An Idyllic Swedish Summer Cottage That Dreams Are Made Of!

Say the words 'Swedish summer cottage' and I immediately conjure up a picture of a little red and white cottage surrounded by lush, vibrant nature and somewhere to bathe a short "nakenfis" (I love this Swedish word - it literally translates as 'naked fart' but it's generally used to describe being nude!)  sprint away!! In fact, this idyllic croft in a village near Tierp an hour or so North of Stockholm is spot on! Dating back to 1909, the croft is made up of a main house and a series of little outhouses which wouldn't look out of place in Astrid Lindgren's 'Children of Noisy Village'. Step inside and you're greeted with white wood panelled walls, pretty wallpaper and painted wood floors. The furnishings are typically understated and a perfect blend of vintage and antique pieces. Ready for a little Swedish summer dreaming? 

Oh wow. This has me dreaming of 24 hour sunshine, morning dips and long, lazy lunches alfresco! 

Could you image wiling away a lazy summer here?

This is where I say - "well, it could be yours..." - and it was actually on the market for a very reasonable 750,000 SEK (€70k / $76k) via Länsförsäkringar (try pronouncing that!) but as you can  imagine, it was snapped up immediately! 

Up for a little more Scandinavian summer cottage dreaming? Pull up a chair and enjoy:

A photographer's charming summer cottage in the woods (absolutely love this!) 

A cosy rural cottage in North Sweden

An idyllic hideaway on the island of Dalarö

Actually, do you know what? I think I'll just share the link to the entire archive - there are hundreds of charming summer cottages in there from all across Scandinavia. And since it's a public holiday here tomorrow I hope it will tie you over until I return on Monday! 

Wishing you a wonderful long weekend friends - stay safe, stay well! 

Niki

Photography: Johan Fornstedt / Husfoto

READ MORE...

8

A Photographer's Inviting Home On The Danish island of Bornholm

Many years ago, Per and I sailed to the beautiful Danish island of Bornholm, in the Baltic Sea. We explored the picturesque villages, vast open spaces and rugged coastline by bike, stopping every now and again to pop into a gallery or atelier and buy vegetables and fruit from an honesty stall. The one thing we didn't get to do was peek behind one of the pretty facades. That is, until today - as I have just discovered the portfolio of Danish photographer and visual content creator Sofie Hammer. Originally from Copenhagen, Sofie and her family reside on Bornholm - enjoying "the everyday gift of nature, the sea and tranquillity". The granddaughter of a sculptor and daughter of a musician, Sofie's creativity shines through in her photography, styling and the way she has decorated her home. Think earthy tones, an eclectic blend of furniture and art by local craftspeople. Welcome to Sofie's hyggeligt world! 

Vase by local ceramicist Mette Duedahl. Pick up a vintage map of Bornholm here*. 

The window seat mattress was custom made by Mother and daughter company ABA Design & Living

Stacked chairs from TAKT, vase by Mette Duedahl

Bedding from Tiny Tiny, wall hanging from Hagelens and art by Katerina*

Pieces from The Simple Folk Co, MarMar Copenhagen, Grech & Co and Monsieur Mini

How lovely! 

I'm particularly drawn to the way Sofie has sourced furniture and accessories from small businesses - some of which are handmade - it makes her home feel so personal. The brown tones also add a warm and inviting touch!

Is there anything that caught your eye?

Find out more about Sofie's photography over on her home page and see more beautiful snapshots of her home on @by_sofiehammer. 

I'm so looking forward to revisiting this wonderful island again one day. In the meantime, I'll be dreaming about it every time I turn on my mouth blown glass pendant lights which were made on the island! I hope you will also get the opportunity one day too, it's a must if you visit Scandinavia! 

Other homes you might like to take a look at today include a beautiful Danish ceramicist's home by the sea, a charming danish summer cottage on the island of Fejø and a family home in the danish fishing village of Dragør. Ooooh so inspiring! 

Ha en dejlig dag! 

Niki

Photography: Sofie Hammer - shared with kind permission

*affiliate link

READ MORE...

0

My New Home Office Gallery Wall (From Desenio!)

Kindly sponsored

Since I've been working from home a lot more than usual, I felt I needed to do a little extra with my home office. It's in the corner of my bedroom, so I am always keen to ensure it's pretty to look at too! The answer? Lots of art! I created this gallery wall using prints from Desenio - who sell a huge collection of affordable artwork and ship to over 30 countries worldwide - such a great online resource! As you'll know from other parts of my home - I love a great gallery wall, it's a perfect way to breathe life into a space. My new one has been made up of some beautiful pieces from the collection as well as a blend of different frames and other wall hanging solutions. Read on to find out more! I hope you like it as much I do! 

The art I chose is all fairly earthy for a calm look - and yet the style varies from portraits and landscapes to more abstract art. 

Do any stand out to you? In case you're curious, the prints include (from left to right): Weimar Shapes No1 (21 x 30) - hung with polka dot washi tape, Gobi Desert (30 x 40) in a light wood frame, Painted Shapes No2 (30 x 40) in a magnetic wood poster hanger, Opus No5 (30 x 40) in a black picture frame, Berlin Arches No2 (50 x 70) in a white picture frame, Tove Frank Hush (50 x 70) in a light wood frame and Stairs of Art No1 (30 x 40) in a white picture frame. 

I think it's always nice to add another element to a gallery wall - like a row of hooks or shelf, it brings the whole look to life and means you can swap in and out elements according to your mood (and without creating a load more holes in the wall! - Been there, done that!).

I particularly love the light wood picture frame. It's the lightest one I've seen, and it has a real warmth to it but it's also very subtle. I think the Stairs of Art No1 is my favourite out of all the artwork (tucked away int he corner) - I've always had a bit of a penchant for photographic architect photography! 

I think I'm going to be much happier in this little corner now. It's amazing what a difference artwork can make!

Did you like any of these prints in particular? perhaps something caught your eye for your own home? 

If so, I can highly recommend Desenio prints and frames, they're really affordable, yet very good quality and there's a massive selection to choose from. Hop on over to the online store to take a peek! 

Stor kram from Sweden! 

Niki

Thank you so much to interior designer / stylist Helen Sturresson for working with me on this shoot. 

This post was sponsored by Desenio, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love. Thank you for supporting the wonderful businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

READ MORE...

1

A Lovely, Inviting Berlin Flat Decorated on a Small Budget

Tjena, hur är läget? Or perhaps I should say 'hallo, wie gehts?!' Since today I'm taking you on an apartment tour in one of my favourite cities: Berlin! Oh, how I love that German city - it's buzzing with creativity and has a really special vibe. This lovely apartment in the Prenzlauer Berg district belongs to 34-year-old fashion stylist Juliane who was born and raised in Berlin. Her flat occupies a building dating back to 1900 and is blessed with 3.5 metre ceilings and beautiful stucco. Juliane has been incredibly smart with her budget, sourcing many items on eBay or the high-street and loves to make regular updates. Here's a little more about Juliane's home, in her own words: 

Maison du Monde mirror, sofa from IKEA

What's your background?

I left home after I graduated in fashion design back in 2009. I lived in Rome, Italy between 2009-2010. After I came back, I worked as a fashion editor and then decided to work as a fashion stylist, and this is what I do today. 

Your fireplace is a real focal point - can you tell us more about it?
I always wanted a big fake fireplace and was looking for one on Amazon etc. But due to my small budget, especially at the beginning when I had just moved in, I bought a lot on eBay and a woman was giving away this fireplace for free! It's super big (130 cm x 130 cm) and wasn't painted. I used simple paint lacquer from hardware store Orb. Most people who visit my place think it's always been there. One of my friends wasn't convinced at the beginning and asked why I wanted something so big in my living room! But as soon as I added the colour and decorated it, she got the idea. It has also been green before, so who knows how long the blue will stay!

Fireplace before:

Fireplace in green:

"The green was also a simple mix from the hardware store. I love all the colour cards and it's actually quite cheap. Sure, I love Farrow & Ball but sometimes, cheap doesn't mean bad quality. And the good thing is you can match the lacquer with the exact same colour."

Fireplace today:

The wall has been painted in 'Hochzeitsblau' from the new heritage series by Schöner Wohnen 

Who do you live with?

I have no pets or anyone else living in my apartment. So, it's just me and exactly 19 plants. I'm always counting them when I water so I don't forget any of them!

A group of vases from H&M Home and Søstrene Grene make a lively display on the mantel piece. 

When did you move in?

I've lived in this flat since Summer 2018, it used to be my boss's apartment in fact. 

Are you inspired by a particular interior style?

It's hard to say what interior style I like the most, because for me, it's like fashion. I never wear the same outfit twice in a row. With my apartment it's the same. I love making changes: some new curtains here, and new pillows there. 

IKEA kitchen cabinets have been painted in Graphite chalk paint from Rustoleum

Where do you shop for items for your home?

I love going to fabric stores or markets. I also like to use things I bought for a different purpose. Last time I ended up using a curtain for a DIY project and gave my headboard a completely new look!

I'm not sure I've ever seen such a narrow bathroom! Did it present any decorating challenges? 
Hahaha, yes! It's actually quite typical for these old Berlin buildings. My parents tell me that back in the day, people didn't even have a shower - just a toilet and the shower was added later. In my old flat, the bathroom was bigger, but it had super ugly tiles in aubergine. So, I was glad at least, that this one is in simple white and beige. Where the shower is today used to be a little storage room with a connecting door to the kitchen.

When I first came to look at the bathroom, I knew it would be a real challenge and that I would have to act really smart. No super big wall cupboards etc. Pinterest helped me a lot. I decided to go for a simple mirror with a wooden shelf beneath which my dad built for me. When my four-year-old nephew first came to visit my flat one Christmas, he couldn't believe how narrow my bathroom is and whispered: "Your bathroom is super skinny! Santa won't fit in here."

Curtains from Zara Home, Storage from IKEA, side table found on Ebay. 

How is life in Berlin right now? 

Quarantine is a big word here at the moment. Today, some shops reopened but everyone has to wear a mask when we go to the supermarket etc. I do take some long walks outside or ride my bike, but I am very lucky to have a balcony with sun 24/7. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us more about your home Juliane! Stay safe and well :)

****

I'm feeling really inspired by the fireplace idea. It just goes to show you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to create a fabulous focal point!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

If you're curious to see more pictures of Juliane's home, hop on over to her Instagram here: @ps_ihomeyou.

And how about peeking inside a few more Berlin homes today? Here are some of my all-time favourites:

The beautiful Berlin home and country retreat of Our Food Stories
Get the look from a serene family home in Berlin
A lovely understated, warm and inviting Berlin home

I can't wait to take my girls to this city, I've been planning it in my mind for years! Until then, I'll be taking inspiration from these lovely apartments and dreaming.

Have you ever visited Berlin?

Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Juliane / ps_ihomeyou

READ MORE...

1

A Rustic Danish Kitchen With Cool Industrial Touches

Oj oj oj! It's FRIDAY friends! Is it just me or did this week fly by? Only a flying visit from me today since I'm meeting Per by the water next to our house in approx 20 minutes for lunch - but I promise it's a goodie! I spotted this beautiful, rustic Danish kitchen over at Bungalow 5 a few days ago. Designed by interior architect Sif Grandorf, the kitchen occupies a small part of a beautiful home in the oldest quarter of Copenhagen. Sif was careful to keep to a fairly tight budget - using clever up cycling and handiwork where possible. The main investment was a Frame CPH unit (well worth it as they are beautifully made and will last a lifetime!) and a great range cooker. But above all else, I've got my on those lovely beams and exposed brick wall - which lends itself perfectly to industrial-style touches. Step this way for the tour! 

I've always wanted a wine glass rack but never quite figured out where to put it. Hmmm. maybe I need to revisit the idea! 

I love that the space feels so relaxed and lived-in. 

A perfect room tour with which to complete the week, don't you think?

Right friends, I'd better put my skates on! 

Leaving with you a few other kitchen's I love lately: 

The awe-inspiring private Danish kitchen of NOMA head chef 

8 ways to add instant hygge to your kitchen

Before and after: A Swedish kitchen gets a DIY make-over

10 beautifully simple ideas to steal from a Swedish kitchen

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Stay safe, stay well! 

Niki

Photography: Another Studio, shared with kind permission

READ MORE...

0