A truly idyllic Swedish 'kolonistuga' (allotment cottage)

With July just around the corner Swedes across the country are gearing up for the summer vacation. Some will go abroad, some to summer cottages. And some wile away the long days at a 'kolonistuga'; a small cottage on an allotment. This pretty, pared-back kolonistuga just outside Gothenburg, belongs to Elin Lannsjö and her boyfriend Viktor who enjoy relaxing summers bare-foot, tending to their garden and entertaining friends.  When it comes to decorating, Elin relies on her gut feeling, selecting items made from natural materials such as wood, stone, cermics (including her own creations) and natural colours. What a truly idyllic space! Could you spend your summer here?

Lovely Life: Styling Johanna Bradford. Photography Kristin Lagerqvist

Oh so lovely, don't you think?

Sadly we can't all have a Swedish 'kolonistuga' but the great thing is we can create a wall of chopping boards, straw hats or anything else that takes our fancy (do you have a collection gallery wall?). I also love the Thonet chairs painted in matt black leaving only the tip of the legs in natural wood - this trick could be used to spruce up flee market finds or items at home you've grown tired of (remember these beds and side table legs painted in neon?!). There's always Pretty Pegs too. I see a potential DIY project for the weekend, do you? And it's only Monday! 

See more images and read about this lovely home here (in swedish).

Other home tours beautifully captured by Kristin and Johanna include the boho home and atelier of a Swedish artist and a relaxed space with floaty linens. Or if you're after more 'kolonistuga' inspiration - how about this one?!

Have a great start to the week!

An idyllic Swedish summer cottage in Orust

With preperations under way in Sweden for one of the biggest events of the calendar year - midsummer's eve, I thought it would be apt to show a pretty former sea captain's cottage over looking the beautiful Gothenburg archipelego, on Sweden's west coast. What a perfect spot this would be to enjoy the longest day of the year: sing, eat and dance around a maypole with family and friends, don't you think?

55 Kvadrat. Photography: Anders Bergstedt

Just so idyllic!

And guess what...it's for sale! How incredibly tempting! Could you spend your summer's here?

More pictures and the complete details here.

The Gothenburg archipelago is one of my favourite places in the world, it's absolutely stunning. My family and I have spent many incredible summers sailing around the islands. Do let me know if you ever visit and I can give you some tips.

More Scandinavian summer cottage tours here if I've got you in the mood (this one might come up first so just scroll passed). 

Don't miss my mini midsummer's eve guide tomorrow...wild flowers at the ready!

Have a lovely day!

A pared-back Swedish summer home on Gotland

Oooo, it's Friday and it feels like the summer's finally arrived here in Sweden - wooohooo! When it comes to Swedish summer time - a pared-back lifestyle is the way to go. Many like to retreat to a summer cottage for up to 4 weeks to make the most of the long summer days and surrounding nature. This home of a Swedish actor and comedian on the beautiful island of Gotland is a fine example, although a little bigger than most! It's made up of several buildings which allow friends and family to come and go and it's decorated with a lovely no-frills approach. And guess what? it's for sale! Could. You. Imagine? Gotland anyone?!


 

All Photography: Mats Hemlin / Bertwig fastighetsförmedling

Could you wile away a summer with family and friends in this cottage? If so, you might want to see the full tour here....

Other Gotland homes I absolutely love include this former lighthouse keeper's cottage, the boho home of a Swedish fashion photographer and the idyllic stone cottage of a stylist / photographer.

Got to love Gotland!

In case you're in the mood for a little Scandinavian summer cottage inspiration today (hey, the sun's shining, it's Friday, why not?!) you might want to check out all the summer cottages / Swedish cottages and rural retreats I've squirreled away over the years. 

Roll on the long summer holidays..are you up to anything fun?

Don't forget tomorrow I'm holding an exciting weekend give-away so pop back if you have the time, I think you're going to absolutely love the prize. 

Have a lovely day!

The boho home and atelier of a Swedish artist & florist

I'm kind of loving the 'home visits' by Lovely Life right now. The way they capture homes is so natural and raw - almost like the owner has been caught off guard. The latest home belongs to Swedish artist and florist Marie Emilsson, Mikke and three year old Loui in the Lovely Life playground of Varberg on Sweden's west coast. When it comes to decorating, Marie gets her inspiration from nature, auctions, travel and meeting other people. Flowers and foliage are brought in from the garden year round to keep the space looking fresh and seasonal (spot the rhubarb in a vase). Let's take a tour of Marie's lovely life...

Styling: Johanna Bradford. Photo: Kristin Lagerkvist with thanks

What a lovely home, don't you think? Relaxed, unique and full of inspiration- black and white photos arranged on a gallery wall, painted and wallpapered accent walls, and many vintage finds. I also absolutely love the Loui's room with the owl wallpaper and ants painted on the floor - what a fab idea?!

One of Marie's biggest passions is her garden,  which you can see more of here. 

Could you live here? I certainly could! I'm often toying with the idea of moving out to the country, even just for a year or two. How about you? Do you live in the town or country?

The stylist Johanna Bradford and photographer Kristin Lagerkvist behind these pics are such a talented duo - see Johanna's former homes here and here and current home here and Kristin's home here. As well as the whimsical home of Sophia Bratt which they captured here. What a team?!

Have a lovely day! 

PS Thank you so much to Sarah (who I met at The Hive in Berlin) for featuring me on her fab blog yesterday!