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A Clever Small Space Solution For a Bedroom or Home Office

Homes come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes you need to get a little creative to accommodate that extra bedroom or home work space! And I love what the owners have done with this small, 44 m2 (473 f2) Stockholm apartment. Using reclaimed wood, upcycled windows and doors, they've cordoned off part of the living room to form a master bedroom.  The windows ensure natural light still flows through to the bedroom - and yet the space still feels cosy and private. All in all, a lovely, unique idea! Oh, and check out the blue shade too - 'deco blue' by Jotun Lady has a similar calming tone. 







I love how the doors open right out to give the space a light and airy feel. 


Such a clever solution! 

I see that there are curtains in the sitting room which can be drawn at night, but I'd also consider black out blinds in the bedroom area too, just to make sure you get an extra good shuteye. What do you think?

Do you have an awkward space in your home that you're trying to puzzle out? 

In my parents home, where I'm currently staying (see below), the third bedroom used to be accessed via the second bedroom. Mum was always worried that taking away a section of the second bedroom to build a corridor would make the second room feel too cramped - but eventually they took the plunge and I have to say, it's worked amazingly. The second bedroom still feels fine and it's great to have separate access to the third bedroom rather than creeping passed someone snoring away! 

If you fancy checking out the entire tour - it's still available here

Niki

Thank you SO much for all your lovely comments, I've read all of them and your words feel so comforting. Unfortunately, we didn't receive the results we wanted and I have prolonged my stay at my parents' house to be with my Dad. However, I'd love to continue coming here daily to blog, but do bear with me if I disappear for a few days! 

Photos: Svenskfast found via Planete Deco with thanks

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Cosy Small Space Living in Gothenburg, Sweden

It's dawned on me that lately I've been featuring many homes with staggeringly high ceilings and large spacious rooms. But the reality is, more and more of us live in small urban spaces. The good news is, with the right decor, these living spaces can be equally beautiful! And Swedish interior designer Anna Mason, has got hers just right. In her teeny 36m2 (387f2) rental high up in the rooftops of Johanneberg, central Gothenburg, Anna has struck the perfect balance between light and airy and incredibly cosy - despite the low sloped ceiling. The trick, it seems, is utilising the floor space, which Anna has used to display art, boxes of treasured items, books, plants and other collections. I also love the mix of family heirlooms, vintage finds and contemporary pieces which add a relaxed, homely (or if you're in the US, 'homey') vibe. Perfect inspiration for anyone looking to transform a tight space into a cosy home! 










I'd be happy to potter around here all weekend, how about you? 

I particularly love the displays of books, art and other pieces on the floor, it gives the living space a wonderful, relaxed vibe.

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

These pics were taken by Johanna Hagbard who also has a lovely home. See the tour here! And don't miss her instagram feed for some DREAMY interior inspiration. 

Fancy taking inspiration from other small spaces this weekend? There's a TON in the archive, some of my favourites include: 


FRINALLY (still not tired of that phrase - or at least I can't stop saying it every Friday...). Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? I'm going on a press trip to Copenhagen to stay at a wonderful new hotel - and dragging Per along with me for the ride. So excited to be heading back to the Danish capital. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend too - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography and styling: Johanna Hagbard, shared with kind permission. 

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A Charming Little Allotment Cottage In Malmö, Sweden

Fancy finishing the week with something quintessentially Swedish? In my mind, you can't get more 'svensk' than a 'kolonistuga' - and this little one is charming in every way! The little allotment cottage dating back to 1923 has been beautifully renovated by Rebecka Franzén - a physiotherapist with a passion for remodelling and decorating. I chatted to her about her little kolonistuga here in Malmö, the history behind these little cottages and why she's decided to put hers on the market

What is the story behind the 'kolonistuga'?
Allotment cottages have existed in Sweden for over a century. They were originally built for factory workers who moved from the countryside to the city as part of urbanisation. The idea was to give people an opportunity to grow their own vegetables and staples such as potatoes, carrots and fruit so they had some connection to their roots and could extend their household budget. 

Who owns these cottages today?
In recent years they have become increasingly popular with green-fingered people looking for a second home near to the city centre. 

How does a kolonistuga differ from other types of Swedish summer cottages?
The kolonistuga are usually quite small and not eligible for year-round living. Water is typically turned off between October and April. 

I am guessing they have been a welcome respite this summer? 
Oh yes, during the pandemic, they've been a real breath of fresh air for the owners, who can come here and feel connected with others while still maintaining social distance. 

Do these allotment areas have a close-knit community? 
Definitely. It's a place where people of all ages come together. There often organised events such as plant exchanging days, gardening activities and even boule tournaments and karaoke nights! Midsummer is also magical. 

Why have you decided to sell your cottage?
I recently quit my day job and bought an apartment in Lisbon that I am planning to renovate. This is why, with a heavy heart, I decided to sell my cottage. I really hope to find a new owner who loves this cottage as much as I have done. 

Well, I have to say, whoever snaps this up is one very lucky person!

Interested? Find out more information here

Curious to see a few other pretty allotment cottages? Here are some of my favourites: 


Could you imagine hanging out in one of these all summer? 

Or perhaps you have something similar I your own country? 

I know that in the UK you can build a shed but nothing that resembles a cottage. I remember spending copious amount of time at my Mum and Dad's allotment as a child - and will never forget treading on a slug barefoot. It still makes me shudder! My sister is on the waiting list for one in London, but it has a three-year waiting list! 

Right friends, I do believe it's time to wrap-up the week. I hope you felt inspired by all my posts this week! have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors.

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A Small Swedish Home With A Clever Loft Bed

Usually I'd say start the week by going big, but today - I say let's go small! The reason? This quirky apartment in Södermalm, Stockholm is a teeny 33 m2 (355 f2), and perfect fodder for anyone looking for ways to make the most of their small living space. Built between 1904-1907 the tremendous 3.20 metre high ceiling has allowed the owners to build a loft bed with built in storage - while saving much needed floorspace. Despite the home staging and pared-back look, there are some fairly quirky touches. I'm particularly curious to hear what you think of the peeling kitchen wall: design feature or in need of a fresh lick of paint? The jury's out! Join the debate in the comments! 






I'd love to know (and be able to advise) on the paint colours, but I'm not entirely sure since I found this little apartment on Swedish estate agent site Historiska Hem where it' is currently for sale. But you never, know - often when I feature a home the home-owner steps forward, so we'll see! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this space?

Take a look inside a few other small spaces in the archive, there are some really beauties in there! 

I have to confess, I'm in a bit of a rush today since the crazies started school today (late morning) and it's also Liv's 12th birthday - happy birthday to our wonderful girl! - so there's lots to do before they get home! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

PS - I'm looking forward to sharing some pictures of our new wood floor tomorrow, we're so happy with it, I hope you're going to like it too! 

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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The Cosy, Small Flat of a Copenhagen Creative and Plant Lover

It was so fun to hear you all loved yesterday's home tour as much as I did. What's not to love about a beautifully restored Swedish country home (and Johanna renovated it to perfection too!). Today, I have something for all the city dwellers amongst us - a cosy, charismatic apartment in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. Dane Ann-Kristin Løye Hejl shares 'moments of motherhood, knitting and little corners of her home' through her inspiring instagram feed @annkristinlhejl (if you don't follow her already, it's a must!). A keen gardener, the flat is filled with plants and flowers - and on warm summer days, the balcony doors are thrown open so the family can enjoy a little outdoor oasis. Welcome to Ann-Kristin's world! 

 The pink crate-style storage boxes are everywhere right now in Scandinavian homes. You can pick up various colours at Lagerhaus. Now I've pointed them out, you won't be able to 'unsee' it!!! I think I'm going to refer to them as the IT crate from now on!

A vintage cabinet above the dining table adds charm to the dining area in the corner of the sitting room - while adding some extra storage (while leaving floor space free - perfect!).

Spot the IT crate? 


Ann-Kristin's creative projects are never far away. On the table you can catch a glimpse of one of her latest knitting projects (they have their own hashtag on instagram for good reason - I love everything she creates!). 





The pretty bedding is from JUNA Design - a Danish textile brand with strong a sustainable core. 

It's about 27 degrees celsius (80 Fahrenheit) here in Southern Scandinavia today, so I can imagine Ann-Kristine and her family are sitting out on this balcony enjoying a few rays surrounded by the divine scent of blooming summer flowers (I love this pic on her instagram - so cute!).

Here on the Swedish west coast, we're about to wander down to the water for a dip (it'll be the first of around five swims my children will take today!!). Last night, the final swim was at 9.45pm - and the sun was still up!). Swedish summertime at its finest (we need to make the most of it while it lasts!). Do you live near some cool water you can swim in too?

Before I head off with my towel, I'll leave you with some other  of my favourite Copenhagen home tours to feel inspired by:

A cosy Danish loft full of plants and vintage treasures
Johanne and Luka's beautiful Copenhagen townhouse
The timeless Danish home of a jewellery designer

Gotta love the cool, relaxed Danish style, right?

Have a lovely day! I hope the sun is shining where you are too!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Ann-Kristin Løye Hejl - shared with kind permission. 

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Small Space Inspiration From Swedish Attefall Houses


I've always marvelled at the way Swedes decorate small spaces in such a practical, yet aesthetically beautiful way. It really is an art form. 'Attefalls' are small Swedish houses that measure less than 30 metres square (322 square feet). I've always found them to be a great source of inspiration for small spaces. Here's a round-up of some of my favourites corners (from various abodes). I hope you find them as inspiring as I do - and can find some ideas for your own small spaces, wherever you are in the world!




There are so many clever ideas here! I especially love the loft beds and kitchen ideas! 

Did you spot anything you loved? 

I found all these pics over at Sommernöjen - the architects who specialise in making these beautiful small houses. Check out their portfolio for more inspiration. 

If you're looking for storage ideas, these small houses probably aren't so helpful as they're built for short term stays. However, there's plenty more small space inspiration to be found in this My Scandinavian Home archive

Before I wrap up the week, I'd like to say, once again, a big thanks for all your comments on my post on Wednesday. I have read every single one of them as they continue to come in and will carry your thoughts with me along with my own reflections. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sommernöjen. Pictures 1,2 and 3 from Plaza, photographer Lennart Weibull, stylist Lina Kjellvertz

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