11 Dreamy Airbnbs in Sweden and Denmark for a Summer Escape

 

Spring is here, and along with the wood anemones, a flurry of emails has started to land in my inbox asking for Airbnb recommendations in Sweden and Denmark. Before the real deluge begins, I thought it would be nice to gather some of my favourites here in one place, many of which you might well recognise from the blog.

From city hideouts and tiny seaside cabins to country pool villas and idyllic island getaways, there’s something for everyone to check into and unwind this summer. And even if you’re not planning a trip, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in the different styles and settings too!

Simply click on each link to explore the full tour here on the blog. You’ll also find links to book each Airbnb from there.

Ready to explore? Let's kick off with.....

Denmark

A short hop over the bridge from where I live, I visit Copenhagen every Wednesday and it never fails to inspire me. This place looks like the perfect crashpad from which to explore! 

Calling all lovers of design - this apartment in the heart of Copenhagen is a dream. The only problem is, you wouldn't want to leave! 

One of my most viewed posts ever, this little waterside cabin on Zealand, Denmark is the perfect place to unwind with a book! 

If you're feeling intrepid, why not make your way to the Danish island of Anholt and make this little cabin your home for the week? It's the perfect place from which to relax on a white sandy beach or pull up a seat in a boho-style restaurant in the harbour and tap along to live music! 

Sweden

Live like Pippi Longstocking and getaway from it all at this traditional-style country Swedish cottage. 

Go for a quirky, laidback stay at this wonderful, creative stay in Skåne, southern sweden. 

The area of Österlen in south Sweden is popular among artists and comes to life in summer with artisan bakeries, cosy restaurants, galleries and live music - and this is a charming base! 

Escape to the magical island of Gotland this summer and stay in this limestone barn. 

Gotland is famous for it's rugged coastline and beautiful nature - which you'd experience firsthand at this cosy little beach front cabin. 

Connected to the mainland via a bridge, the island of Öland is a summer destination for the Swedish royal family. The palace might not be available on airbnb, but this charming stone cutter's cottage complete with pool is also a wonderful option! 

If you're visiting Stockholm it would be a real pity not to enjoy a few days in the stunning archipelego. I vote for this stay on the island of Dalarö (wait till you see the inside!). 

They are all charming in their own way, and I’m pretty sure you’d have a wonderful stay at any one of them. But did any catch your eye in particular?

Have you visited Sweden or Denmark in the past? If so, do you have a favourite place? Perhaps you even have a favourite Airbnb you would recommend. If so, please do share below.

That's it from me this week. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for all your comments. I can’t wait to find a quiet moment with a coffee this weekend and respond to them all.

Niki

Images courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks.

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A Stockholm Home with a Very Pretty Hint of Blush

Are you up for a little blush today? It seems to be a popular colour of late, and I’m completely here for it.

Set within an Art Nouveau building dating back to 1905, this Stockholm apartment is a beautiful example of how to blend softness with character. A palette of green, blush, and warm neutrals runs throughout, with subtle touches of deeper rust tones adding just the right amount of contrast and depth.

The living area feels instantly inviting after a long day, thanks to the oversized neutral sofa, layered with textured cushions and a big chunky knit blanket. And I’m really loving the mix of materials here, boucle, woven fabrics, and wool, all working together to create that cosy, lived-in feel.

Just beyond, the kitchen introduces a gentle hit of blush through glossy tiled walls (so good!), which bounce light around the room beautifully. I like how it's been paired with muted green accents seen in the lighting and plants, as well as the window frames. Despite its modern feel, there’s also a lovely sense of tradition here (note the classic grey cabinetry and row of copper pans), which keeps everything in harmony with the building’s heritage.

Down the hall, you’ll find a master bedroom, guest room, and children’s room, all featuring some seriously fun paintwork. I’m so curious to hear your thoughts on the colour-drenched room — it’s not something I’d personally go for, but I love how bold and daring it is!! Sometimes it's fun to go all out, don't you think? 

Let’s take a little peek…

Some very cool use of colour here, don't you think? But to be honest, what i loved the most was the view of the sofa with the kitchen behind and the beautiful hallway with its soft arches and hint of colour seen through the bedroom doors.

I'd love to hear what stood out most to you about this Stockholm home! 

It's so interesting how pink has shown up in interiors over the years. Here are a few fun examples: 

2017 trend - pinks big comeback

A rose tinted Swedish home
A cool yet calm rose-tinted French home
Hygge and pops of colour (including pink) in a danish home

Are you a fan of pink? I've always been partial to a touch of pale pink here and there!

Have a happy mid-week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks.

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A Light-Filled Venice Canal Home with a Hint of Spring

Friday calls for something a little special, don’t you think? This home stopped me mid-scroll. At first glance, it leans into that familiar Scandinavian language, all that white, the soaring ceilings, the light pouring in from every angle, but look a little closer and it begins to feel like something else entirely. Located on the Venice Canal in LA, there is a warmth and looseness to it that softens all that brightness.

It is the home of jewellery designer Irene Neuwirth, who worked with her friend, interior designer Sarah Shetter, to create a space that feels relaxed and personal. 

What I love most is the way they have softened the architecture. The bones are crisp and bright, but instead of keeping everything restrained, they have layered in pattern, texture and colour in a way that feels instinctive, laidback and summery rather than styled. The green floral sofa (upholstered in Lotus Garden) sets the tone, it's a little unexpected, a little nostalgic and very lovely! The rest of the decor follows in this vain with wallpapers, vintage wood pieces, woven textures and plenty of art. Books are piled high, shelves are filled with objects that feel like they have been gathered over time, and even the kitchen, with its ladder and long communal table, feels like a place to linger.

It is this balance that draws me in. Ready to see more? 

Beautiful!

I am still drooling over those first two images. It is amazing how the sofa seems to pull the greenery in from outside, almost blurring the line between indoors and out, and it brings such an easy, summery feel to the whole space. I also love the subtle touches of blush dotted throughout, just enough to soften everything and add a quiet warmth.

All in all, a beautiful home that makes me feel like summer is on the way!

Did you enjoy this tour too? Are you a fan of floral textiles and wallpaper? Could you imagine having a sofa like this? So many questions! 

Right friends, it's Friday, the sun is shining and my family are slowly drifting home from their various corners of town. Time to enjoy the weekend.

I hope you have a trevlig helg!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jenna Cooper LA, where this house is for sale - found via Nordroom, with thanks.

 

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A Tour of a Lovely Gothenburg Flat (or Lägenhet!)

The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and someone had shared a carousel of four enormous homes, asking which one we’d choose if we won the lottery. I was pleased to see that many people in the comments felt the same as I did – none of them. They were all just far too big.

There’s something wonderfully cosy about a smaller home, and this Swedish space is furnished so thoughtfully. It may be compact  with the bedroom, dining area and kitchen all rolling into one, yet it still feels calm, considered and wonderfully lived-in.

What really draws me in here is the mix of pared-back Scandinavian simplicity with those softer, more personal layers. The clean-lined kitchen and whitewashed floors set a quiet backdrop, while warm wood furniture, woven textures and that lovely paper lantern bring in a gentle, relaxed warmth. I also love the open metal shelving (so popular right now) and that slightly eclectic mix of everyday objects – ceramics, books, plants.

It’s the little details that make it, too – the red wall lamp and the colourful rug breaking up the neutral palette, the trailing greenery, the blend of vintage and modern pieces sitting side by side. It all feels very effortless, but still intentional. 

Ready to take the tour? 

That desk chair is fascinating, don't you think? It reminds me of a set of panpipes! I tried a quick google image search but I couldn't find the source - do you know anything about it? if so, please do share away in the comments! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely flat? I was enjoying reading through the recent comments yesterday and came across one that mentioned the word “apartment” usually refers to a rental in the USA, so today I opted for “flat” :) – a nod to my London upbringing. In Swedish, it’s called a “lägenhet.”

Here are a few more "lägenheter" to tour today - and they all belong to talented people I know! 

My friend Igor's charming Berlin apartment
Alisan's serene Copenhagen apartment
The studio of Swedish furniture upholsterer Carina Grefmar

Thank you so much for dropping by, as always!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem, with thanks.

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A Charming Swedish Summer Cottage in the Countryside

Last weekend, we headed to our summer cottage for a few days. The tiniest buds were just beginning to appear on the lilac bushes, and a blackbird hopped around the garden, readying itself for spring. Although it was still cold, there was a quiet promise that soon the countryside will burst into life, turning lush and vibrant green. Just like at this beautiful cottage in the countryside, not far from the magical Gothenburg archipelago.

Traditional on the outside and quintessentially Swedish on the inside, the classic ochre, blue and white tones, botanical-themed wallpaper, and charming individual pieces have an air of the Swedish artist Carl Larsson's home.

Although most summer cottages in Sweden do have running water and electricity, it’s not unusual to find some that don’t. One friend of mine has a cottage on an island, and they have to take all their water with them for cooking, washing and drinking. Helen’s cottage has an outdoor loo only (not going to lie, I once stayed there during a two-day photoshoot and it gets so dark outside at night that I sprinted there and back in record time!). And I see this charming old cottage also has an outdoor loo — in fact, you’ll notice there are two side by side. Is it because they’re particularly sociable? Scroll down to discover why!

But prior to that, I hope you enjoy all the details first – the wallpaper, the oil lamps, mirrors, and views over the fields. Let's take a peek inside! 

Have you noticed the doors with the diagonal pattern? It’s something you see a lot of on doors and shutters in the countryside here. I recently got curious about why they’re built that way.

Like many things in Scandinavian design, there’s actually a practical reason. Traditional Swedish cottage doors and shutters often have diagonal wooden braces (sometimes forming a “Z” shape). These braces help keep the door stable, prevent it from sagging, and stop the wood from warping over time.

This construction method is called “ledge and brace,” and apparently it works especially well in climates like ours, where humidity and temperature change a lot throughout the year.

So, the loo or 'utedass' as it's called in Sweden. Just why are there two side by side? It's hardly a place you'd want to sit and chat for a while, right? The reason is actually very practical (as you might have guessed)- it is designed to accommodate different members of the family with a larger hole for adults and a smaller one for children (hence the stool to give the, a 'leg up'! 

I love that the owners have gone to the effort of painting checks on the flor and hanging a picture too! 

Oh, and I thought you might be curious about the wallpapers. The yellow one is 'hiprose' by Borås Tapater, and the one in the dining room is Duro by Gastgivars wallpaper.  

 I love seeing all the lush green - I can't wait to see all the leaves come out here (are they out where you are?). But also I noticed the beautiful old stone wall and steps in the garden. I wonder how long it would take for these took look lovely and aged if you were to add something like this today? I'd love to put something in like this at our little cottage - but not sure if modern-built stone has the same affect?

I'm really keen to here your thoughts about this Swedish country cottage too! 

It's actually for sale right now – maybe something to consider over the weekend? 

Since the weekend is coming up, how about a few more cottages to dream away over? 

A serene Swedish lakeside retreat

From classroom to country retreat
A cosy Swedish summer cottage to explore

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

PS busy getting your outdoor space ready for Spring / Summer? I have written a guide with some nice tips in my latest story for IKEA here, if you fancy a read! 

Photography courtesy of Mäklerhuset with thanks.

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