How About A Getaway At This Cosy Lakeside Cottage?!

If your Christmas holidays are anything like mine, we'll all need a holiday to recover from the holiday! And I've got my sights on The Leo Cottage on Lake Michigan, Union Pier, Michigan. It's hard to imagine that interior designer Kate Marker completely transformed the 1920s property in a matter of months - and on a budget too! In my mind, I'm already chilling on the antique furniture and clearing the cobwebs with lakeside walks. But the big question is - do you go for the master bedroom with the beautiful reclaimed clawfoot bathtub or fireside reading in the smaller, yet super cosy second bedroom? Tough call! Whichever, you decide, I'm sure you'd leave e feeling completely revived and ready for the year ahead. Enjoy the tour!  

Isn't it cosy?! 

Could you imagine relaxing here for a few days? And if so, did you decide which bedroom you'd prefer?! I think I'd plump for the one with the wood burning stove - it looks so toasty! 

The Leo Cottage is available to rent here (just saying!). 

Oh, and if I've got you in the mood for a winter getaway but Michigan is a bit of a stretch, here are a few other cosy cabins available to rent this winter: 

An airbnb hideaway in the woods (before and after!)

A cosy log cabin in a Dutch national park

A dreamy cottage to rent in south east England

Two idyllic Danish cabins to rent

The shack on Bruny island

Roll on the winter holidays! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Leo Cottage with thanks. 

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Dreaming of a White Christmas in Sandra's Serene Home

Some people love to go all out at Christmas, while others prefer a more pared-back approach. If you fall into the latter camp, I think you're going to enjoy the festive touches in Sandra's minimalist apartment in Hanover, Germany (remember this tour?!). Think subtle bunches of eucalyptus, olive and amaryllis, candles, and white paper stars and Christmas ornaments against a serene white and light wood backdrop. I had a brief chat with Sandra to find out more! 

What is important to you when it comes to decorating for the season?

As you may recognise, I appreciate simplicity and clear structures around me - and, although I really love to follow the seasons with my home decor, the basic feel of the home remains constant.

When do you start adding festive touches to your home?

I see more and more people getting festive in November. But, for me it makes it even more special to wait until the First Sunday of Advent - when the countdown officially begins! 

What's your philosophy when it comes to Christmas decorating?

I think simplicity is key - 'less is more'. I have an overall focus on natural elements like wood, flowers and of course a lot of greenery like fir, eucalyptus and olive. The result is a minimalist, natural but also refined look. 

Do you have anything new in your home this season?

This Christmas, I found a huge Scandinavian paper star, (more info here!) that will spread some Christmas cheer in our living room. 

Thank you for inviting us inside your beautiful, festive home Sandra! 

I think Pauline and Jo, Sandra's dogs are enjoying their Christmassy home, don't you? 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

I guess you know what's coming (you know I can never resist!) - yes, links to more Scandinavian Christmas decoration inspiration of course!! Here goes: 

Our Swedish Christmas from Per's perspective (don't miss the 20% discount off Skandinavisk seasonal candles with code nikijul20 - valid until 16th December). 

10 simple DIY decorations made by nature

5 mini Christmas tree ideas for small spaces

A Rural Swedish country home at Christmas

A mysig family home at Christmas

Altogether now, "deck the halls with boughs of um, eucalyptus...!"

Incidentally, I have one whole week of blogging left before Christmas - is there anything you'd love to see? Give me a shout in the comment section below and I'll do my best to cover it! 

Niki

Photography: Sandra / @Karlas_view shared with kind permission

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Looking to Shake Things Up In 2020? How About This Estate In The Stockholm Archipelago?!

I've shared so many Christmas-themed posts lately, I thought it was time for something different - what do you reckon? A little dreaming perhaps? This one's for anyone looking for a total life change and a new renovation project in 2020 (Per starts quaking in his boots.....!). The property in question?This magnificent gardener's house and orangery in the grounds of Engsholm castle. Located on the island of Mörkö in the Stockholm archipelago, the estate also comes with its own jetty so you can arrive by boat! The gardener's house dates back to the early 20th century and has been fairly newly renovated (the process of which was covered on Swedish television), whereas the orangery needs a whole load of work. But imagine how incredible it could be? Let's take a tour and you can decide for yourself!

 

Just incredible! 

The estate agent describes it as 'Tuscany meets the Archipelago' - kind of spot on, don't you think?

Could you imagine living here - or at least wiling away your summer holidays on this estate?!

See more pictures (including the inside of the orangery) and find out more info over at Historiska Hem. 

Other beautiful Scandinavian country homes to dream about today:

A rural Swedish country home at Christmas

A cosy country home in rural North Sweden

An idyllic Swedish country home on a hill

Swedish home in a former museum

... I need to speak to Per!

Have a great day friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks

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A Colourful, Vintage Inspired Danish Home At Christmas

Go'morgon! How was your weekend? We had a birthday girl in the house (me!) and my sister came over from London to celebrate, it was so much fun! I have to admit I'm feeling a little ropey this morning. But, the cheerful Danish home of Louise, blogger behind Mor till Mernee, her partner and two children Merle and Neel never fails to put a smile on my face, especially at Christmas time! Decked out with multiple trees adorned with brightly coloured vintage decorations, homemade advent calendars, fairy lights and other festive touches, it's fun, personal and cosy! I caught up with Louise to find out a little more about Christmas in Jutland! 

I love how you have decorated your home - it looks so festive!

It's my favourite time of the year, except for the weather - in Denmark it's so rainy in December and I don't love that! But I love Christmas, the decorations, the tree, the time spent together. 

Look at that pup! Adorable! 

Every December I think "this year I'm going to really enjoy the run-up - baking with my family etc and then things just get crazy, do you find the same?

Christmas is always such a busy time, but every year we really try to take the time to just be. When the school holidays start next week, we'll be spending lots of time together as a family just doing nothing. 

I love the sound of that Louise! Your decorations are so pretty and unique, where did you find them? 

My decorations are very dear to me. Some are from my childhood; others are from my grandparents and some are bought vintage. I love vintage Christmas decorations, every year I by a new second-hand piece.

I love the trees in your house, can you tell us a little more about the ornaments? 

We decorate our trees with vintage pieces and also pieces that have been made by the children. They are a joy to unpack every year.  

Do you have a favourite tradition?

Every year, we head to the woods in the first weekend of December to pick our favourite tree and take it home. This way, we have a tree in our living room throughout December. The tree is the best decor ever, so why not have it the whole month? We love that! 

Oh, so pretty! 

Has this brightened up your Monday too?

You can also see a full tour of Louise's home (not at Christmas!) here and keep up to date with her latest updates on her blog and instagram. 

Etsy is a great source for vintage Christmas ornaments* (in case you're feeling inspired to pick up some of your own!). 

Up for a little more Danish inspiration today? Hop on over to the Danish home archive! 

Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

PS I loved reading all your comments about your Christmas traditions (and your thoughts about Swedish ones) on Friday! Don't forget that you can get 20% off the seasonal collection at Skandinavisk with the code nikijul20 until 16th December - such a bargain and their candles smell divine! 

Photography: Louise / Mor till Mernee - shared with kind permission.

*Affiliate link

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