Mr. Prof designer home

I seem to be in country mode at the moment as I simply can't stop showing beautiful homes from the Swedish countryside! This converted school house over looking a lake near Leksand in Dalarna was also photographed by Magdalena Björnsdotter for Lantliv. It's the home of Swedish designer and calligrapher Ylva Skarp and her family. Ylva's personal stamp can be seen throughout the house, which is all decked out for a truly cosy Christmas!

Photography: Magdalena Björnsdotter for Lantliv

Such a beautiful home! What do you think?

I know it's only November and the last time I mentioned Christmas everyone panicked (haha!), but this home gets me feeling so Christmassy! I can't wait until the first weekend in December when we'll drive out to a farm in the Skåne countryside and chop down our Christmas tree (a family tradition always accompanied with a steaming mug of glögg (mulled wine). Do you have a Christmas tree tradition in your family?

PS Happy Bonfire Night to all my friends in the UK :)

Magdalena Björnsdotter for LantLiv

I love the relaxed country-style vibe of this home from Swedish interior magazine Hus o Hem. If you look closely there are so many interesting features such as the painted chequered kitchen floor, vintage tins used as plant pots, 'Dalarna' horses in frames, hats hung on the walls and used as decoration and a pallet on wheels used as part of a modular sofa. Soooo much inspiration!

Hus o Hem, photography: Lina Ostling via 79 ideas.

Thank you for the great 'guest room tips' you gave me yesterday, I did my best to follow as many as possible (I'd love to come and stay if that's how much you pamper your guests!):

Habotai:  Fresh flowers and a scented candle
Jen Magazines and books about cookery, gardening and interiors etc.
Erin A card with the wireless internet password and fluffy towels
Kelly A tray with mints. water, snacks, alarm clock and slippers

Tonight we're going to enjoy a slice of Swedish tradition with a mini Crayfish party at home, maybe minus the schnapps - or is that boring of me?!!

This parsonage from the 1700's and featured in Lantliv had been uninhabited for fifty years. And then Gustaf Willers took it over and gave it a whole new lease of life. I absolutely love that he has stayed faithful to the style and the location but added a modern touch. I dream daily about buying a beautiful old Swedish house and renovating it. Perhaps one day i'll be posting about that? but for now, here's someone else's beauty!

Pictures: Lantliv via Planete Deco Photography: Anna Kern

If you understand Swedish it's worth taking a read of the article. There are so many lovely touches to the renovation, such as Gustaf's mother colouring in the 800 hand-printed flower baskets on the bedroom wallpaper by hand. Now that's dedication!  Makes me think. What can changes can I make in my home just by taking the time to use good old fashioned handiwork?