A Small Mid-Century Swedish Apartment Packed with Personality

'Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get' goes the famed line from Forest Gump. And I like to make sure that this blog offers some surprises. While this might not be 'out there' in terms of the building itself (after all, in the past I've shown everything from a tiny house on wheels to a home in a converted fire station), stylistically thinking, this mid-century home is a little different from the other properties I've shown lately. 

It may be small (269 f2 / 25 m2) but this studio apartment in the heart of Stockholm has everything you need to feel comfortable: a cosy bed, sitting room area, dining table, kitchenette and balcony. The 1930s apartment is also packed with personality (I'm looking at the blend of mid-century modern and vintage furniture (note the red chairs - a running theme in Swedish homes right now, as seen in Monday's home tour too), and retro touches. 

Let's delve in further to see what's at play! 

A large rug helps to add a cosy touch to the bedroom / living room / dining area - with the choice of dark green adding to the mid-century vibe. 

Under-bed storage provides space for clothes and other items. 

The traditional gate-leg table can be folded out to cater for more people. 

Elfa storage (of which I am a huge fan), is adaptable over time and comes with the option of lots of different accessories including book ends, hooks and even a mirror (although, this one is retro of course!). 

The original retro kitchen adds to the overall feel of the apartment. 

Love this personal and unique home. It's a great example of how to ensure lots of storage in a small space - especially for book lovers! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

You can see more mid-century-themed homes here: 

A Finnish collector's home full of vintage treasures

A colourful, retro 'funkis' home in Norway

The relaxed Antwerp home of a creative duo

Have a lovely mid-week - stor kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem (styling - Rydman / photography Janson), found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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A Mid-century Swedish Apartment with Warm Tones

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Stockholm, this Swedish apartment bears many of the hallmarks of its 1944-45 origin. The kitchen for example, still has the original cabinetry and pantry - and it warms my heart to see these remnants still intact!  

As an 'end' apartment, it's also blessed with light from three different directions. In our first apartment  many moons ago, Per and I lived in a flat just like this and I absolutely loved how the light changed throughout the day. 

The owners of this space have included quite a few mid-century pieces to stay true to the architecture - while not being afraid to add some cool, contemporary touches. Look closely, and you'll also witness sculptural pieces, unique treasures, a rich blend of textures and warm earthy tones. 

Finally, keep an eye out for the shelving in the sitting room - a perfect solution when wall space is limited. 

I hope you feel inspired by the tour! 

Feeling confused about the layout? Here's the floor plan for the 46 m2 (495 ft.sq) apartment: 

Glossary: matrum - dining room, kök - kitchen, vardagsrum - sitting room, sovrum - bedroom

I love how warm this apartment looks; I can imagine feeling instantly at ease here, how about you? 

The earthy kilim rug and cushions reminded me of the tour I once featured of the Swedish home of interior designer Saša Antic. I have been working with Saša this week and he is such a talented guy! 

Also, note the cushion to the right of the sofa. The tone is similar to the Pantone 2024 colour of the year - Peach fuzz, which goes beautifully with dark green. Can you imagine adding this accent to your home this year? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts, as always! 

Happy Lillördag! 

Niki

Photography @jockeono, styling Clindholm design, for Historiska Hem. 

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A Small Swedish Apartment, Packed With Charm (And Sunlight)

Tjena! Hur är läget? We've woken up to a beautiful sunny day here in Sweden and our homes are pooled with golden light. This small 25 sq.m (269 ft.sq) apartment in Stockholm (in an area called Midsommarkransen meaning 'Midsummer crown' - how lovely is that?) is blessed with windows from two directions, capturing the beams as the sun moves through the sky and casting an ever changing array of shadows.

The owner has artfully worked with the one-room living space to incorporate a kitchenette, dining space, and a bed that doubles up as a sofa. High shelves help to make the most of the full height of the room - while plants, flowers and mid-century teak furniture add to the charm of the home. 

In the midst of a conundrum about how to arrange your small apartment - or trying to get your head around awkward angles? This lovely Swedish home is for you! 

Glossary: Rum - 'room', kök - kitchen, Badrum - bathroom. 

I poured over the pictures to suss out clothes storage. I think the best place for a wardrobe would be the hall (it looks like there are two rails as well as quite a few shelves there which could well be used for clothes). Under-bed storage is also optimal in small spaces. 

All-in-all a charming small space, with such a lovely feel. I'd be perfectly happy to come home to this apartment each day, how about you? 

More small space inspiration can be found in this archive.

On another note, something very exciting happened this week. I was at my daughters swimming gala (these things take up the entire weekend and the highs and lows are unbelievable - there were smiles, tears and everything in between from Liv! - Are there any other swimming parents out there?), and scrolling through instagram during the very long poolside hours, and lo and behold, I spotted Kelly Clarkson reading my book Relaxed Rustic. What a crazy moment! It certainly put a shine on my weekend, along with my daughters smiles! 

I hope you have a great start to the week! 

Niki 

Photogrtaphy courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

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A Bright, White Swedish Home With Mid Century Touches

There is something very special about the spring light in Sweden. Even my mother commented on it when she was over recently. On some days it can be pin sharp on others, it's soft and filtered! It's at this time of the year our homes really come into their own with the dappled light leaving ripples on the light wood floors and white walls. It's a time when we can finally open the windows and invite the crisp, clear air indoors and marvel at the lime green leaves and blossom (after a long spell of dormancy!). This lovely apartment in Gothenburg caught my eye this morning for that very reason. Look out for the simple yet lovely spot in the kitchen window, ochre vintage chairs, mid-century touches, beautiful tiled masonry oven and William Morris wallpaper (a popular choice in Swedish homes these days!). Enjoy the tour! 

How lovely! 

I'll never tire of old light wood floors, how about you? 

For more swedish pads today - why not delve through this archive, there's SO much inspiration in there! 

Kram! 

Niki

Credits: Entrance 

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Take a Peek Inside Steffi's Cheerful and Relaxed Family Home

Hey, Friday - how happy I am to see you! Is it me or has it been one very long week?! It could be because we're going skiing tomorrow and I've honestly been counting down the days! I hope you've got some fun plans for half term too! Before I head off I wanted to stop by and share Steffi's lovely, relaxed home in Hamburg, Germany with you. Built in 1910, the house has a lovely flow and large windows which flood the space with light. Colourful art, flowers and accessories add a cheery feel and I love the mid-century touches. In the words of Bright Bazaar - it's truly 'make you smile style' - and a wonderful family home for Steffi, her husband and two little boys. Enjoy the tour! 

I feel relaxed just looking at these pictures, how about you?

It's the kind of home that would make you feel instantly at ease. Love that.

See more pics over on Steffi's instagram @heyheyhaus. 

Since I'm heading off on holiday (rub it in why don't I?! Sorry!), I'm planning a little blog break until Monday 24th so that I can give my girls and long-suffering husband my undivided attention! I therefore thought I'd leave with you a load of archives (cue hours, days or even weeks of inspiration to be found!). I hope you find a load of inspiration for your home! 

Swedish home tours

Danish home tours

Norwegian home tours

Finnish home tours

Icelandic home tours (not so many in this one admittedly - but SO worth a peek!). 

Before and afters (I'm such a big fan of make-overs!)

Small spaces

Bohemian homes

My home

Oh, and I nearly forgot. Happy Valentine's Day! Are you doing anything special? Per and I don't really celebrate it, but my girls love it. This morning when I left home, there was a little boy putting something in our mailbox - it looked like some chocolates and a card. So sweet! Allie is going to be  happy when she gets home from school! 

Have a fabulous weekend and see you 24th Feb!

Niki

Photography: Steffi / @heyheyhaus shared with kind permission

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