Hannah's Swedish City Apartment and Country Summer Cottage

Despite the sunshine, there's a distinct crispness to the air and the start of Autumn is ever-present - are you noticing that too? Many Swedish summer cottages have been boarded up for the winter, but for some, the hideaway is just close enough to enjoy the last of the summer sun with relaxed weekends away. I've been doing this with ours, and it's like two different worlds - one urban, with routines and schedules to keep, the other wild and free! 

I've always marvelled at the difference in the decor between city apartments and summer cottages in Sweden. To emphasise this, I thought we could step into the lovely world of Hannah Persson today. Hannah and her family divide their time between an apartment in the centre of Gothenburg and a summer cottage two-hours way close to beautiful lake Vänern just outside Lidköping.

Let's start with her city abode! 

The city apartment

Hannah and her family's city apartment is blessed with turn-of the-century features including high ceilings, large windows and double doors. It has a wonderful calm vibe, making it the perfect oasis to return to after a hectic day of work, nursery and other family activities. 

The living space is full of mid-century furniture, art, and cosy patterned rugs against a backdrop of calm, earthy tones. 

Rug found at Myrorna (the Swedish version of Salvation Army). Round paper rice lamps from Hay are hugely popular in Swedish homes right now. 

The wool wall hanging is by Swedish artist Ingegerd Silow, below is a curated display which includes a Transparent radio, mirror, plant and paper lamp. 

Blanket by Arket

Bedside lamp Svenskt Tenn, baby bed Garbo & Friends

The summer cottage 

From the traditional red and white facade to the charming small rooms with original touches from times gone by, Hannah and her family's country getaway is everything you would imagine a traditional Swedish cottage to be and more. 

Hannah has furnished the living space with a mix of items picked up at flea markets and second hand stores, giving the home a lovely relaxed vibe. 

Items such as wall hung sunhats help to add a summery touch to the space. 

I was asked in the comment section about these wonderful fireplaces. The Swedish Kakelugn is a tiled oven which started to appear in Swedish homes as early the 1700s. The unit is designed to radiate heat at a constant temperature over many hours, making it a highly efficient way to keep a house warm. Many are still in working condition today, although more often than not they're used for the 'mys' factor (cosiness) rather than for actual heating! 

Despite being inefficient compared to modern triple or quadruple glazed windows you find in year-round homes, original windows like these are highly coveted in Swedish summer cottages. The glass has a slight waviness / imperfection to it which adds to the character of the house. 

The folk-art basket is a wonderful nod to the history of the cottage. 

Flowers from the garden reflect the season, and floral bedding also helps to draw nature indoors, while simple hooks reflect the relaxed grab and go lifestyle so enjoyed at the cottage. 

Displays tend to be less curated and more a thrown together selection of pieces - in the bedroom an impromptu dressing area includes a small vintage mirror with hooks and a jug used as a vase. 

Carefree days are spent picking wildflowers, swimming in the nearby lake - or perhaps simply doing nothing at all. 

I know where I'd rather be - how about you? 

Still, both properties are beautiful in their own way - and it's fascinating to see how the homes have been decorated in a slightly different style, don't you? 

You can see more snapshots from Hannah's apartment and cottage over at @hannahperssons. 

On another note, I'm receiving lots of emails about the My Scandinavian Home subscription - I've had to change it so if you are no longer receiving mails to your inbox each time I post, please re-sign up below! Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you so much for following along, I love this community. 

Happy Wednesday friends. See you Friday!

Kram!

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Hannah Persson, shared with kind permission

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A Wabi-Sabi Inspired Getaway in the Bay of Fires, Tasmania

I love living in Scandinavia. Having been here for 18 years, I consider it my home. But sometimes - especially on a Monday morning - it's great to dream about faraway places! As you know, I've had my eye on Tasmania for many years (and now my sister Charlie - also has her heart set on on Tas thanks to some of the places here on MSH! I tell you, it's catching!). 

Maybe you'll also be tempted once you've seen the pictures of the beautiful SABI cabin in the Bay of Fires, designed by Fred and Jessica Eggleston. Described as a 'refuge of calm, free from distraction' the handcrafted stone cabin is serene, simple, raw and refined. Intentionally sparse yet rich in texture, romantic, spacious yet intimate - the cabin is located a short distance from the bay with its many hidden coves and cliff walks. The only thing you need to decide is whether to enjoy a book by the fire, soak in the Japanese-inspired tub or head out for a walk by the sea. I vote for all three. 

The kitchen has been kitted out with custom ceramic dinnerware and cast-iron cookware as well as everything you need to brew yourself the perfect cup of coffee (this could well be the tipping point for convincing Per - he does love his morning coffee!). 

The bathroom is inspired by a Moroccan hideout complete with floor to ceiling micro cement for a spa-like feel. My eye is on the rain shower.

Could you imagine getting away from everything here for a few days? 

Even if Tasmania is a little bit of stretch for many of us being so far, a girl can dream! Plus, there's lots of inspiration to take away from this striking interior.

I particularly love the wooden tub and can well imagine a soak in it. It's been made from a repurposed barrel and features a liner handcrafted from salvaged copper.  So clever! 

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

See more of SABI cabin at @sabi.stays and book your stay on Airbnb. 

Oh, and here are a a few other dreamy Tasmania hideaways: 

A cosy hideaway by the sea

Captain's Cottage

The Butcher's House

Whale Song Shack

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson 

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Alexandra's Vintage-Inspired Home in The French Countryside

I often think homes are like books: they all have a story to tell. In a library you'll find many genres, and it's the same with living spaces. While some might be akin to romantic novels, others are more playful and colourful - like a comic! Alexandra's home in Chanterelle, central France, is like poetry.

Alexandra has furnished her living space entirely with one-off pieces sourced at vintage and antique markets (how I'd love to visit France purely for the purpose of visiting antique markets.... and maybe the cuisine. OK, the wine too... actually, I could as well soak up some culture while I'm there too!), ensuring every single room is filled with treasures. Subtle, earthy tones, a wonderful stone floor and exposed wood ceiling as well as clever use of paint create a perfect backdrop and add to the overall charm. 

Bienvenue chez Alexandra! 

How beautiful! I almost feel like I'm there, it's a strange sensation. 

Is anyone else now planning to scour flea markets this weekend? Preferably in France, of course!

Incidentally, Alexandra sells a selection of vintage accessories online here (and you can see more of her home over at @milkandhomefamily).

Note the paintwork throughout the house. Using darker shades on architrave, doors, skirting boards and even ceilings is the trend du jour! I think it looks beautiful and in older homes, really helps to enhance period features. 

Would you like to look around a few more French homes this weekend? Here are a few others I love: 

A relaxed, vintage inspired house in the French countryside

The fab home of a French stylist and photographer

Inside the Parisian home of a chef and photographer 

What book genre would you associate your home with? Tricky one actually, I'm looking around mine and currently drawing a blank! 

Have a wonderful weekend friends. À bientôt!

Niki

Photographer courtesy of Alexandra / @milkandhomefamily

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