A 1930s Stockholm Apartment with 'Funkis' Charm and a blue kitchen

It’s Lillördag (Little Saturday) – as the Swedes like to call Wednesday – which basically gives everyone permission to sip a drink (or two) guilt free as if the weekend has already begun. And honestly, I could very happily see myself swanning around this Swedish apartment this evening, fully embracing the occasion!

Spread over two floors, this spacious home was designed and built in 1931, right at the dawn of Swedish functionalism’s golden age. Think clean lines, clever use of space, and efficient use materials. And you can absolutely feel that ethos here—an airy, efficient space in the heart of Stockholm, sprinkled with some lovely mid-century furniture and lighting.

Two standout features caught my eye. First, the kitchen, with its eye-catching sky-blue cabinets and open shelving suspended from the ceiling—a genius way to add extra storage in an open-plan setting. And second, the immense library wall stretching across the entire living and dining area. Imagine being surrounded by books while sipping your midweek *insert drink of choice*…?

I've even thrown in a floor plan so you can get a proper feel for the layout. Ready to step inside? Let’s go!

Ceiling shelving is widely available around the world (a quick google search is bound to show up something in your area). 

The original functionalist kitchen units are fabulous—definitely not something you'd want to rip out! That said, a simple lick of paint has completely transformed the look, turning the cabinets into a real focal point of the room. Given that kitchens can be a surprisingly hefty investment, more and more homeowners are opting for a budget-friendly refresh—grabbing a paintbrush or having their cabinets spray-painted for a brand-new look at a fraction of the cost!

Two Gubi Semi pendant lamps, designed in 1968, hang elegantly over the dining table. They're firm favorites of mine—not just because they look fantastic, but because they're wonderfully practical too. In fact, I even recommended them to my mother for her home, and she absolutely loves them. 

A set of 811 chairs by TON, designed in 1930, surround the table, seamlessly tying in with the era in which the apartment was built hence why their timeless design feels right at home here. 

A double curtain rail with softer sheer curtains and black out curtains add a softness to the cleaner lines of the room. 

Blue Swedish string shelves in the bathroom add a fabulous contemporary touch and an element of surprise! 

Glossary: Vån 1– first floor, Bottenvåning– ground floor. Sovrum–bedroom, Bad–bathroom, Vardagsrum–sitting room, Köl–kitchen, Bokhylla–book shelves. 

Some lovely ideas here. I've mentioned a few of my favourite things about this home - is there anything that stands out to you? 

You can see more corners over at Historiska Hem here. 

I hope you enjoyed the tour and have a happy lillördag! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks. 

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Inside Juni's Oslo Apartment with Creative Paint Trends & Inspiring Art

Good morning, friends! I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing weekend. I can’t stop daydreaming about the cosy cabin from Friday’s post—oh, how tempting it would be to swap Malmö’s dreary rain for an off-grid retreat in snowy Lapland this week! How about you? Unfortunately, that’ll have to remain a dream for now. But don’t worry, I’ve got something else to brighten up your Monday—a stunning home tour that’s sure to inspire.

Today, we’re stepping into the beautiful apartment of Juni Halseth Strenberg, a talented UX designer based in Grünerløkka, Oslo. Juni and her partner have been lovingly renovating their home, which dates all the way back to 1894. A colour enthusiast, Juni has embraced earthy tones throughout, using them boldly across ceilings, windowsills, and door frames. The result? A chic, contemporary vibe that perfectly complements an eclectic mix of sculptural furniture, rich textures, and playful patterns. Small bursts of colour in the form of lighting, artwork, and accessories bring an extra layer of energy and joy to the space.

Welcome to Juni’s delightful home—let’s take a peek inside!

Paint colours: Classic white on walls, Morning dew 18 on ceiling, Himla  4 on windowsill

Armchairs–Fogia, Pendant–Hay, Floor lamp–Louis Poulsen, Sofa–MeliMeli, Paint–Klint colours, Lobster cushion–Beau Marché

Paint colours: Vide 107 on walls, Olivlund on ceiling

Frame TV–Samsung. Art by: Emma Widell, Ingrid Haukelidsæter, Anette Moi, Maria Murphy, Jane Hupe, Petter Hoen, Isabelle Feliu, Ragnhild Nes

Glass cabinet–Ellos (painted in another shade), art–Maria Murphy. 

On the other side of the dining room: cabinets–IKEA, Snoopy lamp–Flos, art by Usikkerkunstjente,  Leon Seesix, Astrid Wilson

Cabinets–IKEA, pendant lamp–Hay

Paint colours: Honey bee 32 on ceiling, Limon 82 on walls. 

I get such a lovely feeling from Juni's apartment—don’t you?

The use of colour really stands out to me. A few years ago, it was all about the one accent wall, but these days it’s all about going all out—painting absolutely everything: the ceiling, walls, window frames, radiators, you name it. And, I’m here for it! How do you feel about this contemporary use of paint?

I also loved being introduced to so many new artists (I’ve done my best to link to as many as possible).

Was there anything in particular you enjoyed about Juni’s home?

You can check out more corners of her apartment and stay updated with her latest renovation projects here.

Let's take a look at a few more inspiring Oslo homes today: 

At home with the Arctic Gardener

An artist's home in Oslo (captured for my book!)

A stunning Norwegian home in many shades of blue

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @junik, shared with kind permission. 

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