10 Small Pools For Every Budget and Outdoor Space

I thought I'd kick off my first outdoor post of the year with a splash. 

Not many know this, but I have a close affinitive to swimming pools. My older daughter Liv is a swimmer - and let's just say we spend a lot of time poolside (are there any other swimming parents out there? If so, you'll know exactly what I mean!). Even so, I still dream of sitting by a pool with a cocktail and page-turner all summer long. 

And lately, I've noticed a surge in popularity in small pools here in Sweden. Generally, anything around 3 square metres (10 square feet) or less is considered a small pool and depth-wise, you're looking at 90 cm (3 feet) for a plunge pool and 120 cm - 150 cm (4 -5 feet) for a lap pool. The beauty of this smaller size is that there's a pool out there for almost every budget and outdoor space. 

Ready to feel inspired? Let's dive in.....

Round pools

1. I love this plunge pool built into the deck of Bruer Cabin designed by Lundberg Design. Behind it is a slightly larger, 425 cm /14 feet deep pool made from a repurposed livestock water tank. A perfect sustainable watering hole in which to cool off in the Sonoma sunshine. 

For a really budget friendly option, use an old bath - like the one at this Danish summer house. 

2. This repurposed concrete water tank pool accessed via a bridge was installed in the garden of Mount Ninderry in Queensland, Australia - a sustainable and budget friendly home project by Sparks Architects. Such a clever idea! 

3. Designer Raili Clasen of Raili Ca Design added this raised year-round round to the garden of her 1950s cottage to create a calming oasis in which to relax with her husband and their pooch. I'm a huge fan of these wooden tubs - which can also come with a wood burning stove for heat (I've been looking into this for our little cabin).  

Square/ rectangle pools

4.There's something wonderfully fuss-free about this square plunge pool - dip in, cool off, return to whatever you were doing! Or pour yourself a drink and hang out for a while. 

5. This sunken in pool at artist retreat La Maison Marrakech offers a lush place to keep cool and relax on a warm day. 

6. Simple steps lead down to this minimalist plunge pool. I love the shower area which has been built-in to the wall too. 

7. Sometimes the best things come in small packages - and I can totally imagine coming home after a long day and enjoying a soak surrounded by vertical greenery in this lush townhouse garden. 

The thin pool

8. OK, maybe this one isn't really a 'small pool' but I thought I'd include it since it maximises the use of outdoor space by following the contours of the house. Just in case you need to 'test it out' for yourself, this incredible Eco Bush Retreat is available to rent via Airbnb. Just saying! 

9. Just wide enough for a breaststroke glide (although you might struggle with butterfly), this lush, long pool idea is perfect for narrow spaces. Plus, the raised succulent bed adds shade. 

10. No garden? No problem!  This rooftop ledge in France has been transformed into a small pool overlooking the rooftops. 

What do you think, could you imagine installing a small pool at home? Or perhaps you have first-hand experience of owning a pool - if so, please do share your thoughts below! 

Looking for more outdoor space inspiration today? Check out: 

10 ways to maximise your tiny balcony / outdoor space

16 inspiring outdoor terraces for every size, style and budget

7 boho ideas for outdoor spaces - big and small

16 beautiful outdoor bath and shower ideas

8 ways to pep up your outdoor space - Scandinavian style

I have to admit, we woke up to snow here in Malmö this morning - so summer is feeling very far away.  It doesn't stop me dreaming though!

Har det så fint! 

Niki

*If you're thinking of installing a pool, please visit Pool Safely (from the Consumer Product Safety Commission) for important information on pool safety. 

Credits: Main image: unknown 1.Bruer Cabin by Lundberg Design 2. Sparks Architects 3. Raili Ca Design / Karyn Millet La Maison Marrakech 4. Unknown (Pinterest) 5. La Maison Marrakech 6. Unknown 7. Alisa & Lysandra - Albert Park Series 8. Airbnb - Eco Bush Retreat / 9. Hither & Tither 10. We Peps

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An Idyllic Rustic Swedish Summer Cottage With a Sauna

It may be cold, it may grey... but that doesn't stop us from dreaming about summer here in Sweden. And I for one, could imagine spending it right here at this idyllic cottage, 50 minutes from Stockholm. Granted the pictures have been taken before the lush meadows have sprung to life and lupins, lilac, and cornflower are in bloom - but you can still get an idea of what a summer paradise this is. Dating back to the 1930s, the 40-metre square / 430 feet square* traditional red and white cottage is far from luxurious - even though it does have a sauna. And that's exactly what I love about it! I'm picturing relaxed days flitting between the indoors and out barefoot  - with long lunches in the garden and a daily dip in the lake. And maybe a good book or two. Ready to dream? 

How lovely! Could you imagine spending your summers here? 

Incidentally - I mentioned that the size is 40 metres square, which is fairly small. But actually, in Sweden they don't count areas under a certain ceiling height - hence the space under the sloped ceiling in the bedroom and bathroom are not included in this. 

There's also the sauna - how nice is that? I can imagine warming the cockles here before taking a cool dip in the lake. So relaxing!

See more pics and all the details here (it's for sale, yep, I know!).

Shall we dream over a few other Scandinavian summer cottages today? Take a peek inside this archive for a LOAD of inspiration. 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

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Hannes' Beautiful Helsingborg Home Is On The Market!

I'm finishing off the blog week with some good news: Hannes Mauritzson and his partner are selling their flat. OK, if you're well settled where you are, this might not be that good news - save for the fact that we get to drool over the beautiful room-by-room photos all over again (I featured it last year)! But if you're looking to move to Helsinborg, Sweden (lifestyle change anyone?), this is surely excellent news. Hannes' apartment is stunning! There's the architecture dating back to 1907, subtle yet warm tones, and of course the beautiful blend of furniture, a combination of old and new - although sadly I doubt this comes with the flat! All-in-all it's 90 metres square / 968 feet square of charm. Could you imagine living here? Take the tour and discover for yourself! 

Lovely! 

I could happily see myself rocking about here all weekend, how about you? 

See the previous feature I wrote about Hannes apartment, and also discover more about the area through my Helsingborg city guide (we had such a magical weekend there!). It's where Per is from so I know it well! 

Right folks, that's it from me this week.

Har en jätte trevligt helg allihopa! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors 

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A Boho, Warm and inviting Home in Södermalm, Stockholm

Who lives here do you think? Looking at the pictures of this charming apartment in the boho district of Södermalm, Stockholm, I can't help think it belongs to a creative of some sort - potentially working in the field of music. Right or wrong, the lovely living space might be on the small size (it's 40 metre square / 430 feet square) - but the clever lay out makes it a perfect home for a single person, couple or small family. And it oozes charm!  Keep a look out for the eclectic blend of furniture, walls painted in a rich patina, and the way they've worked with the original kitchen to create a cosy, warm and inviting space. I could totally imagine rocking around here after work, how about you? Just add music! 

A perfect example of how an old kitchen can be revamped without ripping out all the units and starting all over again (which can be eye-wateringly expensive). 

Exposed beams add to the charm of the space. 

A mezzanine floor over the living room provides space for a separate master bedroom (the high ceilings have certainly help facilitate this!). 

How lovely! I find this relaxed, bohemian style so inspiring, do you? 

A quick translation / Swedish lesson from the floor plan: 

Kök (pronounciation): kitchen

Hall (pronounciation): hall

Badrummet (pronunciation): bathroom

Vardagsrum (pronounciation): living room

Sovloft (pronounciation): sleeping loft

Balkong (prounciation): balcony

I've found Swedish to be a very sensitive language. Speaking from experience, if you get the pronunciation ever so slightly wrong a Swede will likely not understand what you're saying (it could also be that my pronounciation is horrible!). All-in-all, it makes it a little tricky to learn. 

Do you speak a second language? Or perhaps a third, fourth or fifth like my linguistically skilled older sister? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 

And for more boho spaces today, check out these: 

The's boho-style abode in Berlin

A relaxed boho family home on the edge off a desert

Step inside Verena's relaxed, warm and inviting home

There are plenty more lovely homes to feel inspired by in the bohemian archive too! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks

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Before & after: A Copenhagen Town House Is Transformed Into a Fresh Family Home

I love seeing the before and after shots of a space, do you? It really demonstrates the vision and level of work that has gone into an interior. Today, I thought I'd take you on a tour of Maria Elisabeth's house in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. I once had the pleasure of visiting a house on the same street for my book The Scandinavian Home - and fell in love with the leafy neighbourhood. 

When Maria Elisabeth and her boyfriend Niels bought the house in 2019 it needed work. "It was in a state and was in really bad shape," Marie Elisabeth recalls. "There was a hole in the roof, water damage etc." The pair set about renovating every room single in the house, putting in a new kitchen and bathroom as well replacing the floors in the process. The couple moved in in 2020 and now enjoy a beautiful home with their three children Carl Oscar (7). Esther Emilie (5) and Wilmar Emil (1). Here are some snapshots of how it looked before they started, and how it looks today: 

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

The kitchen was completely gutted. Today cabinets from Stilleben Architects - who pride themselves on kitchens and interiors made to last for generations - add a beautiful, timeless touch, while the bare upper walls help to bring the look up to date. 

The walls have been painted in Clunch Farrow & Ball. 

Living room before

Living room after

The sitting room areas were also given a total overhaul - with the exception of the beautiful parquet floor which was carefully maintained. 

The custom-built cabinetry and shelves around the doorway are a classic Danish trick for displaying books, art and other items.

The walls have been painted in colour code NCS 1000-N. 

Sofa - Hay, Rug - Menu, Large O Table - Ox Denmarq 

Lamp - Valerie Objects, armchair - &Tradition

Hallway / stairs before

Hallway after

A fitted carpet was stripped away to reveal the wood, which has then been given a fresh lick of white paint. The walls have been painted in Raw Canvas by Jotun. 

Guest bedroom before

Guest bedroom after

The A-frame ceiling has been partly filled in to seal the hole in the roof and add insulation, while part of the beam structure (which has been stained white) adds character to the space. 

The walls have been painted in Touch of Grey by File Under Pop. 

Bathroom before

Bathroom after

The dated tiles were swapped out in favour of a cleaner finish - including a terrazzo floor from Råform- and the shower was reduced in size to make space for a loo. 

The love taps, shower head and loo flush are all by Vola. The walls have been painted in Cream by File Under Pop and the lamp is from Flos. 

Garden before

Garden after

The garden was reconfigured to include a storage unit with a turf roof - as well as two separate social areas, one for dining and one for relaxing! 

All in all, a beautiful, fresh transformation - which I understand, was a lengthy labour of love - but so worth it! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Maria Elisabeth's renovation? You can see more pics over at @husetpaafrederiksberg and also find out more details about every room in her instagram highlights. 

Would you like to see a few other Danish before and after tours today? I love these: 

A century-old Danish thatched cottage is given a revamp

Before and after, a rundown cabin becomes a vibrant danish summer cottage 

A dated 1950s danish house gets a fabulous makeover 

I hope you have felt as inspired by all these renovations as much as I have been! Got to love the Danish flair for design! 

Niki

Photography @husetpaafrederiksberg - shared with kind permission. 

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