A Beautiful, Light-filled 19th Century Swedish Loft Apartment

Why, hello there! I hope you had a wonderful weekend (if I've got this right, I think many of you are off today too? In which case I hope you're having a fabulous day and the sun is shining for you like it is here Sweden!). I'm kicking off the week with this beauty of an attic apartment, tucked under the rooftops of Gothenburg. The building dates back to the late 19th century - and still bears many remnants from the past - including beautiful beams and a traditional Swedish tiled masonry oven. The simple white theme ensures a light-filled space and creates a beautiful contrast with the dark wood structure, while Swedish interior designers Emma Fischer and Linnéa Manaberi have worked around the low slanted ceilings and little nooks to create a practical living space. Ready to take a look around?

How lovely! It just goes to show how, with a little help from skylights and a white scheme, you can create beautiful light-filled home in an attic! 

I also love the beams, white wood panelled walls and fig tree! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Maybe you can imagine living there? In which case, you might want to head over to Alvhem as it's for sale! Yep, I know! 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few more attic spaces today? Here are a few beauties: 

A small-is Danish home with a vibrant, sunny feel

Before and after: a loft becomes a light and airy guest bedroom

A mini yet mighty one room Swedish attic apartment

It's also worth taking a look at: 

15 small space hacks to learn from a beautiful Danish home

7 great ways to make the most of an attic space

Honestly, today is the warmest, sunniest day in Sweden we've had since last September. It's almost cruel that it's landed on a Monday! Should I take the day off? I'm very tempted! 

Wishing you a lovely, sunny start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Anders Bergstedt

Interior design / styling: Emma Fischer & Linnéa Manaberi

For: Alvhem 

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A Fabulous Swedish Home In A Converted railway Station

Warehouses, firestations, schools, post offices - there's something so special about these structures when they are converted into a living space. This former railway station in Ösmo, south of Stockholm has been transformed into a beautiful home -. and yet still bears evidence from it's former life. Instantly recognised by its yellow tiles, red windows and A-symmetric exterior - the station was designed by Ferdinand Boberg - an esteemed architect - and completed in 1901. Today it's been converted into a fabulously unique living space and has been causing quite a stir since the owners put it on the market! Could you imagine living here? 

What an incredible place! 

If you'd like to see a few more pictures - hop on over here. 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few other conversions over the weekend? Some of the ones in these archives are simply amazing: 

Converted schools 

Converted warehouses 

Converted factories

So friends, that's it from me this week. Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you've enjoyed the eclectic mix this week - from a serene, dark apartment in Kiev and creative apartment in London and a Danish manor, we really have been around the block! 

Have a great weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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A 20th Century Swedish House - That's Like Something Out of a Fairytale

If this wonderful house in Gamla Björknäs, Sweden had been yellow, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was Villa Villekulla - the home of Astrid Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking! It actually belongs to a ceramicist (the clue is in the pottery wheel in the basement) - although I am not sure if he / she enjoys it as a hobby or profession. Either way, the turn-of-the-century villa just East of Stockholm is bursting with character - from wood panelled walls, countless nooks and a spiral staircase to turrets and a magical roof terrace - all of which embrace the original 1909 structure. Ready to take a look around? 

A spiral staircase leads up to a turret which houses a desk area - and leads out onto a roof terrace which can also be accessed from the other upper floor area. 

The main staircase leads up to a series of bedrooms - including the master. 

As with many old houses in Sweden, a basement provides extra space for a second sitting room and / or a hobby area as well as a bathroom (as seen in this home) - and quite often a laundry area. 

I couldn't resist including this shot of the small guest loo. I love it when people use these spaces to do something fabulous. Unfortunately, I don't know where this wallpaper is from, if anyone can help please do leave a comment below! 

What a really special home - and such a rare opportunity, don't you think?  

You can find more information about it over at Historiska Hem - including the floorplan (I can understand it might be a bit confusing from the pictures!). 

Wishing you all a lovely day! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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A Swedish Summer Oasis On The Island of Gotland

"Summer breeze makes me feel fine...." those are the words going through my head as I imagine the cool breeze blowing in over the Baltic Sea as I chill by the pool at this Gotland summer house. It's for sale, but sadly a little out of our budget - but I do have my mind set on Surflogiet (a surf glamping place a little further up the coast). I see that there's a perfect 'work from home' spot at this cabin though, so if you're considering a life change, this lovely 71 sqm (764 ft.sq) Swedish cabin on the west coast of the island could well be just what you're looking for. Plus, there's room for two guests in the little outhouse too! 

As with most Scandinavian summer cabins, simplicity is the name of the game. It's about going back to basics (save for the pool!) and making the most of the outdoors. We all know that the Swedish weather might be on the chilly side at times so this covered terrace with bi-folding glass doors is spot on.  

A pair of Cuba Chairs (I also have one in my sitting room) sit side by side in the sitting room. Behind them is a Gubi Grasshopper lamp.

The soft earthy green wall helps to draw the surrounding nature indoors. 

See what I mean about the workspace? Not a bad view for a Wednesday morning! 

Many of my Swedish friends spend their summer hoping between their friends and family's summer cottages, so extra beds are always important. Just make sure to bring your own bedding if you're invited! 

Could you imagine hanging out in that lounger all summer long? 

If you haven't been to Gotland, it's a wonderful place - full of galleries, ceramic studios and funky / off beat cafes and restaurants. Plus Visby, the medieval capital is really picturesque. I shared more about The Baltic island in this guide. 

Fancy taking a look back at other Gotland holiday homes I've featured? Here are a few to get you started: 

A rustic Swedish summer cottage 

A 19th century farmhouse

Your island retreat on the Swedish island of Gotland

And many, many more right here! 

I'm staying in a hotel tonight - a HOTEL! I didn't think I'd see the day! I'm in Denmark for two days of filming with Carl Hanson & Søn and I spent yesterday touring the CEO and founder Knud Erik Hanson's home. It has 40 rooms and every single item has a history. It made me want to re-think the way I decorate my home! I can't wait to share more with you. 

In the meantime, wishing you a lovely 'lillördag!'

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Bertwig

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