From Dated to Dreamy: Jennie-Ann's Swedish Farmhouse Renovation | Smart is Beauty

One of the things I’ve always marvelled at is just how great my Swedish friends are at DIY. There’s no task too daunting for them (although, thankfully, they’ll call in an expert for electrics!). It certainly helps that absolutely everyone learns how to sew, work with wood, and generally run a home (even budgeting!) at school. But anything that hasn’t been covered "can be conquered with the help of YouTube" (or so they tell me!).

Jennie-Ann is a prime example of this. She and her partner have lovingly transformed an old Swedish farmhouse in Larv, taking it from a dated and rundown building to a beautiful home that stays true to its original character. Jennie-Ann is also the founder of Lin & Lera, which includes an onsite boutique offering everything you might need to renovate your home sustainably, a salvage yard, and workshops to help with every aspect of updating and caring for your home and garden.

If the beautiful natural materials, colours, and details in Jennie-Ann’s home are anything to go by, I think the farm could be well worth a visit if we're ever passing by! In the meantime, let’s appreciate her beautiful and unique house. 

First, let me just give you a glimpse of how the kitchen looked before they started. It’s a great marker to see just how much they’ve accomplished since moving in.

Are you ready to see the results? Varsågod:

Note that the lower kitchen cabinets were salvaged from the original kitchen. Jennie-Ann sells an array of earthy-toned linseed oil paint colours in her boutique - many of which feature throughout her home. She is also a pro at making her only paint colours from clay! 

Look extra carefully at the details and you'll spot traditional Swedish pendant lamps, tables and rugs.  

Mid-blue and ochre make for a beautiful combination and create a calm feel in the bedroom. 

The bathroom is potentially my favourite room of all - it's filled with nostalgia while also providing all the modern amenities you need to feel comfortable. 

Needless to say, locals flock to Lin & Lera to discover what's in store - and for exciting events. I hope I can be a part of the crowd one day! 

Keep an eye on Lin & Lera for one of Jennie-Ann's upcoming workshops (sometimes held in the barn seen below) which include themes such as 'how to make your own colour from clay', 'how to cultivate your own forest garden' and 'basic courses in window renovation' as well as many more! 

Truly inspiring! 

Does this give you the boost you need to get a paint brush out or dabble in a little DIY this weekend? 

Feel inspired by Jenni-Ann's latest renovation projects over at @lin.o.lera and find out more about her boutique and workshops here. 

Would you like to see more homes that have been lovingly restored with sustainability in mind? Check out Emma Sundh's country home (one of the most popular tours of 2024) and also Anna Swain's charming cottage on Lamb Island, Australia. 

Wishing you all a great Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: @lin.o.lera, pictures 12 & 13 Daniel Strandroth 

Smart is Beauty

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