A Beautifully restored Country Retreat in Burrawang

While I may have focused on all things Autumn on Instagram yesterday (those Scandinavian wool and alpaca blankets are a must, after all), other parts of the world are slowly emerging into spring. And James Watts - managing director of ethically run rug store Armadillo, his partner Tony and their dog teddy - will be enjoying the season to come in style. 

Located in the historic village of Burrawang (great name!), in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, their 1930s weatherboard cottage has been lovingly restored into a cosy country retreat. For the look, James' drew on his design background and a previous career in set design - and the pair wanted to create a layered, cohesive look with a British touch. Think one-off vintage finds, heirlooms, textiles and art as well as nature-based colours inspired by the countryside and sea. 

Ready to take a tour of their cosy home? Step this way! 

James and Tony worked hard to restore many of the original features, and anything beyond repair was replaced with consideration to the 1930s architecture. A front porch and decking were also added.  

The cosy, light-filled dining area is comprised of a built-in bench topped with textiles from Cultiver, classic Thonet chairs and a rug from Armadillo. 

Walls painted in Porter's paint Highlands Grey add contrast and drama to the kitchen - as well as a sense of cosiness in winter. The stools are from Great Dane and rug from Armadillo. Many of the smaller pieces are vintage. 

A basket / pot from Water Tiger rests on a table picked up at Lydie Du Bray antiques. A vintage light from Emac & Lawton lighting can be seen to the right. The jute rug is from Armadillo. 

The house has two bathrooms, the first of which is kitted out with fittings from The English Tapware Company and tiles from Teranova. 

The bedroom wall has been painted in Porter's duck egg (the bespoke bathroom cabinet looks like a similar shade but is actually Porter's Arctic Bay, the table lamps are from Bragg & Co and the bed linen picked up at Society Limonta. 

What a perfect retreat. I love the blend of Australian country with British nostalgia - it really speaks to me! 

Is there anything that stands out to you about James and Tony's country home? 

I'm particularly grateful to photographer Marnie Hawson for the kind permission to feature these images. I'm constantly inspired by Marnie's work having featured many of the homes she has captured in the past including her own vintage-inspired living space in a former post-office. Marnie is a values-driven photographer working with people and brands who have a genuine commitment to the environmental and social impact of what they do. I particularly love her Prints for Wildlife - with 100% of profits going directly to independent wildlife shelters. 

Fancy taking a peek around more homes Down Under this weekend? There are plenty to feel inspired by here (if this cottage pops up first, just scroll on by - although I can understand if you'd like to look through the pictures again!). 

Right folks, that's it from me this week. I hope you have a wonderful few days and see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson 

Styling: Olga Lewis

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A Charming Summer House in the Finnish Countryside

I'm on a roll with Finnish homes this week (still dreaming about that cabin by sea, how about you? This lovely 1960s home in the countryside belongs to Nina Möller, co-founder of Bang Interiors. In her design work, Nina strives to create spaces that centre around quality, comfort, functionality and sustainability - all factors that transcend into her own family summer house. White walls provide a backdrop for an eclectic blend of furniture which includes vintage finds, antiques, design classics and contemporary touches. The result is a relaxed home in which to kick back and relax all summer long! 

What a perfect place to switch off and unwind! I can just imagine sitting out on the terrace while the children run around on the grass under the midnight sun! 

Could you imagine wiling away your summer here too? 

For more summer house inspiration today, pull up a chair and scroll through the Summer Cottage archive - there are hundreds of beautiful spaces to look at from the past ten years! 

Happy hump day friends (I'll never get used to that term - I think it's the British in me!!). 

Niki

Photography: Krista Keltanen / Editor & stylist Jonna Kivilahti, shared with kind permission

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One Swedish Apartment, Two IKEA hacks!

Hejsan! One thing I've learned over the years, is never walk around a flea market (or IKEA for that matter) and see everything at face value. Instead, see it for its potential! Love the shape of a cabinet but not sure about the wood? Paint it. Love the legs of a table but dislike the top? Change it. There is SO much you can do! Just look at the bed in the home of Hanna Söderström. Hanna loved the shape of a second-hand bed frame but wasn't keen on the heavy, dark wood, so she painted it in a wonderful grey to blend in with the walls - and it gave the piece a whole new lease of life in the process! 

For a more simple approach, take the IVAR cabinet from IKEA. It's become one of the most hacked items in the collection, and you rarely see a Swedish home without it. In this lovely open-plan Gothenburg apartment, it pops up twice, can you see where? Enjoy the tour, there are plenty of other ideas to steal too! 

I love the layout of this open-plan living space - it has a zone for everything! Pay special attention to the lamps too, which include the Formakami pendant* and Panthella table lamp* - both fabulous! 

It's amazing what a single branch from the garden / surrounding area can do for a space - plus it's free!

Styling tip: it's hard to find really tall indoor plants without paying through the roof. Place larger plants on stools to give the illusion of height and keep it from marking the floor (at least, until you've lovingly nurtured it to grow to the ceiling!). This teak round stool* is similar.  

IKEA IVAR cabinet hack number one: the exterior has been painted in a fab salmon pink to add a touch of colour to the children's bedroom. The shade also helps to tie the bedroom in with the hallway. It's also been given new legs (available from companies such as Pretty Pegs). 

IVAR cabinet hack number two: in the hallway the same cabinet has been adapted with a ribbed front and new pine legs. If you're a bit of a dab hand, you can easily recreate this look with wood from your local DIY store. If not, try companies such as Superfront - who make cabinet doors, handles, knobs and legs for IKEA furniture. 

Sidenote: I updated an IVAR cabinet in Liv's room. Note that it was originally designed to be wall mounted and can be unsteady when you attach legs so make sure you fasten it to the wall to avoid injury to yourselves and objects! 

Styling tip: Sometimes hallways are just too narrow / small to add a load of furniture and can feel a bit bare if painted one shade. Wallpaper like this one, helps to add interest without cluttering up the space. 

Do you like to hack furniture? If so, please do share your tips / favourite hacks in the comment section and inspire us! 

I loved hearing the debate on wrinkled / non-wrinkled bedding in the comment section on Friday! What are your thoughts on this? 

I'm about to shoot off to photograph a beautiful autumn piece in my sitting room (keep an eye on instagram tomorrow to see what it is!) - but before I leave, here are a couple of other homes you might like: 

A delightful, small danish apartment in calm, earthy tones

The golden, vintage-inspired home of Sarah Shabacon

Keeping it real in a family home in the heart of Copenhagen

Vi ses imorgon! 

Niki

This home is for sale via Alvhem. Photography: Henrik Linden, Styling: Grey Deco Interiors

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An Idyllic Finnish Summer Cabin on the Water's Edge

Hello friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Here in Scandinavia, it looks like the summer isn't ready to give up on us just yet - and we're being treated to a last hurrah, with blue skies and sunshine. In honour of this, I'm excited to be taking you on a tour of a wonderful Finnish summer cabin. Perched on a rocky incline, overlooking the water, the timber cabin is situated on a secluded island close to Rymättylä, South Finland. Owner, Nina Ahonen - interior designer and stylist - has created a wonderful, laidback oasis, from which to switch off from the world and enjoy the magic of the surroundings. The cabin is accessed by boat from Helsinki. Here's a peek inside. 

How incredible! 

When we're out sailing (binoculars out!), I often spot idyllic cabins like this one on the various islands we pass. They always look so idyllic. 

Could you imagine wiling away a summer here? 

Other Finnish summer cabins and cottages to love: 

A contemporary Finnish cabin on the water's edge

Tour an idyllic Finnish summer cabin

An idyllic Finnish summer cabin with a sea view

And for something more year-round with ALL the warm feels: 

A magical rustic family farmhouse in rural Finland 

A Finnish cabin in wintertime

A charming family home in the Finnish countryside 

Gaaah, take me to Finland (I'm currently obsessed with this country as I've just written an article for a magazine about Lapland - I promise to let you know once it's published!). It's such an incredibly varied country - from the summer paradise in the south, to the frozen Arctic Circle in the North where husky sledding and the Aurora Borealis await! 

Here's to an inspiring start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Krista Keltanen, Researcher, journalist and stylist: Jonna Kivilahti - shared with kind permission.

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Bedroom Details: One bench, Two Different ways

Sponsored by Skovby, all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I love

Do you find that you only know something was missing until you add it - often by accident? I was asked by Danish brand Skovby to photograph the beautiful #833 Bench. I was originally considering placing it by the kitchen table, or in the hallway - but following my bedroom make-over last week, I realised where it really belongs is at the foot of my bed! If you have the space for one, benches are ideal as they can be used for so many different things - a place to sit and get dressed in the morning, somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee (it makes a great midpoint between languishing in bed and entering the world!) - or a perfect place to store books and other treasures. Here's this beauty of a bench, styled two different ways: 

1. The dressing bench 

Why hop about the room trying to put on socks when you can chill on a bench in style! Place a little basket underneath for slippers or chunky knit socks and blankets. If you feel the chill in the night, you can reach down and grab it, without even rustling the covers! 

Any bench will do, as long as it's the right length. But I have to say, the Skovby #833 Bench is absolutely beautiful - and ideal. It's crafted from solid wood and 170 cm long making it a perfect three-seater and an ideal length for a180 cm wide bed (it's little sister, the #832 bench is 120 cm is suitable for narrower ones). 

If you prefer a darker look, it's also available in oak oil and black oak versions - all with the lovely brass detail. 

2. The storage bench:

The long surface makes this bench an ideal place for books and other items - a little like a mini library at the foot of your bed!  For this styling we also added a vase with lilac from the garden - but I am the first to admit it's not entirely practical as Per pointed out (while removing countless cushions before settling in for the night!!). I was merely exercising a little artistic license, and it does look pretty, right?

Not only does solid wood have a beautiful patina, it can also last a lifetime when handled with care. Soap and vegetable oils can help to impregnate, nourish and maintain the wood so it stays beautiful. 

Needless to say, I'm keeping this bench right where it is! 

Which look / use do you prefer ? Could you imagine having a bench at the end of your bed? Or perhaps you already do! 

If you're feeling inspired, hop over to Skovby to find your nearest store. 

See also: the perfect counter stool in my kitchen, Per's home office, my temporary dining room update and  a new glass cabinet. 

Have a fabulous, relaxing weekend - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark

Styling: Helen Sturesson

This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Skovby. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the exceptional Scandinavian businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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