A Relaxed Swedish Family Home, Where Sofa’s are Part of the Fun!

What month is considered the height of summer in your country? In Scandinavia it’s July – which I always struggle to adjust to considering throughout my childhood in England, it was always about August! While my instagram feed is flooded with summer holiday pics from Europeans, here in Sweden, we’re eking out the late summer and sneaking moments outdoors at lunchtime or after work – acutely aware that our summer will aoon be over, and Autumn is just around the corner.

Perhaps that’s why I’ve been drawn to Swedish villas with pools lately? I even had a dream that my family and I had bought a house with a pool AND a sea view last night (imagine my disappointment when I woke up?)- what does that mean I wonder?

Alexandra Isaksson and her family are no doubt enjoying their pool in the late summer sun – but their beautiful home in Alingsås, Northeast of Gothenburg is also perfect for cosy autumn days. Natural materials seen in the vintage wood furniture, textiles and stonework help to create a cosy feel and botanical-themed wallpaper ensures that nature, although faded, is never far away.

I love that in this home, nothing is too precious – true to the Scandinavian design ethos, everything is there to be used and enjoyed. You only have to look at the little children jumping from sofa to sofa (this would never have washed with my Mum and her upholstered antique chesterfields nor with my grandmother where the living room was for special occasions only!). Enjoy the tour!

Wall mounted shelving like this has made a major comeback in Scandinavia lately and it’s a great way to keep everything to hand. Keep a look out for vintage ones at flea markets – they’re easy to personalise with paint! Or, do like Kristin Lagerqvist and make your own!

I have always loved the use of curtains in replace of wardrobe doors, it adds a really soft touch to a space and can be a great quick fix to hide junk!

You might well recognise the sofas – they are the popular Söderhamn from IKEA covered with linen from Bemz – I have changed up my sofa a number of times thanks to the Swedish brand (who sell worldwide) !

Do you recognise the wallpaper in the little girl’s room? I recently used this in the bedroom makeover at our summer cottage. I love how Alexandra has paired it with a pink accent.

The bedroom got a small recent update to include shelves over the desk too – practical and pretty.

I hope you liked this tour of Alexandra’s home today! It’s certainly brightened up my mid-week.

Please do share your observations / comments below – whether about this home or even general stuff (feel free to start your own thread!), I’d love to hear from you. I really enjoyed reading about your childhood nostalgia in Monday’s post (and happy you agreed that the little chair I featured is lovely in every way!).

You can see more pictures from Alexandra’s home over on her instagram feed @alexandraeleonor.

Would you like to see a few more homes with wallpaper today? Take a peek at:

Stor kram!