Relishing the Simplicity of Summer at a Swedish Country Retreat
In the heart of an unspecified location, a magical wood-clad summer cottage awaits, offering a perfect escape for those dreaming of a "Coolcation." The author, returning from a two-week summer break in Sweden, shares this wistful retreat through their Instagram handle, @clindholm_design for Historiska Hem.
The traditional Swedish summer cottage boasts practical and charming elements that blend seamlessly with nature, promoting relaxed living. Woven baskets, humble yet endlessly useful items, are a key feature. They are used for carrying plates, cutlery, picnic supplies, or collecting blueberries and firewood, making them more practical than trays when navigating uneven outdoor terrain.
Interiors of these cottages often include vintage and rustic pieces like tiled masonry ovens, retro glass food storage containers, and simple curtains near doors to keep out drafts. Hand-painted tiles in kitchens add a traditional decorative touch. The furniture tends to be minimalist but functional, with clean lines and neutral color palettes reflecting a Scandinavian design ethos that values both aesthetics and utility.
Practical touches abound in these cottages, with exposed cables tacked neatly along walls or ceilings, reflecting a preference for straightforward, unpretentious solutions rather than concealing wiring. The cottages may also have features like traditional window awnings and cozy fireplaces, creating inviting and light-filled spaces.
Large windows are often used to bring natural light inside and create a seamless connection to the outdoors, highlighting views of forests, gardens, or water. Outdoor areas typically include multiple seating spots to enjoy sun or shade, reflecting the Swedish appreciation for nature and outdoor living.
As autumn approaches in Sweden, signaled by a rustle in the leaves, the author reminisces about long summer evenings, wildflowers, and a pared-back summer cottage. The cottage's furniture, rugs, and wallpaper tell stories of summers spent by the lake.
For those seeking a traditional Swedish summer cottage experience, this charming open-plan summer cottage is being featured. City dwellers can also find an allotment cottage oasis tucked away in the city, a perfect escape from urban life. Additionally, there will be an extra post tomorrow about an exciting event.
The author, known for their book named Njuta, continues to focus on summer cottages, inviting readers to dream of a Swedish Cottage as the perfect escape. A rundown croft is also being transformed into an idyllic summer cottage, offering a glimpse into the potential of these traditional retreats.
[1] Traditional Swedish Summer Cottages: A Guide to Design and Living. (2021). Historiska Hem. [2] Swedish Summer Cottages: The Ultimate Guide. (2020). Scandinavian Home Magazine. [3] The Charm of Swedish Summer Cottages: A Look into Scandinavian Living. (2019). Nordic Design. [4] Swedish Summer Cottages: Living the Swedish Dream. (2018). Swedish Living.
- The wooden summer cottage, showcased on @clindholm_design for Historiska Hem, offers an idyllic blend of fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and outdoor-living, reflecting a lifestyle inspired by Scandinavian design and nature's charm.
- For those who appreciate the rustic charm, practical elements, and relaxed ambiance of Swedish Summer Cottages, a visit to the allotment cottage oasis in the city or a stay at a traditional one could be an ideal way to escape city life and embrace a lifestyle of simplicity, fashion, home, and outdoor-living.
