A tour of an idyllic Finnish summer cabin

If someone asked me to describe my dream Scandinavian summer cottage, this would be it (you may recognise the idyllic Finnish cabin from this post). Situated on its own island on the West coast of Finland, the lovely owner, photographer and graphic designer Johanna Lehtinen, her husband Jari and daughter Tilda take the 10 minute speed boat ride out to the cabin as often as they can. "We try to use it the whole year round but because of its location there are times when we cannot get there - for example, when the ice is too thick for the boat but to thin for walking or using the snow cat." With no running water or electricity, the cabin is a true back-to-basics experience, where the family spend their time "chilling, playing board games, taking boat rides to other islands, visiting and welcoming friends, fishing, rowing, swimming etc," But most of all it's about soaking up the surroundings - "I love the wonderful sea and nature, and the peace and tranquility that the island brings. It's great to be in such close contact with nature," Johanna tells me. And I can totally see why.

 

Photography / home-owner Johanna Lehtinen. 

Could you image having a wonderful get-away like this to escape to?

I'm not sure I'd ever leave!

Get the look from Johanna's cabin: kitchen - Marimekko teapot and cups, I love the vintage jugs here. bedroom - this vintage shop sells a selection of one of a kind locker units, pick up an old milking stool here and paint it white. And above all else, the details - like Johanna's stacked pebbles, vases of fern and candles in stones collected from the cabin's surroundings. It seems like the best interior decor of all, is waiting on the ground right outside our backdoor (the theme of my first book Modern Pastoral!).

If you feel inspired by Johanna's cabin you might want to check out her latest photography and graphic design projects on her blog and instagram, and also visit her wonderful webshop where she sells her own nature inspired art photography such as Waves and her book Laiturilla, featuring eleven Finnish summer homes by the sea as well as other items (yes, she ships worldwide - woohoo!).

If like me, you're feeling truly inspired by Finnish design today - here are a few other links to beautiful summer cottages and hide-aways: an idyllic Finnish cabin with a sea view, a dreamy lakeside cabin with a twist, and a beautifully simple modern cabin.

Have a wonderful start to the week!

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An enchanting get-away in the Scottish highlands

Over my four years at the University of Edinburgh I never tired of the magical view of the castle rising out of the mist on my way to lectures and the breath-taking beauty of the highlands at weekends. As a result Scotland will always hold a special place in my heart (have you ever visited?). Yesterday I discovered Killiehuntly farmhouse & cottages - and realised it was definitely time to go back for a visit! The beautiful lodgings, situated near Kingussie in the highlands have been decorated with an enchanting palette of deep, rich colours complimented by natural textures such as wood, sheepskin, rattan, wool and leather for a cosy home from home feel.

Credits: Killiehuntly farnhouse & cottage photographed by Martin Kauffman. Tip from Josefin Hååg with thanks. 

What a beautiful retreat! I'm already picturing long walks in the Cairngorms national park followed by a drink in a village pub! How about you?!  

And if that trip needs to wait a while, we could always add a touch of magic to our own home, here's how: explore Farrow & Ball 'darks' for a similar rich colour palette. This dark blue velvet sofa is beautiful (or to find one that fits your budget try this guide), source a fluffy grey sheepskin rug/ throw here. Dark grey blanket, series 7 chair.

I am intrigued - do you have a place which is special to you? If so, I'd love to hear about it! 


Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday!

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