Tjena! Welcome back to the blog on this bright and sunny Monday! Oh, have I got a lovely Swedish apartment to share with you. but first, allow me to set the scene.
When I was at Edinburgh university in Scotland, my flatmates and I always rented a top floor flat without a lift. It was what we could afford at the time and our young legs could bound up the four flights morning, noon and night without a problem - although it was infuriating to get to the ground floor only to realise you'd forgotten something.
This beautiful maisonette in Gothenburg is located on what us Brits would refer to as the 'second floor' (Swedes would say third floor) - which in my mind is way more manageable. Plus, your efforts are really well rewarded thanks to stunning decor! Think dark wood beams, white-washed stonework, charming wood floors and a rooftop terrace high above the streets of Sweden's second largest city! Not only that, but it's been impeccably decorated in a sea of milky, natural tones. Be still, beating heart!
If my university flats had looked anything like this, I'd still be there today! I hope you feel inspired by this beautifully decorated Swedish apartment too.
It's all about the curves when it comes to the coffee table, Pacha-style armchair, Lato side table, vase and pendant light (the Nelson is similar).
Can you spot the TV?
Look at the layers of texture too - the sheepskin, blankets, wall hanging, curtains all help to add warmth,
A little nook by the window is used as a home office space - perfect for capitalising on natural light.
A Best lite, antique desk and In-between chair make a great combination. Sadly, my desk does not look like this today.
Warm brown tones in the kitchen have been paired with white upper cabinets to ensure a light and airy feel.
A Ferm Living desert lounge chair in the corner of the kitchen is perfect for a morning coffee!
It's common to have a washing machine in the bathroom in Sweden (unless there's a communal laundry in the basement of the flats).
I was asked the other day about the lack of clothes in Swedish homes. Looking at the above hallway, it's a valid question! Despite the Scandinavian 'less is more' philosophy, owning one coat, one bag and one pair of shoes is a push for even the most dedicated of minimalists. Trust me, the average swede has way more kit than this! Some of the homes I show, like this one, are on the market and have been styled for sale - which means a whole load of stuff has been removed. One of the thoughts behind this is that removing personal items such as photos and clothes makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves in the property. Makes sense, I think!
Overall, a really lovely apartment - could you imagine living here? I certainly could!
Have a great start to the week!
Niki
Photography courtesy of Stadshem with thanks.
Just love it
ReplyDeleteOne word sums it up: stunning!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thank you for addressing the question of storage. I am very interested in how people in small places or even large places address storage. I see small apartments in Sweden etc. and wonder about this. Where are the boots, the suitcases? Would love to see you explore this if you have time.
ReplyDeleteMost apartments also have loft or basement storage, where you can store off season items and suitcases etc. How an apartment is styled for selling is not how it's lived, with plenty of clothes and storage bins in the hallway, under the beds, and in the closets.
DeleteI suspect this space would seem dark and heavy without the well-thought out decor choices. It's calming and cozy but still airy in feel. I really like this. I agree with the above-commenter about wondering where the storage is. I'm all about good storage!
ReplyDeleteNiki, thanks for your good work!
ReplyDeleteLove the cream fixture with black stripes at the top
of the stairs. Any idea of a source for it?
I love the white and cream color because a place like Sweden will see dark for many days in the winter and this color scheme will help. I really love the wooden beams how they melt into the wall.
ReplyDelete