Hanna's Swedish Home:Where Time, Books and Light Meet | Smart is Beauty

There’s that famous Patek Philippe line about never really owning a watch, just looking after it for the next generation, and I think the same can be said of houses too. This L-shaped home in the forest outside Grums, Sweden feels like a perfect example. Swedish journalist, author and radio/ TV host Hanna Hellquist inherited it from her father thirteen years ago and has since cared for it slowly and thoughtfully, turning it into a wonderfully cosy second home.

When Hanna first took it on, the house needed plenty of love. There was mould on the panelling, no two windows matched, and much of it felt overwhelming. For a long time, it was hard to know where to begin. But years later, encouraged while looking at summer houses with her then-boyfriend, she returned to Grums and started small. New windows came first, then a little more each summer.

Finally, the large open plan dining and library area took shape, and during the pandemic she devoted her free time to bringing the house together room by room. Today it feels warm, lived-in and full of character, a home that has been carefully looked after rather than completely rewritten. Let's take a peek around! 

Personal, cosy and full of character.

There are so many pieces, ideas and details to love here, but if I had to choose just one or two, I’d start with the glass partition that separates the sitting area from the main bedroom. It keeps the space open and filled with light, yet if you look closely, there are blinds ready to be drawn at night for privacy and to block out the midnight sun.

I also love that a book or magazine is never far away, which means that even on rainy days it would be almost impossible to get bored. And finally, the mix of furniture and accessories from different eras and styles brings everything together, creating a space that feels entirely personal and unique.

I’d love to hear what stood out to you about Hanna’s lovely home too.

If you’re a regular reader, you can probably guess what’s coming next. Yes, that’s right, it’s time for yet more lovely homes to peruse, best enjoyed with a coffee in hand. Here goes.

A charming rural cottage by a fjord

Lina's soulful home, designed for slow living
Snapshots from a swedish family home in the countryside

I hope Hanna's home and the tours above have filled you with inspiration today! 

Niki

Photography: Idha Lindhag (shared with kind permission)

Styling: Tina Hellberg

Smart is Beauty

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