Tranquil Rustic Abode: my serene wooden retreat in Sweden
Today marks a special day, Valentine's Day, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing a cherished space - the writer's little cabin nestled on Sweden's west coast. This 30 square metre (322 square feet) abode, affectionately referred to as "my home" and "my tiny cabin", is a testament to Scandinavian design and practicality.
The little cabin, designed and built by the writer, boasts a minimalist interior that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The wooden floor and panelling, sourced from Norrlands Trä, bring warmth and texture, while the Contura woodburning stove adds a cosy touch, especially during winter evenings.
The writer's furniture choices are thoughtful and functional, with Windsor chairs, a Skovby extendable table, an IKEA kitchen (with a slight hack!), and a selection of chairs such as the monarch chair, Plico chair, and the children's wishbone chair. The Tense light by New Works casts a soft, ambient glow, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The little cabin is more than just a place for cooking, eating, and sleeping. It's a place for gathering, listening to music, playing games, and enjoying the changing seasons. In summer, the writer spends time between the terrace, the beach, coastal walks, and the local pub. In winter, the writer lights a fire in the Contura stove and watches the snowfall outside the large windows.
The little cabin is surrounded by family and visiting friends, making it a heartwarming gathering spot. A bowl of plums on the table, a gift from the neighbours' garden, adds a touch of local charm.
The writer's little cabin is a prime example of Scandinavian design, with its use of light, natural materials, minimalist furniture, and clever storage solutions. It's a retreat that embodies the essence of hygge - a cozy, inviting atmosphere - while maintaining a sleek, functional layout.
For more inspiration, one can look to Scandinavian cabins like the Cabin Nordmarka in Norway, Villa Vassdal in Sweden, and the Swedish Summer Cottage. These cabins showcase the beauty of Scandinavian design, combining simplicity, natural materials, and functional layouts to create warm yet minimalistic retreats closely tied to their outdoor environments.
This blog post is part of a series celebrating cherished spaces at home. So, whether you're dreaming of a cabin in the woods or simply looking to bring a touch of Scandinavian design into your own home, we hope this tour of the writer's little cabin has inspired you.
As you light the KYSS (Swedish / Norwegian for 'kiss') scented candle and settle into your favourite Windsor chair, remember to cherish your own cherished spaces and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
[1] Rever & Drage (2020). Cabin Nordmarka. [online] Available at: https://www.reverdrage.no/project/cabin-nordmarka/ [Accessed 14 Feb. 2023]. [2] Studio Holmberg (2018). Villa Vassdal. [online] Available at: https://www.studioholmberg.se/en/project/villa-vassdal/ [Accessed 14 Feb. 2023]. [3] Simply Scandi Magazine (2021). Swedish Summer Cottage. [online] Available at: https://simplyscandi.co.uk/interiors/swedish-summer-cottage-glad-alla-hjartans-dag/ [Accessed 14 Feb. 2023]. [4] The Japandi Home (2021). Our Landing Makeover with an IKEA Hack. [online] Available at: https://www.thejapandi.com/our-landing-makeover-with-an-ikea-hack/ [Accessed 14 Feb. 2023]. [5] Cosy "Fika" at Home on the New Iconic PK1 chair. [online] Available at: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/ideas/cosy-fika-at-home-on-the-new-iconic-pk1-chair [Accessed 14 Feb. 2023].
The writer's little cabin, a prime example of Scandinavian design, showcases a minimalist interior that merges seamlessly with its surrounding nature. This lifestyle choice reflects the writer's home-and-garden ethos, where the interior-design elements contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere, fostering cherished gatherings and experiences.