A Calming Pared-back Swedish Country Home

This soothing Swedish country home is like a mid-week breath of fresh air. Located in the county of Småland and dating back to the 19th century,  the house has been carefully renovated by Anna and Kalle - who have a penchant for calming off-white tones and natural materials. 

Much of the furniture - such as the kitchen table and coffee table have been picked up second-hand and then given a new lease of life which a sanding machine and other tricks. And I love how the front door has been painted bright yellow - for a sunny start every day of the week! 

It's hard to imagine that it was an absolute wreck when they bought it. Let's take a peek at some of the corners that Anna and Kalle have captured of their lovely home: 

The gate-leg table was a hand-me-down from Kalle's parents and was meant to be used elsewhere. But the pair felt it was so beautiful that they decided to sand it down and treat it so that they could use it as a family dining table. 

The door has been painted in NCS code S3050-Y20R. 

Much of the wood floor and panelling you see is from Swedish company Baseco. 

Lovely! 

So calming. Which is exactly what I needed today! 

I can appreciate all kinds of interiors, and I find this minimalist, soothing look to be very restorative. Also, it is nice and light which will keep the family in good stead for the long winter ahead. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Anna and Kalle's home? 

You can see more snapshots as well as some before and after images over at @angagarden. 

Today, I'm in Cologne, Germany for a new fair called Orgatec 2024 which focuses on all the exciting things happening with the work space - if you'd like to follow along and see the latest trends, you can find all the info in my instagram stories. 

Have a happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @angagarden, shared with kind permission. 

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A Swedish Lamp Maker's Home Where Old Meets new

Other than creating a personal oasis, what would you describe as your 'thing' when decorating your home? In my house, I love lamps and lighting. For others, it might be about photos, art and books or the use of colour. Or maybe it could be a passion for plants, nostalgia or texture. 

In Thea Almroth's lovely Swedish home, I'd say it's about the details. Every time I look through the pictures of her home I spot something new and wonderful. It makes sense, after all Thea loves to spend her spare time trawling 'loppis' (flea markets) searching for curious objects. The entire space is a blend of small vintage finds as well as larger second-hand finds - resting beside new pieces for a wonderfully eclectic space. 

But the standout has to be the lamps! Thea is passionate about giving old lamps a new life with clay as well as making candleholders and other ceramic items - with many of her creations available to buy through her Instagram store Almroths Lampateljé. You'll spot these throughout her home making it perfect inspiration for when the clocks go forward in a few week's time! 

Välkommen! 

This is a fine example of one of Thea's lamp creations where art meets lighting! So fabulous! 

Orange lamps have become a bit of a micro-trend lately - and they're wonderful as they add instant warmth to a space. You can find this Bauhaus one here. 

The striped lamp atop the IKEA Ivar unit is another of Thea's ceramic creations. 

I have to say, I loved looking through these pictures to see what else I could spot - please dp let me know what you see in the comments, often it's something I have missed! 

You might like to follow Thea on her interior instagram to see more (she has also shared films of her bathroom and kitchen - which is currently being renovated) - and also keep an eye on her lamp atelier for something for your own home! 

Would you like to see a few homes belonging to artists and makers today? If so, check out: 

The fascinating Swedish home of an artist 

The cosy vintage inspired home of a ceramicist

A relaxed danish artists' Copenhagen cabin

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Thea Almroth, shared with kind permission

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Hannes' Cosy Swedish Apartment with a Yellow Kitchen

Do you remember the Helsingborg home of Hannes Mauritzson? It's hard to forget with his adorable pooch! Well, Hannes sold the apartment a couple of years ago and moved to Gothenburg where he snapped up a beautiful living space as well as a very cosy 'kolonistuga' (allotment cottage) which has become a bit of an instagram sensation. 

And now he's on the move again! Hannes has put so much love into his Gothenburg apartment, that it must be with a very heavy heart he has decided to sell it. I guess, he has a great plan - and I can't wait to see more. But one man's loss is another man's gain, as they say - and this means his beautiful, warm and 'mysigt' (cosy) home is waiting for a new owner. 

I am pretty sure it will be snapped up quickly - not least because if you're anything like me, you could move in and not have to change a thing - the colours and wallpapers Hannes has used are lovely! It's just a shame it won't come furnished as it's fill of the most amazing pieces from design lamps by the likes of Flos and Gubi to an array of vintage and antique furniture. 

Ready to take a peek?

Charming in every way, don't you think? 

I absolutely love these 'sekelskifte' (turn-of-the-century) apartments with all their incredible period features. Sadly, the house in Malmö from this period are eye-wateringly expensive to buy as they are in such high demand - it doesn't stop me from heading to the odd viewing though. Do you do that too? 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Hannes lovely apartment? Could you imagine living here? If so, you can see more pics and all the details over at Entrance. You might also like to head over to Hannes instagram to check out his little cottage and wait to see what he does next! 

But I'd rather you stay here and enjoy a little Swedish apartment love fest (I hope that didn't come out wrong - dreading where I might end up on google searches now!). Here are a few homes to love this weekend: 

The wonderful home of a Swedish food blogger

A cosy small Swedish apartment in earthy tones

A mid-century Swedish apartment with a warm feel

And how about taking a tour of some Swedish and danish allotment cottages? They are most likely closed for the season now, but they are great for small space inspiration; 

A rustic Danish allotment cottage

A charming allotment cottage in summertime

A Swedish allotment cottage in the heart of the city

The good news? It's Friday with two whole days to relax! My weekend will be filled with games of padel (does anyone else play? I love it!), taking my older daughter to a swim meet in Kristanstad, meeting a couple of friends in a British pub in town (to recharge my english batteries!), no doubt moving a few things around at home (completely unnecessarily, of course) and maybe, just maybe getting round to finally planting some spring bulbs (I keep putting it off, it's getting ridiculous now - do you do the same?). 

I hope you have got a couple of nice things lined up for the weekend too! 

Thank you so much for all your amazing comments this week- I'm looking forward to reading through and responding over the weekend. See you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Entrance, with thanks

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Step Inside the Cosy World of The Collector's House

Is there a public holiday coming up for you? We usually head to England for school half term but alas, that won't be the case this October, so I am cheering myself up with a virtual visit in the form of the extremely cosy The Collector's House - which is quintessentially English in every way!

Looking through the gallery, I can practically smell the tea brewing and hear the roar of the fire after a walk in the countryside. Maybe the moment would be accompanied by a slice of toast slathered in butter and jam. Or perhaps the fire is not enough to truly thaw out and I'd climb the rickety stairs for a soak in the claw foot tub. There's also that wonderful nook to snuggle up in - a perfect perch from which to look out at the rain lashing on the window or read a book. Oh, how I love England in Autumn! 

Come and take the tour with me and let's get nostalgic together - there's plenty to feel inspired by! Keep an eye out for the most beautiful vintage finds, rustic sidetables, ceramics and plenty of cosy touches. 

Can we also talk about that outdoor space? A covered area is so important to be able to make the most of a warmish day even in the rain - and this cosy little spot is a perfect gathering place with friends, don't you think?

I saw something similar on Instagram the other day and all the Aussies were like 'no thanks, I see spiders' - but in England the spiders are harmless so it's just to invite them to the party! 

Overall, such a charming cottage - I could totally see myself here and must book it for one of our trips home (it's available to rent through Sand & Stone Escapes - how exciting is that?). In the meantime, I'll be scouring antique sites and flea markets for itemswith which to fill my own home with. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Shall we take a look at more English homes today? 

before and after, a cosy Victorian house becomes a home

A beautiful Victorian house in Nottinghamshire

A lovely white cottage by the sea

Jane's cosy yet calm home

An artist's home and atelier in Cornwall

So many lovely ones! 

Happy Wednesday friends, 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sand & Stone Escapes / The Collector's House

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