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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: 


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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Small Space Living: A Stockholm Home Full of Colour and Creativity

Hejsan hoppsan! The weekend whizzed by in a blur—am I the only one? Today in Malmö, the skies have darkened, and the lights are on. So when I stumbled across this fifth-floor apartment in Stockholm, with its cheerful colours, playful patterns, and fun accessories, I knew it was just the place to brighten up a grey day!

Measuring a fairly compact 35 m² (377 ft²), what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality. The apartment exudes a young and vibrant vibe, with light pink curtains, a sunny yellow parasol and cushions on the balcony, and a bedroom dressed in deep pink and ochre. Even the wardrobe and entrance have been given their very own bold hues, which add to the home’s sense of warmth and character.

Keep your eyes peeled for sculptural ceramics—everything from small details like cups, vases and items hung on the wall to larger pieces like a bedside table. Could there be a ceramicist living here? I’m willing to bet there is! Oh, and they sure do love plants too - even giving each one a very cool plinth (is that a ceramic shelf I see?). 

Välkommen, as they say in Sweden!
















This is so much fun! The more you look, the more you discover—wavy mirrors, crocheted bags, funky lamps... every piece in the home feels like art in itself!

Did you spot something cool too?

I hope this apartment has brought a little sunshine to your day.

And in honour of this lovely home, I thought you might like to take a look at a few other homes with fun touches today - these ones are sure to raise a smile or two: 

12 playful designs in Sussi's Danish home (those pink stairs!)
A vibrant, light-filled loft with fun touches
Lisa's playful and relaxed Berlin home
Gen's playful summer cottage in Sweden

I hope you have a happy start to the week!

Niki

Credits: Styling - Lindholm, photography - Boukari, for Historiska Hem, found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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Inside Elsa Billgren’s Dreamy Södermalm Home

I’ve been following the work of author and podcaster Elsa Billgren for years, for so many reasons. First and foremost, I simply adore her style — it has a signature touch that’s instantly recognisable, yet always evolving. I also love her podcast with cookbook author Sofia Wood (who's magnificent home I featured here), and, of course, her incredible homes. Each one I’ve featured over the years — from one of her very first apartments to her more recent place, and even her dreamy summer cottage on Gotland — carries her unmistakable essence: a passion for vintage, fashion, playfulness, and a grounding calmness.

Her latest home in Södermalm, Stockholm is no exception. It’s filled with her signature charm, yet has its own spirited uniqueness and a wonderfully relaxed nature. What makes this space especially captivating is the softness and light that flow through it — sheer curtains, floaty textiles, and pools of sunshine that shift throughout the day. Keep a lookout for bold touches, such as the artwork in the kitchen,  the wavy Udiso mirror, and how an item of clothing can work as decoration in the bedroom. The Swedish tiled masonry oven is also beautiful! 

Ready to step inside?









So lovely! Warm, relaxed, whimsical yet calm too. Typical Elsa Billgren style! 

Did you also enjoy this tour? Anything catch your eye in particular, or that you're now thinking of incorporating into your own home? 

Elsa is the author of several books, all of which you can find here (in Swedish). 

You might also like to see:


And keep an eye on her Instagram @elsabillgren for more inspiration. 

Happy Wedmesday friends!

Niki

Photography by Elsa Billgren, shared with kind permission. 

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