An Earthy, Calm and Beautiful One Room Studio in Stockholm

Every now and again a home really leaps out at me, and this is one of them. Organic, mature and calm, the one room studio apartment is a perfect oasis in the heart of Swede's capital - and even has a cosy balcony full of Autumn blooms on which to enjoy a morning coffee. 

A mix of grainy woods, earthy 'unpolished' walls, coarse linen - the apartment might be void of bright colour, but it more than makes up for it in rich textures, all of which help the space to come alive. 

Keep an eye out for items that help to add the 'hygge' (cosiness) - such as a Sjöstrand espresso maker (we have one of these in our cabin!), teapots, vintage mugs, and a retro stereo system. And of course, there's the blend of mid-century and antique furniture too. 

So friends, pop the kettle on and curl up, there's plenty to feel inspired by in this beautiful Swedish studio apartment! 

The paint work is lovely - neutral yet lively. There's a good article about different paint finishes and how to achieve them on House Beautiful in case you'd like to create something similar. 

I forgot to mention in my previous small space post that many Swedish apartment blocks have storage in the basement which is perfect for storing out-of-season items. This one is no different. Even so, you can see in the last picture that it there is quite a lot of wardrobe space - and most likely space under the bed for clothes and other bits and bobs too. 

One of the things that really caught my eye in this home were the retro headphones. My wonderful dad, who sadly passed away a couple of years ago, used to love music and spent most of his spare time browsing record shops or going to gigs (when he wasn't ferrying us!). He had a huge record collection which all my friends used to admire (his taste was so down with the kids). He also had a set of headphones just like this! It's funny how a single item can bring back so many memories. I guess it's still quite raw for me as I reflect with sadness - but a wise friend told me that one day I'll be able to look back at my memories of my Dad with a smile and I look forward to that. Sending a big virtual hug out to anyone else who has also lost someone special. 

Did you spot anything in this apartment that you fell in love with or admire? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts below! 

Wishing you all a happy Wednesday, 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks

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A Swedish Home in A Former School with Warm Earthy Tones

Can you guess what this building used to be by looking at the pictures? The clue is in the high ceilings, large windows and abundance of light. Although, I have to say that doesn't necessarily narrow it down. This is an old school built in the 1950s with a funkis (functionalist) design - the character of which still shines through! 

The only studying that is done here today is in the cosy light-filled study beside the kitchen or at the desk in the children's room, since today it serves as a wonderful family home! The architecture combined with rich earthy tones and abundance of wood and other natural materials offers something unique and emits a wonderful warm feeling. 

I am especially drawn to the reddish-brown tone of the kitchen (not a shade often seen) and the cushions and beads which offer a hint of someone who loves to travel the world. I also love the pretty, shared children's bedroom which includes a smaller bed by the window and a loft bed (we've been seeing quite a few of these lately!). And finally keep an eye on the hallway which includes open shelving as well as handy pockets by Norrgavel - a popular staple in Swedish homes for gloves, hats and other small items! 

Old meets new in this Swedish home with trinkets collected from far and wide atop an IVAR storage from IKEA (which you can paint). A Swedish friend was telling me recently that many Gen X and millennials grew up in fairly cluttered homes and have taken the opposite step in adulthood, choosing to hide more unsightly items in closed storage. 

Patchwork has become big this past year as has embroidery and other time-honoured skills. Jou Quilts make beautiful wall hangings like this - they are great for filling large wall spaces while also helping to dampen sound. 

I love this children's room filled with textiles in florals, patterns and even a bird motif, it's playful yet calm and looks so cosy too! 

The owners have used the long hallway for storage and a gallery wall made up of unique art. A pinboard nearer the door is ideal for keeping track of the family's coming and goings (Ferm Living make a similar one, available here). 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of this warm space too? 

It's no easy feat to make a home with high ceilings and lots of windows feel warm - but the use of rich, earthy tones and wood has really done wonders! 

Is there anything that caught your eye? 

You can see all the school conversions I've shared in the past here (this might come up first, hop over if so) and also all types of conversions here (think bars, shops, warehouses and even a Swedish fire station!). 

Have a happy Lillördag (little saturday!),

Niki

Photography: Therese Jahnson / C Lindholm Design for Historiska Hem

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A Cosy Small Swedish Apartment With Earthy tones

It's back to the city for today's post - and a tour of a charming boho Swedish apartment. 

The cosy space measures a mere 49 square metres (527 square feet) but it's been kitted out for maximum comfort with a kitchen, small dining area, sitting room and bedroom.

As with all small spaces, flow of light is important, and wide doorways and open shelving allow natural light to leak into every corner and create an airy feel. But for me, what really steals the show are the use of rich tones, and earthy patterns, all of which make the space warm and inviting!  

I especially love the nook in the dining area - made from an antique bench - I'd happily sit there drinking coffee and chatting for hours! 

Enjoy the tour! 

The apartment building dates back to the 1940s - evidence of which can be seen in the kitchen cabinets, windows and windowsills. 

Plants, books, art and other treasures give the home a personal feel, while plenty of storage ensures everything else can be hidden away to avoid a cluttered feel. 

A green corduroy sofa, amber cushion and dusty pink cushion add a hint of colour to the sitting room, while a sculptured table and ceiling light add plenty of personality! 

Spider plants (seen hanging beside the window) remind me so much of my Dad! He used to love them and they'd be everywhere in our home - even the bathroom! Do you have a plant that makes you feel nostalgic? 

Such a lovely home. The more you look, the more details you discover. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

If you'd like to see more small city apartment inspiration from Scandinavia this weekend, check out: 

A light and airy open-plan Swedish loft

A small Swedish apartment packed with charm and sunlight

A calm one room Swedish apartment in the city

Sasa Antic's small Stockholm apartment 

I think that's it from me. It's 26 degrees celsius (78 F) in Sweden today, which is crazy, so even the badkruka (meaning swim pot, a Swedish word to describe someone that is wimpy about getting in cold water) in me might go for a swim. Watch this space! 

Have a wonderful weekend, thank you so much for stopping by! 

Niki

Photos: Johanson, photography: Lindholm for Historiska Hem. Found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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Lacy's Beautiful Family Home in Earthy Tones

Men hejsan! They say a picture can speak louder than words and today is one of those days. 

Photographer Lacy Hoysradt's childhood home was a fixer upper which she witnessed her parents renovating by hand. And now she and her husband Reed have also caught the bug - and have been very busy doing up their 70s house in Austin, Texas despite their three young children. How have they coped? Lacy explains: "There is a beauty in the process... it's okay if your life and your home are currently under construction." Words to live by as we take a tour of their beautiful home today - and as we start a brand new week! 

Keep an eye out for earthy, warm notes of brown and green, a smart breakfast nook, lovely ways to display family photos and vintage finds. 

Welcome to Lacy's world! 

So many beautiful corners!

You can see so many more snapshots and find out about where she sourced items over on Lacy's instagram. Lacy has also shared some some of her and Reed's amazing DIY projects on the blog at Bespoke by Lacy

I hope Lacy's lovely home has filled you with inspiration! 

I have shared many homes located outside of Scandinavia on the blog before - see the entire international homes archive for more tours. 

Stor kram!

Niki

PS Thank you for your request to see a picture of my gold boots in the comments on Fridays Norwegian home tour featuring a fabulous walk-in closet - I'll see if I can take one for you soon! Everyone needs a pair, I tell you! 

Photography by Lacy Hoysradt, shared with kind permission. 

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