my scandinavian home: Search results for farmhouse

A Charming Farmhouse in Piteå, Sweden

Thank you so much for all your comments yesterday, I read every single one of them and will carry them with me along with my personal reflections as I continue to provide this positive bubble of Scandi love each day. So friends, today, I'm whisking you away on a journey far, far North to Piteå, Sweden and the beautiful country home of Jessica Lindberg. Jessica lives in a farmhouse dating back to 1891 with her husband, two children and two cats. Originally from Piteå, Jessica and her husband lived in Malmö for 16 years and returned two years ago. Their traditional red and white farmhouse is full of interesting details - from the walls which feature everything from tiles, wallpaper, shades of blue and beige, exposed wood beams, marble and stone - to an array of lighting, art and fresh flowers at every turn! Enjoy the tour!

How lovely! You can tell Jessica has carefully thought out every single element of the living space. I also love how she has combined vintage finds with some contemporary Scandinavian pieces.

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can see more of Jessica's home on her instagram @rangas_etc.

Other lovely Scandinavian farmhouses to peek inside today: a lovely pared-back Skåne farmhouse, a pretty Västragötland farmhouse and the inspiring farmhouse of a Swedish photographer. Further afield, I love this idyllic farmhouse for a family of five and a beautiful and unique Dutch farmhouse.

Anyone else feeling tempted with rural life? All that space!

Here at home, we're preparing for my stepson's graduation from school tomorrow. Taking your 'Studenten' is a really huge thing in Sweden (up there with other big life events such as births and weddings! - is it big in your country too?). It's a really joyous event. Teenagers run out from their schools - huge grins on their faces, throwing their graduation caps in the air before touring the town blowing whistles and waving flags. They then return home to celebrate with family and friends. Sadly, the celebration is marred with the Coronavirus social distancing rules this year, but we're doing our best to ensure he has a memorable day all the same (naturally, I put myself on decoration duties!). Better get on!

I'll be back tomorrow with more Scandi home love!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jessica Lindberg

The Inspiring Life-Changing Story (And Tour) of Wild Run Farm

Do you ever have a niggling feeling you're missing that lifelong project? The dream you can't quite put your finger on. Tamlyn was looking for something that she 'could dig deep within and pour her heart and soul toward'. It all started with a cross country family road trip in an Airstream from their home in Florida. It was a year Tamlyn, hr husband Scott and their twin boys would never forget and made them want to fight for what they loved most: each other. It also helped them suss out the life they wanted to lead. Today the family live on a beautiful Wild Run Farm in California, surrounded by animals, an orchard, kitchen garden, a barn for workshops and a shop. Welcome to Tamlyn's world deep in the heart of the Californian countryside!

The farmhouse is nestled in the middle of pasture surrounded by rolling hills. It was instant love, despite the level of neglect and desperate need of renovation!

"The moment I started up the drive, I knew she was the one. I did not even need to walk inside. She had the most beautiful bones and just need a loving touch and lots of TLC."

Tamlyn was keen to create a home void of clutter but that still felt lived in and warm.

"I really love good, clean lines with a bit of texture. Not stuffy but filled with character. We have added in the warmth of plastered walls, redwood plank floors, classic schoolhouse lighting, deep moody greens and blacks along with the warmth of walnut shelving and paneling."

With beautiful surroundings, it's hard to ignore the sheer force of nature and Tamlyn was really keen to bring it indoors.

"A huge part of my design inspiration comes from nature, when I sit outside, I can't help but notice how everything ebbs and flows naturally. Nothing is forced and I wanted that for the farmhouse."

Tamlyn has managed to strike the elusive balance between decluttered and cosy. The look is also timeless and sustainable.

"When doing higher budget renovations, you will never regret sticking with classic and simple, and saving your statements for things that are easier to change out - like paint colours, pillows and artwork."

If you're anything like me (and my Mother - who's currently renovating her kitchen) - changing things in the home or renovating can be a little (understatement) worrisome and it's easy to start second guessing yourself. Having completed the major farmhouse renovation Tamlyn is very philosophical about this:

"Most of the time, the first ideas that pop into my head are the best fit, even though I'll second guess it a million times. Go with your gut more often than you feel comfortable doing when designing your space, and odds are you won't regret a thing."

Sound advice indeed. I'll do my best to follow this next time I change something up (music to Per's ears!).

The lovely farmhouse came with acres of land filled with fruit trees, raised vegetable beds and flowers - and not only being a novice but an actual self-confessed 'plant killer' (made me laugh!), this was somewhat daunting for Tamlyn, but she surprised herself.

"One thing I can tell you is the ridiculous amount of time I've spent with my hands in the dirt and a big ol' smile on my face. Don't ever thing you're too old or it's too late to learn something you've walls wanted to learn..."

You can read more about Wild Run Farm on Tamlyn's wonderful website. And if you're in the area, why not stop by, pick some flowers, buy some fresh produce or simply say hi - I have no doubt the family will welcome you with open arms!

Are you feeling as inspired as I am?

Time to invest in an airstream...!

In other news, today is Per's birthday so we're heading to Copenhagen for the day to celebrate. So excited! I wonder if I can sneakily pop into a few shops, I've got a feeling there are some great vintage ones in Norrebro (where we're headed).

Have a great day friends!

Niki

Photography: Wild Run Farm with kind permission

FILED UNDER: country style living International homes

A Magical Farmhouse on a Hill In Vermont

One magical, sunny day in 2014, photographer James Gardiner and I made our way up a long, winding track in Vermont, USA. Eventually we came to a clearing, and there at the top of the hill amidst 100 acres of luscious New England pasture stood Nadine Dole's farmhouse. We spent the day shooting the house known as 'The Hill' for my book Modern Pastoral (now re-named to Relaxed Rustic). It would be a day I'll never forget.

The remote farmhouse is simply furnished with a mixture of antiques, handmade items, vintage finds and wonderful pieces of art. Natural materials and a neutral colour scheme unify the eclectic pieces and work in harmony with the surroundings. The windows open inward and upward, filling the living space with a wonderful cool breeze - and providing uninterrupted views over open fields towards distant mountain ranges.

Meals and afternoon tea are enjoyed at a 19th century pine harvest dining table. The natural woven seating of the dining chairs is slowly coming unraveled, enhancing the relaxed nature of the home.

The kitchen is simple yet purposeful and made entirely from salvaged items.

A row of linen aprons (this lovely linen apron* is similar) in muted makes a delightful display on the back wall. Vintage rolling pins are stored in the pockets.

A Kasanof's & Paramount Bakeries tin bought in an antique store sits above the green armoire. The impressive 'Blueberry' painting is by John Young.

Nadia collects art from all over the world. The nude portrait was found in a brocante (a secondhand market) in Maussane, France. Dried honeycombs found in the garden in winter rest on a table found at auction.

An old schoolhouse light hangs above an ornate mirror and porcelain sink and a simple lion claw tub provides a perfect place for a soak while looking out over the pastures, where black bears, coyotes, wild deer and chickens wander freely.

You can see more pictures of Nadia's magical home in my book Relaxed Rustic (formerly known as Modern Pastoral).

I also love following Nadia's latest projects on her instagram.

If you're as taken with her style as much as I am, you might also like to keep an eye out for one of her workshops - and if you're lucky enough to be in the area a little birdie tells me she might be opening a small shop, cafe or bakery (or perhaps all three?) soon!

Discover other incredible country homes in the archive!

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

PS There's currently a give-away over on instagram to win Relaxed Rustic along with five other interior books.

PPS If you are one of the first to pick up a copy of Relaxed Rustic online and enjoy it, I'd be so happy if you could leave a review - thank you so much :)

Credit: Relaxed Rustic by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books (19.99 GBP). Photography by James Gardiner - copyright CICO Books.

Swedish Island Life: A Beautiful Limestone Farmhouse on Gotland

It would be weird not to dream about escaping to a pretty Swedish island on a Monday morning, wouldn't it?! And with summer around the corner (it's a whopping 25 degrees C / 77 degrees Fahrenheit in Malmö today) I can't help thinking how I'd gladly swap my house and everything in it for this rustic 18th century limestone farmhouse on the Baltic island of Gotland. And this one's for sale! Yep, I know! I mean talk about a summer paradise: sweeping lawns, a pool, old wood beams, pretty earthy tones and a guest cottage - not to mention a short cycle ride to the sea. This place has everything I dream about in summertime and more! Välkommen in!
'

Forget tiles, stones collecting from the surroundings offer perfect flooring at the foot of the oven! Contemporary touches such as a TISCA rug and classic Series 7 chairs* help to bring the space up to date.

A green wall and kitchen cabinets break away from the white and light blue in a subtle, yet pretty way! The tone on tone works due to the different surface texture.

The relaxed summer cottage vibe is carried through to the dining room with rattan woven chairs and a rustic farmhouse table.

Mix and matching bedside reading lamps (the standing lamp is from IKEA, source a vintage table lamp here*) adds a relaxed feel. Note how the white, green and blue theme is brought into the bedroom using bedding too.