On Friday, I promised to move out of summer mode and start to embrace autumn city life once again (cue, a break from all the pretty red and white Swedish country abodes - but I can't promise they won't pop up pretty soon again!). Today's home tour is for everyone who is looking for a solution for a home where the sitting room also doubles up as the bedroom and a home office. In fact, one of the things I think Swedes are masters at is creating rooms within a room.
This so called 'one room apartment' (which in Swedish estate agent terms means that it's made up of one room plus and kitchen and a bathroom), measures 36 m2 / 388 f2 and occupies a section of a beautiful old apartment block dating back to 1927. The living space is relatively simply decorated, and no doubt styled for sale, even so it shows the power of calming off white walls, fluffy rugs and lots of greenery! Welcome to a flat that encompasses small space living in the heart of Gothenburg.
In the far corner you can catch a glimpse of the wardrobe / closet.
There's still lots of space for books and other belongings in this room. I'd have put floor to ceiling shelving at the end of the bed - and then it could double up as a place for novels etc as well as home office files and folders.
An ochre wall makes all the difference the kitchen, which could have otherwise looked vary standard.
The floor has been given a lick or two of white paint which helps to brighten up the hallway / entrance.
In Swedish apartment blocks it's not unusual to find various communal spaces in the basement. For example, they'll usually have a communal laundry room which are a total law unto their own and the subject of many community discussions! Take it from me, you need to book your slot well in advance if you don't want to do your laundry at 7am on a Saturday!
When I first moved to Sweden, we also lived in an apartment block which had access to a sauna. It was simple and understated and also subject to the same booking system. We loved it! Some apartment blocks also have access to a small apartment / bedroom for guests. And in the post WWII apartments you'll often find a bunker too!
Do you have something like this in your country?
Would you like to see a few other small spaces today? Here are some truly inspiring homes:
Also:
Have a great start to the week friends!
Niki
Photography courtesy of Kvarteret
The table lamp with the pleated lampshade is calling my name. I will have to get one.
ReplyDeleteThe rail under the countertop at the end of the kitchen unit is so practical. I wanted my counter top to overhand by 2" and since it's a butcher block, I screwed in a couple of small hooks that hold towels to wipe off my dogs' feet after they come in from the back yard. I also screwed it a small metal plate on one end to which my LED flashlight is attached (it has a magnetic end) - for when I need to check that there are no skunks or other critter before I let the logs out at night. So practical.
Such a clever hack! I can't imagine having to look out for skunks and other critters - thank you for sharing a snippet of your daily life with us.
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I like that there is an entry room for such a small apartment (storage could be added here) and that the eat-in kitchen is separated. So cool that the outside space has raised garden beds.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for pointing all these things out - I hadn't picked up on the raised garden beds, and agree these are so cool! /Niki
DeleteI love this so much! Asking fate to bless me with a one-room / studio apartment (with a good little closet like this one).
ReplyDeleteYou never know! /Niki
DeleteI would have loved living here in my single-girl years!
ReplyDeleteMe too, so cosy and calm! /Niki
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