A Swedish Country House is Restored to Its Former Glory

Long term readers will no doubt remember this atmospheric Malmö home.  Owners Emelie and Magnus have since moved to North West Skåne, South Sweden and have been working their magic on a dilapidated country house dating back to 1910. I've been eagerly following their progress over at @foreningsgatan14 and am excited to share a sneak peek of their new home - from the mood boards and DIY, to the final result!

Before

"The house was built in 1910 and is a red-brick villa laid out over two floors and sits on a 1600 metre square plot of land."

"We fell for the exterior and the potential to restore it back to its former glory. We moved in 2.5 years ago - following in the footsteps of some friends who had also bought houses in the area. Now we live 150 metres from each other!"

"We have renovated most of the interior but still have a little to go!" 

Ready to take a look? Let's start with the kitchen! 

Emelie wanted the kitchen to have lots of traditional charm to match the era of the house, while still creating a highly functional space. 

The couple installed bead panelling and French black and white floor tiles which they combined with kitchen fronts from Järfälla Kök who make units designed specifically to fit IKEA kitchen cabinets. 

The house is full of vintage and antique finds - some of which they brought with them from their previous home in Malmö. The wonderful Beni lamp is from Dis Inredning. 

The sitting room wasn't perhaps the cosiest space to begin with.

But after some hard graft and a lot of patience, they eventually transformed it into this 'mysigt' space to curl up and chill! 

The cosy library, which leads of the sitting room, is one of Emelie's favourite rooms - understandably! 

The bathroom has been another huge project. 

"After an enormous amount of going back and forth, hesitation and sleepless nights, we finally created a moodpboard for the bathroom. We were looking to create something a little romantic and unpolished but at the same time classic and timeless." 

The look was created using bead panelling painted in a wheat hue, as well as tiles from byggfabriken and pronto kakel. 

I love how they have still managed to install two sinks in a small space. How I'd love my own sink - is it me or do children always leave dried toothpaste all over the bowl? 

The vintage storage totally completes the look - and it's practical too!

What a lovely transformation. It's so fun too see it take shape too, don't you think? 

You can follow Emelie and Magnus' renovation journey over at @foreningsgatan14.

Would you like to see other Scandinavian renovations? I love: 

A rundown cabin becomes a vibrant Danish summer cottage

A dilapidated property becomes a beautiful Swedish farmhouse 

Before and after: a traditional Norwegian cottage gets a beautiful colour update

Is there anything that stood out to you about Emelie's home - or any of the other before and after features? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Niki

Photography: picture 1 Jenny Baumgartner / BMB, the rest - Emelie Tjäder / @foreningsgatan14

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A Serene Stockholm Apartment In Neutrals

This incredible Stockholm apartment might seem tight in places (check out the angles in the kitchen and bedrooms), but don't be fooled - the two-floor maisonette actually has 5 bedrooms - which for Sweden's capital city is immense! When I stumbled across it, an incredible sense of calm washed over me, which I put down to the lovely pools of sunlight, wide open-plan living space and the soft putty shade throughout. I could quite happily see myself flitting about in this wonderful oasis, how about you? 

Note the rounded shape of the sofa - curved edges are set to be a big trend in 2022. 

I am guessing the fluffy rug is from Cappelen Dimyr - a popular Swedish brand co-owned by Elin Dixdotter who's wonderful Copenhagen home I featured here and incredible country kitchen here.

When you choose a monotone palette, it's critical to shake things up a little and add interest with texture - clearly seen here in the bedroom. 

So beautiful! 

I know this type of monotone look isn't to every taste - how do you feel about it? 

Tomorrow I'm hoping to share some snapshots from the latest update I have done in my studio - I hope you're going to like it as much as we do! 

Vi ses! 

Niki

Photography Nestor Fastighetsmäkleri found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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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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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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