Tucked away in the woods in southern Sweden, Johanna Berglund lives in a historic vicarage with her family. When she and her husband first bought the property, the idea was to restore it for letting and to run a business there. Today it has become their home – one she also shares with her followers on Instagram at @snickargladjen.
According to the deed, the vicarage dates back to the late 19th century, though records mention a building here as early as the 1500s.
From Restoration Project to Family Home
”We poured our hearts and souls into the renovation and, in the end, we simply couldn’t imagine anyone else living here. Instead, we moved in ourselves – it was like falling in love.”
According to the deed, the vicarage dates back to 1880, though records mention a building on the site as early as the 16th century.
In the dining room, a striking Murano chandelier hangs above a table crafted from an old laundry mangle.
Honouring History – With a Modern Twist
”It feels like a responsibility to take care of such an old house. At the same time, we haven’t followed conservation rules rigidly when it comes to colours and materials. It has to work for us, but still feel true to the style of the house.”
Patterned wallpapers, a dining table crafted from a vintage laundry mangle, a striking Murano chandelier and a tiny porcelain duck. In Johanna’s home, old and new blend seamlessly – and every object tells a story.
The romantic, cosy style continues into the bedroom.
”It’s all my things that make me feel at home here. Pieces I’ve inherited, bought while travelling, or won at auction – I have memories tied to each and every one of them. For me, decorating isn’t about following rules, quite the opposite. I like to mix styles I love, even though I often gravitate towards the rustic. Over the years, I think my style has matured and become a little more pared back.”
Gardening is one of Johanna’s great passions. Here she is outside one of her greenhouses.
Favourite Finds and Auction Treasures
One of Johanna’s favourite pieces of furniture is a rustic desk with turned legs, which she picked up at auction a little over two years ago.
”The desk is rather low and, honestly, completely impractical to work at – but I adore it.”
The desk is one of Johanna’s favourite pieces, snapped up at auction just over two years ago.
Is there anything you always look out for at auctions?
”No, I don’t have any saved searches. But I am keeping an eye out for a beautiful armchair. I’m not looking for a particular designer – I just scroll until I find something that feels right. My home is really quite full, but there’s always room to swap things around.”
The bathroom is tiled in a mix of soft whites and greys.
Any designers especially close to your heart?
”I don’t usually search for specific names, but I think Bruno Mathsson and Greta Magnusson-Grossman were incredibly talented. And of course, Josef Frank created so many beautiful pieces.”
Want to know more about Johanna Berglund? Check out her Instagram @snickargladjen.
Get the Style
Check out our curated selection inspired by Johanna Berglund's style.
