A Small Stockholm Space with a Playful Twist

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!


Notice the Aarke carbonator again (told you it was popular here in Scandinavia!) – and I also spy a Sjöstrand Coffee machine, which we have at our cottage. Lovely appliances!


Have you noticed how popular blue and white ceramics have become lately? A true classic that perfectly suits the nostalgic phase we’re in.

How cute is this table cloth embroidered with lemons (from Swedish brand Midnatt)?


Another popular piece right now - the blue and white Klippan blanket


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

PS I have just written a piece for IKEA on how to update your bedroom for spring if you'd like to take a peek :) 

Credits: Historiska Hem, shared with thanks


 

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Small Space Living: A Stockholm Home Full of Colour and Creativity

Hejsan hoppsan! The weekend whizzed by in a blur—am I the only one? Today in Malmö, the skies have darkened, and the lights are on. So when I stumbled across this fifth-floor apartment in Stockholm, with its cheerful colours, playful patterns, and fun accessories, I knew it was just the place to brighten up a grey day!

Measuring a fairly compact 35 m² (377 ft²), what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality. The apartment exudes a young and vibrant vibe, with light pink curtains, a sunny yellow parasol and cushions on the balcony, and a bedroom dressed in deep pink and ochre. Even the wardrobe and entrance have been given their very own bold hues, which add to the home’s sense of warmth and character.

Keep your eyes peeled for sculptural ceramics—everything from small details like cups, vases and items hung on the wall to larger pieces like a bedside table. Could there be a ceramicist living here? I’m willing to bet there is! Oh, and they sure do love plants too - even giving each one a very cool plinth (is that a ceramic shelf I see?). 

Välkommen, as they say in Sweden!
















This is so much fun! The more you look, the more you discover—wavy mirrors, crocheted bags, funky lamps... every piece in the home feels like art in itself!

Did you spot something cool too?

I hope this apartment has brought a little sunshine to your day.

And in honour of this lovely home, I thought you might like to take a look at a few other homes with fun touches today - these ones are sure to raise a smile or two: 

12 playful designs in Sussi's Danish home (those pink stairs!)
A vibrant, light-filled loft with fun touches
Lisa's playful and relaxed Berlin home
Gen's playful summer cottage in Sweden

I hope you have a happy start to the week!

Niki

Credits: Styling - Lindholm, photography - Boukari, for Historiska Hem, found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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All Things Bright and Beautiful: Inside a Joyful Danish Home

"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small." We used to sing that hymn during school assemblies when I was little—maybe you did too. Funny how certain phrases linger in the mind, waiting to resurface at just the right moment. That line popped into my head the instant I stumbled across Tilde’s delightful Instagram feed, @vintherhome, where the Danish creative shares snapshots of her joyfully colourful home.

With 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen just around the corner (the city-wide festival celebrating Danish and international design), my thoughts have naturally drifted toward all things Danish—and design-related. If you're heading there too, I think we’re in for a treat. That’s how I came across Tilde’s vibrant abode just outside the city: a playful blend of bold hues, quirky shapes (palm tree floor lamp, anyone?), and cheerful patterns—all wrapped in that effortlessly calm Scandinavian aesthetic we can’t help but admire.

Oh, and keep an eye out for the “creatures small” too—she has a design-forward wardrobe to match the space!

So joyful! I absolutely love the vibrancy of her home – it gives off so much energy. Do you also appreciate the colours, patterns, and playfulness in Tilde's space?

The floor lamps are fabulous – such great conversation pieces! I wonder if they’re vintage? They’re definitely not something you come across every day.

Was there anything that stood out to you?

Treat yourself to more pictures of Tilde's home here. She has tagged quite a few of the items so you can find the source - but if you're curious and can't find the source, let me know and I'll do my best to help. 

Shall we celebrate more beautiful Danish design today? Here are five beautiful Danish country homes to love

I hope you've got some fun plans for the weekend. It's set to be fabulous weather here in Sweden, yay!

Happy Friday! 

Niki

Photography @vintherhome - shared with kind permission.

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Inside a Swedish Home That’s Full of Spring Vibes and Pastel Charm

I finally looked up from everything I've been doing and realised - Easter is just around the corner! Eeek, that snuck up quickly (especially considering it’s a late one this year). While I don’t have any pretty Easter decorations to share with you today (though I’ll pop some links at the end of the post), I do have a home tour that’s absolutely brimming with soft, spring-like pastels to get you in the Easter mood.

Think playful pops of pink, yellow, blue, and green sprinkled throughout the space—in blankets, lamps, shelving, vases, and more—bringing a vibrant, joyful energy that’s full of spring vibes. But what really stood out to me is the creative use of paint around the doorways. From a peachy arch to eggshell yellow architraves, the unexpected splashes of colour feel daring yet uplifting, drawing attention to the home’s architectural details and adding a unique, cheerful touch.

Ready to take a look around a Stockholm home that’s fully embraced the charm of spring and the spirit of Easter? This way!
















This has really put a spring in my step! It’s got all the joyful vibes I associate with this time of year and has me in the mood for the weekend already. How about you?

Do you enjoy adding splashes of colour around your home? Have you experimented with playful paintwork in your living space too? If so, I’d love to hear more. And as always, I’d be curious to know what stood out to you about this Swedish home.

Would you like to see some other Scandinavian homes that rock pastel shades? Take a peek at: 

A smallish Danish home with a sunny vibe
Line's relaxed Copenhagen home with pretty pastels
12 simple ways to add colour to your home this spring

As promised, here are some Easter decorating ideas in case you’re thinking of adding a few seasonal touches to your home this weekend:

A fresh Danish home with Easter touches
My big Easter DIY edit
6 beautifully simple Easter craft ideas

I hope you all have a lovely, sunny and relaxing weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks. 

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