A Swedish Apartment with a Great IKEA Hack - and a Small Pink Bedroom!

Today I'm taking you on a journey to an apartment dating back to 1900 in the boho district of Södermalm, Stockholm. What caught my eye about this wonderful Swedish space (apartment from the sky-high ceiling and big windows, of course) is a great IKEA hack, the choice of colours - and a cosy, small master bedroom - as well as various other factors! Ready to take a closer look? 

I love the placement of the dining table by the window. In a capital city outdoor space is limited if not non-existent - and I am already imagining the windows thrown open in summertime, giving the illusion of dining alfresco. And in winter, any tasks at the table can be carried out under the natural daylight. Perfect! 

THIS is the IKEA hack I was talking about. I have done exactly the same thing in Liv's bedroom. The IVAR cabinets are from IKEA and have been painted to match the wall and then wall-mounted. So simple and yet so lovely - plus they're nice and narrow so can fit just about any space. 

I love the print too - anyone have any idea who it's by / where it's from? 

A cosy sitting room area has been created further from the window. Notice how the gallery wall helps to create a separate zone. 

The master bedroom may be small - but it's also very cosy. I love how the windowsill doubles up as a bedside table on the far side and the pink hue helps to add a soft, romantic touch. 

A lovely space!

Oh, and it's currently for sale.... just saying! 

Is there anything that stands out to you about this home? Could you imagine going pink in your bedroom? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Other homes in Södermalm you might love: 

Feel inspired by a stunning Stockholm home

An inviting apartment in warm tones

A small Swedish apartment with a lofted

And for some DIY ideas - 5 IKEA hacks to steal from a Danish home

Niki

Photography: Fredric Boukari 

Styling: Åsa Copparstad

For: Historiska Hem

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Beautiful Small Space Living in a 19th Century Swedish Apartment

Every now and then a real gem comes on the market - like this apartment in a 19th century farm building right in the heart of Gothenburg! Measuring a mere 38 m2 (402 foot square), the living space might be considered relatively small - but it's an absolute dream for a single occupancy or a couple. Think lovely high ceilings, large arched windows and doors and beautiful old beams. In summertime the apartment spills out onto an inner courtyard, extending the living space. All in all, it's a wonderful lesson in organising and decorating a small space - and of course a dream for anyone that snaps it up. Enjoy!  

I'd be so happy to call this space my home, how about you? 

Sadly, but not surprisingly, it's already sold. 

Other Scandinavian small space inspiration: 

7 small space tricks to learn from a Stockholm home

Clever small space ideas in a Swedish studio

A cosy small Swedish pad with warm tones

Wishing you all a lovely day!

Niki

Photography: Jonas Berg, styling Grey Deco for Stadshem

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A Serene White Swedish Home with Warm Touches of Wood

Come here for a breather today? You're in the right place! Decorated by Grey Deco in nuances of white and furnished with pieces in an array of natural material like wood, cane and linen, the living space is a total breath of fresh air and a wonderful oasis in the heart of Gothenburg. Although styled for sale, I can totally imagine stepping inside and filling it with my own personal touches, how about you? 

Note how the washing machine is in the bathroom. In Sweden this is very common in apartments. It's either that or a communal 'tvättstuga' (laundry room), where you book a time slot (the subject of numerous exasperated conversations - everyone has a 'tvättstuga' story - usually a note that has been left by another irate user! 

In the UK, washing machines tend to be in the kitchen (if you don't have a separate laundry room or mudroom). 

Where does the laundry tend to happen in your country? 

On a separate note, the subtle nuances in this apartment are so lovely. My guess is that they've used something like 'Classic white' on the ceiling (NCS S0500-N) and then Jotun Tidlös on the sitting room and bedroom wall.

Wishing you all a serene day!

Niki

PS I am so excited about the before and after home tour I have lined up for tomorrow - it's full of vintage finds! See you then! 

Greydeco for Alvhem

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Natalia's Malmö Home In Warm Earthy Tones

I finished off the year with a list of 20 wonderful things to do in Malmö in wintertime - so it makes sense to start the new year with a peek inside a local home, don't you think? This beautiful apartment belongs to Natalia Andersson, a landscape architect and owner of Atrium - one of my favourite haunts (which of course, I included in my guide!). Natalia, her partner Adrian and their three-year-old son Mateo used to live over Atrium before relocating across the street to this larger 96 meter square (1033 foot square) apartment dating back to 1909. Natalia and Adrian have invested a lot of time renovating the space, gradually transforming it into the lovely family home it is today. Ready to take a tour? 

Natalia is particularly happy with the bespoke kitchen - which was built with the help of a local carpenter.

A limestone countertop rests atop cabinets that have been built from scratch and painted in griege (4005-Y20R). 

The kitchen walls have been painted in Skimmingstone by Farrow & Ball, which gives the entire space a lovely warm feel. Lampe Gras provides task lighting. 

The rooms have been furnished with a blend of Swedish antiques and vintage finds as well as newer pieces by the likes of Scandinavian brands Artek, Norrgavel and Skovshoved Møbelfabrik. 

The sitting room walls have been painted in Jotun Sand.  

Tip: When you have high ceilings it's important to include items that help draw the eye upwards and accentuate the height in order to balance the feel of the room. In this case a beautiful rubber plant does the trick! 

I love the old wooden side table. 

A good rule of thumb, is to include at least one vintage or antique piece in every room. It will instantly add a unique touch and a wonderful feel to the space - it also serves as a great talking point as people are always curious about the story behind it! 

The bedroom wall has been given a lick or two of Nordsjö Deep Paris. 

Such a lovely home - it feels so balanced and full of harmony. 

This reminds me that I really should head to Natalia's wonderful Atrium cafe for a brunch as soon as possible, it's only a 5-minute cycle from my house, so no excuses! In case you missed my guide - here's a glimpse inside: 

A roaring fire and a good book. What else could you possibly need on a cold January morning? 

Would you like to take a peek around a few other Malmö homes today? 

Firstly of course, there's our townhouse by the sea - see the before and after - although those of you who know me well, know my home will never really be 'finished'! 

You might also like to see Sofie's vintage inspired home and this turn-of-the-century apartment. 

Har det så bra! 

Niki

Photography: Natalia Andersson

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Clever Small Space Solutions in a Cool Stockholm Apartment

This incredible apartment is for anyone living in small space, scratching their heads trying to figure out how on earthy they're going to fit everything in AND still achieve a minimalist aesthetic! Occupying a 19th century building overlooking Riddarfjärden, the easternmost bay of Lake Mälaren in central Stockholm, this 36 metre square (387 feet square) industrial style apartment is cool, funky, unique - and above all else practical. Trust the swedes! Scroll on down to get some ideas! 

In small living spaces using the full height of the room is key! These bespoke, built-in units make plenty of room for storage, and help to keep other areas free of clutter. 

Doubling up on space by adding a raised bed with storage underneath makes optimum use of every inch! At night, blackout blinds roll down from the ceiling creating a cosy zone and ensuring total darkness! 

Under-bed railing provides a perfect place for hanging clothes. 

To ensure a more minimalist look, group items and leaving plenty of 'blank space' around the display. 

Bespoke floor-to-ceiling pine shelving in the hallway paves the way for storage space and laundry, while a large mirror helps to visually enlarge the apartment and bounce light around. 

An internal window allows light to flow through to the windowless bathroom and let off some steam! 

I thought it would be interesting to share the floorplan too (courtesy of Historiska Hem) so you can clearly understand the footprint. It's in Swedish - säng = bed, kök = kitchen, rum = room, bad = bathroom.  

What do you think? Have you ever seen a space like this before? 

I absolutely love it! And would be half tempted to move in myself (it's for sale via Historiska Hem), not least for the views! How about you? 

More small space inspiration in this archive (if this pops up first, just scroll on past!). 

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

PS come here looking for Scandinavian Christmas inspiration? Click here! Plus, I'm planning to share some beautiful ideas with you later on in the week! 

Photography courtesy of Historika Hem with thanks.

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