Step inside 10 stunning Scandinavian cottage homes that capture the essence of summer—authentic style, cozy interiors, and charming Nordic inspiration.
There’s something endlessly charming about an authentic Scandinavian cottage in summer, from red-painted exteriors and wild garden blooms to light-filled rooms full of Nordic simplicity.
These 10 homes, gathered from some of my favorite sources around the web, have become my go-to inspiration when decorating our own Vermont cottage.
If you’re dreaming of timeless Scandinavian cottage style, this roundup captures the effortless beauty and summer serenity of the Nordic countryside—and it’s part of my three-season series celebrating spring, summer, and winter Scandinavian charm.
➤ 10 Spring Scandinavian Cottage Ideas
➤ My 10 Favorite Homes in Sweden (Cozy Winter Inspiration
Start Here: Your Guide to Vintage, Thrifted, and Antique Home Decorating
Looking for a welcoming place to begin? Start with my Start Here page, where I share favorite vintage decorating ideas, thrifted finds, and styling inspiration from our cozy New England homes in Vermont and Coastal Maine.
Once summer arrives, there’s nothing quite like dreaming of a cozy retreat, a beachside escape, or a quiet cottage tucked into the woods. And while we may not all have a Scandinavian cottage to call our own, a little inspiration goes a long way.
From the red-painted homes of Sweden to floral-filled porches in Norway and Finland, these idyllic Scandinavian cottage interiors and exteriors capture the essence of simple, beautiful living in the North. So let’s wander off the beaten path and into the world of light, air, and Nordic charm.
This little red Scandinavian cottage with its cheery yellow door is the picture of summer charm. From the rustic fire pit and pallet coffee table to the wicker furniture, hammock, and floral-filled terracotta pots, every detail invites slow living outdoors. It’s a casual yet beautifully styled space that captures the heart of Swedish country cottage design.
2. Hannes Mauritzon | A Swedish Dreamer’s Garden Party Setting
Hannes Mauritzon’s Instagram is a treasure trove of Scandinavian cottage entertaining ideas, and this dreamy garden scene is no exception. Styled outside a charming red Swedish cottage with a sunny yellow door, the table is set with a mauve plaid cloth, candles, florals, cheeses, and wine, perfect for an intimate summer evening. His relaxed, beautiful styling brings Scandinavian outdoor living to life with effortless charm.
Top Vintage Decor Ideas & Thrifted Finds You’ll Love
Explore my most popular vintage decorating posts filled with personal stories, styling tips, and lessons learned from years of thrifting across New England and beyond.
7 Thrifted Finds I Regret Not Buying (And What I Learned)
9 Thrift Store Finds I Always Buy for Vintage Styling
9 Vintage Decor Pieces I’ll Never Part With
10 Vintage Decor Ideas I Spotted at Vintage Market Days Vermont
This deep red traditional Scandinavian cottage is one of the homes that first inspired the look and feel of our own Vermont retreat. With its crisp white trim, vintage lanterns, and dark teak outdoor table styled with florals and a sunny yellow teapot, it radiates timeless Nordic charm. Inside, you’ll find antique decor, rich wood tones, copper accents, and cozy cottage vignettes that blend Scandinavian simplicity with old-world warmth, even in the height of summer.
Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiration in this Nordic Table Scandinavian Inspired Dining Room Ideas from our home in Vermont.
Swedish digital creator Sarah Lundbert has transformed a quiet corner of her garden into the most enchanting Scandinavian outdoor kitchen. Styled with a handmade tablecloth, blue and white porcelain, inherited cake stand, and flea market finds, her table setting is both personal and picture-perfect. From pansies frozen in ice cubes to a showstopping cake and cozy wicker chairs, Sarah’s tutorials on Instagram bring Scandinavian cottage style to life in the most magical way.
5. Elsa Billgrens | TILL MORGONKAFFET
From beach strolls to garden gatherings, Elsa Billgren’s Scandinavian cottage captures the heart of Swedish summer living. Her rustic red-and-white home sets the backdrop for a charming outdoor scene: a picnic table with a big bouquet of white flowers, green chairs, children playing, and a vintage watering can in hand. It’s the kind of Scandinavian cottage getaway that feels both magical and completely real, perfect inspiration for your own cabin-style retreat.
Seasonal Porch Decorating with Vintage Style
From lilacs in spring to ski lodge charm in winter, this year-round guide shares how I decorate our Vermont porch with vintage style through every season. It’s packed with table settings, thrifted finds, cozy layers, and simple decorating ideas to bring timeless charm to your own outdoor space.
This ivy-covered Scandinavian summer cottage is a love letter to imperfection, filled with heirlooms, natural textures, and vintage soul. Every creaky floorboard and weathered corner tells a story, of timeworn wallpaper, flea market treasures, and the cozy rhythm of slow living. With soft light pouring through antique windows and a sense of stillness in every room, it’s the kind of Swedish cottage that invites you to linger, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.
Perched on rocky shores with sweeping views of the sea, this red-and-white Swedish summer cottage captures the relaxed beauty of Scandinavian coastal living. From its weathered teak deck and terracotta potted florals to breezy interiors in soft green and white, every detail feels calm, clean, and inspired by nature. If you’re dreaming of Scandinavian cottage style with a seaside twist, this stunning home from SKÖNA HEM offers endless summer inspiration, right down to the outdoor showers and serene steps to the water.
Recommended Reading
You may also enjoy this Firelight, Evergreens, and Snow: The Christmas Bottle Project of Swedish Homes post.
8. Huset i Lunden | Restoring a Second Home in Sweden – Vintage Finds, Swedish Recipes, and Cottage Charm
This lovingly restored Swedish summer cottage is a masterclass in blending antique finds with minimalist Scandinavian cottage style. From soft blue accents and flickering brass candlesticks to the scent of freshly baked goods in a charming vintage kitchen, every detail feels curated and heartfelt. With its yellow-to-white transformation, this second home tells a story of restoration, simplicity, and the timeless beauty of slow living in Sweden.
Thrifting with the Gals
Love the thrill of the hunt? Thrifting with the Gals is a blog series packed with secondhand scores, vintage styling ideas, and real-time thrift adventures you won’t want to miss.
This dilapidated Norwegian summer cottage was once barely standing, but after a stunning transformation, it’s now a rustic dream. With wood stove warmth, blue and white Norwegian dinnerware, weathered beams, and bold blue cabinets, every room honors its log cabin roots while embracing timeless Scandinavian cottage style. Pops of orange, layers of natural wood, and antique charm make this one of the most inspiring cottage restorations you’ll find.
10. BY SHNORDIC | Rustic Nordic Summer Cottage – A Finnish Escape in Soft Neutrals
Tucked away in southwest Finland, this little red Nordic summer cottage is the embodiment of slow, intentional living. Faded pastel walls, crochet curtains, mismatched vintage furniture, and soft gray-and-white tones create a peaceful, lived-in feel. With a glowing potbelly stove, flickering lanterns, and a handmade green wreath on the door, it’s a beautiful example of Scandinavian cottage decor rooted in simplicity and soul.
Vintage Home Decorating Guides and Styling Inspiration
Are you curious about vintage decor but don’t know where to start? These cornerstone guides are packed with seasonal styling tips, how-tos, and inspiration to help you confidently decorate with charm and character.
If you loved these charming summer cottages, don’t miss the rest of the series:
➤ 10 Spring Scandinavian Cottage Ideas – Fresh florals, light interiors, and Scandinavian style in bloom.
➤ My 10 Favorite Homes in Sweden (Cozy Winter Inspiration) – Snowy exteriors, red cottages, and all the hygge you could ask for.
Scandinavian cottage style is a cozy, minimal, and nature-inspired approach to home design rooted in the Nordic countries, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. It features clean lines, light-filled interiors, natural materials like wood and linen, and a soft, neutral palette that emphasizes simplicity and function.
To decorate a Scandinavian cottage for summer, focus on light and airy elements: open windows, white or pastel walls, linen textiles, woven furniture, and fresh flowers. Outdoor spaces often include rustic wooden tables, terracotta pots, and simple seating areas with vintage charm. The key is effortless, lived-in beauty that connects you to nature.
Scandinavian cottage interiors often use soft neutrals like white, beige, gray, and pale wood tones. In summer, you might see pops of gentle colors like seafoam green, dusty blue, or faded red, especially on exteriors or accent furniture. These tones reflect the natural landscape and enhance the calming atmosphere of Nordic design.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, Scandinavian design typically refers to the style trends from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, while Nordic design also includes Finland and Iceland. In cottage style, both emphasize simplicity, craftsmanship, and cozy functionality, but regional details may vary.
Absolutely! In fact, vintage and antique elements are a perfect match for Scandinavian cottage style. Many Nordic homes feature flea market finds, heirloom dishware, antique lighting, and rustic furniture, all styled in a clean and thoughtful way. Mixing old and new adds warmth and personality to any Scandinavian cottage interior.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or email me to join our Reader’s Showcase Series, where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds.
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Lovely list but you must include @vibekdesign. It is the first Instagram account I look at every day! Truly exudes warmth and coziness regardless of the season ❤️
I couldn’t agree with you more! She’s actually the first one on my previous two Scandinavian posts. This collection I set out to find some new inspiration🫶🏻
Amazing! I love all of them but my favorite… Number 10!! is the best idea than I found today. Congratulations
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
They are all so amazing! I’m swooning over their outdoor tables and seating! I can’t pick a favorite. I’m so inspired. I’m sharing your link with my followers today in my Sunday round up post. They will love it!
Thank you so much Kristin aren’t they absolutely amazing!
What a fabulous post and collection of homes! Thank you, Ann.
Thank you Alice. I’m so glad you stopped by🫶🏻
Scandinavians certainly know how to make a home so peaceful and serene. Thanks I do love their style.
Aren’t they all so amazing?