my scandinavian home: studio

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

A Playful One Room Swedish Apartment With a Golden Glow

Looks like we made it (in the words of Barry Manilow), it's Friday! I'm not going to lie; it's been one of those weeks where I've been chasing my tail and never quite able to catch up. But I still wanted to stop by and share this happy, golden glow of a home.

Located in Stockholm, it's 40 sqm (430 ft.sq) so somewhat larger than the small space I showed on Wednesday - but still consists of a one room living room space plus kitchen. I felt it therefore presented another fine way to arrange a room designed for living and sleeping (love the way a canopy is used to shield off the bed and create a cosy, safe nook for some shut eye). If you're struggling with storage, keep an eye out for the units in the hallway (which I believe are IKEA) and the drawers under the bed. Closed storage has been used in other areas too and help to keep the home clutter free.

But there is also more at play here - whoever lives here is into their funky details and takes pride in sourcing one off playful pieces that all come together to create a beautiful and unique home.

I got such a lovely vibe from this home, did you? It's so full of warmth and personality.

When I looked back through the pictures a second time, I couldn't help but notice the wall art which included textiles and paintings. Not only that, but the way a picture has been hung over the door to the sitting room - a unique spot, but it works! That and the mix of textures used throughout which add to the playful feel.

I'd love to hear about what you noticed about this home - and any thoughts you had while looking through the pictures.

As mentioned above, sadly I'm in a bit of a rush today - but I look forward to reading and responding to your comments over the weekend - maybe over a nice big glass of wine!

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Niki

Photography by Mia Borgelin, styling by Anna van Keppel, courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks.

FILED UNDER: small spaces studio swedish home

A Small Swedish Home With a Smart Room Divider

In small quarters, creating a calm, practical and comfortable living space that's also beautiful isn't always easy, but it's something the Swedes are especially good at!

While this apartment might be blessed with a spacious kitchen, the living room needs to serve as a place to sit, relax and socialise as well as a bedroom. And if there's one thing us humans love, it's to sleep in a cosy space that provides privacy. But, with only one window in the room, the owners were faced with a conundrum. Do they close off the 'sleep zone' and cut off the natural light? Or do they keep it open-plan?

Read on to discover the smart solution they arrived at and feel inspired by a soothing colour scheme and light-filled home in a compact, 37 sqm / 409 ft.sq space.

Mirrored furniture is great for reflecting light into all corners of the home - and it's also a huge trend this season!

Look closely at the window and you'll spot a black-out blind - ready to turn the room into a dark haven for a good night's sleep!

And here friends, is the answer the owner found to creating a little privacy at nightfall. A pony wall that's high enough to separate the living room from the bedroom but low enough to ensure light flows through.

There's no shortage of storage here!

The layout:

Glossary; rum: room, kök - kitchen, badrum - bathroom

What a lovely space, and a clever idea for a room divider to boot, do you agree?

Is there anything that stood out to you about this Swedish apartment?

See more small spaces that offer beautiful solutions for angled ceilings, one room studios, storage and more in the small spaces archive.

Glad Lillördag!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Alvhem with thanks

FILED UNDER: small spaces studio swedish apartment

Timeless Charm and Dark Blue Walls in a Small Swedish Apartment

While colours in the fashion and interior design world come and go, there is always one that remains: dark blue. It's timeless. And I'm a huge fan.

Softer than black but still striking, dark blue is a stalwart in the world of interiors and adds a cosy, cocoon like feel to a room. Combine it with fresh whites and warm earthy tones for a soft, elegant look, and throw in lots of natural materials in the form of wood, rattan, cane, linen and wool for a look that's bang up to date!

This beautiful apartment in Gothenburg is a fine example of dark blue done right! Oh, and it's also great inspiration for anyone who has their bedroom in the living room too! Välkommen in!

The Flos Sarfatti ceiling light is a design classic which you'll find in many Swedish homes.

I don't think I'll ever tire of linen bedding - it's practical, catches the light in a beautiful way, and the more you wash it the softer it gets. Try Wonder Linen on Etsy* for similar!

*affiliate link

Wooden hooks from Norrgavel are a Swedish bedroom essential!

Contrast is continued in the kitchen with black units and off-white walls. Notice the copper piping, cabinet and painting too!

Swedes are going crazy for range ovens right now! They're more widely available these days as you can get them in both gas and electric induction versions.

Rule break alert: the rug version of 'messy hair, don't care'! I kind of like how this one extends onto the wood floor. It's a little like rolling out the red carpet - everyday!

A jute rug adds a softness to the black and white bathroom. We've also added one to our downstairs loo and it makes the world of difference!

Such a lovely home full of contrast! Interestingly, the estate agent have presented two versions of how to divide up the sitting room / bedroom area - one open-plan, and one divided into two separate rooms (vardagsrum - living room, kök - kitchen, sovrum - bedroom):

Which do you prefer?

Also, would you consider going for a dark colour in your home? In Albin's room we've painted two of the walls in dark blue, but I've always regretted not going for the entire room. Next project?

Not quite convinced with the dark blue? See other homes with this feature here:

A striking small Stockholm space in dark blue

5 ways to rock the dark blue and beige look

A stunning Norwegian home in many shades of blue

And for those of you planning a small space, here are some great examples of Scandinavian style studio apartments:

An elegant Swedish 'ettan'

A small Swedish apartment packed with charm - and sunshine!

8 essential items for a Swedish studio apartment

Happy Monday friends!

Niki

Styling: Emma Fischer & Annica Clarmell

Photography: Walti Hösli