Why, hello there! I thought I’d ease into the week by taking you on a little tour of a mini Swedish apartment. After all, over half of us (according to the stats!) now live in cities – and that often means compact living. But small can be beautiful and seriously inspiring still, don’t you think?
Measuring just 24 square metres (258 square feet), this bright 1940s apartment in Stockholm’s Södermalm district is a masterclass in calm, clever design. Everything you need is within arm’s reach: a charming kitchenette with internal windows to let the light (and conversation) flow, traditional Swedish storage jars, a cosy dining nook – and even a balcony.
It’s easy to imagine someone putting their personal stamp on it and calling it home. Or perhaps using it as the perfect little pied-à-terre — I actually know a couple of people who commute from Malmö to Stockholm during and need a peaceful place to stay while they’re away from their families.
I could happily picture this as a dreamy little city pad – perfect for working, wandering, and tucking into a bowl of fresh strawberries in the sunshine. How about you?
I really like the three colours in the bedroom zone: that soft blue-green, the warm cognac, and a pop of fuchsia pink! The little dining area is charming too — simple but inviting.
What’s missing from these pictures is storage — I’m guessing there’s some tucked under the bed, and there’s definitely room for more at the foot of it. There might even be some built-in space around the corner in the hallway. And of course, it could use a few bookshelves — but there’s plenty of space for those!
Did anything in particular stand out to you?
Do you live fairly compact yourself? If you’re in the mood for more small-space inspiration today, feel free to scroll through the small spaces archive. (This one might pop up first — if it does, don’t worry, you’re still in the right place! Just scroll on down to the next tour.).
I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I was going to start small this week — what I didn’t mention is that I’ll be ending on quite a big note… with a trip to Rome! I’ve been kindly invited by a lovely Italian bathroom company, and I’ll be staying on for a couple of days to explore a little. I feel very lucky — and excited! If you happen to have any tips or favourite spots in the city, I’d be so grateful to hear them.
It does mean I won’t be able to post on the blog this week, but if you fancy tagging along, I’ll be sharing a few glimpses of my trip over on Instagram Stories.
See you back here on Monday — and in the meantime, I hope you have a really lovely week!
Niki
Photo: Dana Ozollapa
Styling: C Lindholm design
For Historiska Hem
How I wish apartment developers would build this way. Something about the direction it faces, angles and windows, the apartment is beautifully lit and so mysig:) I would place a couch at the foot of the bed-facing the windows, prop my legs up with a stool and happily spend hours looking outside. How clever to let the light and especially air flow with internal windows. A gem of a small space!
ReplyDeleteWhat a charmer! I like how they used furniture and wall decor with a slim profile to make it feel lighter inside. I agree with the above commenter about finding space for soft seating--maybe a compact sofa or loveseat where the chair and stool in the corner currently are? While the balcony area is breathtakingly beautiful, I like the option of being able to curl up with a book on a chilly/stormy day.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Rome, Niki. I'm not at all jealous, haha.
I’m in love! I’d gladly sacrifice interior space for a balcony like that one, and the kitchen is adorable—I love how the blue tiles behind the sink animate the space.
ReplyDeleteThis is an apartment full of charm. The flat sided glass storage jars make so much more sense than round ones!! I like how the artwork in the dining nook adds to the feeling of lightness in a tiny space. It is the little balcony with red geraniums that I am swooning over. Have a wonderful time in Rome!! Please eat a bowl of pasta for me!! : > )
ReplyDeleteHow nice for the owners to have their own getaway place in the city. Much nicer than staying in a hotel. What makes this small home more liveable is the balcony — the chance to access the outdoors from one's own home is a must. I've been dreaming of buying a small apartment in an older section of Helsinki, such as Töölö or Munkkiniemi. A big requirement would be a balcony. Pirjo
ReplyDeleteLove that balcony. Enjoy Rome!
ReplyDeleteI love that the original kitchen cabinets have been kept and restored.
ReplyDeleteWow -- this is miniscule! But the interior space has been so cleverly put to use and the angle around the kitchen (with the all important interior window) adds visual interest along with the opportunity to create the tiny dining nook. The balcony further expands the sense of space and adds charm. I get a little claustrophobic in small quarters, but the flow of light in this little space and that interior window make this apartment seem quite tolerable, maybe even enjoyable... a "perfect little pied-à-terre" indeed!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a pleasurable Italian business trip!
(eat all the pasta!)