The rustic Norwegian log cabin hide-away

How much would you love to head off to this rustic Norwegian log cabin for the holidays? If I could spend just five days at this retreat, belonging to founders and owners of Bolina,  I'd camp out by the  roaring log fire with a cup of tea, my book by Swedish novelist Jonas Jonasson- the one hundred year old man who climbed out of a window and disappeared (which I've been meaning to read all year), play board games with my family, take long walks in the snow, and generally feel relaxed and very merry. How about you?!

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer, Sisters Agency with kind permission.

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer, Sisters Agency with kind permission.

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer, Sisters Agency with kind permission.

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer, Sisters Agency with kind permission.

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer, Sisters Agency with kind permission. 

I have to say the owners have been ingenious in their decorating. At first glance it looks like a classic log cabin, but look closely and you'll notice a modern blend of textures  (concrete, wood, sheepskin, velvet, rattan) and styles (industrial, rustic, contemporary). Combine this with unique fittings such as the kitchen units crafted using reclaimed wood from a derelict barn and the result is an incredibly warm, cosy, personal retreat.

Oh how I dream to own a place like this. What about you?

More dreamy log cabin's I could pad around in this holiday include a Norwegian one by the sea (the sauna!), a black and white Finnish retreat, or a cottage in the snow that looks like this (toasty)!

If a rural retreat feels a million miles away right now and you have a christmas shopping list as long as your arm (it is the weekend before Christmas after all) you might want to take inspiration from these two fab gift guides: for children, for just about everyone. And my fail safe last minute man gift. Good luck!

Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

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A relaxed and eclectic Stockholm space

'A pop of colour here and a vintage vibe there' is the best way to describe this very cool and relaxed apartment in Stockholm captured by Fantastic Frank. I like the casual way the books have been stacked on the kitchen floor, the striking yellow Mhy light, the decadent velvet armchair and the picture gallery wall. All in all, this space is just what I need on a Thursday - somewhere eclectic to kick-back and relax in style. Could you pad around here for the day?

Stylist: Mimmi Staaf, photographer: Emily Laye  Fantastic Frank

I note that stylist Mimmi has added two hot trends in interiors right now  - an oil portrait. They're relatively difficult to find but I love the ones sold by Three Potato Four and also the cool animal portraits by Oldi (I have the Lurcher one which has become a family favourite!). And antique chairs in velvet - how decadent to place a grand armchair in the kitchen - love it! (check out LiveAuctioneers or Lauritz for similar).

Seeing the stacked books has made me reflect on my own sitting room. I love books and feel the space looks disturbingly void of reading material, don't you? This Christmas I'll be pouring over my Pinterest storage board for ideas. One possibility is String shelves (I love the latest inspirational images they've released) and think they'll fit perfectly with my mid-century style. What do you think?

Lastly - today is a big day for me, it's the last day at my corporate job after 14 years in the industry! As of 1st Jaunary I'll be focusing full time on this blog - it's grown so much thanks to you all that I feel it's time to give it the attention it so deserves. Scary and exciting in equal measure! Here's to new and exciting adventures! And thank you all for your wonderful, ongoing encouragement and support.

Have a great day!

PS If it was Christmas decorating ideas you were after you can always check out my Christmas archive with a lorry load of decorating tips, DIY ideas and lovely scandinavian festive home tours. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

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A Norwegian home at Christmas

Those of you who have followed my blog for a while (thank you, you're lovely!) know I'm a big fan of the work of Norwegian based photographer and stylist Elisabeth Heier and her beautiful home which I've previously shown snippets of  here and here. It comes as no surprise that her Christmas decorating is equally as lovely and follows her simple, pared-back and elegant take on Scandinavian interior decorating. Here are a few festive snaps of her home this year.

Photography / styling: Elisabeth Heier

True modern Scandinavian Christmas decorating inspiration. A pared-back tree, white Helabores, paper stars strung up in the window which will light up at night, a simple wreath hung on the wall and fir tree branches in clear glass jars.

In case you're wondering where some of the items are from, I also spy the By Lassen Kubus 4 candleholder, RAR rocking chair (currently 10% off here), Knoll diamond chair and the classic Swedish Skultuna tea light holders in brass. Children's room: half-moon bedding, rabbit light.

For a slightly different look, here are some more inspiration images shot and styled by Elisabeth in her home for Norwegian magazine RUM 123 with a black, gold and Pantone's colour for 2015 - Marsala colour theme.

Photography / styling Elisabeth Heier

The gold flag garland, mirror stars and Christmas cone in black are from Tine K Home.

I absolutely love the idea of filling a glass jar or vase with old burnt out white candle stubs, so simple yet so lovely and a great use of waste.

Is there anything that stands out to you in these images? Which look do you prefer?

Have a lovely day!

PS I also love Norwegian blogger Nina of Stylizimo's Christmas decorating. So pretty! 

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