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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Cosy Off-Grid Living in Swedish Lapland: Inside Olly & Lisa's Rustic Cabin

Oh, are we in for a treat today! They say if you can't beat it, join it – and with the cold settling in, I’m taking you on a journey to the chilly North to the cosy, rustic cabin of artist Olly – one half of the creative duo Olly Suzy. This British collaborative pair pride themselves on tracking, painting, and photographing endangered species in the wild.

Together with their children, Olly and his wife Lisa embrace life in their off-grid retreat, charmingly named ‘Bear’s Nest’. Perched high on a hill, it’s surrounded by wilderness in a remote part of Swedish Lapland, just south of the Arctic Circle. The cabin was a labour of love, designed and built from the ground up. Completely off-grid, with no road access, its core was constructed off-site and transported by a military truck – quite the logistical feat!

Now, the pair relish their remote, rustic lifestyle. At the heart of their home is a wood-burning stove, which serves as their source of heating, cooking, and even melting snow for water. Candles and lanterns brighten up the cabin after dark. They’ve also got an ‘utedass’ – a separate little hut with a dry toilet. The cabin’s interior is a delightful blend of Swedish and English antiques, creating a warm, relaxed, and deeply personal haven.

Photographer Mark Anthony Fox recently paid them a visit and captured these stunning images. Ready to take a tour? Let’s dive in!

How wonderful! 

Imagine how quickly the stresses and strains of daily life would fall away here? There's something special about going back-to-basics, it's so good for the soul. 

You can read more about Olly's fascinating line of work here and there is a a full article about it and more pictures over at House & Garden if you'd like to take a look. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Olly and Lisa's rustic off-grid cabin? 

Do you remember the little Danish cabin in the woods I once visited belonging to Conservationist Wildlife Photographers Uri Golman and Helle Olsen? If not, do head over to the post to take the tour! Tragically, long after I featured their home, Uri suffered from a serious incident on one of his expeditions but his passion and work for the Wild Nature Foundation continues. You can read more about his story here. 

Thank you so much for stopping by this week–and for all your insightful comments and emails. I am so happy you have been enjoying the home tours!  

Have a cosy weekend friends, see you Monday! 

Niki

Credits: All photography by Mark Anthony Fox, shared with kind permission. 

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A Peek Inside a Perfectly Compact Swedish Home

A smaller space for you today—and proof that a 19-square-metre (204-square-foot) apartment can have everything you could want and more! This cosy living space in Stockholm is perfectly designed to make the owner feel at home: a delightfully personal living area looking out over the courtyard, a little dining table, kitchenette, and bedroom.

Touches of blue, pink, yellow, and green add a cheerful and inviting feel to the decor, while the tactile velvet sofa looks like the perfect spot to cosy up with a coffee and a good book. And what’s more, the home has plenty of storage too, with bookshelves that go up and around the balcony door and an entire unit in the bedroom for clothes and accessories.

Welcome inside this charming home for one in the heart of the Swedish capital!

A balcony extends the living space in spring, summer and autumn. 

Balconies like these often come with a concrete floor, but adding wood decking is a great way to make it feel more warm and inviting. 

The kitchen area makes full use of the high ceiling and offers plenty of space for crockery, glasses and utensils, which helping the space to feel less cluttered.  

I love how the bed is in a nook, for a more private feel. The windowsill can double up as a bedside table and built in storage units offer plenty of space for clothes. 

Incidentally, these Swedish apartments often come with a 'cage' in the basement for extra storage—perfect for things like Christmas decorations, skiing equipment, and other bulky items. It’s such a smart feature and really helps to keep the living area free from clutter.

I’m curious—do you live in a small space like this? If so, what have you found to be the biggest benefits and challenges when it comes to decorating and furnishing a one room apartment? Maybe you’ve discovered some brilliant solutions too—if so, I’d love to hear them!

Could you imagine living here? I know I certainly could!

If you're looking for more ideas today, there are a lot more small space home tours as well as small space living tips and tricks to be found in this archive. 

I'm off to Copenhagen this afternoon to visit my wonderful client Skandinavisk. They have just launched an exciting candle and scent diffuser in a new fragrance called KYSS (meaning kiss in Swedish and Norwegian) and it smells divine (such a perfect valentine's present!)! I'm hoping to pick one up for my home so I can spread a little love!  

Have a lovely day friends–happy mid-week! 

Niki

PS I snuck in an extra post yesterday about my forthcoming trip to Formland in Denmark - did you see it? There's a nice little instagram tip in it for anyone visiting Copenhagen too!

Photography: Ono design studio, Styling: Thomas Lingsell for Historiska Hem, found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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Join me at Formland Spring 2025

 Sponsored by Formland, all words are my own

It’s that time of year again, friends – one of the highlights of my winter in the world of interiors: my annual trip to Formland a truly inspiring interior, lifestyle, and design trade show in the Nordics. Located in Herning, Denmark, this Danish trade show is my go-to destination for discovering the latest trends and developments in the industry. It’s where I get an exclusive sneak preview of upcoming collections, catch up with old friends and make new connections in the Scandinavian design scene, and attend some very exciting events, including talks by leading experts.

I also love taking in all the colours, patterns, and even the outfits worn by the Danes – our stylish neighbours certainly know a thing or two about fashion!

Are you part of the interiors world? If so, Formland is taking place from 2–4 February, and tickets are free for international visitors (just saying!). Here’s a glimpse of the highlights awaiting you:

The Exhibitors
From New Nordic design brands to small independent ceramic studios and children's toys, there's something fascinating and new around every corner - part of the reason I am excited to walk around the halls and visit the 262 plus exhibitors lined up for this year's show. 

Hay - F5242

Odd boy ceramics - F5426

Maileg - D3008

Greenhouse Installations
Since this show focuses on spring and summer, it would be remiss not to highlight the rising star of the garden – the greenhouse! This year, there will be not one but three stunning greenhouse installations to explore (located in halls J2, J3, and K). Designed by the GASA Group, each installation will showcase a unique theme, including green rebuilding, air-purifying plants, and creating your own private paradise. I can’t wait to see them all – especially if that adorable pooch makes an appearance too!

Trend Zone
Always a highlight, this year's Trend Zone (Hall D) is centred around the concept 'Living Collage' curated by Studie Flyhelsted. The trend installation celebrate creativity and vibrancy and invites us into a world where the home becomes a creative canvas and every object tells a unique story. 

Trend talks
Copenhagen based interior and food stylist and trend specialist Annette Eckmann, founder of Eckmann Studio will be holding daily trend talks (Hall E). I am already a big fan of Annette's instagram feed where she shares her little black book of the hottest, and often little known places to eat, drink and visit in Copenhagen - often starting her captions with 'I'm a lucky potato, this week I got to visit....' She's fab, so I'm looking forward to hearing what the trend hunter has to say about this season's trends.  

Other highlights include the Circular Concept Area with the theme 'Take-make-waste' which is about the transition into a circular economy, the Creators community and lots of small fun maker events, where you get to try your hand at something crafty to take home with you. Exciting! 

A little reminder that all tickets for international visitors are free - yay! If you're unable to make it and would love to see what's happening at the fair, I'll be visiting on February 2nd and will share my experience and everything I discover in my instagram stories. I hope you'd like to follow along! 

Back tomorrow with my usual home tours, see you then!

Happy Tuesday friends,

Niki

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