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: 

12 playful details in Sussie's Danish home (pink stairwell anyone?)

A Stockholm home full of colour and creativity

A vibrant loft with splashes of colour and playful art

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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A Breath of Fresh Air in Södermalm, Stockholm

Why, hello there! Happy New Year!! I hope you had a relaxing time over the holidays and managed to stay warm. Here in Sweden it’s sooooo cold right now, so I’m sitting here wrapped in a blanket with my hands around a mug of tea. I do love the snow, though (definitely not the ice!).

At home, I’ve been on a bit of a decluttering mission (cue lots of eye-rolling from the teenagers in the household!). Still, there’s something so satisfying about ridding your space of things you no longer use or love and passing them on to someone who will. Are you going through the same process?

I think that’s why I was drawn to today’s home: a modern, minimalist apartment in Södermalm, Stockholm. The home has plenty of storage—both open and closed—so there’s a place for everything, and, importantly, everything is in its place (goals!). Not only that, but I love how, once the clutter is cleared away, the items you do have really stand out. This Swedish flat has some seriously cool design pieces, from tables to lamps.

Ready to take the tour?

What a breath of fresh air. I hope my home can be as organised as this one day! I also really like the different style of storage they have used from metal to glass shelves to in-built closed cabinets that reveal a barista station. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Before I go, I wanted to share something a little more personal with you. I truly love writing this blog and being part of this wonderful, kind, and positive community — it genuinely means so much to me. This space has become very special, and knowing that you’re here reading along is something I never take for granted.

Lately, my work schedule has become tighter and more demanding, and I’ve felt the need to slow things down just a little so I can continue showing up here in a way that feels sustainable and joyful. With that in mind, I’ve decided that for the foreseeable future I’ll be posting twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I really hope you understand, and I truly appreciate your support and kindness. Please know that I remain just as committed to sharing inspiring homes, beautiful details, and moments of calm with you. See you Thursday!

Niki

Credits: Historiska Hem (for sale)
Photo: Jocke Ono
Styling: Anna Van Keppel

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Step Inside a Beautiful 1889 Gothenburg Home

It has been a busy one. I managed to visit not one but two cities in two different countries today. I hopped on the train from Malmö, Sweden, to Copenhagen, Denmark, for a meeting, then headed back. I am always amazed by how easy that trip is. You blink and suddenly everyone is speaking Danish!

Both Malmö and Copenhagen are beautiful cities with unique personalities and plenty of Scandinavian design inspiration. But today, on the blog, I am taking you to a third city: Gothenburg. And not just anywhere, but inside this dreamy apartment.

This home stole my heart the moment I saw it. It’s bright, full of character, and has that perfect mix of old charm and thoughtful updates. Built back in 1889, it still has all those gorgeous old details, high ceilings, ornate stucco, tall windows, and even a ceiling rose (always a winner in my book). Together they create a lovely, light-filled atmosphere that’s full of personality.

The hand-painted kitchen, from Swedish brand Kvänum, is another standout. I also love the colours the owners chose for the bedrooms – deep, soothing tones that make the rooms feel calm and cocoon-like. The master is painted a soft blue, and the children’s room is a rich plum that looks amazing with the ochre wall lamp. (And while you’re looking through the photos, don’t miss the wall sculpture and the gallery wall — such a nice touch in the living room). 

Ready to take a look around? Välkommen, as they say in Sweden. 

Note the double 'hotel' curtains—they are so perfect for city homes. We are adding them to a home in Malmö right now as part of our latest interior design project. The sheer layer helps to maintain privacy during the day while still allowing light to filter through, and the outer curtain is a great blackout for the best night's sleep! 

The choice of bedding in Sweden in 2026 - anything with florals or checks and frills! Are you a fan?

Thank you for joining me on the tour! I thought there were some lovely touches. 

Anything stand out to you? 

What kind of curtains do you have in your home? Do you feel like you have got them completely right? 

If you fancy taking a peek at a few more apartments today, check out: 

The eclectic home of a Danish treasure hunter

Soft greens and floral dreams in a Swedish home
A small, cosy Swedish home in earthy tones

Happy Wednesday, friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Alvhem (currently for sale).

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Less Is More: A Malmö Apartment That Lets the Details Speak

An exciting new week lies ahead! It’ll be a short one for me as I’m off to London on Wednesday to visit my family — I can’t wait! In the meantime, the sun is shining here in Malmö, and I couldn’t resist sharing this beautiful apartment that’s just come on the market, not far from my studio.

With its high ceilings and large windows, it already has incredible bones, but what really captures my heart in this turn-of-the-century one-bedroom are the details. Read on to discover the little touches that make this home feel so special and full of character.

Note the string shelving on the kitchen wall — a true Swedish classic, and especially beloved in Malmö, since this is where the company is based and where architect Nils Strinning first designed the system back in 1949.

Unlike in some countries, windows in Swedish homes usually open outwards, which frees up the windowsill as a perfect display area — often decorated with plants, lamps (like this Senigallia one), and other small treasures.

Can you believe this orange chair? It feels like a piece of art while adding a bold pop of colour — and yet it’s from IKEA! The design is called SKOLBODA.

The incredible Louisiana Museum in Denmark is only about an hour from Malmö by train. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit — and don’t forget to pick up a memento, like a beautiful print, to take home with you.

Just like me, the apartment owners seem to have a real passion for lighting — I love their choice of the iconic Snoopy lamp alongside a Bauhaus-inspired donut table and wall lamp.

Who needs a bedside table when you can just use a Marshall speaker? We have three in our house, so it's given me an idea! Note the curtains in front of the wardrobe - a simple and soft way to maintain a calm feel in the bedroom while also adding texture.

A bedroom that feels both practical and decorative — simple white chests of drawers and shelving provide plenty of storage while blending into the background, allowing treasured items to take centre stage. I especially like the electric guitar on its stand in the corner; it adds a personal, creative touch and hints at the owner’s love of music.

I love how this home isn’t afraid to mix designer pieces with high street finds — in the hallway, a vintage black-and-chrome Bauhaus chair sits perfectly beside classic IVAR storage from IKEA.

It’s no surprise that the owners of this apartment also have great taste in clothes — the suede loafers by the door are a clear clue, and very much this autumn’s must-have!

I hope you enjoyed the tour! I was struck by how the neutral backdrop — from the white floors to the beige walls — allows the carefully chosen pieces to stand out, showing that with fewer things, the items you do have can be appreciated even more.

I’ve shared my observations, but I’d love to hear yours too — what details caught your eye?

If you’re in the mood for more Scandinavian home inspiration today, why not take a peek at these other beautiful homes:

Take the tour of Malmö upholsterer Carina Grefmar 
A charming Copenhagen loft full of mid-century classics
A dreamy scandi-inspired beach house

Have an 'underbart' start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bo-laget, with thanks.

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