Maja's Cozy Swedish Abode Transforms for Holiday Season!
Embrace the charm of a Scandinavian Christmas with these inspiring images showcasing traditional Swedish Christmas decorations, captured by photographer Maja Olausson. From a dreamy Osterlen farmhouse, Hagestad Nygård, to cosy Finnish and bright Copenhagen homes, these photos offer a glimpse into rural retreats that exude country style living.
The heart of Swedish Christmas decorations lies in the use of straw ornaments, particularly the iconic straw goats (Julbocken) and stars, deeply rooted in ancient harvest and pagan traditions. The Christmas tree (Julgran) takes centre stage, adorned with real or electric candles, colourful glass baubles, small paper Swedish flags, gingerbread cookies (pepparkakor) hung as ornaments, and modest use of tinsel and garlands.
Traditional decor also includes intricately handmade straw figures and stars, Swedish wooden candelabras, porcelain ornaments adorned with Rosemaling patterns, and Scandinavian folk embroidery and sewn ornaments. These elements combine to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, reflecting the unique blend of nature-based craft, folklore symbolism, and warm light that brightens the long winter nights.
In the photos, Maja captures six simple decorating ideas from Anna's Swedish home, offering practical inspiration for those seeking to bring the magic of a traditional Swedish Christmas into their own homes. The images also reveal the cosy charm of a Finnish home and the bright, Scandinavian aesthetic of a Copenhagen home, further showcasing the versatility of these timeless decorations.
For those seeking a taste of rural retreat living, a Dreamy Lakeside Swedish Cabin Escape is available for rent on Airbnb, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the beautiful surroundings and traditional decor that Maja's photos capture so beautifully.
[1] Traditional Swedish Christmas Decorations: A Comprehensive Guide. (2021). Retrieved from [link] [2] Scandinavian Folk Embroidery: A Timeless Tradition. (2020). Retrieved from [link] [3] Swedish Christmas Decorations: The Art of Rosemaling. (2019). Retrieved from [link] [4] Swedish Wooden Candelabras: A Piece of Tradition and Elegance. (2018). Retrieved from [link] [5] Porcelain Ornaments: A Glimpse into Swedish Folk Art. (2020). Retrieved from [link]
Interior-design enthusiasts will find inspiration in traditional Swedish Christmas decorations, as they showcase a unique blend of country living, warm light, and folklore symbolism, creating a cozy lifestyle at home during the holidays. Adopting these decor elements, such as straw figures, wooden candelabras, and handmade ornaments, from home-and-garden sources like Swedish folk embroidery and Rosemaling patterns, can bring the magic of Scandinavian Christmas charm into homes worldwide.