Island life: A Pared-Back Swedish Summer Cottage

Hej there, kompisar! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I decided to shake things up a little this week and kicked off my Monday with a run along the beach (in case this sounds super smug, I can promise you this is the first and most likely the last time I'll manage a Monday morning run!). The sea has been on my mind a lot lately thanks to my rejuvenating trip to the Danish coast last week. Over the weekend (on instagram) I asked friends what the sea meant to them in one word and felt so moved by the answers which included 'home', 'escape', 'serenity', 'freedom', 'peace', 'tranquillity' 'restoration ''rejuvenation', and 'power' (among others). Perhaps this is how the owners would feel everyday at this delightful Swedish summer cottage? Located on the waterfront in the southern part of the Swedish island of Gotland, the pretty cottage is typically pared-back - allowing the inhabitants to lead a simple life and enjoy everything the Swedish nature has to offer.

Creature comforts such as a roaring wood burning stove and a Kong oil lamp are perfect for warming the cockles after a blustery beach walk (I could have used one of these after my dip last week!). 

Although basic, this guest room has everything you might need - reading lights, lovely blue and white bedding (this lovely linen bed set* is similar), a radio and a Gotland sheepskin rug*! 

Such a peaceful view from the end of the bed! How lovely would it be to wake up here each morning?

I've been thinking about removing the wardrobe doors in our hallway for ages (no one ever closes them anyway!) and replacing them with a simple curtain - I love the relaxed look (notPERFECTLINEN* is my go to source for made-to-measure curtains). 

Actually this reminds me a little of something else I read last week which made me chuckle: "no one is as hopeful as a Mother who leaves a pile at the bottom of the stairs in the hope that someone might take it up." Haha! Anyone else feel this?!

Could you imagine spending your summers here?!

If so, I've got news for you - it's actually for sale! Food for thought at the start of the week!

For more idyllic summer cottage inspiration today, take a peek at the summer cottage, rural retreat and log cabin archives which will have you dreaming of escape! Roll on the summer!

Have a wonderful start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Emma Jonsson Dysell Styling: Sofie Gidfeldt for Fantastic Frank

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My Day At A Charming Danish Cottage By The Sea

Collaboration* What does the sea mean to you? As an avid sailor and living by the sea in Malmö, Sweden, it's difficult to emphasise how much the sea means to me. The sound, the shapes, the light, the gentle saltiness. To gaze out to the horizon is to instantly unwind. Unlike the tumultuous waters of England's south coast where I spent much of my childhood, there's something disarming about Scandinavian waters due to the lack of tides and the beautiful blue-grey water lapping at whitish sands. It's incredibly grounding. I was inspired to discover Danish brand Skandinavisk has captured the impression of the Nordic coastline in a beautiful collection called HAV (meaning sea) - Distant Shores. On a recent visit to their atelier in Copenhagen, the team asked me what the sea meant to me and I felt it was easier to encapsulate in pictures rather than words. Here are some snapshots from my relaxing day in the pretty coastal village of Hornbæk, North Zealand, North East Denmark!

I was fortunate enough to hang out in this pretty cottage for the day belonging to Pernille Grønkjær Taatø's parents - Elisabeth and Per Grønkjær. The 1930's delightful cottage owes its charm to the blend of antiques, vintage finds, classic Danish design pieces and subtle treasures found on the nearby beach. 

The cottage was dotted with simple displays like this delightfully understated glass jar with pebbles and flora. 

Feeling instantly relaxed on this daybed - do you think they'd notice if I stayed all weekend, I would be as quiet as a mouse!

I felt my pulse lowering the moment I stepped in the door (not an easy feat right now with so much going on!). The soft grey-blue and white tones felt so calming! 

HAV scented candle (wonderfully subtle - and a new favourite!). 

The white washed wood cladded open ceiling gave the cottage a light and airy feel even on a fairly grey day! 

HAV Hand wash and HAV Hand and Body lotion

The HAV scent diffuser (seen on the shelf in. the entrance) is part of the Skandinavisk collection: "a new impression of the vast Nordic coastline - a meeting place where the cold Baltic and Atlantic waters touch the peninsula and the fresh wind and sea spray carry the resilient scents of the rugosa rose and hawthorn. from the shoreline." It set the scene for my afternoon by the water.

I love the beach in winter when it's at its most rugged. And although 'fresh', the local beach in Hornbæk on the shores of the Öresund sea proved to be the best spa afternoon I could have asked for.

It's not unusual to see Scandinavian people wondering down to the water in a robe. I wrapped up in a limited edition TEKLA x SKANDINAVISK bath robe "inspired by Scandinavian bathing culture - in all weathers" (softest thing E.V.E.R and a much needed hood to buffet the wind!).  

Cannot tell you how beautiful it was on this deserted beach. 

HAV hand cream - with extract of rockweed, designed to nourish and protect your skin from harsh climates (give me a load of that!). 

HAV body scrub 

The beach was speckled with little white shells, a few of which recognised from Elisabeth and Per's cottage, larger rocks and kelp. 

I actually used to be terrified of seaweed as a child (I remember my sister chasing me around with it!) - did you?! These days I see it in a more favourable light as I read that scientific studies have shown that seaweed bathing helps to lower stress and relieve muscle ache and join stiffness. Isn't that cool?! On the Swedish west coast there's a place where you can go for special seaweed baths and they actually massage you with the seaweed! 

What a wonderful day!

I wish I could have stayed for the entire weekend!

If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting the Nordic coastline, you must come and visit us in Scandinavia soon. In the meantime, the divine Skandinavisk HAV - distant shores collection will immediately transport you to the Scandinavian coast and is available online here.

I'd love to hear more about your relationship with the sea / ocean - do you find it relaxing too?

Have a wonderful weekend friends - may your lie-ins be long, and your coffee be strong!

Niki

PS Win the complete HAV hand and body range over on my instagram this weekend!

PPS Thank you so much to Pernille Grønkjær Taatø (who's home featured in 15 coastal living ideas to steal from a breathtaking Danish home) and Elisabeth and Per Grønkjær for generously lending me their beautiful cottage for the day. Thanks also to my dear friend Anna Häggström who helped me document the daybed the sea (I've known Anna since I was five and we both felt so inspired by the location) - and of course Skandinavisk for capturing my love for the nordic coastline in a fragrance!


*This post is brought to you in collaboration with my wonderful partner Skandinavisk. However, all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I truly love and think you will too!

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A Dreamy Waterside Home In New South Wales

I was scrolling through this home tour on Desire to Inspire yesterday and suddenly my jaw dropped. I don't want to give the game away - but I'm pretty sure you'll feel the same when you discover the moment too! There are many more reasons to share this fabulous home on Cremorne Point, on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, Australia.  Interior designer Sarah Davison has done a sterling job transforming the space into an incredible, light-filled home that combines mid-century pieces and fabulous lighting with a fresh, contemporary vibe. Are you ready to dream a little?!

What a dream! I can practically feel the warmth on my skin from the terrace! 

Oh please Swedish winter, go away now. I'm ready for bit of sun (do you feel the same?!) and when it comes, would it be possible to enjoy it at this house?

I wonder if the (lucky) inhabitants do home swaps?! In my mind I'm already on that terrace sipping agin and tonic! 

You can see load more pictures of this beautiful residence in Sarah Davison's portfolio. 

Other homes with. a sea view that I dream about (almost) daily: a charming Finnish summer cottage on its own island, an idyllic cabin by the sea in Finland and a cosy waterside eco cabin (available to rent!).

Have a lovely day!

Niki

Photos from the beautiful portfolio of interior designer Sarah Davison

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A Light-filled, Pared-Back Coastal Home In Halland, Sweden

If you're a long-term reader of My Scandinavian Home - first of all thank you! Second of all, you may well recognise the name 'Alvhem'. I've been covering homes featured by the Gothenburg-based estate agent for years - mostly because looking through their listings is akin to browsing a Swedish interior magazine! Needless to say, the home of Alvhem's founder and co-owner Sandra Guerrero is equally beautiful! Sandra lives with her partner Martin, their one and a half year old daughter Alma and dogs DJ and Ramón in Halland, West Sweden. With the sea lapping at the shore on one side and undulating meadows on the other, the pair have kept the interior deliberately simple to ensure it doesn't compete with the view. The spacious living area features white washed walls, a wide plank wood floor planks (love it!)  and subtle green, grey, cinnamon and dark brown accents. It's time to pour a coffee (I'm on my third  - can you tell I've been living in Sweden for a while?!) and take a peek inside! 

Söderhamn sofa, source similar prints from The Poster Club* (ships worldwide). This waffle blanket* is similar (this cinnamon coloured pillow / cushion* would look fab in this space too).

The wall in the dining area has been painted in Washed Linen 10679. I also spy Thonet chairs*and Ant chairs*. 

DJ and Ramón remind me so much of my childhood Springer Spaniel, Puddles. I miss her - she was such a lovely dog!

The classic, country-style kitchen cabinets have been painted in Hardwick White by Farrow & Ball. 

The back wall in the bedroom has been painted in cosy Ascott by Jotun. This brown linen bed set* is similar (dog optional!). 

Tip: notice how a marble top has been added to a vintage wood side table. This is a popular hack in Sweden and a great way to update vintage furniture. Check out your local flea market and antique stores for similar furniture and ask a local stone mason to cut a slab of marble to size for you. 

I love the simplicity of this home - it's a look the Scandinavians do so well! 

Despite everything in the home being incredibly well thought out down to the tiniest detail, Sandra admits that she couldn't resist the wood floor, even though she knew it might get damaged by DJ and Ramón's paws. Such a tricky one. Do you have dogs and experience the same kind of dilemmas? 

You can see more pictures of Sandra's lovely home and read the full interview over at Alvhem. 

Happy 'lillördag' (little Saturday) friends!

Niki

Photography: Annie Hyrefeldt

Found via Nordic Design Blog with thanks!

Affiliate links marked with *

PS I had such a wonderful day at the My Scandinavian Home Studio yesterday. Excited to see the first room designs taking shape! 

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