Scandinavian Calm in a Small Space

Why, hello there! I thought I’d ease into the week by taking you on a little tour of a mini Swedish apartment. After all, over half of us (according to the stats!) now live in cities – and that often means compact living. But small can be beautiful and seriously inspiring still, don’t you think?

Measuring just 24 square metres (258 square feet), this bright 1940s apartment in Stockholm’s Södermalm district is a masterclass in calm, clever design. Everything you need is within arm’s reach: a charming kitchenette with internal windows to let the light (and conversation) flow, traditional Swedish storage jars, a cosy dining nook – and even a balcony.

It’s easy to imagine someone putting their personal stamp on it and calling it home. Or perhaps using it as the perfect little pied-à-terre — I actually know a couple of people who commute from Malmö to Stockholm during and need a peaceful place to stay while they’re away from their families.

I could happily picture this as a dreamy little city pad – perfect for working, wandering, and tucking into a bowl of fresh strawberries in the sunshine. How about you?

A lovely, peaceful, calming spot.

I really like the three colours in the bedroom zone: that soft blue-green, the warm cognac, and a pop of fuchsia pink! The little dining area is charming too — simple but inviting.

What’s missing from these pictures is storage — I’m guessing there’s some tucked under the bed, and there’s definitely room for more at the foot of it. There might even be some built-in space around the corner in the hallway. And of course, it could use a few bookshelves — but there’s plenty of space for those!

Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Do you live fairly compact yourself? If you’re in the mood for more small-space inspiration today, feel free to scroll through the small spaces archive. (This one might pop up first — if it does, don’t worry, you’re still in the right place! Just scroll on down to the next tour.).

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I was going to start small this week — what I didn’t mention is that I’ll be ending on quite a big note… with a trip to Rome! I’ve been kindly invited by a lovely Italian bathroom company, and I’ll be staying on for a couple of days to explore a little. I feel very lucky — and excited!  If you happen to have any tips or favourite spots in the city, I’d be so grateful to hear them.

It does mean I won’t be able to post on the blog this week, but if you fancy tagging along, I’ll be sharing a few glimpses of my trip over on Instagram Stories.

See you back here on Monday — and in the meantime, I hope you have a really lovely week!

Niki

Photo: Dana Ozollapa
Styling: C Lindholm design
For Historiska Hem

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A Swedish Flat Filled with Light, Character and Effortless Decor Ideas

Good morning! How are you faring this Monday? Are you ready for a fresh week of Scandinavian home tours (and whatever else life throws our way)?

It was such a joy to read your comments on the blog over the weekend – thank you! After sharing not one but two allotment cottages last week (here and here), one of the most frequently asked (and entirely fair!) questions was: but where’s the bathroom? A crucial detail indeed - and I hope my reply helped put your mind at ease.

To avoid any confusion (or understandable panic!), I’ve included a photo of the bathroom in this fresh, light-filled apartment in The Bakery in Gothenburg in today's home tour.

That said, you might be too busy admiring the beautiful decor to notice – think charming Shaker chairs designed by Børge Mogensen in the kitchen/dining area, fabulous lighting (I spy a Gubi Semi Pendant, plus an AJ floor lamp and Alma wall lamp), a sweet balcony, and a little home office nook tucked into the hallway. And how lovely are the flowers in the bedroom?

My eye was also drawn to the large kilim rug in the sitting room, which does a wonderful job of creating a cosy, defined zone. I actually have a fun little rug story to share with you at the end of the post, which I think you’ll enjoy.

In the meantime, I hope you love exploring this Swedish home as much as I did!

Oh, so lovely! This home has really helped clear my head for the start of the week. I love the fresh white floors, the beautiful rugs, and the internal windows that allow light to flood into the hallway.

Also – how pretty is the checked children’s bed canopy? I’ve seen many over the years, but never one quite like this. It feels both fresh and perfectly on trend! After a little research, I found it on Etsy. 

And the dress hanging in the hallway? Such a great styling tip. I hung my favourite summer dress in front of my wardrobe this weekend – and I’ve loved seeing it there. It’s the one I wear to parties, so just looking at it helps me dream of warm evenings, good times, and being surrounded by friends in the summer sun. I love how pulling out one of your prettiest wardrobe pieces can brighten a room like a piece of art. 

Now, about the rug – I had to share this story! An elderly friend of mine recently sold a rug that had been gathering dust in her attic for years. It was one she’d inherited from her parents and a little too large for her home. When she took it to an auction house, they valued it at 4,000 SEK (around 360 euros). But in the final twenty minutes of the online auction, things went completely bananas – and it sold for 34,400 SEK (around 3150 euros)! Not bad at all for something that had been long forgotten. Have you ever sold anything like that? Who knows what treasures we might all have tucked away in our own attics.

Anyhow, time to share a few lovely Scandinavian apartments with you - in case you'd like more inspiration today: 

Mia's charming Stockholm apartment, full of texture
An artful and creative home in Aarhus, Denmark
The earthy Stockholm home of a vintage shopkeeper

Right folks, I need to rush, as I’m heading to Germany in a few hours to discover the latest news and trends at Interzum in Cologne. If you'd like to follow my journey and see some glimpses from the fair please do follow along on Instagram. 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki x

Photography: Alvhem, with thanks.

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Original Floors and Exposed Brick in a Beautifully Renovated Stockholm Apartment

Thank you for being so patient (and supportive!) during my long run of Scandinavian summer cottages and getaways lately. Guess what? I actually have a city apartment to share with you today—and it's fresh, warm, contemporary, and lovely all around. It even has a cosy window nook perfect for enjoying a coffee while watching the world go by!

Look around and you’ll discover a home that feels quietly curated – full of warmth, texture and soul. Light filters across original plank floors, worn smooth with time, while thoughtful updates blend seamlessly with early 20th-century charm. 

Located in Södermalm – Stockholm’s boho neighbourhood – the apartment is a peaceful hideaway with a lovely personal touch. I particularly love the dining area and also the bedroom, which glows in a soft antique yellow by Jotun. In fact, every detail – from the linseed-painted green doors to the cosy window nook – feels practical and full of feeling. Välkommen in! 

Beautiful. I could totally see myself walking through the doors to the quiet, cosy feel of this apartment every evening – how about you?

Was it the colours, the details, or something else that caught your eye? There’s plenty to discover if you take a closer look at each image.

You can see more pictures (including the bathroom!) over at Historiska Hem right now.

Would you like to see a few more city apartments today? How about: 

Brigette's poetic home in Brooklyn
A cosy apartment in Malmö where old meets new
The fascinating home of a Swedish artist

Have a wonderful start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: @jockeono, Styling: @clindholm_design for Historiska Hem. 

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A Stockholm Home That Balances Colour and Calm

Hooray for a brand new week (though I’ve seen more than a few tired faces around Malmö this morning…). 

To give this Monday a much-needed boost, I thought I’d share a colour-drenched Stockholm apartment that’s bursting with personality.

We’re talking deep, earthy pinks, greens, oranges, yellows, and blues. But true to Swedish style, there’s a calmness to it all too—a sense of balance. Think springtime blooms in full swing, windows thrown open to let in that fresh April air.

Keep an eye out for the curtains in the bedroom and hallway—used in place of doors to add softness and flow to the space. I also spotted a built-in desk and chair tucked into the closet. Such a clever idea for a dressing table in a small space—just add a mirror and some great lighting!

Throughout the apartment, there’s a lovely blend of high street finds and designer touches—like IKEA cabinets and Flowerpot lamps—which keeps the look sophisticated yet relaxed. The kind of place you’d love to come home to after a busy day in the capital: kick off your shoes, put your feet up, and unwind.

Ready to feel inspired?

Such clever decorating—with the same colours popping up in every room. They dominate in some spaces, and act as accents in others, which really helps to pull the whole look together.

Did you spot how the owners used clever paintwork above the sofa? Pipes and shelves are painted the same colour as the wall so they blend in, adding a lovely sense of calm. I also loved the library wrapping around the corner—such a smart and cosy touch.

The art is interesting throughout, too. I found myself paying particular attention to it in each image!

Was there anything that stood out to you and drew you in? Any ideas you might take away and try in your own home?

If you’re in the mood for even more Scandinavian colour inspiration today, check out:

A Danish home in a plethora of colours

Home tour, how to add colour the Danish way

A creative Swedish home filled with art

Have a great start to the week. 

Stor kram!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, found via Nordroom, with thanks. 

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