Touring a Dreamy Townhouse with Classic Swedish 'Funkis' Architecture

Monday calls for something with a light touch, don't you think? That way, we can float into the week in a bit of a dreamworld! This lovely Stockholm townhouse fits the brief perfectly with its bright rooms, splashes of colour, and playful touches.

The spotted lamp, colourful floral wallpaper, and hues of pink, blue, yellow, and green give it just the whimsy I was looking for today, lending the entire space a youthful, cozy look. Despite the sharp, functionalist lines typical of 1960s Swedish architecture, there’s a softness to it that makes it feel both lived-in and inviting.

For those of you unfamiliar with Swedish functionalism (or 'Funkis'), it's an architectural and design movement that was especially prominent from the 1930s to the 1960s. It focused on simplicity, practicality, and functionality, with the main principle being 'form follows function.' In contrast to ornate styles, Swedish functionalism emphasises clean lines, minimal decoration, and efficient use of space and materials. Importantly, it aimed to make good design accessible to everyone, with a particular focus on affordable housing and communal spaces that supported modern, healthy lifestyles.

You can really spot the practical 'Funkis' nature of this house—from its functional layout across two floors to its simplicity. It’s the perfect space for a family to hang out, read peacefully (they’re hardly spoilt for choice with that wonderful library!), create, and gather. And when summer comes, Lake Mälaren is just a quick trip away for a swim!

Ready to take the tour?

How lovely, I feel a little lighter just looking at these pictures, how about you? 

To me, this is a very Swedish home - from the choice of porcelain, glassware, trays and textiles to all the furniture. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

I think this is the first home in a while that doesn't have a pet lolling about - or maybe they are just out of sight? 

Would you like to see a few other homes with pops of colour today? Here are a few from the archives: 

Maria's colourful apartment will brighten up your day

Swantje's beautiful colourful and quirky home

A rare peek behind the facade of Copenhagen's Nyhavn

Have a fantastic start to the week!

Niki

Photography Ozollapa, Styling Lindholm, courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks 

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Step Inside Höda’s Creative Swedish Farmhouse

Earlier this week, I had a delightful surprise: a note from Höda Vestregård arrived in my inbox, complete with a link to her beautiful home just outside Jönköping, Sweden.

Höda, along with her husband, two daughters, and their cat Tiger, represent the seventh generation to live on her family’s farm, having purchased the farmhouse from her grandparents. The property offers plenty of room for the family to spread out and for Höda to pursue her art—some of the larger paintings you see on the walls are her own. But the creativity doesn't stop there. 

"I am an artist with a very creative mind, and I’d rather build something myself than buy it," Höda shared. True to her words, much of the renovation has been done by hand. Höda and her husband built the kitchen themselves, with help from Höda’s father. Just last weekend, she took on the bedroom, adding paneling and using fabric in place of wallpaper.

Throughout the home, there are inviting spots for writing, playing music, and collaborating, reflecting the family’s creative spirit. These spaces are brought to life with unique vintage finds, clever use of wallpaper, and personal, beautiful details that make each corner feel inspiring.

Välkommen to Höda’s charming family home and atelier!

Wait. There's just one picture missing. Say 'hej' to Tiger! 

What a great tour! There's just so much to look at. Did anyone else spot the old wooden clogs? They've no doubt been on the farm for generations. 

Is there anything that stood out to you, or any important details you felt particularly charmed by? If so, please do share below! 

You can see more of Höda's farmhouse and art over on her instagram @fiiint_som_snus. 

Got a little more time today? How about taking a little look around these farmhouses: 

The beautiful white farmhouse of an interior designer

A charming farmhouse in Piteå

Old meets new in a Danish farmhouse with a thatch roof

Happy mid-week friends, thank you for dropping by!

Niki

Photography by Höda Vestregård / @fiiint_som_snus, shared with kind permission.

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A Warm Swedish Country Home with Lots of Cats

Are you a cat or a dog person? On the blog lately it has felt like 'the week of the cats' - I think someone counted four in Wednesday's tour. And who am I to mess with a theme? 

So today, allow 'puss-in-boots' (*not real name) and his feline friend, to give you a tour of their Swedish country home. His owner, Marie Envik has done a wonderful job creating a lovely living space for her family with plenty of places to relax (loving the built-in bench in the kitchen and the sitting room). It is also filled with wallpaper and wood panelling to give the space a hint of timeless country appeal. 

But what stood out to me the most, is the nook in the children's room. It was often used in the olden days when many would share a room (a curtain was used to create privacy) - and often seen today in Swedish summer cottages where people bunk up overnight. It's no secret that children love to feel cosy and safe, so this idea translates well in today's world too - and makes the most of an awkward angled ceiling too! 

Ready to take the tour? Puss-in-boots, please lead the way!

I have to say, I also love the ledge in the bathroom (we could do with something like this in our bathroom) and the green front door - what a difference it makes!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

See more of Marie's lovely home over on her instagram at @livetochbygget. 

Note - I had another post planned for today but had to do a quick U-turn, hence why I have shared two country homes in a row. I hope you have felt inspired all the same and I look forward to sharing a big variety of inspiring spaces with you next week. 

Shall we take a look at a few more homes with bed nooks today, here are some in all shapes and sizes:

A calm Swedish home with a classic bed nook

Squeezing in a private bedroom in an open-plan space

A cosy bed nook in our cabin

Is that our cue to get lots of sleep or R&R this weekend? I think so! Have a wonderful, relaxing few days - thank you so much for joining this week. 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography by @livetochbygget, shared with kind permission. 

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A Calming Pared-back Swedish Country Home

This soothing Swedish country home is like a mid-week breath of fresh air. Located in the county of Småland and dating back to the 19th century,  the house has been carefully renovated by Anna and Kalle - who have a penchant for calming off-white tones and natural materials. 

Much of the furniture - such as the kitchen table and coffee table have been picked up second-hand and then given a new lease of life which a sanding machine and other tricks. And I love how the front door has been painted bright yellow - for a sunny start every day of the week! 

It's hard to imagine that it was an absolute wreck when they bought it. Let's take a peek at some of the corners that Anna and Kalle have captured of their lovely home: 

The gate-leg table was a hand-me-down from Kalle's parents and was meant to be used elsewhere. But the pair felt it was so beautiful that they decided to sand it down and treat it so that they could use it as a family dining table. 

The door has been painted in NCS code S3050-Y20R. 

Much of the wood floor and panelling you see is from Swedish company Baseco. 

Lovely! 

So calming. Which is exactly what I needed today! 

I can appreciate all kinds of interiors, and I find this minimalist, soothing look to be very restorative. Also, it is nice and light which will keep the family in good stead for the long winter ahead. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Anna and Kalle's home? 

You can see more snapshots as well as some before and after images over at @angagarden. 

Today, I'm in Cologne, Germany for a new fair called Orgatec 2024 which focuses on all the exciting things happening with the work space - if you'd like to follow along and see the latest trends, you can find all the info in my instagram stories. 

Have a happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @angagarden, shared with kind permission. 

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