A Dreamy Swedish Cottage in the West Coast Archipelagos

On May 8th I'll have lived in Sweden for twenty years. TWENTY YEARS! I often think back to the summer I met Per - which signalled the start of my Scandinavian adventure. It was a warm and sunny July and I flew over to visit a Swedish friend. We took a road trip up to the stunning West coast archipelago where we spent a week hopping between islands, picnicking on warm granite cliffs and cooling off in the waters of the Kattegat sea. 

I fell in love with Sweden (and so it seems, a Swede!) that summer, with a special place in my heart reserved for the magical islands of the west coast. Even today Per, the girls and I love to sail there and explore the cosy fishing villages and beautiful nature. One of our favourite spots is the car-free island of Gullholmen. It's located just off the island of Orust and instantly recognisable from the tight cluster of cottages and dreamy boathouses. 

Life is slow on the island, and days are spent lolling on decks, watching boats sail past, enjoying a coffee in a little cafe or walking on the quieter stretches of the island to take in the scenery. Needless to say, it's a dream. 

So, when I spotted this charming cottage on ESNY, I couldn't resist sharing it with you to give you a glimpse behind the facade and dream of summer's on this magical little island! 

As with most Swedish summer cottages, the decor is simple and pared-back, with a nod to the coastal location. A glimpse of the channel and surrounding village can be seen from the windows, ensuring the island vibe is never far from sight! 

We're seeing so many window nooks right now, don't you think? They make such a lovely addition to a kitchen - offering a relaxed spot to grab a coffee and chat to whoever is cooking / brewing the coffee! 

Traditional rag rugs (as seen in the hallway) are the floor covering of choice in a summer cottage - I love that they come in all kinds of colours! 

A sea view and a kakelugn? I can just see envision how cosy this would feel come winter, with the wind whipping at the windows! 

Could you imagine sitting here, enjoying supper while the sunsets over the water? Pass me the rosé! 

The cottage even comes with a boathouse and private jetty. That's me sold! 

How idyllic! Could you imagine spending your summers here? 

Did I mention that the address is 'Krabban' ('the crab')? Love that! 

Sadly, this cottage is a little out of reach budget-wise for Per and I - but maybe if we all chip in together with some form of crowdfunding we could divide it between us, right? Always good to dream! 

See the complete viewing here! 

Would you like to see a few more cottages from the West coast of Sweden this weekend? Check out: 

A magical little summer cottage on the island of Klåverön

A charming little Swedish summer cottage by the sea

An idyllic cottage on the island of Orust

And if you're thinking of visiting the area (it's a bucketlist place for sure!), here's my guide to 10 beautiful islands to visit.

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend friends! See you Monday! 

Niki 

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A Swedish Home with Colour Pops and a Lovely Workspace

Heeeeej there friends! 

I'm writing this blog post from home this morning as later I'm be heading to Copenhagen for a meeting (it's a beautiful, sunny day so I can't wait!). I usually go into my studio to work these days, so sitting here at my desk got me thinking about how it needs a revamp (easily distracted, I know!). Which led me to the workspace in this Stockholm home. Funny how things can happen like that. 

Although a simple space, the spot exudes charm in a very Scandi way! I particularly love the way the owners have painted an old gate-leg table grey and then placed it perpendicular to the window (it's always great to have natural light when you're working, but never directly from behind your screen). And the fabulous little Hay Matin table lamp is the icing on the cake! All that's left is an ergonomic desk chair and you're good to go. Oh, maybe a coffee first. 

Oh, and of course I have thrown in the rest of the lovely Stockholm home too for you - after all, who doesn't love stacks of books, pops of colour, pretty spring-like wallpaper, and the odd dotty piece of furniture? 

Varsågoda! 

Very inspiring! 

Incidentally, the pockets in the hallway are from Swedish brand Norrgavel ('påshylla')- they make for great hallway storage and something I've had my eye on for a while. You never know, my children might just put their things in them rather than on the floor. I'm not so sure though!

Note the stools dotted around. They look like vintage Artek 60 stools, which have become truly iconic! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely Swedish family home? 

Here are a few other home workspaces to feel inspired by today. If you're in need of a nice looking ergonomic chair, I've had this one for years.

And in case you'd like to see more Scandi homes dotted with colours, I love these: 

Hygge and pops of colour in a Danish home

A tiny Danish home that's big on (handmade) design

12 simple ways to add colour to your home this spring, Danish style

Right, I'd better get myself ready for my trip over the bridge. If you're up for a virtual visit to the Danish capital in the sunshine today, I'll share some glimpses in my instagram stories!

Stor kram!

Niki

Photography: Therese Jahnsen, styling: Thomas Lingsell for Historiska Hem

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Charming Seabird Cottage, on Lamb Island, Australia

For anyone who needs to hear this today: Anna Swain is selling beautiful 'Seabird' on Lamb Island just off Brisbane, Queensland Australia. 

Not familiar with Anna Swain? A glance at her instagram and you'll quickly establish that everything she touches turns to gold, in a beautiful, rustic and relaxed kind of way. And Seabird is no different. 

With panoramic views of Moreton Bay, Anna and her husband Andrew moved the property to the island by barge, before turning their hand to the decor. 

The house is filled with an eclectic mix of treasures including 120 year-old Egyptian bathroom tiles, solid timber fans and claw-foot tubs as well one-off vintage and antique pieces - all of which come with the house! Everything has been carefully handpicked to ensure life is all about kicking back and soaking up the golden light while watching boats drift by. 

While it may sound like an ideal holiday home, good transport links (it's 25 minutes by ferry to Brisbain and an inter-island ferry can whisk you to neighbouring Russell island with its shops and primary school) mean you could also turn it into your year-round dwelling! What a dream for anyone looking for a change of pace!

 Ready to take the tour? 

Be still, beating heart! So beautiful! 

Could you imagine kicking back here? If so, any potential buyers can reach out directly to Anna via her instagram (where you can also see plenty more pictures!) - just saying! 

Would you like to view more dreamy island homes today? After all, what are Monday's for, if they're not for dreaming? Take a look at: 

Riika's idyllic cabin in the Eastern Gulf of Finland

Stonecutter's farm on the Swedish island of Öland (available as a holiday let!)

Elsa's charming cottage on the island of Gotland

Here's to a relaxing start to the week! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @annaswain, with thanks 

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