Before and After: A Run Down Property becomes a Beautiful Swedish Farmhouse
Ever driven passed a dilapidated house in your neighbourhood and dreamt about bringing it back to its former glory? I'd actually parked that thought - until I spotted interior designer Sandra Östlind's beautiful farmhouse. When Sandra bought the property, it was in need of a complete overhaul, which would be enough to put off even the most prolific DIYer. But Sandra and her partner saw it as an opportunity. After a painstaking renovation, which involved a new roof, stripping and painting the facade as well as an interior gut job, Sörbergets Farm in Västerbotten County, Sweden, has become a beautiful light and airy family home. Let's take a peek at the transformation.
Exterior Before
After
For the facade, Sandra developed her own paint colour known as 'Sandras sörvit' - and available through Stuv Butiken. The difference is quite incredible!
Before
After
Sandra swapped out the old, rotten front door for a new 'Bleckhall Långeskär door from Doorly, painted in her own blend: Sandras Skogsgrön (available at Stuv Butiken as before). The wall light is a classic style for this type of Swedish house - and bought from Ljus Experten.
Before
After
The existing kitchen was stopped out and replaced with traditional Swedish Marbodal units in 'Fagerö Beige'.
Cabinet Before
After
Slight diversion from the room 'before and afters' here - but I wanted to include this cabinet update as an inspiring reminder of how you can easily transform a flea market find with a lick of paint!
Children's room before
After
Perhaps the craziest renovation of all in this home is the Ebbe's room. It's gone from a derelict upstairs loft space into a beautiful children's room that oozes character and old school charm. I particularly love the wallpaper (from Stuvbutiken) with matching blinds from Ikea and the exposed beams.
Hallway / entrance before
After
Sandra sanded down the wood panels on the ceiling before applying 'Helvit' from Herdins Färgverk and pretty 'Dahlia Garden' wallpaper by Boråstapeter.
Before Entrance
After
Sometimes you scratch the surface of these old houses and realise the issue is a whole lot bigger than you bargained for. This is what happened with the entrance. Sandra was planning on changing the door (as before), but it turned out the wall was so rotten that she had to replace the entire wall and window. Every cloud has a silver lining though - now their entrance is a lot brighter as a result!
What a wonderful transformation! I live the calming green tones throughout, and the fresh feel of the space.
It has me dreaming of a house renovation project all over again (don't tell Per!), how about you?
You can see more of Sandra's lovely country home over on her instagram feed @sandrashem.
If you feel like marvelling over more before and after reveals, why not delve into this archive - some of the transformations are absolutely incredible!
I hope you're feeling as inspired as I am!
Niki
Photography courtesy of Sandra Östlind, shared with kind permission.