Swedish country style with a modern twist

I love the relaxed country-style vibe of this home from Swedish interior magazine Hus o Hem. If you look closely there are so many interesting features such as the painted chequered kitchen floor, vintage tins used as plant pots, 'Dalarna' horses in frames, hats hung on the walls and used as decoration and a pallet on wheels used as part of a modular sofa. Soooo much inspiration!

Hus o Hem, photography: Lina Ostling via 79 ideas.

Thank you for the great 'guest room tips' you gave me yesterday, I did my best to follow as many as possible (I'd love to come and stay if that's how much you pamper your guests!):

Habotai:  Fresh flowers and a scented candle
Jen Magazines and books about cookery, gardening and interiors etc.
Erin A card with the wireless internet password and fluffy towels
Kelly A tray with mints. water, snacks, alarm clock and slippers

Tonight we're going to enjoy a slice of Swedish tradition with a mini Crayfish party at home, maybe minus the schnapps - or is that boring of me?!!

A beautiful Swedish home in Österlen

Tomorrow is a big day in Sweden; Midsummer's eve. It's always a wonderful day (even though, by tradition the temperature drops by 10 degrees with horizontal rain!!). I've been learning how to make the midsummer wild flower crown for my two little girls hair and we'll all be leaping around a maypole like frogs (don't ask) out in the countryside. So to celebrate the occasion, here's a lovely home from a beautiful part of this region in Skåne - Österlen.

Hus o Hem, photography: Karin Foberg

I spy shabby chic dressers, beautiful mosaic tiled floors, crates used for shelving and Tolix chairs. What a lovely relaxed home from home don't you think? If you could see the surrounding nature of Österlen you'd be even more in love. You can see more pics and read more info about this home here.

And tomorrow I'll also be announcing the winner of the Japanese Washi tape! So don't forget to stop by and see if you've won (if you haven't entered, hurry! click here).

Niki x

A beautifully renovated parsonage in the Swedish countryside

This parsonage from the 1700's and featured in Lantliv had been uninhabited for fifty years. And then Gustaf Willers took it over and gave it a whole new lease of life. I absolutely love that he has stayed faithful to the style and the location but added a modern touch. I dream daily about buying a beautiful old Swedish house and renovating it. Perhaps one day i'll be posting about that? but for now, here's someone else's beauty!

Pictures: Lantliv via Planete Deco Photography: Anna Kern

If you understand Swedish it's worth taking a read of the article. There are so many lovely touches to the renovation, such as Gustaf's mother colouring in the 800 hand-printed flower baskets on the bedroom wallpaper by hand. Now that's dedication!  Makes me think. What can changes can I make in my home just by taking the time to use good old fashioned handiwork?