Before and After: Angelina Dörfler’s Inspiring Home Makeover

Why hello there! You know I love a good before and after – nothing shows the possibilities of a home better, don’t you agree? There’s something so magical about seeing the bones of a space and then watching it completely transform with just the right touches. Ready for this one? Come on in!

When award-winning interior designer Angelina Dörfler started to rent her home in Vienna, she knew instantly that it had great potential. The high ceilings, herringbone wood floors, and period details whispered of charm – but it all felt a little tired and unloved: yellow walls, heavy finishes, and an outdated kitchen didn’t really do the space justice.

So, Angelina rolled up her sleeves and out went the old kitchen, and in came one that makes clever use of every inch of height in the small room. She introduced soft, muted hues to create a serene feeling throughout, and best of all, she reintroduced wall mouldings to bring back that turn-of-the-century elegance. 

And the interior? Light, neutral tones keep things calm and airy, while layers of texture – linen, wool, wood, stone – add depth and warmth. Sculptural lighting hangs like artwork, while fresh flowers and thoughtful little vignettes give the rooms life. Isn’t it amazing how just the right mix of details can completely shift the energy of a space?

I especially love how the natural light pours in through those big windows, softened with Roman blinds and flowing curtains. Step this way, scroll on, and enjoy the before-and-after pics – I hope they’ll leave you inspired!

Kitchen

Dining area

Sitting room

Bedroom

From tired walls to a calm, light-filled retreat — such a dreamy spot to wake up in, don’t you think? 

If you’d like to see more of Angelina’s beautiful home, head over to her Instagram, it’s full of inspiration.

And for more before-and-after tours to spark your imagination, check out: 

A dark house becomes a fresh and vibrant home
A Copenhagen townhouse becomes a fresh family home
A rundown property becomes a beautiful Swedish farmhouse

And so many more in the makeover archive! 

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Happy lillördag all! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Angelina Dörfler, shared with kind permission.

Ps Behind the scenes I've been working away on a feature about the cute new children's IKEA Sandlöpoare collection which includes a fun quiz (in case you'd like to show it to a little one in your life!).  

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Small-Space Calm in a Gothernburg home

It’s fascinating how people thrive in different environments – some love the peace and tranquility of the countryside, while others are comforted by the buzz of the city. The sound of distant heels and chatter on pavements outside, the odd car hurrying past – it can be strangely soothing. As a girl who grew up in London, I have always found this comforting, a reminder of being surrounded by life even when tucked away in my own quiet corner.

This 38 m2 (409 f2) Gothenburg apartment captures that same balance. Bathed in natural light, it feels like a soft exhale the moment you step inside. The creamy beige walls create a calm backdrop for layered textures, while the oversized paper lantern makes the living room feel airy yet grounded. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as linen curtains, gently filtering daylight, can completely transform a space?

One of my favourite details is the window nook filled with cushions and greenery – a perfect little sanctuary for reading, sipping coffee, or just watching the world go by. And the kitchen, with its muted palette and brass accents, is modern but never cold, carrying just the right touch of warmth - I can imagine it looking nice with cookery books, something bubbling on the stove and other signs of action!

Ready to take a snoop?

This apartment has likely been staged to sell so it is fairly minimal, but there are some lovely opportunities for the news owners. For example. Bookshelves over the sofa would make a cosy touch and provide extra storage. 

Older buildings like this one, which was built in 1929, often have nice, wide window sills that can double up as a window seat. 

The front door opens straight into the sitting room (as is sometimes the case in smaller apartments) - if you look closely to the right of the door, you'll catch some shoes, and I'm wondering if there are some coat hooks hidden from view. Even so, I'd like to see a curtain that can be pulled across the door to block the view of the sitting room when the door opens, as well as to prevent drafts. Some extra storage to the left would also be great (I'm a big fan of these pockets from Norrgavel. 

These Scandinavian traditional woven baskets have had a huge revival in recent years, and not only do I think they're really pretty, they're useful too! 

In case you're wondering about the layout, here's the floor plan: 

Translation: kök - kitchen, vardagsrum - sitting room, sovrum - bedroom. 

If you had to choose one standout feature here – the calm kitchen, the layered living room, or that nice window seat (a perfect perch for people watching) – which would it be? 

Is there anything else that caught your eye? 

I must say, time has flown by today, and I need to dash - but if you'd like to explore a few more ideas, why not take a look at the small spaces archive? There are thousands of homes to discover!

Have a happy Monday! 

Niki

Photography and floor plan courtesy of Entrance, with thanks. 

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From Foraged Feasts to Fireside Reads – A Cosy Island Getaway Near Bergen

On my way to the studio this morning, I felt the first crisp bite of autumn – a puff of mist curling from my lips, and a favorite knit pulled down over my hands to keep them warm. Glove season has arrived, along with October.

And so, I thought it was the perfect moment to share the first glimpse of “snow” here on My Scandinavian Home – in the form of a dreamy island escape in Norway: Lilløy Lindenberg. Lilløy means “little island,” and while it lies quietly near Bergen, there’s nothing little about the experience.

From what I read, guests who arrive by boat are welcomed into a world where time slows down. You can feast on foraged, plant-based meals, kayak through still waters, go Nordic snorkeling among seaweed gardens, or simply wander the island paths. And then, when the outdoors has worked its magic, retreat inside: the interiors are a love letter to Nordic craft, filled with handmade ceramics, seaweed-stuffed mattresses, locally blown glassware, and artworks by Bergen artists. Everything has been carefully restored using natural materials, so the old house feels rooted in history while quietly modern.

I also love the story behind the place. The island’s main house had stood unused since the late 1980s, until the Lindenberg team reimagined it as a retreat with a creative soul. Early on, it even hosted artist residencies, and that spirit lingers – you can sense it in the way the spaces invite you to write, paint, dream, or just sit still by the fire with a book.

Ready to take a look at what awaits?

Wow – what an incredible place to unwind. Honestly, this might just be my ultimate dream escape! Could you imagine staying here too?

I’m already picturing myself enjoying a foraged meal cooked on the old aga – though I’ll happily admit the Nordic snorkelling isn’t quite for me (Per and the girls call me a real badkruka – Swedish for someone who either avoids cold dips altogether or takes forever to ease themselves in!). A book by the fire, though – that would suit me just fine. How about you?

You can find more about Lilløy Lindenberg – and even book a stay – here (just saying!).

And if you’re in the mood for more daydreaming, I’ve gathered a few of my other favourite Scandinavian stays for you to explore…

My stay at Villa Copenhagen
A magical stay at Wanås sculpture park 
A romantic weekend at Vårgård Saltsjöbad in the Stockholm archipelagos

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, happy dreaming! 

Niki

Photography: Robert Rieger & Jack Johns for Lilløy Lindenberg

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Warm Woods & Soft Textures: Inside a Gothenburg Oasis

Hej! I’m back from a wonderful few days with family in Cornwall – the rugged south coast of England – all rosy-cheeked and full of way too many Cornish pasties! Thank you so much for your patience while I took a little time off.

The good news is, I have a lovely, calming Swedish home in Gothenburg to share with you. What first drew me in was the kitchen: the mix of warm wood cabinetry with that sleek chrome shelf above – such a distinct and striking combination I haven’t come across before, and bang on trend! But what really makes this space so inviting is the overall softness it radiates. From the fluffy textures and calming neutral tones to the gentle light filtering through sheer curtains, every corner feels thoughtfully designed yet wonderfully pared down. It’s the kind of home that whispers calm and comfort – exactly what we all need midweek.

Here’s to a soothing Wednesday, everyone – enjoy the tour!

I love the textured wall in the bedroom and all those layered, soft materials; they work so beautifully to soften the boxier lines of modern architecture, transforming the space into a true little oasis. It’s a look that feels both calming and inspiring – very much in line with the signature style of Emma Fisher, the talented designer behind this home and one of Gothenburg’s brilliant interior designers.

Did anything in this home catch your eye? Is this your kind of style? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy mid-week friends!

Niki

Styling: Emma Fisher, Photography: Walti Hösli for Entrance. 

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