See Scandi style work effortlessly in a Swedish family home

Among trees by the sea, Fanny Nilsson has created a home where calmness lingers, even as family life unfolds in motion.

Fanny Nilsson’s home in Falkenberg, Sweden, began with a simple handwritten letter slipped into the former homeowner’s mailbox. Six months later, that note opened the door to making this house by the sea their own. Today, it sits nest led among trees, its roof carpeted with grass and wildflowers, blending seamlessly into the coastal landscape. Inside, calmness prevails, even as two small children race through the rooms. "We wanted our home to feel warm and calm, yet full of life," says Fanny.

Her interiors balance simplicity and family life, where comfort and aesthetics hold equal weight. "We love having people over, so it’s important that everyone feels at ease. For long dinners, you need to sit comfortably for those really good conversations," she shares. At the same time, the space must serve everyday family life. "Of course, the kids run the house," she adds with a laugh.

Rather than clearing away delicate pieces, Fanny chooses to live with them. "I don’t hide away our more fragile decorations," she says. "The children learn quickly. Over time, they’ll take care of things, but they also need to be kids. Jumping on the sofa together is a must."

Cilla tapestry blanket, £125, Ferm Living.

Mornings begin in motion: a child running into the bedroom, a family cuddle, then straight to the kitchen before heading down to the sea with Majken, the family labrador. Afternoons and evenings often gather around the sofa.

Tukki trolley, £159, Ferm Living.

Children’s furniture and stools are thoughtfully placed throughout, making the kids feel welcome in every corner. Toys and blankets gather in baskets, while a trolley keeps clutter contained and adds a warm, tactile touch to the room.

Rico Piccolo lounge chair in Cilla taupe, £1,769, Ferm Living.

Certain objects anchor her home with memory: lamps casting warm pools of light, weathered urns with rough surfaces, flea market treasures whose imperfections speak of lives once lived. "I can remember exactly where I found them, and they've followed me from our first home to this one," she says. "Imperfection appeals to me most: the patina of age, the curve of an unusual lamp, the softness of worn shapes," says Fanny.

Parenthood has not changed her aesthetic sensibility, but it has given the home a different rhythm of care. "A friend once said, 'Cleaning with kids is like shovelling in a snowstorm', and I couldn’t agree more,” she laughs. "But I’m the kind of person who needs a clean space to have a calm mind, so I tidy a little at a time."

What grounds Fanny’s approach is a simple idea: every room should feel lived in and welcoming. "My advice is to make every room cosy, so you can follow your kids and still feel comfortable everywhere. Big rugs are essential, as you'll find yourself sitting on the floor quite often."

When asked how she hopes her children will remember this home, she doesn't hesitate: "As a house filled with love. With family and friends visiting, with play and creativity, but also with boundaries. We eat together, and we put phones away at the table. That's important," Fanny says.

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