The idyllic Swedish summer cottage

When it comes to March and the first real warm days of the year, I dare to dream of long, carefree summer days. Freshly baked bread (by my man - after all, the secrets out - I'm the world's worst baker!!), the dewy grass under my feet and our children dashing around the garden screaming with laughter. In fact, the setting is not unlike that of the summer cottage of photographer Carina Olander in Dalarna, Sweden. Dating back to the 1800's, the charming cottage had no warm water and was in desperate need of renovation when the family first acquired it. Today, white washed walls serve as a simple back drop for a mix of antiques and vintage finds. The door is idly thrown open to the garden - which takes centre-stage all summer long. What an idyllic setting, don't you think?

Photography / home-owner: Carina Olander, shared with kind permission.

Oh how I'd love to be enjoying 'fika' under the boughs of that tree right now, fancy joining me?!

Get the look from Carina's lovely cottage: kitchen / dining room - Bialetti coffee maker, keep an eye out for a pair of industrial pendant lamps here, Moroccan woven shopping bag. Second dining space: bamboo lounge table and sofa bench from Tine K Home (I also like this folding table in bamboo for smaller spaces), set of linen cushions.

You might also like to take a peek inside more dreamy scandinavian summer cottages in this archive, and a whole host of idyllic Swedish cottages here (if this comes up first just scroll passed it). There really is something extremely special about a Scandinavian summer cottage, don't you think?

What does your 'summer dream' look like?

Have a wonderful weekend!

PS You probably recognise Carina's name as I'm often sharing her beautiful photography here on the blog - including the home of a collector, a country home at Christmas and a beautiful Gotland home in soothing grey.  Oh so lovely?!

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The 'Green Home Book': inspiration for plant lovers

One of the trends I love right now is 'urban jungle' or the idea of filling your home with plants. Greenery is said to have many positive benefits including providing cleaner air, boosting your mood and even enhancing concentration and memory (yes, really! I discovered many other benefits too here). But above all else, they do look lovely, don't they?! I mean, what would a home be without plants and flowers? That's why I was so happy to discover the 'Green Home Book'. The tome was created as result of a collaboration between Finnish creatives Riikka Kantinkoski (I once featured her beautiful home here) and Susanna Vento and includes beautiful photography taken in homes across Finland as well as simple tips on how to care for plants. Here's a sneak peek....

Photos from 'Green Home Book' by Riikka Kantinkoski and Susanna Vento.

Ah so inspiring. I must pick up a copy as soon as possible!

Doesn't it look lovely?

If you're a bit of a plant lover you'll also love these snapshots from the beautiful home of Jeska Hearne, the Brownstone of the owner of plant interior design company, and the bohemian home of a florist.

Oh, and I love this DIY idea - how fab? 

Have a lovely day!

PS I think the reason I'm thinking about books today is because I'm sitting at the library researching a new project (more to follow soon!). It's actually the perfect place to sit and work as it's super quiet and overlooks the park. The only problem is my typing is so LOUD!! I think I might need to sellotape cotton wool to my finger tips next time!

PPS I have such an exciting Swedish summer cottage to share with you tomorrow - it will have us all dreaming of balmy summer days!  

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