An Idyllic Swedish Country House With a Party Barn!

Ever dream about moving to the Swedish countryside? Or somewhere rural near you? What makes me tempted is the nature (of course) but also how much space you get! Take this wonderful house near Hjälmaren (Sweden's fourth largest lake= - with its own party barn and workshop. Imagine? The interior has been impeccably decorated in an array of earthy tones and bold wallpaper. It's amazing what a splash of paint can do - something particularly noticeable in the kitchen where the cabinets, island and architrave has been painted in the same dramatic deep blue / grey tone. I have also always loved the idea of having a sofa in the kitchen - so sociable and cosy! Ready to feel inspired? 

Idyllic! 

I have to say, this house looks so familiar. I have shown SO many interior on here that it's hard to keep up - even if I have featured it many moons ago, it's well worth revisiting and this time round it's on the market via Historiska Hem - so someone's dream to move to the country is about to come true! Could it be you? 

Per would absolutely love that workshop. And imagine the parties you could have? So much fun! 

Speaking of the countryside, I discovered a new channel on Swedish TV yesterday - 'Den Stora Älgvandringen' ('The Great Elk Trek') - a channel purely dedicated to following the elk migration in real time through a series of hidden cameras in the North of Sweden. It's in its fifth season and has a cult following. I watched it for about ten minutes last night and absolutely nothing happened - no elk, no deer, not even a bird! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I think you may need a fair amount of patience to enjoy it! Swedish Psychologist have put its popularity down to being a perfect antidote to the fast paced life we lead. 

That said, if you live in a house like this one, I'm sure you'd spot passing elk every now and again! 

Happy Lillördag (little Saturday)! 

Niki

Styling: Copparstad Interior, Photography: Utsikten  / Historiska Hem

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Airbnb Tip: The Stonecutters Farm on the Swedish Island of Öland

Hot off the press: The Stonecutters Farm on the Swedish island of Öland has just been released on Airbnb for bookings! But first, a little background! 

Christin (an interior designer) and Ronny stumbled across this charming little farmhouse in the Baltic one late Autumn nine years ago. It had been derelict for many years and was in desperate need of repair. "We started a long journey of renovations and at the same time looked into the history of the farm and its surroundings," Christin told me. 

It transpired The Stonecutter's farm was a historical gem with roots dating back to the 19th century, an important era for limestone quarrying on Öland. The pair set about restoring the property, while being careful to maintain as much of the original features as possible. The garden has also been excavated and a wonderful pool added with views over the fields. In my mind, I'm already sipping a Pripps blå beer in one of those loungers!), not for too long though, as there's an island to explore.

"The surroundings are incredibly special, with the beautiful Stone Coast nature reserve a short bike ride away," Christin adds. With the renovation finally complete, the Stockholm-based family of five love to visit the island as much as possible year round. And now they've opened up the opportunity for others too! 

Let's take a peek inside. 

The sunroom / front porch and upstairs have been clad in wood panelling, while rattan furniture also adds to the relaxed vibe. 

Stacks of pebbles connect the interior with the nearby coast. 

The grey kitchen cabinets are designed to match the limestone surroundings. 

The master bedroom is just off the kitchen and is complete with a tiled masonry oven for cosy winter nights! 

The upstairs is made up of a sitting room area and second bedroom. 

The farmhouse is full of charming vintage finds. 

I love the upstairs bedroom; it looks so peaceful. The dark beams, bedspread, vase and vintage frame add contrast to the space. A simple clothes rail (glimpsed left) is all that's needed in a simple summer house! 

The pool I was talking about! 

What an idyllic cottage and such a perfect base from which to explore the island (I included it in my Baltic island hopping guide). 

Could you imagine spending your holiday here? You can find more information about The Stonecutters Farm and book your week on airbnb. It's also well worth following @thestonecuttersfarm on instagram for inspiration too! 

See also: 

A charming croft on the Swedish island of Öland

A Swedish cottage on its own island

Did I mention that the Swedish royal family also holidays on the island? You can visit Solliden Palace during your stay (one summer Prince Carl Philip of Sweden ran past me while out on a jog - I couldn't believe it - I did a double take!). Did you know he's a designer and was involved in the design of the Helix collection by Georg Jensen? 

Have a great start to the week, 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @thestonecuttersfarm with kind permission. 

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Emilie's Charming Family Home Among the Rooftops of Strasbourg

It's Friday people - woohoooo! I hope you've got some fun plans for the weekend. Perhaps a little interior 'zhuzhing' in the mix? If so, I've got plenty of inspiration for you here on MSH! 

Today, we're heading to Emilie's home high up in the rooftops of Strasbourg, France which she shares with her husband and two young children Jeanne and Gustave. Emilie loves to surround herself with beauty - and has created a wonderful home to return to after a day working as a general practitioner doctor. Despite the tricky angles and beams, every room feels spacious and full of light (keep a look out for cover use of dormer windows and skylights) - and there's somewhere to relax around every corner. 

Ready to take a peek? Bienvenue! 

The dining room and sitting room is all one room and a glass partition separates the home office from the main living space. I am often asked about glass room dividers - if you're a dab hand, you could build one yourself, if not, I'd recommend a company like Elfa or Velfac. 

There's something about a piano in a home, don't you think? - just the sight of one is enough to make me feel relaxed. Alice used to play, and I loved hearing her practise (so much better than a recorder!). 

A close up of the room partition - a smart solution if you have one large room which needs dividing but you still want to keep the light. 

I really like how Emilie has included accent walls throughout her home. The colour in the master bedroom is not unlike the 'Blushing peach' we used to have in our bedroom. 

Emilie's prettiest summer dresses hang from a DIY open rail. 

The children share a bunkbed (from Oliver Furniture). Pretty wallpaper from Sandberg adds interest on the side away from the windows. 

I love the black radiator here.

The vintage school desk provides plenty of space for creating (there is some fantastic vintage school furniture available on Etsy*).

*affiliate link.

Skylights fill the bathroom with light and a shelf allows for art or other items in a tight space. 

Very charming! 

I think my favourite thing is how the light dances off a disco ball in the main room (it's Friday after all!), and of course the children's room - I'd have loved a room like this when I was little! 

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

See more corners of Emilie's home over at @lunettesetsalopettes. 

And here are a few other wonderful French homes from the archives to explore this weekend: 

A relaxed, vintage style family home in the French countryside

The fabulous eclectic home of a French antique dealer

A dreamy vintage-inspired home in the French Riviera

Lovely black floors in the home of a French stylist

Alexandra's home in the French countryside

There are even a couple of homes belonging to Swedes (something special happens when two cultures combine!): 

The home of a Swedish photographer and French milliner

A charming Swedish home in the South of France

I hope this has given you plenty of ideas for your own home!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @lunettesetsalopettes with kind permission

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