Small Space Inspiration From Swedish Attefall Houses

I've always marvelled at the way Swedes decorate small spaces in such a practical, yet aesthetically beautiful way. It really is an art form. 'Attefalls' are small Swedish houses that measure less than 30 metres square (322 square feet). I've always found them to be a great source of inspiration for small spaces. Here's a round-up of some of my favourites corners (from various abodes). I hope you find them as inspiring as I do - and can find some ideas for your own small spaces, wherever you are in the world!

 

 

There are so many clever ideas here! I especially love the loft beds and kitchen ideas! 

Did you spot anything you loved? 

I found all these pics over at Sommernöjen - the architects who specialise in making these beautiful small houses. Check out their portfolio for more inspiration. 

If you're looking for storage ideas, these small houses probably aren't so helpful as they're built for short term stays. However, there's plenty more small space inspiration to be found in this My Scandinavian Home archive! 

Before I wrap up the week, I'd like to say, once again, a big thanks for all your comments on my post on Wednesday. I have read every single one of them as they continue to come in and will carry your thoughts with me along with my own reflections. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sommernöjen. Pictures 1,2 and 3 from Plaza, photographer Lennart Weibull, stylist Lina Kjellvertz. 

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A Charming Farmhouse in Piteå, Sweden

Thank you so much for all your comments yesterday, I read every single one of them and will carry them with me along with my personal reflections as I continue to provide this positive bubble of Scandi love each day. So friends, today, I'm whisking you away on a journey far, far North to Piteå, Sweden and the beautiful country home of Jessica Lindberg. Jessica lives in a farmhouse dating back to 1891 with her husband, two children and two cats. Originally from Piteå, Jessica and her husband lived in Malmö for 16 years and returned two years ago. Their traditional red and white farmhouse is full of interesting details - from the walls which feature everything from tiles, wallpaper, shades of blue and beige, exposed wood beams, marble and stone - to an array of lighting, art and fresh flowers at every turn! Enjoy the tour! 

How lovely! You can tell Jessica has carefully thought out every single element of the living space. I also love how she has combined vintage finds with some contemporary Scandinavian pieces. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

You can see more of Jessica's home on her instagram @rangas_etc.

Other lovely Scandinavian farmhouses to peek inside today: a lovely pared-back Skåne farmhouse, a pretty Västragötland farmhouse and the inspiring farmhouse of a Swedish photographer. Further afield, I love this idyllic farmhouse for a family of five and a beautiful and unique Dutch farmhouse. 

Anyone else feeling tempted with rural life? All that space! 

Here at home, we're preparing for my stepson's graduation from school tomorrow. Taking your 'Studenten' is a really huge thing in Sweden (up there with other big life events such as births and weddings! - is it big in your country too?). It's a really joyous event. Teenagers run out from their schools - huge grins on their faces, throwing their graduation caps in the air before touring the town blowing whistles and waving flags. They then return home to celebrate with family and friends. Sadly, the celebration is marred with the Coronavirus social distancing rules this year, but we're doing our best to ensure he has a memorable day all the same (naturally, I put myself on decoration duties!).  Better get on! 

I'll be back tomorrow with more Scandi home love! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jessica Lindberg

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Reflection.

I have always seen My Scandinavian Home as a positive bubble and somewhere people can come each day to escape, even if for a fleeting moment of time. But then the words of Desmond Tutu came swirling into my head: "If you are neutral in situations off injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

What is happening around the world is unacceptable and I stand in support of justice for people of colour and against racism. What can I do better both in my personal life, here in this wonderful online community and the content I share? This is a question I will be reflecting on and take with me as I continue to blog about beautiful Scandinavian-inspired homes and design.

In the meantime, thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to continuing to share this positive bubble of Scandinavian-inspired design with you each day!

Niki

Drawing found via Black Crane with thanks

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A Beautiful Danish Cabin By The Sea Becomes a Lockdown Haven

I'm so happy you enjoyed the Swedish summer cottage yesterday - someone on facebook even said they were keen to buy it, how fun would that be? We could all go to stay! Since the sun is still shining in Scandinavia I thought I'd stick with the summer cottage theme, and transport you to a wonderful, earthy cabin in Smidstrup, a small fishing village near Gilleleje (which I've had the pleasure of visiting many times by boat), just North of Copenhagen. The cabin belongs to Simone Polk Dahl, who's beautiful, golden Copenhagen apartment I featured not long ago. In the summer months, Simone and her family swap city life for this lovely oasis. I caught up with the artist and interior stylist to find out more about how it has become her haven during lockdown, where she sources her vintage furniture and what it's been like to swap life on the 5th floor for a small cabin by the sea. 

When did you buy the house?

We bought the house four years ago.

Have you carried out any renovation work?

We have not done that much with it besides building a terrace and painting over the hemp wallpaper and the 80s lookalike wood ceilings. 

Where do you find most of your furniture? 

The majority of our furniture comes from the local flea markets up here. You can find some real treasures! 

Do you look out for specific pieces?

Since it's a house from the sixties, I try to find pieces from the same period. Examples include our coffee table and the lounge chair by Bernt Pedersen which I picked up for 300 DKK (around €40) at a thrift store. The sofa is an old one which brought up here from our apartment - and is also a sixties piece by Erik Jøgensen.  

How often do you visit your cabin?

We spend most weekends here and have staying here for the past five weeks during the Corona lockdown. We have really appreciated having a garden to relax in and the sea close by for a calm, cold dip.  

It sounds like the perfect haven! Has your life changed during this period?

I was so happy living in a small space up here, that I really considered selling our apartment and moving to this little house permanently. When you live on the 5th floor, it's feels like paradise to be able to open the door and be outside. I have found myself getting quite nerdy about the garden too. I have a nightly check on all the flowers and trees to see if they've grown during the special spring season. I also learned to run up here and did so every second day without exception. Now it's back to the 5th floor only having a ton of stairs as my daily exercise!! 

Thank you for sharing more about your life at this wonderful little house Simone! It's absolutely beautiful! 

***

Did you see the wall unit with all the shells? When I hold talks (or write books) about Scandinavian design I often refer to the way Scandinavians take a beautifully subtle approach to bringing the outside in. For example, when you live by the sea it can be tempting to go all out and add sea themed elements to your home such as fabrics with anchor or boat themes, 'gone fishing' signs etc, when actually all that's needed (in my mind at least) is shells or pebbles picked up during a stroll along the beach, a piece of driftwood on a table top or wildflowers plucked from the roadside. 

Some great examples can also be found in this feature: 15 Coastal Living Ideas To Steal From A Breath-taking Danish Home. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

In case you missed it, you can take a peek inside Simone's beautiful Copenhagen apartment here. And find more inspiration on her fab instagram feed @polkenstudio. 

Have a lovely day, 

Niki

My thoughts are with what's happening in America right now.  My Instagram will be blank today as part of #blackouttuesday in support of justice for people of colour and against racism. 

Photography courtesy of Simone Polk Dahl - shared with kind permission. 

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An Idyllic Swedish Summer Cottage In a Former Telegraph Station

Summertime in Sweden. Time for me to start obsessing over buying a summer cottage on the island off Gotland. If I had it my way, I'd be on a Baltic Sea ferry chugging out to the island on the first day of the school holidays. There are two key issues though. Firstly, Per is a sailor and secondly the island is all but closed to visitors this year (at least, under Swedish government recommendation). So, I'll do what I do best (please do join me) - dream! And this idyllic limestone property is today's object of desire! Located in Storsudret near the southern tip, this genuine Gotland limestone cottage was once a telegraph station. The owners have renovated it using a subtle palette of soothing light greys and greens, while being careful to maintain its late 19th century charm. Did I mention it's also a stone's throw from the coast and a few hundred metres from a bakery? Oh, how I'd love to spend my summer here. If you snap it up (yes, it's on the market) - can I drop by for a crepe (sounds random, but this is one of the culinary delights of the island!). There's no need to decide right away - take a look through the pics and dream a little first! 

I love that the interior has been kept beautifully simple and pared down in a palette of soft grey and earthy green, while the exposed wood beams add plenty of warmth.

As with all Scandinavian summer cottages, the nature takes centre stage - and life moves outside whenever the weather allows. 

Clever use of patterned tiles help to protect the wood floor from constant comings and goings. 

These antique Swedish benches are popular in summer cottages since they double up as storage, aren't they lovely?

 

This is the rustic entrance to a smaller outhouse on the grounds - which is ideal for extended family or visitors. I love the rag rug, clogs and sheepskin. You can't really get more Swedish than this! 

 

The simplicity of this bathroom is typical of an island where people come to enjoy a back-to-basics lifestyle There is a distinct rustic vibe throughout the island - it's entirely unique! 

What do you reckon? Could you imagine spending your summers here? A visit in the winter might also be on the cards: listening to the distant sound of the waves of the Baltic Sea thundering onto the rugged coastline, while enjoying a book by the fire. 

Sold? It's currently on the market here! 

Prefer a more unusual dwelling? How about this windmill that's also for sale?! 

I hope this cottage has put as little spring in your step for the start of the week. In case you'd like to see a few more Gotland cottages, put your feet up and get misty-eyed over a rustic summer cottage (available to rent!), an island retreat and a beautiful limestone farmhouse. 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Handelsbanken.

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