The first thing you notice as you enter this Cape Cod-style cottage is the collection of well-worn Ugg boots and cowboy hats next to the front door. It’s a comfort-mixed-with-cool theme that is carried throughout the home. Combining sparse interiors, stark white walls and ample California sunshine, this Pacific Palisades house — belonging to a Swedish family — is a Scandinavian haven in the sun.
Interior design choices such as the absence of curtains and rugs — the only rug in the home is a white textile one in the living room — surprisingly end up enhancing the calming atmosphere. Providing texture to the rooms are sheepskins from the island of Gotland, crisp Scandinavian fabrics and a generous display of children’s art work. Add a large porch with comfortable rattan chairs and you have a home made for easy living. • Ulrica Wihlborg
Above: The living room is flooded with light from all angles, including the ceiling. Tongue-in-cheek details, such as a fake moose head above the fireplace, create a relaxed atmosphere. And the slip-covered IKEA couches and chairs are easy to wash and keep white.
Above: The view of the living room from the second floor.
Above: The open floor plan features a white kitchen that opens up to the living room. The wooden floors are painted in a diamond pattern.
Above: Traditional white dining chairs are paired with a simple kitchen table from IKEA. In Sweden, it’s customary to set the table for every meal and this family always does it in style. Starting with a cotton table cloth in a light gray, the table is decorated with flowers from the garden, silver candelabra and clear vintage glass bottles filled with water.
Above: A piece of driftwood inscribed with “Nick’s Steak & Lobster House” hangs on a wall in the living room.
Above: The effortless mix of exquisite furniture and inexpensive accessories is what makes this home stand out. Here, the family paired the custom Gustavian bed from St. Barth’s Home with sheets from Target and bedside lamps from IKEA.
Above: The hand-painted wooden chair was found in an alley dumpster behind the house. It now serves as an office chair in the bedroom.
Above: The large porch is the perfect spot for a cup of morning coffee or for watching the California sunsets.
Photographed exclusively for Sweden With Love by Ulrica Wihlborg © 2014.
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