- Yard of the Week: Sloped Lot Becomes an Outdoor Family Oasis (13 photos)
- 6 Proven Time Management Tips for Professionals (6 photos)
- Working on a Saturday
It’s like I say week in week out. If you have to drag yourself into work on aweekend it helps if it’s somewhere stylish. Office London by Joyce Sitterly.
Photography by David Harrison.
- A Serene Swedish Lakeside Cottage Escape
It’s Friday, friends – time for a little weekend dreaming. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend it in a pretty traditional Swedish cottage, gazing out over a lake?
When you have views like this one over Älvsjön, you really don’t need much in the way of décor. This lovely cottage has been deliberately pared back so that the sweeping vistas across the water take centre stage.
In this small but special selection of images, it’s clear that life here is all about the simple things: lingering over long summer evenings, gathering with loved ones, and just being. Picture white wood-panelled walls, a touch of stripes, a pair of binoculars by the window, a wonderful terrace, and even a little guest house right by the water’s edge.
And the best part? It’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Stockholm – making it the perfect weekend getaway. The perfect place to clear the mind, recharge the soul, and slip into the easy rhythm of lake life.
Could you imagine relaxing here this weekend?
If you’d like to keep dreaming, here are a few more lovely lake-side home tours from the archive:
Anna and Martin’s tiny home built cottage floating on a lake
A Swedish house on a hill with lovely lake views
A Scandi-inspired lakeside cabin in Norfolk, UKOr better still, buy it! What are Fridays for, if not for a little spontaneity!
Joking aside, it’s hard to believe it’s already the last few days of August. At our own cottage, the leaves on the oak tree are just beginning to turn brown — a gentle reminder that autumn is on its way. Even so, the water is still surprisingly warm, so we’re hoping to spend a few more days up here, soaking up the late summer sun while I try to forget about the 10 km run I signed up for tomorrow evening in a moment of madness. Gaaaah! Wish me luck, I’ll need it!
I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend too?
Thank you, as always, for all your kind comments. It’s such a joy to read them, and I’m hoping to find a little quiet time later to respond to each and every one.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Trevlig helg!
Niki
Credits: Sjönära, shared with thanks.
- A Mediterranean retreat
In the coastal town of Caldes d’Estrach, John Brown Projects designed Armonia, a serene retreat that captures the essence of Mediterranean living. Owned by a Catalan family now based in Australia, the beach house offers an escape from southern winters into long Spanish summers. Modern comforts are balanced with traditional character, creating an elegant, deeply personal home. Within the house time slows, inviting relaxation, connection and the enduring rhythm of coastal life rooted in heritage and memory.
Photography by Claudia Maurino.
- 5 Incredibly Stylish New Laundry Rooms (7 photos)
- Parisian elegance reimagined
Steps from the Palais Royal, the Fontaine Molière apartment by Studio Ebur unfolds in a graceful U-shaped plan where rooms slip easily one into the next. The grandeur of the 17th and 18th centuries lingers in lofty ceilings and tall windows, enriched by Versailles parquet and Burgundy stone. Revived beams, intricate woodwork and a spirited play of marbles and natural materials infuse the interiors with warmth, elegance and a distinctly Parisian timelessness.
Photography by Matteo Verzini.
- A designer’s Mediterranean-inspired Los Angeles home
As the story goes, when designer Azar Fattahi of LALA Reimagined was vacationing in Mallorca, her fridge leaked and having to replace flooring snowballed into a full-on revamp. With the Mediterranean on her mind, the end result is bright and airy with some really fun touches like colourful tile used in several spaces (that balcony setup with different spaces set up, against the tree backdrop is fantastic!), a magical forest painted mural. Love this! Photos: Ori Harpaz.
- The Living Masterpiece: A Refined Classic Home in the UAE
The Living Masterpiece, a project by Anastasiia Mudrak, is where timeless elegance finds its perfect match (read: in modern comfort). This home isn’t just about looking beautiful; it’s about living beautifully. Every room has been carefully designed with zoning and ergonomics in mind, so style and function work seamlessly together.
From the delicate balance of colors and textures to the thoughtful attention to detail, the interiors feel complete yet never overwhelming. Even in more compact spaces, the design preserves a sense of openness, proving that luxury doesn’t need excess. Instead, it thrives in harmony.
The living area is anchored by a sculptural, low-profile sectional in soft beige tones. Its clean geometry contrasts beautifully with the ornate white fireplace. This features intricate carvings and a deep marble hearth. Above it, bold artwork framed by classic wall moldings introduces a dramatic focal point. Simultaneously, deep burgundy accents—from the velvet armchair to the glossy coffee table—add richness to the otherwise light palette. The chandelier overhead is a statement in itself, cascading with delicate chains that shimmer softly against the natural daylight flooding in from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Just steps away, the dining area feels like a natural extension of the living space while carrying its own distinct personality. The glass-like pink marble dining table instantly captures attention. It reflects light and sets a tone of modern elegance. Surrounding it, plush cream chairs with rounded silhouettes soften the space. Above the table, a striking magenta chandelier adds a playful yet luxurious edge. A sculptural centerpiece on the table reinforces the idea that here, even the smallest details are designed as works of art.
The kitchen is anchored by a striking marble island, its veined surface extending seamlessly into the backsplash. The sculptural bar stools, wrapped in intricate black-and-white patterns, transform functional seating into art pieces. Overhead, a fluid ribbon-like pendant light cuts across the ornate ceiling medallions. Touches of whimsy and elegance are found throughout: metallic wall sculptures ripple like liquid on the panelled walls and glass-beaded partitions add sparkle.
The bedroom is a dramatic yet serene retreat. It is anchored by deep burgundy ceilings with ornate detailing and a statement feather chandelier. A striking portrait adds an artistic focal point, balanced by soft textiles and a low-profile bed that grounds the space.
The walk-in closet is a showcase of refined luxury. Floor-to-ceiling shelving with golden accents creates an organized display for clothing and accessories, while a sleek burgundy marble island adds both storage and a bold centerpiece. A sculptural oval mirror and layered lighting complete the space.
The bathroom embraces moody sophistication with dark wood, rich marble veining, and subtle lighting. A floating vanity and deep soaking tub highlight the modern functionality, while layered textures bring warmth to the darker palette.
- IKEA Win A Dream Kitchen Contest
You could win a brand-new IKEA kitchen that includes cabinets, counters, cabinets, appliances, planning, delivery and installation, a design consultation and plan from House & Home’s Ask a Designer Gillian Atkins, plus your new IKEA kitchen featured in an upcoming issue of H&H.
Enter the contest by describing your dream kitchen in 200 words, and by uploading 4 minimum to maximum 8 photos of every angle of your kitchen. All photos must be in .png or .jpeg format.
Maximum upload is 1MB per image up to 8MB total.[contact-form-7]
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