An Idyllic Cottage in the Swedish Countryside

I might be sitting here at my laptop in the city of Malmö today, but that doesn't stop me from pretending I'm deep in the heart of the Swedish countryside. Fancy joining me? 

This quintessential Swedish estate in Katrineholm is made up of several buildings not unlike Astrid Lindgren's famous tale 'The Children of Noisy Village'. Laidback and unpretentious, the main cottage is filled with antique furniture, wildflowers and plenty of books creating a wonderful, homely space in which to read, play back gammon, tinker away on a piano or simply relax! 

On sunny days, life moves outside where everyone gets to splash around in the pool, tuck into long lunches or allow the sights and sounds of the Swedish wilderness to lull you into an afternoon nap. I'm sure it's a great area for chanterelle picking too - but the owners would never let on! 

How lovely. As someone who is currently thinking about building an outdoor cottage at our cabin, I was happy to see the simple solution of simply hanging a shower curtain (especially when the whole thing was getting more and more complicated in my mind). 

I also really like the timeless, typically Swedish white and grey interior - made cosy with extra plump sofas, sheepskins and a big fireplace! 

I'd love to hear what stood out to you. 

Could you imagine spending your summers here? If so, the property is currently for sale here. 

Now that I've got you in the mood, would you like to see a few other idyllic Swedish summer cottages today? 

Before and after: a rundown croft becomes an idyllic summer cottage

A charming swedish summer cottage in the forest

A beautiful swedish country home in a former Mission house

Oh, to spend the week in the Swedish countryside. Do you feel the same? 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Svenskfastighetsförmedling, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

17

Lisa's Playful, Warm and Relaxed Berlin Home

Friday's home tour calls for somewhere that you'd want to pull up a chair and hang out for a while, don't you think? Warm, inviting and relaxed, I think Lisa's Berlin home fits the bill perfectly! 

Located in an altbau (early 20th century) building  the 160 m2 living space has the most wonderful bones (think high ceilings, chequered tiles, beautiful stucco) - but it's the way that Lisa has decorated it that gives it that personal touch. The interior is a blend of Scandinavian design pieces, playful textiles and lovely lamps. A fan of plants and flowers, greenery is never far away despite the urban location. 

Ready for some Friday feels? 

Secret to chasing the winter blues away? Hang a hammock in the window beside palms so you can relax in the sun and pretend you're somewhere tropical! 

If you look closely at Lisa's home, you'll notice lots of playful details, like this curly cushion! 

The apartment is full of the most beautiful light thanks to the large windows and balcony doors. Golden touches seen in the yellow walls and chest-of-drawers help to accentuate the warm feel. 

Colourful rugs add a vibrant touch and look like art for the floor! 

Oh, how I'd love a walk-in-wardrobe like this, how about you? 

Lisa's apartment has really got me in the mood for the weekend, are you feeling it too?

Are there any details that caught your eye? Would you consider having a hammock in your home? 

So many questions today! 

While you ponder your answers, you can see more of this charming Berlin home over at @casa__lottii. 

The German city is known for its creativity and somewhere I love to visit every now and again (it's only around 6 hours drive from Malmö). Here are some other homes I've featured in the past:

My dear friend Igor's beautiful Berlin home
A light-filled family home with a Nordic touch
An edgy Berlin home full of contrast 

Right friends, it's time for me to wrap up here. Thank you so much for stopping by this week, I've loved reading all your comments and happy to hear you have enjoyed the tours! 

Kram!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @casa__lottii, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

15

Quirky Touches in a 19th Century Brick House in South Sweden

The other day, someone asked me "I am moving to Sweden and looking for somewhere in the South, with beautiful countryside, beaches and lots of culture, but also that's not far from a village or town." Luckily two different areas popped up in my head - one was Kullaberg - where my parents-in-law live, and a place I covered extensively in this travel guide. And the other was Österlen. 

Famous for its light, Österlen has been a popular destination for artist for hundreds of years and the countryside is absolutely beautiful. This pretty cottage, in Löderup is fairly near Sandhammaren beach, known for it's incredible white sands and clear waters. The quirky interior is testimony to the creative scene you so often find in the area, and yet it also has a serene feel to it thanks to the soft shades not dissimilar from the tones seen in the sand, shells and sea of the nearby beach. 

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of Beppe taking us around his Swedish family home and today I'll hand over to Snowy (*not his actual name, to be honest, I'm not sure what it is, but he sure is cute) for the tour! 

Thank you so much for the tour Snowy! You've certainly sold it to me.  

I love the quirky touches and the incredible view from the outdoor dining area. Naturally, I couldn't resist looking more into the property, and it's only a 15-minute cycle ride to the beach. Perfect! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely Swedish house? 

perhaps you'd like to be reminded of some other beautiful homes I've shown from Österlen in the past? Who could forget: 

Karen's charming summer house in the Skåne countryside

A 19th century Swedish cottage where the past meets the present

The dreamy country home of Laura and Nora of Our food Stories (the kitchen!)

Marianne's beautiful country home (you can also find her Stockholm city home here)

We're experiencing a very late summer heatwave here, and aware that it could be the last heat we have for a very long time, everyone is heading outside at every opportunity - myself included! 

I hope it's sunny where you are too! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bo-laget, shared with thanks. 

READ MORE...

14

A Cosy Swedish Family Home Filled with Books

Why, hej! How was your weekend? Ours was a mix of dips in the sea, thunderstorms (not at the same time, thankfully), work (too much on at the mo, and not at all 'lagom' - but thankfully only short term) and life in between (like arguing about who is going to empty the dishwasher). I hope yours was suitably varied, and lovely and relaxing.

So, let's kick off the week with something inspiring, shall we? Like a cosy Stockholm apartment. This home is dedicated to anyone who loves colour, pattern and likes to be surrounded by books (show of hands please?). It's also inspiring for anyone looking for cute ideas for a small space with young children (love the cot in the master bedroom and children's bedroom solution). 

Ready for a nosey? 

Note the climber in the kitchen window - with autumn closing in, it's a great way to create a 'green effect' while the trees lie dormant and create those nature-inducing feel good vibes. 

We're seeing so many statement-painted doors right now and I find them so inspiring. Would you consider painting a door a different colour in your home? 

FYI stripes continue to be a strong trend this autumn and tablecloths and cushions are a great way to add them to the home. 

The colour, the pattern, the warmth - the everything! 

A home for book and LP lovers, so great to see, don't you think? 

Notice how the owners have added pictures, bunting and other small touches to carve out a corner exclusively for the littlest member of the family, while the rest of the room still has a mature feel. 

There's always room for more books!

When space is limited, a desk and raised bed solution is a great way to ensure there is a zone for everything. 

I love this home as the owner's personality shines through. Plus, it's so well kitted out to display and store all their belongings and treasured items. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and observations below. 

Wishing you an 'underbart' start to the week! 

Niki

Photography Boukari, Styling by Copparstad Interior for Historiska Hem, shared with thanks. 

READ MORE...

21