10 Clever Small Space Tricks To Learn From a Lovely Swedish Apartment

This Stockholm apartment is the type of charming and relaxed home which makes me want to pull up a chair and stay for a while. Books, plants, mix and match vintage furniture, an abundance of natural light - the CUTEST dog - what's not to love? It's only after taking a long hard look at the space that you realise each room is actually pretty small and narrow. So, how does it appear so light and airy? I spotted ten very clever small space tricks which have done wonders to create a cosy, comfortable and practical living space - I hope you might find them helpful for your own crib! 

1. Make use of every inch of floor space: This is particularly important if you live in a rental and can't drill holes into the wall. What could have been dead space under the windowsill makes a handy spot for books. If you're not too keen on piling books on the floor (remember the discussion in the comments section of this Norwegian home?!) - a low shelving unit would work equally well. 

2. Bring nature indoors: Small spaces can feel a little closed in and claustrophobic and plants can do wonders to draw the great outdoors in and bring harmony to the living space. 

3. Source easy to move furniture: in a tight space your furniture needs to work harder. In this instance, a Karin chair can be wheeled into the corner to create a reading corner for one or easily be pushed back into the centre of the room for socialising. 

3. Add an internal window: An internal window helps a narrow room to feel wider and also increases the natural light that enters the space. One very worthwhile investment! 

5. Create multipurpose zones: a built-in storage bench in the dining area can be used as a private place to sit and gaze out of the window with a morning coffee - or as extra seating at the dining table. Plus, it's handy for storing items like napkins, tablecloths, candles etc. 

6. Let the light flow: Wider entrances encourage natural light to flow through a space and make the room feel more light and airy. A sliding door or curtain are ideal for creating privacy when a standard door doesn't make the cut! 

7. Reflect the light: an obvious one - but mirrors can work wonders to bounce the light around and make a room feel larger. One of the My Scandinavian Home Studio interior designers recently included a series of mirrors made to look like a window in a narrow Brooklyn dining space and it did absolute wonders for the room! 

8. Wall to wall open and closed storage: it's easy to think that the entire wall should be covered in closed storage for a clean, practical look - but in this case the storage not only provides a place for clothes, the display surfaces add character and a personal touch to the room: two birds, one stone! 

9. Dual purpose furniture: A stool in the bathroom provides a handy spot for shampoo and conditioner - and can also be used for extra seating whenever and wherever needed! 

10. Wrap-around storage: We're well versed on book shelves that go up and around doors - but this is one of the first times I've seen shelving around a loo. Such a clever way to add extra storage in a tight spot.  

I hope you found this helpful! Even if you don't live in a small space, we all have a small room somewhere in our homes where these tricks can come in handy! 

And how cute us that doggy? He totally OWNS the space! 

If you have any more small space hacks to add, I'd love to hear about them in the comment section below. 

In the meantime, here's a little more small space inspiration for the weekend:

A beautiful Swedish space that makes the most of a 'sceiling'!

16 ways to transform a tiny room into a dreamy, practical box room

A small swedish space that will make you want to downsize! 

And of course, there's always the small space archive! 

I hope you've had a brilliant week! It's been a crazy one for me with a trip to Copenhagen and Hamburg thrown in. I've got a feeling I'm gonna sleep well tonight! 

Trevlig helg! 

Niki

This home is for sale through Historiska Hem - found via Coco Lapine with thanks. 

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10 Beautifully Simple Ideas To Steal From A Swedish Kitchen

We all know kitchens make for an expensive re-model - and sometimes there's simply not much wrong with them other than they're not entirely to our taste down to the last details. When we moved into our house the kitchen was in many senses perfect - it was simple, had lots of storage and decorated in white and wood. Not much to complain about it really. Except I'd have done it slightly differently (#husbandofinstagram rolls eyes!!). Do you feel the same about yours? The good thing is, I've learned there's plenty we can do to update the 'engine room of the house' without spending an arm and a leg - and this pretty green and white kitchen in Gothenburg, Sweden is a fine example of this (FYI the home is for sale - so rather than steal, you could always upsticks and adopt this very kitchen - tempting, huh?!). Otherwise, here goes:

1. Throw in a free-standing island: Sometimes the work surfaces in a kitchen just aren't enough - and that's where a stand alone kitchen island comes in. We actually added one to our own kitchen and it created a whole other dimension to the amount of surface space (incidentally, half of it's currently taken up by piles of post - but still...). This industrial one is a hacked version of the RIMSFORSA from IKEA (they've swapped the bamboo for marble which I think works really well!).

2. Add an accent colour: if there's an area of your kitchen you can paint, why not give it a lick of colour in a pretty, muted tone like this pale green? It will add another dimension to the space.

3. Update the door handles: swapping out the door handles for something different, like these leather pulls is really simple to do and can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel. You can buy similar here and here* or even make them yourselves out of leather belts or even reindeer reigns (sounds extreme - *loughs out loud* - but I actually photographed a home in Norway for The Scandinavian Home and the owner had done just this - you can take a peek at the mountain cabin here!).

4: Exchange the tap:  Swapping out a dull tap for something more in tune with the style you're looking for is a great way to add a personal touch. Go sleek and contemporary or vintage for a budget friendly option. Think about balancing the look of the new material - for example if you add a brass tap, you might want to also add a few brass lights to ensure a more complete look.

5. Speaking of lights: go wild and add a statement light to bring the look up to date. I'm loving the brass wall sconces in this kitchen (does anyone know where they're from?  It's important to remember that good lighting in the kitchen is vital (lights are lovely and all, but not worth losing a thumb over!!) so think about how much light is needed for various tasks.

6. Be a fan the fan: There are so many nice extractor fans on the market - by swapping the one you currently have for something a bit cooler can create a great statement and focal point.OK, this is not necessarily budget option, but it is cheaper than ripping out the whole kitchen (is that cheating?!).

7. Squeeze in a work space: I was reading an interview with Martha Lane Fox (of lastminute.com fame) where she talked about how she would control her children's use of screens by only allowing them access to a computer in the kitchen. This work space doesn't take up a lot of space but certainly does the job. Frama CPH and Elfa sell similar.

8. Go for contrast with curtains in a darker shade: Not perfect linen sells made to measure charcoal drapes* like these).

9. Get comfy: If you have the space a sofa turns the kitchen into a relaxed sociable area.

10. Get those tunes going: Something that struck me on a recent visit to Naja Munthe's Danish holiday home (again, for The Scandinavian Home book) - apart from the sea view obvs - was the amazing sound system. There was something so luxurious about bopping about the living space with amazing surround sound. I'm loving the design element of the Libratone Loop Speaker seen in the window in this space too (thank you for the tip on model and brand Rita!)

Oh and plants. Obviously!

Perhaps you've got a load of things to add to this list  - if so I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

If you're curious about the rest of the home - you can see the full tour and snap it up over at Entrance. 

Other kitchens I love include this calm, neutral space and a beautiful blue Swedish family kitchen.

Have a great day!

Niki

Photography by Anders Bergstedt for Entrance

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A striking, small Stockholm space in dark blue

Wow, this week has flown by, don't you think?! Any great plans for the weekend? I'm on a train somewhere between Munich and Kitzbühel right now -  heading for a weekend hosted by Bernd Gruber!  *Excited!* It's been all about muted colour schemes over the last few days (think whites and soothing greys) so I thought I'd complete the week with something a little different - a striking apartment in Stockholm, currently for sale through Historiska Hem. Not only does it have beautiful bones (the work of esteemed architect Mauritz Lundstedt in 1909) it's also been painted in an incredible deep blue for a wonderful cocoon like effect. Light grey floors and red and green accents add interest and contrast while touches of wood and lush plants add warmth. You'd never guess that it's a mere 34 metres square (365 square feet) would you? Who said small spaces should be kept light?!

Credits: photo - Johan Spinnell styling - Hanna Rydman - for sale through Historiska Hem.

What a fantastic home? 

I really love the shade of blue. It's difficult to recommend colours as they are so personal and depend a lot on how the light falls - but there are some lovely shades in the Farrow and Ball 'blue' collection. Perhaps you've got some tried and tested colour tips? If so, please let us know in the comment section below.

I also like the combination of blue, green and red, it's so warm and inviting. And those wonderful windows in the kitchen? Perfect!

Is there anything that catches your eye?

Get the look: sitting room / dining area: vintage thonet chairs, 'circus' pouf by Normann Copenhagen (love this!), the sofa is by IKEA. Try Nordal for a similar cabinet. Bedroom: task light, light grey linen bedding.

There are tonnes more beautiful homes with touches of blue here (if you're in the mood for a little more inspiration this weekend!).

Have a wonderful couple of days and see you Monday!

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Texture, Warm Tones and Contrast in a Swedish Home

Texture, texture, texture.

That’s usually my answer when someone asks how our Scandinavian friends manage to create such lovely homes in warm neutral tones.

This Gothenburg apartment, for example, has been stripped back a little for sale, yet it still manages to balance simplicity with a cosy feel. Much of that comes down to texture: the exposed brick, the beautifully patinated kitchen wall, and the mix of natural materials throughout the space.

Then there’s the contrast. Dark tones sit alongside lighter ones, while rattan and wood furniture add warmth and depth. A variety of shapes, from soft curves to more angular forms, also helps create visual interest.

It’s also lovely to notice the mix of eras. Mid-century pieces sit comfortably alongside contemporary elements and the occasional antique, giving the space a layered, collected feel rather than something that has come together all at once.

Together, these layers of texture, tone, shape and time bring life and personality to an otherwise pared-back palette.

I hope this lovely apartment brings you a little inspiration this sunny Friday. How I’d love to step inside and layer it with a few of my own personal belongings!

Sure, this space has been styled for sale, but I do appreciate the natural ease of it. The tones on the walls, the furniture and the accessories all feel so beautifully curated: calm, cohesive and quietly inviting.

I am a big fan of Tulip dining chairs, I think they always add something special to a room, especially when mixed with chairs from different eras. I also thought the darker shade in the bedroom worked beautifully. For a small, windowless room like this, it’s as if they’ve gone all in and embraced the cocoon-like feel. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear more!

For now though, it’s the first true spring day here and everyone has appeared like lizards, gathered by the water, faces angled up to the sun, soaking in the first warm rays of the year. And among them is Per, with a beer in hand, waiting for me!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and thank you so much for stopping by.

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem, with thanks.

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This Modern Loft in Berlin Could Be Yours

Hello! I am so happy to be in Helsinki for Habitare - and the sun is shining just for the occasion! Last night we hopped on board a boat and headed out to the tiny island of Lonna for supper - it was beautiful - I can totally recommend it if you're ever visiting this city! I'm so looking forward to seeing what today has in store (keep an eye on instagram stories for updates!).  Although I could quite happily write about Finnish design all day - I thought we could head (virtually of course) to another favourite city of mine - Berlin. This fabulous loft is currently for sale through Fantastic Frank - yes for sale! I mean, look at those beams, the windows, the exposed bricks. Oh the things I could do if I had a space like this to play with, could you imagine living here?!

 

 Photography: Magnus Pettersson for Fantastic Frank.

I'd be quite happy to wile a way the day on that rooftop soaking up the sun - how about you?!

Is there anything else that caught your eye?

Three items I absolutely love in this home: AJ floor lamp, &Tradition stool, Dark blue bed linen (I've got the same in my bedroom!).

I've shown many, many Berlin spaces here on My Scandinavian Home. A few of my latest favourites include this striking apartment with a boho touch, a mid-century inspired home and an inspiring living space full of contrast. Or if it's lofts you're after - you MUST check out this archive - so many wonderful spaces!

Have a lovely day!

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