Breathing Room: A Beautiful Swedish Home

I was so happy to hear that so many of you loved the Norwegian home tour earlier this week - it certainly helped that we had such a handsome guide!

Today, I thought we’d go for something a little different. One of the things I’ve always loved about Scandinavian design is the calmness that comes with the “less is more” philosophy. Walking into a decluttered home, like the one you’re about to witness, makes me instantly take a deep exhale in and out. It’s instantly calming!

I also love how, when a home is pared back, you can see each carefully selected item in its entirety - the colour, the form, the material, the texture - everything.

So, this Swedish home is dedicated to anyone who needs a little calm, or some breathing room, to take with you into the weekend!

Granted, this is even more decluttered than usual since it’s for sale, but I still love the light and airy feel, along with the lovely choice of furniture and colour. Plus, I’ll always be a big fan of a wall rack for wine glasses - especially on a Friday!

Are you also a fan of the pared-back look?

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tours on the blog this week as much as I have. As always, thank you so much for stopping by and for all your comments, emails, and messages. I love this positive community! 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem, with thanks. 

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Small-Space Calm in a Gothernburg home

It’s fascinating how people thrive in different environments – some love the peace and tranquility of the countryside, while others are comforted by the buzz of the city. The sound of distant heels and chatter on pavements outside, the odd car hurrying past – it can be strangely soothing. As a girl who grew up in London, I have always found this comforting, a reminder of being surrounded by life even when tucked away in my own quiet corner.

This 38 m2 (409 f2) Gothenburg apartment captures that same balance. Bathed in natural light, it feels like a soft exhale the moment you step inside. The creamy beige walls create a calm backdrop for layered textures, while the oversized paper lantern makes the living room feel airy yet grounded. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as linen curtains, gently filtering daylight, can completely transform a space?

One of my favourite details is the window nook filled with cushions and greenery – a perfect little sanctuary for reading, sipping coffee, or just watching the world go by. And the kitchen, with its muted palette and brass accents, is modern but never cold, carrying just the right touch of warmth - I can imagine it looking nice with cookery books, something bubbling on the stove and other signs of action!

Ready to take a snoop?

This apartment has likely been staged to sell so it is fairly minimal, but there are some lovely opportunities for the news owners. For example. Bookshelves over the sofa would make a cosy touch and provide extra storage. 

Older buildings like this one, which was built in 1929, often have nice, wide window sills that can double up as a window seat. 

The front door opens straight into the sitting room (as is sometimes the case in smaller apartments) - if you look closely to the right of the door, you'll catch some shoes, and I'm wondering if there are some coat hooks hidden from view. Even so, I'd like to see a curtain that can be pulled across the door to block the view of the sitting room when the door opens, as well as to prevent drafts. Some extra storage to the left would also be great (I'm a big fan of these pockets from Norrgavel. 

These Scandinavian traditional woven baskets have had a huge revival in recent years, and not only do I think they're really pretty, they're useful too! 

In case you're wondering about the layout, here's the floor plan: 

Translation: kök - kitchen, vardagsrum - sitting room, sovrum - bedroom. 

If you had to choose one standout feature here – the calm kitchen, the layered living room, or that nice window seat (a perfect perch for people watching) – which would it be? 

Is there anything else that caught your eye? 

I must say, time has flown by today, and I need to dash - but if you'd like to explore a few more ideas, why not take a look at the small spaces archive? There are thousands of homes to discover!

Have a happy Monday! 

Niki

Photography and floor plan courtesy of Entrance, with thanks. 

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Warm Woods & Soft Textures: Inside a Gothenburg Oasis

Hej! I’m back from a wonderful few days with family in Cornwall – the rugged south coast of England – all rosy-cheeked and full of way too many Cornish pasties! Thank you so much for your patience while I took a little time off.

The good news is, I have a lovely, calming Swedish home in Gothenburg to share with you. What first drew me in was the kitchen: the mix of warm wood cabinetry with that sleek chrome shelf above – such a distinct and striking combination I haven’t come across before, and bang on trend! But what really makes this space so inviting is the overall softness it radiates. From the fluffy textures and calming neutral tones to the gentle light filtering through sheer curtains, every corner feels thoughtfully designed yet wonderfully pared down. It’s the kind of home that whispers calm and comfort – exactly what we all need midweek.

Here’s to a soothing Wednesday, everyone – enjoy the tour!

I love the textured wall in the bedroom and all those layered, soft materials; they work so beautifully to soften the boxier lines of modern architecture, transforming the space into a true little oasis. It’s a look that feels both calming and inspiring – very much in line with the signature style of Emma Fisher, the talented designer behind this home and one of Gothenburg’s brilliant interior designers.

Did anything in this home catch your eye? Is this your kind of style? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy mid-week friends!

Niki

Styling: Emma Fisher, Photography: Walti Hösli for Entrance. 

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White & Faded: Touring Janet Parrella-van den Berg’s Tuscan Sanctuary

Borta är bra, hemma bäst (away is good, but home is best) - so the Swedish saying goes. And really, there’s no place like home. It’s our very own personal space where we can control the environment and simply be ourselves. When it comes to decorating, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way — it’s all down to personal taste.

Some love to fill their home with joyful colours and a riot of patterns to maximise energy. Others prefer nostalgia, surrounding themselves with treasures collected over time. And then there are those who long for calm minimalism, creating an oasis in which to clear the mind from the noise of the outside world and recuperate in quiet.

The latter is the path Janet Parrella-van den Berg has chosen for her home. An abstract artist and author of White & Faded, Janet — together with her husband, Dino — is the creative force behind the UK-based brand White & Faded, as well as a beautiful property in Lucca, Tuscany, just half an hour from Pisa. Their focus is on restoring old homes and furniture, breathing new life into everything they touch while inspiring clients and followers to embrace stylish, sustainable living.

Now, we’re invited to step inside their Tuscan retreat — an Italian country house full of history, lovingly pared back to reveal its timeless charm. Here, Janet has created a sanctuary painted almost entirely in white. The soft palette enhances natural light, highlights the building's original character, and sets the stage for her philosophy of calm, understated elegance. As she explains: “I couldn’t think of any better colour than white in my home — feared by so many, but loved at the same time.”

Let's take a peek inside. 

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a home so dedicated to white on here.I can certainly see the white and the faded — true to Janet's signature style. The result is a perfect source of inspiration for anyone who loves to keep things minimal, fresh, and timeless.

Are you a fan of white in your own home, or do you prefer to admire it in the spaces of others? 

If you are feeling inspired, here are few tips on the best way to work with white in your home: 

• Layer your whites. Mix warm and cool tones (ivory, cream, chalk, linen) to add depth and avoid a flat, clinical look.

• Play with texture. Use natural materials like linen, wood, stone, and wool to bring warmth and interest to a white room.

• Let light do the work. White walls reflect natural light beautifully, so keep windows uncluttered to maximise brightness.

• Balance with accents. A hint of greenery, rustic wood, or black iron details can anchor the space and make the white feel even fresher.

• Keep it practical. Washable slipcovers, matte finishes, and wipeable paints make living with white much easier.

Would you like to see a few more homes with a white theme? I love:

Leanne Ford's beautiful white guest house
A beautiful Swedish home as white as it's snowy surroundings

50 shades of white in a serene Swedish home

Happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: Janet Parella-van den Berg, shared with kind permission. 

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