A Dreamy Swedish Summer Home by the Water

There’s something about Swedish summer that feels almost magical — and this house captures it perfectly. Tucked beside the water, it’s the kind of place where you can imagine long, golden evenings spent dining al fresco with friends, especially on a day like today, with Sweden basking in 28°C (that’s 82°F) sunshine (I've heard some serious heatwaves are going on elsewhere, I hope you are all OK?). 

Described as “like being in the countryside, but in the middle of town,” this charming Swedish house is tucked into a sheltered bay just a 15-minute bike ride from Nacka, Stockholm county. Built in 1820 and recently renovated, it still retains its beautiful heritage features and light pours in through the windows  – pure magic.

I’m particularly taken with the glass verandah – a popular architectural detail in houses from this era. In this home, it’s been styled as a covered porch area, though in other homes, you often see it as a dining area or cosy sitting room nook. I also really like the semi-open-plan kitchen, divided by a windowed partition that allows the light to flow freely while keeping the spaces distinct.

Summer here is all about swimming in the lake and messing about on the river. But it’s not just a fair-weather retreat – there’s clear evidence of winter warmth too, with a snug spot by a roaring wood-burning stove. And when the water freezes over, it becomes a playground for ice skating. In Stockholm County, many of the lakes are connected, making it possible (and popular!) to skate long distances.

I hope you enjoy this tour of a truly dreamy year-round home. It’s a beauty!

I'd happily bask in the sunshine there today—wouldn't you?

I really appreciate how the traditional look blends with an industrial touch. It makes the space feel both personal and relaxed.

What did you think of this lovely cottage? Did anything in particular stand out to you?

If you'd like to dream over a few more summer cottages today, head over to the archive.

Also—I'm hosting a fantastic giveaway on Instagram right now! You can win a collection of the ØY scent from Skandinavisk, including a wash, lotion, candle, scent diffuser, shampoo, conditioner, and a bundle of other beautiful products inspired by the islands of Scandinavia. Pop over and enter—and do tell me about your favourite island. I'll be sharing mine here on the blog next week.

Happy Wednesday, stor kram!

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem. 

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Inside a Beautiful Light Swedish Villa That’s Bathed in Natural Light

Do you ever find yourself slipping onto estate agent websites, dreaming over local villas that are wildly out of budget — but irresistible all the same? It’s a pastime I’m no stranger to. I confess, on more than one occasion, I’ve even turned up to viewings — Per in tow — looking completely bewildered!

This villa, to me, is one of those dreamy homes. Had it been closer, I’d have certainly signed up for the viewing!

Located in picturesque Gamla Enskede, Stockholm, the villa has everything I love in a home: a pretty façade, a beautiful, light and airy entrance (complete with a window seat — after all, a girl needs to be comfortable when taking off her shoes, right?), large open-plan rooms, each with a traditional tiled masonry fireplace, high ceilings, a dining nook drenched in light, and the perfect party kitchen! Be still, beating heart.

While it's simply decorated, the fresh white, grey and green tones create the perfect blank canvas to springboard into your own design palette, ready for your signature touch. Time to get those Pinterest moodboards going? Oh, what fun I could have with this one. 

Breathtaking property! It’s all that sunshine pouring in that I really love. One of the beautiful things about open-plan living is how the entire space feels light, airy, and spacious, creating a wonderful sense of calm.

Could you imagine living in a Swedish house like this? If so, you can find out more about it here. And if you happen to be the lucky one to snap it up… could I at least invite myself over for a cup of tea? 

Would you like to see a few more dreamy Swedish villas this bright and sunny Monday? Take a look at:

A dreamy Falsterbo beach villa

Summer at this Swedish pool villa? 

A 19th century house ready for summer on the island of Gotland

Here's to a little dreaming at the start of the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of SkandiaMäklerna

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Inside a Charming 17th-Century English Farmhouse

Twenty-two years. That's how long I have lived in Sweden. And I can safely say it's home. Having said that, I have always felt I have two homes: England will also be home too. Are any of you living outside the country you grew up in and feel that way too? 

So, after a very Swedish, very beautiful weekend last week where the sun shone on Midsummer's Eve celebrations up and down the country, I am hoping you won't mind indulging me here with a tour of a very traditional English country home. I felt extremely nostalgic the moment I saw it as it reminds me very much of my friend Natalie's home in the South Downs. 

Tucked away in the East Sussex countryside, this beautiful 17th-century farmhouse in Pett is full of character and charm. Original features are everywhere — including the incredible beams — adding to its warmth and deep sense of history. I don’t think there’s a single new piece in the entire house, from the tables and chairs to the wall units and the old pull-chain loo (we used to have those at school along with a very waxy loo paper!).

Known as ‘French Court Farmhouse’, the property’s name actually predates the Norman Conquest. The house itself was built around 1640, with later 18th-century additions - how cool is that? C.S. Lewis even stayed here once, writing about the beauty of the woods and the quiet, grounding pull of rural life. That magic still lingers. 

Ready to take a peek inside? 

So beautiful! I love the garden — it reminds me so much of home (even if it does have a Mediterranean touch). And while the interior is very English, there are also hints of faraway places — objects, perhaps, collected on travels.

I used to visit East Sussex on antique auction hunts with my mum (a proud West Sussex native), and this place feels like the embodiment of everything we were chasing — timeless, peaceful, and gently spellbinding.

Does this farmhouse look quintessentially English to you as well? 

I love how the front lawn has been left largely natural — allowing the grasses and wildflowers to grow freely. In my book Lagom, I talked about how closely cut lawns can be like a desert for insects, and how they truly thrive in longer grass like this. I've been so happy to see rewilding take England by storm — it's become popular in Sweden too!

Was there anything that caught your eye?

Would you like to see a few more country homes to wrap up the week? Head over to the country style archive for beautiful rural homes across Scandinavia and beyond. Such a treat! 

I hope you have a lovely weekend — see you Monday!

Niki

For sale via Inigo (if you lover English country homes this estate agent website is like a glossy copy of House & Home magazine - there are so many incredible homes to look at (and buy!). 

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Italy, Ceramics, and the Bathroom I Now Dream About

Press trip / sponsored post

I love Italy. It has everything – the history, the culture, the coffee, the wine, the pasta, the ice cream, the sunshine, the lyrical language and, of course, the warm, welcoming people. So when Catalano – a bathroom company known for its elegant, expertly crafted ceramic designs – invited me to visit their headquarters just outside Rome, I was on the plane faster than you can say Ciao.

And guess what? I discovered something new to add to my list of Italian loves: ceramics. Read on to hear more about my trip – the beautiful places I explored and how the region’s rich ceramic heritage lives on through a company that blends tradition with top-tier craftsmanship.

The picturesque village of Civita Castellana

Our first port of call was the picturesque village of Civita Castellana. Just North of Rome, Civita Castellana is a bustling town steeped in history and full of Italian charm. It's also home to the Forte San Gallo - a majestic Renaissance fortress showcasing papal military architecture and spectacular views of the Lazio countryside.

The fortress

Perched right on the edge of Civita Castellana’s old town, Forte Sangallo once stood guard as a Renaissance fortress, keeping watch over the Papal States. These days, it’s swapped soldiers for history buffs and now houses the Museo Archeologico dell’Agro Falisco—and it’s such a hidden gem. I was totally drawn in by the ancient Faliscan artefacts, especially the beautifully crafted pottery and tiny votive figures from way back in the 8th century BC. Can you believe people here were already creating with such skill before Rome even was on the map? Amazing!

The cathedral

Just a short stroll away, we stepped into the Duomo dei Cosmati—Civita Castellana’s Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore—and honestly, it stopped me in my tracks. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s a stunning blend of elegance and history. What really caught my eye were the intricate Cosmatesque mosaic tiles on the floor—so detailed and full of character.



Aren't the mosaics beautiful? Almost too pretty to walk on!

We also ventured down into the crypt, a vaulted space tucked beneath the cathedral and held up by a jumble of ancient Roman columns. It was peaceful and utterly captivating.

Fabrica di Roma

Just a short drive from Civita Castellana, we arrived at the Catalano factory. I loved seeing how centuries of ceramic know-how are still very much alive here, now paired with smart state-of-the-art technology and a thoughtful, sustainable approach.

This is where Catalano makes some of the finest bathroom ceramics in Italy – everything from sleek washbasins and elegant toilets and bidets to ceramic countertops, and shower trays. It was fascinating to watch the process in action – earth, water, fire – all coming together with such precision and care.

Who knew so much went into creating the perfect loo? It’s no wonder their collections end up in bathrooms all over the world (60 countries in total!). It’s the kind of craftsmanship that makes even a quick trip to the bathroom feel just that little bit more luxurious.

Catalano collections

Would you like to feel inspired? Here are some pictures from three of my favourite Catalano collections, styled in dreamy bathroom settings – the kind of spaces I dream of having at home (Per, are you listening?). Maybe it’ll inspire you to start planning your own dream bathroom too!


Tonalità


Sabbia is a soft, sandy shade from Catalano’s Tonalità collection – warm, natural, and perfect if you’re after that calm, earthy feel in the bathroom (it looks especially lovely with wood or rattan, by the way).



Cemento is a cool, concrete-inspired shade from the Tonalità collection – modern and understated, with that effortlessly urban feel. It works beautifully if you’re into clean lines, muted tones, and a bit of an industrial edge (in the chicest way).



Perhaps my favourite, the Tonalità Seta set has these soft curves and gentle, earthy tones that feel really calm and inviting – like bringing a bit of nature indoors in the nicest, most understated way.

Green


The Green collection has a lovely soft, rounded feel – with gently curved edges that make everything look a bit lighter and more elegant. It’s clean and modern but still has a softness to it, which I really love.





Sfera caught my eye with its simple, rounded shapes—think wall‑hung basins (see below) and rimless toilets that feel soft and approachable, yet crisp and modern all at once.



What do you think? Could you imagine bringing a little Italian craftsmanship into your bathroom? If so, you can read more about Catalano and explore all their collections here (this is the official dealer for Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, but they also have dealers worldwide).

I am certainly keen. Although... it might mean we’d have to fill the rest of the house with Italian touches too – like gelato in the freezer and cappuccino on tap.

Sounds wonderful to me!

Niki


Thank you so much to the team for a wonderful press trip and paid partnership, it has been truly inspiring and a pleasure to find out more about Catalano.

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