A 19th Century Farmhouse on The Swedish Island of Gotland

How long ago was it that I featured a house on one of my favourite Swedish islands? Too long! So folks, here's a Gotland beauty for you. Located almost in the centre of the Baltic island, this wonderful 19th century farmhouse has been decorated using calm shades to compliment the original stone walls, exposed beams and beautiful old solid wood floors. True to Gotland style, the look is pared back and draws heavily on natural, raw materials to connect the living space with the surrounding countryside. Could this be my next home (I've always dreamed of spending a year on Gotland!)? If not, perhaps you can snap it up and we can all come and visit? Teamwork friends, teamwork! 

Imagine having bones like these to play with? Mesmerising! 

My mind has immediately wondered back to the days we spent on Gotland last summer. Have you ever visited this island? If not, it's definitely one to add to your future travel files! 

In the meantime, here are a few other houses on the island to feel inspired by: 

A rustic summer cottage on Gotland

A charming 19th century house

A Former Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage

Your island retreat

Have a lovely day friends!

Niki

Photography: Fantastic Frank

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The beautiful white farmhouse of an interior designer

It's funny, you'd think that seeing all these homes in luxurious, deep tones right now I'd be ready to get the paint brush out, but looking at the ethereal home of interior designer Leanne Ford I realised my heart still very much belongs to white. As a child, Leanne would drive past this rundown white brick farmhouse and dream about bringing it back to life one day. Twenty years later the opportunity arose and she made the trip from LA to Pittsburgh to snap it up. Her brother (also her contractor) and his team got to work bringing Leanne's ideas to life. Over the space of a year the house was given a complete overhaul inside and out - gutting the interior, tearing down walls, painting the original stucco glossy white and adding details such as brick, wood and concrete.  'I kept a very clean colour story to let the textures do the talking,' she explained. The white washed walls also provide a perfect backdrop for the pared-back selection of furniture and accessories, all of which tell a story. 'Oh the power of white paint, and a little love and attention,' she smiles. And seeing the home, I think we can all second that!

Interior design / home owner: Leanne Ford. Photography - Andrew and Lexi Buda / Heredwelling.

*Sigh*. Soooo beautiful! Don't you think? 

I think white combined with milky cream and brown hues has to be my favourite colour scheme. The brass touches are the icing on the cake! And don't get me started on the lovely textures.

Is there anything that stands out to you from Leanne's home?

Get the look: bedroom -  undyed wool cream throw, source a vintage industrial table lamp here. kitchen - find beautiful vintage chopping boards here. Sitting room - classic Togo sofa, I love this little side table.

You can also see a tour (and more pictures) of this beautiful home over at Domino magazine here.

And finally, before I shoot off for the weekend, here are a few links I've loved this week: 

The colour scheme of this window nook.

5 plants for your bedroom to help you sleep better. 

This A-frame cabin! Better still, imagine waking up to a view like this every morning (a new Instagram fave!)?

Keeping it simple - this gourmet grilled cheese toasty is making my mouth water!

These slides are fab! 

And finally...if you're visiting Malmö any time soon, here are my five top tips (in Dutch!).

Have a wonderful weekend!

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An Elegant Swedish Farmhouse Conversion

Tjena! How are you today? Is it just me or are things kind of crazy right now?! Only one day to go before the weekend - PHEW, make mine a double! It's all good though, as my favourite month of the year is on our doorstep - YAY! Is December yours too? The other bit of good news: I've found the most fabulous apartment to share with you today. Formerly a railway station and large farmhouse, the magnificent late 19th century building in the centre of Gothenburg has been transformed into nine apartments all of which are characterised by beautiful exposed brick walls and beams and arched windows. I particularly love this apartment which has been styled by Swedish interior designer Emma Fischer (and will no doubt be out on the market soon - eeee - watch this space!). Take a fikapaus, put your feet up and enjoy!



























Photography: Alen Cordic Styling: Emma Fischer - fund via Nordic Design with thanks. 

Isn't it such a fantastic space?! I love the architecture, and the combination of old and new.

Could you imagine living here?! I certainly could. It helps that I'm a huge fan of gothenburg - we've spent many summers sailing around the gothenburg archipelego and it's one of my favourite places on earth! 

In case it's not possible to move to Gothenburg, Sweden right now (despite my recommendation!!) - you can still get the look in your home! Here's a guide....

GET THE LOOK

1. FLOS Taccia Lamp
2. Atelier CPH Abstract Construction
3. H&M Washed Linen Bedspread
4. &Tradition Hoof Side Table
5. &Tradition Flowerpot Lamp
6. Pedrera Coffee Table
7. Paper Collective Essence of ballet 02
8. BS1 Floor Lamp with Round Base Matt black
9. Gubi Beetle Dining Chair
10. Menu Well Wtering Can

Oh, such beautiful things!!

Have a lovely day!

PS Super happy to see my Lagom book included in the Los Angeles Times stocking filler guide - I hope Father Christmas sees it! 

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A pretty Västergötland farmhouse

This is the home of stylist and writer Anna Truelsen, husband Michael and children Johanna, Joel, Jonatan and Joshua in Västergötland, Sweden. They had to wait ten years to buy the farmhouse, but it seems good things come to those who wait! The family spent five years renovating the home and Anna is now converting the barn to create a home office from where she'll write her blog My Lovely Things.

Stylist: Anne Ralf Hållbus Photographer Jonas Lundberg, Lantliv

Such a lovely home, very relaxed with a lovely mix of old and new (I see an injection of modern with Eames chairs throughout - for 15% discount (code MYSCAN) on Eames chairs click here. Yay!)  The key idea I'm going to steal from Anna's home is using a demi john as a vase and simple jam jars on the dining table with wild flowers, so simple yet so pretty!

One of my dreams is to have a lovely gazebo, converted barn or shed in my garden from which to write just like Anna. I'll have to keep an eye on her blog to see the end result, exciting!

That's it for me for the week. It's surprising how great the internet has been here in the (very beautiful) Gothenburg archepelagos. Have you been here? It's one of my favourite places in the world and where I met my husband 9 years ago. If you ever come let me know and I'll send you some tips, I've got so many favourite islands!

Have a lovely weekend and see you Monday!

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Before and After: A Run Down Property becomes a Beautiful Swedish Farmhouse

Ever driven passed a dilapidated house in your neighbourhood and dreamt about bringing it back to its former glory? I'd actually parked that thought - until I spotted interior designer Sandra Östlind's beautiful farmhouse. When Sandra bought the property, it was in need of a complete overhaul, which would be enough to put off even the most prolific DIYer. But Sandra and her partner saw it as an opportunity. After a painstaking renovation, which involved a new roof, stripping and painting the facade as well as an interior gut job, Sörbergets Farm in Västerbotten County, Sweden, has become a beautiful light and airy family home. Let's take a peek at the transformation.

Exterior Before

After

For the facade, Sandra developed her own paint colour known as 'Sandras sörvit' - and available through Stuv Butiken. The difference is quite incredible! 

Before

After
Sandra swapped out the old, rotten front door for a new 'Bleckhall Långeskär door from Doorly, painted in her own blend: Sandras Skogsgrön (available at Stuv Butiken as before). The wall light is a classic style for this type of Swedish house - and bought from Ljus Experten.

Before

After

The existing kitchen was stopped out and replaced with traditional Swedish Marbodal units in 'Fagerö Beige'. 

Cabinet Before

After
Slight diversion from the room 'before and afters' here - but I wanted to include this cabinet update as an inspiring reminder of how you can easily transform a flea market find with a lick of paint!

Children's room before

After

Perhaps the craziest renovation of all in this home is the Ebbe's room. It's gone from a derelict upstairs loft space into a beautiful children's room that oozes character and old school charm. I particularly love the wallpaper (from Stuvbutiken) with matching blinds from Ikea and the exposed beams. 

Hallway / entrance before 

After

Sandra sanded down the wood panels on the ceiling before applying 'Helvit' from Herdins Färgverk and pretty 'Dahlia Garden' wallpaper by Boråstapeter. 

Before Entrance

After 

Sometimes you scratch the surface of these old houses and realise the issue is a whole lot bigger than you bargained for. This is what happened with the entrance. Sandra was planning on changing the door (as before), but it turned out the wall was so rotten that she had to replace the entire wall and window. Every cloud has a silver lining though - now their entrance is a lot brighter as a result!

What a wonderful transformation! I live the calming green tones throughout, and the fresh feel of the space. 

It has me dreaming of a house renovation project all over again (don't tell Per!), how about you?

You can see more of Sandra's lovely country home over on her instagram feed @sandrashem. 

If you feel like marvelling over more before and after reveals, why not delve into this archive - some of the transformations are absolutely incredible! 

I hope you're feeling as inspired as I am! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sandra Östlind, shared with kind permission. 

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