallpaper, the classic checked floor (a pattern you so often find in old Swedish houses), as well as the smaller details: the vintage scales in the bathroom (fingers crossed the needle underestimates!) and the clever doormats lining each shelf of the hall’s shoe rack. What a great hack!

Ready to feel inspired? 















What a pretty house!

I’m not sure if it was initially meant as a summer house or a year-round home — but I, for one, could easily picture coming back here in the evenings after a day in the capital. So peaceful!

Could you imagine living in a charming old cottage like this, too? And did you spot that Kermit-the-Frog green in the sunroom? I loved it — so unexpected and cheerful. What details caught your eye?

Would you like to dream about more Scandinavian summer houses today? 

A Danish summer house by Lammefjorden
A charming summer house in the Finnish countryside
A fairytale summerhouse on the Swedish island of Vaxholm

And that, friends, is it from me this week! I hope you've enjoyed all the inspiration and that you have a fantastic weekend! 

Stor kram!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Mäklarhuset - where this property is currently listed for sale. 

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Inside Elsa Billgren’s Dreamy Södermalm Home

I’ve been following the work of author and podcaster Elsa Billgren for years, for so many reasons. First and foremost, I simply adore her style — it has a signature touch that’s instantly recognisable, yet always evolving. I also love her podcast with cookbook author Sofia Wood (who's magnificent home I featured here), and, of course, her incredible homes. Each one I’ve featured over the years — from one of her very first apartments to her more recent place, and even her dreamy summer cottage on Gotland — carries her unmistakable essence: a passion for vintage, fashion, playfulness, and a grounding calmness.

Her latest home in Södermalm, Stockholm is no exception. It’s filled with her signature charm, yet has its own spirited uniqueness and a wonderfully relaxed nature. What makes this space especially captivating is the softness and light that flow through it — sheer curtains, floaty textiles, and pools of sunshine that shift throughout the day. Keep a lookout for bold touches, such as the artwork in the kitchen,  the wavy Udiso mirror, and how an item of clothing can work as decoration in the bedroom. The Swedish tiled masonry oven is also beautiful! 

Ready to step inside?









So lovely! Warm, relaxed, whimsical yet calm too. Typical Elsa Billgren style! 

Did you also enjoy this tour? Anything catch your eye in particular, or that you're now thinking of incorporating into your own home? 

Elsa is the author of several books, all of which you can find here (in Swedish). 

You might also like to see:


And keep an eye on her Instagram @elsabillgren for more inspiration. 

Happy Wedmesday friends!

Niki

Photography by Elsa Billgren, shared with kind permission. 

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Light, Calm and Oh-So-Scandinavian: A Malmö Apartment Full of Design Inspiration

Hej hej kompiser! Niki here, reporting from a gloriously sunny Malmö today. And what better way to start the week than with a fresh, bright Scandinavian apartment tour right in the heart of town?

What really caught my eye about this home is what a breath of fresh air it feels like. The light wood floors, most likely the originals that have been sanded back and then waxed, give it a lovely, light, soft feel. And then there is a little detail I am especially drawn to: the architraves, door frames and skirting boards have been painted in a darker shade than the walls, which is something we've been seeing a lot of lately. 

It's a simple yet effective idea. I have been toying with this look for my own (relatively dark) home. I know that painting both the walls and trims dark would not do me any favours, but here the contrast works beautifully. The darker trims frame each room, add structure, and make the pale walls seem even lighter and brighter. Plus, it is a subtle way of ensuring something is happening without overwhelming the space. Are you a fan too?

Keep an eye out too for the classic Swedish touches sprinkled throughout: the iconic Celotocaulis cushion  Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn (a company whose prints have made an amazing comeback in recent years), a beautiful 'Lotta's tree' print by local artist Lotta Olsson and a pair of wall candlesticks by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna. 

And of course, there's that very handsome kitty peeking around the corner - making sure everything is in its place. 

All in all, it is a home that manages to be both calm and full of character, the perfect Scandinavian balance. I hope you enjoy the tour as much as I did!





Oh, so dreamy. This apartment makes me feel instantly lighter and calmer, which is quite a feat on a Monday! I really love those little touches of Swedish design too.

Did anything in particular stand out to you? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Speaking of comments, it seems Friday’s fairytale Swedish cottage on its very own island caused quite a stir. It really was the stuff of dreams, and I so enjoyed reading all your reflections. I am looking forward to sitting down later today to respond properly.

In the meantime, here are a few more lovely Malmö homes to brighten your week:

A cosy little cottage by the sea
Tour a Malmö home full of smart Scandinavian design ideas
Step inside a cosy apartment where old meets new

Happy Monday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bolaget, with thanks

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A Fairytale Escape on 'Happiness Island', Sweden

Hello good people! I thought I’d end the week on a happy note—literally. This dreamy Swedish cottage sits on its very own island, aptly named Happiness Island. Located in the northern part of Lake Barken, just outside Smedjebacken, Southern Dalarna, it’s like something out of a fairytale. No wonder it’s the most-clicked property on Hemnet, Sweden’s big real estate site. Clearly, we’re not the only ones swooning and daydreaming about a peaceful weekend escape, just a boat ride away from the daily grind.

It’s easy to see the appeal. You arrive at your own jetty, wander through woodland, and find a charming green cottage with light-filled, whitewashed interiors and wood-clad walls. Inside, it’s simply furnished with rag rugs, baskets hanging from the kitchen ceiling, and a cosy spot to put up your feet. What more could a girl need? Get ready to fall in love!










What an absolute dream! 

Could you imagine hopping in a boat there this evening, complete with a fine selection of cheese, maybe a bottle of red, some slippers and a good book? Oh, and don't forget to pack your bathers, it's still warm in the water! 

Let's keep the dream going with a few other cottages on an island: 


I've also written quite a few guides about Scandinavian islands to visit. Take a peek below if you're curious: 


I hope this has got you in the mood for a great weekend ahead! Thank you soooo much for stopping by and sharing in my passion for Scandinavian homes, this positive community means so much to me. 

Niki

Photography: Ludvika / Smedjebacken

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