A beautiful, relaxed Swedish country home

Hej hej! Its my second day here in the Hudson Valley - and all going well (promise I'll be able to reveal all soon!). It's such a beautiful part of the world, have you been? I've been once before to photograph a couple of homes for my first book Modern Pastoral and so excited to be back! I do love country homes with a modern twist no matter where in the world. This home in Borås, West Sweden, for example, is so inspiring!  It belongs to Swedish interior stylist and blogger Johanna Flyckt Gashi, husband Luzim and their three children, and has been furnished with an amazing blend of vintage, flea market finds, handmade pieces and lots of art which makes the home a truly warm and inviting. Let's take a tour...

Photography / styling: Johanna Flyckt Gashi - shared with kind permission.  

I love how this space is instantly recognisable as Johanna's home. She's got such a unique style which stands the test of time (I showed her home a few years ago here  and I think it looks equally good then as it does today, don't you reckon?!).

Get the look from Johanna's wonderful home: Sitting room - pick up a vintage metal folding chair here, mustard coloured throw, source a vintage black scissor lamp here. Bedroom - I love this pale grey stonewashed bed linen (and it's in the sale too!).

If you're doing up a country home (or actually, just want to wile away an hour or so - and why not I say?!)  kick back and enjoy this lovely archive (makes me want to move to the country - how about you?!).

Have a lovely day!

A beautiful country home in Värmland, Sweden

Well hello there! It's been a while? I hope you're great? I'm feeling all happy and relaxed after two weeks in the USA - which included a NYC and a wonderful tour of Long Island (two things:  If you go to NYC take some time out to visit Montauk (fellow fans of 'The Affair' - the Lobster Roll exists!) - but above all else, visit the North Fork for farm shops, antiques, rosé tasting at Croteaux Vineyards and the best slow coffee ever at North Fork Roasting Co). As the Swedish proverb goes 'borta bra, men hemma bäst' (away is good, but home is best!) and it's great to be back in South Sweden too.  I was especially excited to stumble across the wonderful instagram feed of Therese Johansen via Trendenser blog this morning (thank you for the tip Frida!) and couldn't resist sharing a few of the lovely pictures of her home in Värmland, Sweden. Think modern-country style with a muted colour palette and lots of interesting details (how fab are the old windows?). Enjoy....

Oj oj oj - what a beautiful home?!

I particularly love all the displays, plants, and linens. Is there anything that stands out to you?

A few items I know and love from Therese's home: sitting room - the sofa looks like it's been draped with white linen  - or try Bemz for linen covers designed to fit IKEA sofas. Source a black and white Moroccan blanket with pom poms here. The Z1 lamp by Ay Illuminate is similar. Vases by Ernst. The Poster Club sells many of the prints seen on the gallery wall. Second living area - this round mirror is similar, Octopus candleholder, The Kinfolk Home and The Kinfolk Table books. Kitchen - Menu chairs. Bedroom - dark grey linen duvet colour and pillow case.

You can see more of Therese's home and follow her latest projects over on Instagram here. 

Have a great start to the week!

PS the down side of going to far away places? Waking up at 2am and not being able to get back to sleep. Siesta time!!

A dreamy, rural Swedish summer cottage

The excitement in the air is palpable in Sweden: the warm weather has finally arrived and in just six weeks time people all over the country will be closing their laptops and heading out of town. Many will visit a summer cottage and spend the summer enjoying the simple things in life: long hours of daylight, nature and being together with friends and family. Despite it's size, this beautiful 19th century summer house (formerly a school for farm workers' children) just North of Stockholm has every trapping of a traditional Swedish summer cottage. Owner, Erica Franzén, who runs design firm Loft Stockholm, has carried out a total renovation and created a magical home which is pared-back and simply furnished with classic fittings, vintage finds and warm, natural textures. Outside it's red and white facade juxtaposes with the lush nature in which it resides - and a terrace has been put in place to enjoy it! Oh and....  you'll never guess what? It's for sale.....

Credits: Interior designer: Erica Franzén. Stylist Line Sandberg. Photography: Camilla Lindqvist. 

Guh! 

I'm actually having a hard time to complete this post now. In my mind I'm already enjoying long lunches on the terrace and Christmas by the wood burning stove! Help!

I mean, could you imagine?!

I'm sure it will get snapped up in no time, and if it's not by one of us, there's nothing wrong with stealing a few ideas now, is there?! Here are a few items I know and love: kitchen - lampe gras wall sconce, Meraki soap, source a vintage school desk here, grey sheepskin throw. Desk area: wishbone chair. Bedroom: William Morris Willow Boughs wallpaper.

Such perfect inspiration for the weekend, don't you think? I might just head over to the estate agent and drool over the remainder of the pictures. And after that, a visit to my 'summer cottage' archive is definitely in order. Meet you there?!

Have a wonderful couple of days and see you Monday!