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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11 Inspiring Autumn Updates To Steal From A Hyggelige Danish Home

When everyone else zigs, zag. That is exactly what Sus of lifestyle blog Sus Living has done in her cosy,  eclectic home in Copenhagen. Sharing the house with husband Daniel and daughters Noelle and Noami, Sus tells me "my style has been influenced by everything and everywhere: outdoor terraces, old houses, people's outfits. I see things I like and try to put it together in a new way in my home." The white, blue or light grey tones we often see in Danish homes have been shunned in favour of cushions, blankets, curtains and candles in rusty red, maroon, burgundy and ochre. The look is cosy, rustic, and bohemian with a wonderful exotic touch. The home is beautiful all year round but comes into its own in the autumn when the leaves turn a fiery red outside. If you're looking for ways to update your home for the new season, here are a few ideas (big and small!). 

1. Dried flowers: fresh flowers may be fading along with the summer sun but hold onto them and they'll become golden displays which will last all winter long!

2.  Fill your home with the fragrances of the season: roll up your sleeves and enjoy an afternoon in the kitchen making scrummy comfort foods such as pumpkin soup and homemade Danish pastry (a little trivia for you - Danes call them 'Vienna pastries', I always think that's so funny, like no one wants to own up to them!)  - not only will they fill your home with a delicious fragrance, you get to stay out of the cold and tuck in! 

3. Curl up in a deep sofa in soft autumn colours: The Mr Big sofa from Bolia is amazingly deep (I know, my friend has one and I often get stuck there for hours - nothing to do with the wine, honest!). Sus has covered her Mr Big in a beautiful golden ochre velvet which is perfect for autumn! Now, I'm not suggesting you go out and buy a new sofa especially for autumn - but you can easily update the one you have with blankets and cushions in burgundy and ochre  - or if you'd like to go a step further and happen to have an IKEA sofa, try Bemz who do a similar cover in velvet which you can slip on over your existing one! 

4. Bring in autumn colours: obviously a wall in rich rust red or muted brown shades is nice to have, but again,  re-painting walls each season might not be very practical, even if these colours are bang on trend right now (and I have to say,  I do love my 'blushing peach' bedroom wall - it works well all year round!). But how about adding a load of accessories? "Darker shades can be included by using cushions, blankets, candles and ceramics," suggests Sus. 

5. Create a cosy nook that feels like you're outdoors: as the temperature drops outside it's natural to start to withdraw indoors (by the time it gets to January in Sweden I have to be pretty much dragged kicking and screaming to the front door!). Why not create a cosy nook in the window like this one in Sus's house where you can relax and soak up the autumn sunshine from the comfort of your home?!

6. Coloured candles: where would a Scandinavian home tour be without candles? And at this time of the year they really come into their own. Candles in rich autumn colours placed in vintage brass candleholders* are perfect for dialling up the hygge! 

7. Turn your bed into a cosy cocoon: With the days slowly getting shorter it's so nice to snuggle up in bed and feel all toasty under the covers, don't you think? Sus has updated her bed with brown linen bedding (source similar here*) and a canopy for a super cosy sleep! 

8. Create a 'bed den' for your kids! I love Sus's idea of stretching a canopy (this one is similar) over twin beds so little ones can natter away into the night feeling all snug! 

9. Get your bathroom autumn ready! It might be the British in me, but I do love a bath when it's cold outside, how about you? This wooden bath is the stuff of dreams! But I also like that Sus has stocked up on some lovely accessories to be able to fully indulge the season! 

10. Get gowned up! Linen dressing gowns are all well and good but when it gets a little colder, how nice is it to slip into a fluffy robe and even fluffier slippers? And when they're not in use they'll ramp up the hygge feel in your bathroom too! After sunset, I love placing a candle by the sink too! 

Speaking of which, how fab is that zinc bucket sink?

11. Update your backyard / balcony: The plants and flowers might be slowly fading but the leaves will reward us with a final display of fiery reds, orange and yellows. Don your favourite chunky knit sweater and head out into the autumn sunlight. Simple cushions in this season's tones and string lights will give your balcony / backyard a lovely, warm glow that will last until spring!

I hope Sus's wonderful house has given you a few ideas for your own home!

You can see more pics over on her fab instagram and lifestyle blog Sus Living.  

It would be rude not to share a few other autumn links for the weekend too, don't you think?

Layering up my bedroom for a super cosy Autumn

A Swedish home with a hint of Autumn

A dreamy home from home in Australia with lovely autumn touches

How do you like to update your home for Autumn? If you've got any simple tips, I'd love to hear about them in the comments below. 

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!

Niki

Photography: Sus Living shared with kind permission

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A cool vintage industrial style Stockholm pad

Oh hello Friday, how lovely to see you! And you brought the sunshine with you - you make my heart sing....! Today's industrial functionalist (or 'funkis' as the Swedes like to call it) apartment belongs to Hannah and Christopher Bastin and daughters Irma and Klara. Located in Vasastan, Stockholm, it's been artfully decorated with a cool industrial bistro style kitchen and a fab dose of mid-century throughout. I'm loving the plants, vintage furniture and pops of hot pink.  What a perfect pad for the weekend, don't you think?!  I've got my eye on those wine glasses....

Photography: Johan Sellén (shared with kind permission). Featured in Elle Decoration.se

Lovely, right?

Most importantly that wine glass storage: to get the look you can find a similar rack here. Or buy stainless steel prongs in a local hardware store and fix them to the wall like the owners have. On it!

Another nice detail (shown in the set of pictures over at Elle Decoration) is how Hannah has made a montage using menus from her favourite restaurant. Wat a great idea on so many levels?!

Many of the other items seen in the home have been found at flee markets all over the world - inspiration to go get hunting?! My favourite places online to find vintage / industrial items are Etsy, Ebay and Lauritz.

I love industrial style bathrooms with this one being one of my all time favourites, and I could soak for hours in this bath, beautiful right? I'm also a huge fan of outdoor baths and showers - part of the plan for my dream summer cottage....one day! What does your dream cottage include?

Have a really fabulous weekend (I hope the sun's shining where you are too!). See you Monday!

PS A Dutch guy is selling his house and has found this entirely unique way of showing people around....genius?!!

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Step Inside Dave's Light and Airy Munich Home

Is anyone else sweltering today?! I'm back at my desk at home and it's over 30 degrees (86 F) outside - kind of crazy for Sweden! We're soooo not used to this! I love it, of course - but it's so distracting as all I want to do is head down to the sea every five minutes and dive in. It's times like this, that carefully edited, minimalist homes really come into their own, don't you think? Take Dave's home in Munich, Germany. The living space, which Dave shares with his boyfriend Enrico and their golden retriever Bruno, has been carefully edited to include only pieces they truly treasure. There's nothing superfluous to need. No frills. Just simple, beautiful pieces of furniture, each of which are like a work of art. The result is a light and airy home in the heart of the city that oozes cool. I wonder if he'd mind if I pulled up a chair and stayed for a while. Anyone care to join me?

I'm feeling cooler just looking at these pictures, how about you? Although a nice cool drink (did you see the summer herb infused lemonade recipe I shared last week?) on the rattan chair in his garden wouldn't go amiss too!

I particularly love the sitting room with the mid-century credenza (source a similar one here*), jungle wall chart and snoopy lamp* etc. Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Here a few other light and airy homes to keep you cool today: 

A beautiful, simple white Danish cabin

The wonderful playful loft of a furniture designer

Angelina's breezy Munich home (look out for the snoozing pup!)

On that note, I'm off to grab my towel (actually my bath robe - here by the sea where I live in Malmö, us locals wonder down to the waters edge in a robe over our swim gear and no-one bats an eyelid!). 

Have a wonderful start to the week friends, stay well, stay cool! 

Niki

Photography: @daves_home

PS I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was having computer problems (thank you for your commiserations, it really is infuriating!). The good news is that Apple managed to fix my laptop, the bad news is they had to wipe EVERYTHING - baaah! If you spot a few typos in the post it's because I haven't downloaded the Microsoft office (where I spell check my posts). It's on my to do list though, I promise!

PPS I'll be back with a new home tour on Wednesday! The crazies start school next week so I'll finally be back to posting daily again. Thanks so much for bearing with this mamma of two! 

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An Idyllic Swedish Country Home

Picture the scene: you wake up, throw on some clogs, and head out into the garden with a steaming coffee and newspaper and settle down to soak up the morning sun. Maybe do a little gardening - or take a swim in the nearby lake. In the winter, you might go for a brisk walk before lighting the fire and cosying up with a book for the afternoon or pour yourself a deep, warm bath. Either way, I'm pretty sure this Swedish country home has something wonderful to offer in every season. And the 19th century architecture will no doubt keep you busy too (perfect for a tinkerer!). If only I'd snapped it up when it came on the market a few years ago. Gaaah! Let's sit back and dream of a life in the Swedish countryside all the same. Enjoy the tour! 

Such a beautiful house! It has me dreaming of a move to the Swedish countryside, how about you? 

Funnily enough, Per and I were discussing it only yesterday when we strolled past a really pretty cottage with a thatched roof yesterday evening. It won't happen, but we do love to dream. The other things we marvelled at on our walk in  the forest was how the evenings are so much lighter - and that the birds are starting to return from their migration south. A wonderful sight and a sign that spring is in the air! 

Do the birds disappear in wintertime where you live too? 

And on a separate, slightly random note - thank you to my American readers in yesterday's 'colour inspiration' post for confirming that 'funk / funky' does actually mean the same as it does in British - phew! I was getting nervous!

If you're heart is in the countryside today check out the Scandinavian country style living archive - so much beauty in one place! 

Ha det så fint! 

Niki

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

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