my scandinavian home: studio

A Small Swedish Apartment with Inspiring Touches

Woah, this week has gone fast, don't you think? I thought it would be fun to wrap up with a fascinating little Swedish apartment that's filled with quirky touches and lovely ideas for the weekend - what do you reckon?

Formerly a milk shop, the 28 metres square (301 square feet) ground floor living space in Stockholm is made up of a kitchen, bathroom and one room that combines the hallway, sitting room and bedroom. While the overall look is earthy and calm, there are some fun details - like a blue door and stripes and other touches that bring a contemporary vibe to the space.

I also love the use of textiles, sheepskins and cushions throughout which add a really cosy feel for autumn.

Välkommen in!

Repurposed textiles like antique embroidered sheets have become really popular as window treatments. Here, a lovely old sheet has been clipped up in the window to prevent prying eyes from peeping in - while still allowing light to flow in from above.

I love the old coffee table too - so beautiful and warm!

The entrance may be small - but the owners have more than made up for it with plenty of storage. The mirror doors help to bounce around the light and brighten up the space - as well as help the storage to fit in seamlessly.

Doors can take up a surprising amount of space. Here, a cute yellow curtain has been used to close off the kitchen from the main living area.

When space is tight you need to make use of every inch. Sorting boxes have been nailed to the side of the chest of drawers to keep paperwork in order.

A simple curtain can be pulled across for privacy at night.

Curtains have also been used in the kitchen to hide less aesthetic items like the recycling bins.

I love how the inside of the cutlery drawer has been painted blue for an element of surprise! Could you imagine doing something like this?

I spoke about how doors are becoming a statement in their own right on Wednesday - and this blue one is no different!

What a special little space - so well thought out and unique.

Did you enjoy this tour too? Any ideas that stood out to you that you might implement in your home?

You can see more small spaces in this wonderful archive over the weekend.

Have a fabulous couple of days - thank you so much for stopping by and for all your thoughtful comments. I look forward to pouring myself a coffee this weekend and responding to reading through them all and responding to each and everyone of them.

Stor kram and happy Friday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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

FILED UNDER: earthy home Kitchens small spaces studio

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.