I am always drawn to the opposite. Mention a documentary about climbing Mount Everest or another daring adventure and I’ve hit play before they’ve even put on their crampons – from the safety and warmth of my sofa, of course. And here on MSH, there’s always room for a big old house in a remote country setting – even if many of us live right in the middle of the city.
That said, some of the most inspiring homes are often the smallest ones. Spaces that rely on clever planning, flexible living solutions and smart storage – and prove that you don’t need endless square metres to create something full of personality.
And that’s exactly what this bright little Stockholm apartment does so well.
Measuring 36 m² (388 ft²), the one-bedroom apartment is full of lively prints, small pops of colour set against a soft, neutral backdrop (note the distinct lack of white), and a joyful collection of playful details that gently nudge a smile as you move from room to room.
Even though we haven’t seen the sun for some time, these cheerful touches make the flat feel bright whatever the weather. And isn’t that part of the magic of a thoughtfully put-together home? A flower-shaped bath mat underfoot. A botanical shower curtain that turns everyday routines into something a little more joyful. Cherry-themed glasses catching the light. A tablecloth dotted with tiny lemons, quietly reminding you not to take life too seriously. None of it shouts – it simply delights.
It’s a lovely reminder of how small, inexpensive details can completely transform a space – great news for renters and homeowners alike. Which playful touch would you borrow for your own home? And do you lean more towards calm and neutral, or do you enjoy adding cheerful little surprises like these?
Let’s take the tour!
Have you noticed how popular blue and white ceramics have become lately? A true classic that perfectly suits the nostalgic phase we’re in.
Tables attached to the balcony are perfect for saving space on a small balcony. And the
chess set is lovely too!
Cobalt blue is set to continue as a key colour this year (and hopefully forever once we've invested in it, after all, we don't need to stick to trends, just what we love!) - and this
Siesta bedding from Midnatt is so vibrant! Word of caution if you buy Swedish bedding - their sizes are quite different, for example the pillows are almost square shaped (50 cm x 60 cm!), it's very strange!
It's clever how they've created a thread of cobalt blue throughout the flat - look back and you'll spot small details everywhere - it really helps to tie the space together.
Oh, so fun!
I loved looking at all the details in this apartment, so fabulous!
Did anything stand out to you?
I think I might treat myself to the lemon tablecloth, it would be so pretty on our garden table at our summer cabin!
Here are some more homes with a wonderful, playful touch:
I hope this home tour has filled with you ideas or at the very least brightened up your day.
Thank you so much for dropping by!
Niki
I love how so many small apartments in your posts have small outdoor spaces that the residents have furnished and decorated so well! I imagine it makes a huge difference in their quality of life.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. They really know how to make the most of a balcony, no matter how small!
DeleteCongratulations on your article with IKEA! Most of us are definitely ready for spring.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am sooooo ready for spring. Sadly, here in Sweden it won't arrive until mid-late April, so we've got a while to go - gahhh!
DeleteWell done on your article for IKEA! All the items are so pretty--it must have been a pleasure to write it!
ReplyDeleteThis apartment is a winner. I tend to think of my single days when I see apartments like this--what a happy space to spend your time. The wooden chairs at the dining table look exactly like chairs that my grandfather gave me when I moved out for the first time. My son has carried on the tradition of using them in an apartment. They greatly benefit from a cushion. 😉
Lots of things caught my eye. The brick wall and wooden floors warm things up, and I'm a big fan of using neutrals as your expensive, base pieces (sofa, cabinets) and bringing in color and personality in smaller doses. That technique is done well here. The fish wall hanging made me laugh. My husband and son are both fisheries biologists, and we have fish-themed items all over the house. Like you, I think the tablecloth is sweet, and the shower curtain is so happy and spring-like.
In nice weather, I would live on the balcony. I agree with Jane that having an outdoor space in an apartment adds so much. The table with the corner bench is a clever use of space. I enjoyed today's home a lot!
Wholly agree with everything You, Jane and Kris have said. I can spend an hour looking at this apartment. To me, it starts with the build. Clever placement of windows to bring the light in, and then growing plants make a home feel calm and comforting. The living room is thoughtfully done. The shower curtain reminded me of the florals in the IKEA article. Well done, beautifully scripted😊 Love the soft green.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that the kitchen has space not only for an island but also for a small table (plus I see another chair by the window). And looking at the monstera I am smacking my head thinking why I did not make the pole for mine to support it. My monstera is leaning toward the sun dangerously and one day it may topple over. Probably too late for this one but I have to start a new one in the spring (with the pole).
ReplyDeleteMy favourite item: the checkered white/cobalt blue pot in the bedroom. It reminds me of my coffee mug, also checkered, but in white and cinnamon.
Love, love all the colour! A warm and cheery apartment. More like this please :)
ReplyDeleteI loved your comment about small delights without anything shouting! This apartment is just so cute. I loved the touches of cobalt blue throughout. Very cheery home and seems well suited for delightful living.
ReplyDeleteAnd a clawfoot tub to boot! How lovely!
ReplyDeleteLovely apartment. Lots of things caught my eye. I like the shower curtain especially.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the shower curtain.....maybe I am just so sick of winter?? The entire apartment is furnished in such a way that you just know that the people/person who lives here has a joyful pesonality. Such a sweet balcony. I like the 9 Lives poster and laughed at the fish poster as well. My elder son is a single parent who loves fishing and hunting. His condo is filled with fish posters and lake pictures! Some of those types of decor have made their way into our farmhouse re-do. I enjoyed reading your IKEA descriptions and loved those sheets. I don't have an IKEA close by, but have promises from my hubby that we will go "someday".
ReplyDeleteLovely place! The smaller homes, are the best!
ReplyDeleteI love a neutral background with pops of color. And such an ingenious use of space. Sunny and cozy!
ReplyDeleteI found the bedding to be outstanding ! The color is electric! The balcony is a masterpiece of using a small space to its’ fullest. I love machines so the kitchen is perfect. Just the right amount of beautiful glasses, dishes and candles with the stove bring the centerpiece. It would be so efficient to dork in due to the small island. I saw there were going beautiful pans under the counter too! Peggymagre. USA
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun and cheerful little Stockholm home! I love how the playful details and pops of color make even a small space feel full of personality.
ReplyDelete