Beni

It’s Friday, friends – time for a little weekend dreaming. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend it in a pretty traditional Swedish cottage, gazing out over a lake? When you have views like this one over Älvsjön, you really don’t need much in the way of décor. This lovely cottage has been deliberately pared back so that the sweeping vistas across the water take centre stage. In this small but special selection of images, it’s clear that life here is all about the simple things: lingering over long summer evenings, gathering with loved ones, and just being . Picture white wood-panelled walls, a touch of stripes, a pair of binoculars by the window, a wonderful terrace, and even a little guest house right by the water’s edge. And the best part? It’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Stockholm – making it the perfect weekend getaway. The perfect place to clear the mind, recharge the soul, and slip into the easy rhythm of lake life. Could you imagine relaxing here this week...

Goddag, goddag!  While there are lots of different looks across Scandinavia, I think what the region is most famous for worldwide is its love of a neutral palette—one that balances calm minimalism with a big dose of hygge (or “mysig” as the Swedes say). But what exactly makes the difference between a space that feels a little “meh” and one that feels unique, warm, and oh-so-cosy? This Malmö home, which until recently belonged to Elin and Kristoffer (they’ve now moved on to restore a beautiful house in nearby Österlen ), is full of clever yet simple decorating tricks that make all the difference. Let's discover what's at play.  The first clue: the furniture mix.  Rather than sticking to one style, the home features a playful blend of modern-day finds, retro gems, and antiques. Everything is kept in earthy tones, but the mix of shapes and a few design classics keep the whole space feeling interesting rather than flat. Next: texture, texture, texture.  Fr...

My younger sister and her family are currently island-hopping in Greece, and every now and again she FaceTimes me all excited, ready to give me a real-time video tour of her Airbnb. I absolutely love these virtual tours – not least because they transport me straight from my desk to the shores of the Ionian Sea – but also because they remind me how much it matters to find a holiday home you truly love. It can honestly make or break a trip, do you agree? That’s why I hunt high and low before booking our own stays. And since I so often receive questions about where to stay in Sweden, I thought I’d share a gem with you today. Österlen is an area in southeastern Skåne, in South Sweden , known for its rolling countryside, sandy beaches, whitewashed fishing villages, apple orchards, and rich cultural history. Long beloved by artists, it has a special light and creative atmosphere that draws painters, writers and makers year after year. This particular holiday home, named Försammlin...

It’s Friday, woohooo! And I can’t think of a better way to slide into the weekend than with a dose of home inspiration. Today, we’re stepping inside a Swedish villa in the charming town of Tranås, North of Småland—an old house with a fascinating past and a beautiful new chapter. I had the pleasure of catching up with its owner, Jennifer, who shared how she and her family have turned this historic space into something truly special. From the moment you walk through the door, you can sense both the character of the past and the warmth of the present. Ready to hear Jennifer share more about her home, her style, and the unique charm that makes this villa a one-of-a-kind family haven? Kööör vi! Your house is so beautiful, can you tell us where it is and a little of the history?  The house is located in Tranås and was built in 1909 by a widow, who later sold it to a local fur trader. The town is well known for its production industries, among them fur and leather. Although the h...

There’s something about houses on the coast that always gets me. Maybe it’s the light, maybe it’s the horizon, or maybe it’s just that I’ve always secretly wanted to live overlooking the sea. For now, I’ll happily live that dream through others, like this incredibly cool early 20th-century house in Littlestone, Kent. On the surface, it’s a peaceful five-bedroom home. Step inside and it’s clear this is no ordinary seaside house. Flooded with natural light, it has that creative, subtly rebellious edge that only comes from being shaped by who I presume are artist owners. Portrait paintings in oils, the predominant art of choice here and perhaps reflecting the hand of the owner, lend a personal touch to the interior. Look closely and you’ll also spot the coastal hints, a palette of blue and white to mirror the waters of Hythe Bay and textures that nod to driftwood and sand. Always just enough to echo the view beyond the windows, never enough to feel contrived. Add in those bay windows ...