6 Smart Ideas To Steal From a Small Danish Apartment

Goddag, goddag! I'm going straight in this week with the delightful Copenhagen apartment of Büsra Demirhan. A student living in a 47 metres square (505 foot square) apartment with her boyfriend, Büsra was selected by Danish magazine Bolig Magasinet as instagrammer of the month thanks to the clever way she has designed her small space on a tight budget, without compromising on style. Here are six very smart small space ideas that make a big difference! 

1. Round table: Round tables have a smaller surface area than square tables and therefore take up less space - and can squeeze into a tight spot. Plus you avoid the risk of walking into a corner with your thigh (winces). 

2. Extra storage: Büsra has used used dead space above the kitchen cabinets to store little used items. A wooden cup holder (this one is by Sætter and is taking the Danish interior world by storm right now) slots in neatly between the upper and lower cabinets. 

3. Think slim: Narrow furniture - like this glass cabinet is ideal for small spaces. 

4. Wall mount where possible: a flat screen TV has been tucked in among frames on the wall of the sitting room, leaving the floor clear. Wall mounted furniture is especially great for small spaces as it helps you to make full use of vertical space and creates a more airy feel. 

5. Wall to wall, mirrored storage: one whole side of the sitting room area has been reserved for much needed storage. Using closed storage not only helps to keep a space looking clean and clutter free - but the mirror helps to visually enlarge the room. Perfect! 

6. Get creative: A cupboard / wardrobe space off the corner of the sitting room has been reserved as a bedroom for Büsra and her husband. A simple curtain across the doorway helps to keep the space private without feeling you're closed in. 

I hope this lovely space has given you plenty of ideas if you're currently furnishing a small space - or have smaller rooms in your home! 

You can see more snapshots of Büsra's home over at @busrademiirham. 

And there is a LOAD more inspiration in the small space archive (if this pops up first just scroll on over!). 

Wishing you all a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @busrademiirham, shared with kind permission. 

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Small spaces: A Dreamy Swedish Pad

It can be so tricky to strike the right balance between cosy and calm in a small living space, don't you agree? But I think the owner behind this dreamy apartment in Gothenburg has totally nailed it! Measuring a teeny 42 square metre (452 square feet), the early 20th century two room flat is fresh and light, yet a wonderful cosy, calm and serene soul. How I'd love to be padding around here while the snow falls outside today, fancy joining me?!

The beautiful chestnut throw (similar here) and linen cushion help the cosy living room corner to pop - and don't you also love how the blush linen table cloth adds subtle colour to the dining room. 

Classic Ant chairs are stackable making them the perfect option for small spaces. I also like the climber in the window (remember this post I recently dedicated to the 'indoor climber'?! Such a big fan, how about you?). 

 The rug is perfect for carving out a distinct living room zone and helping to make it feel snug. I also like the use of multi-purpose furniture like the tray table (this is a fab one).

Using book shelves as a bedside table is also a great space-saving idea. You could also add a clamp lamp (like this one) to use for reading. 

I love the hallway in this home - The wood cladding on the wall-to-wall wardrobe adds such a cosy touch and the built-in seating nook is perfect for getting dressed or getting out of the door! Slim furniture like this desk are perfect for narrow spaces (shelf desks are also handy!).

Photography courtesy of Alvhem where this lovely apartment is currently for sale.

All in all, a perfect little living space - don't you think?!

Could you imagine living here?!

In case you're look out for more inspiration, you can find a whole load of small home tours here (scroll passed if this comes up first!). 

I hope you have a wonderful start to the week!

PS In case you didn't get a chance to stop by on Friday, there's an interview with the creative duo behind Our Food Stories and a tour of their lovely Berlin apartment and countryside retreat here (you might just get an idea for tonight's supper too!). Hope you feel as inspired reading it as I did creating it!

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Cosy Small Space Living in Gothenburg, Sweden

It's dawned on me that lately I've been featuring many homes with staggeringly high ceilings and large spacious rooms. But the reality is, more and more of us live in small urban spaces. The good news is, with the right decor, these living spaces can be equally beautiful! And Swedish interior designer Anna Mason, has got hers just right. In her teeny 36m2 (387f2) rental high up in the rooftops of Johanneberg, central Gothenburg, Anna has struck the perfect balance between light and airy and incredibly cosy - despite the low sloped ceiling. The trick, it seems, is utilising the floor space, which Anna has used to display art, boxes of treasured items, books, plants and other collections. I also love the mix of family heirlooms, vintage finds and contemporary pieces which add a relaxed, homely (or if you're in the US, 'homey') vibe. Perfect inspiration for anyone looking to transform a tight space into a cosy home! 

I'd be happy to potter around here all weekend, how about you? 

I particularly love the displays of books, art and other pieces on the floor, it gives the living space a wonderful, relaxed vibe.

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

These pics were taken by Johanna Hagbard who also has a lovely home. See the tour here! And don't miss her instagram feed for some DREAMY interior inspiration. 

Fancy taking inspiration from other small spaces this weekend? There's a TON in the archive, some of my favourites include: 

15 small space hacks to learn from a beautiful Danish home

Small space inspiration from Swedish attefall houses

A small Swedish place that will make you want to downsize! 

FRINALLY (still not tired of that phrase - or at least I can't stop saying it every Friday...). Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? I'm going on a press trip to Copenhagen to stay at a wonderful new hotel - and dragging Per along with me for the ride. So excited to be heading back to the Danish capital. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend too - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography and styling: Johanna Hagbard, shared with kind permission. 

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An Open-Plan Swedish Apartment with Golden Tones

Going for gold today, or at least a golden tone. And it looks so beautiful in the Autumn light. The timing feels apt as last night my daughter was telling me that her North facing room felt 'cold' and I was explaining the importance of using tones with a red undertone to add warmth. 

I am not sure which direction this lovely Stockholm apartment is facing, but the golden tone on the walls will help the day feel sunnier no matter what - and at night it will ensure a cosy warm glow. The fairly neutral shade also serves as a calm backdrop for lots of art, books, plants and mid-century pieces - some of which are true Swedish icons! 

Ready to feel inspired by this open-plan living space? Step this way! 

Poufs are fantastic for small spaces since they can easily be moved around and used for extra seating or a foot rest. My friends and I have found the perfect pouf in this one from H&M - it looks pretty, fits in with any style and is perfectly firm when used as seating. And no, this isn't sponsored - I just like a good purchase when I find one! 

A yellow rug on the floor compliments the warm 'desert' tone on the walls. 

The Lamino armchair in sheepskin is a real Swedish classic. It might not look that comfy from afar but it's ergonomically made in a way that perfectly fits your form, hence why it's so popular! 

I love this home office nook which harnesses natural light from the window. String pocket shelves on the wall to the right are another Swedish classic! 

The dark kitchen units add contrast and depth to the open plan living space, while a long rail offers storage in replacement of upper cabinets. 

Despite being a small bedroom, the owner has found space to store books flush against the wall - using the full height of the ceiling (small steps ensure they can reach the highest row!). 

I hope you enjoyed this warm Swedish open-plan apartment and that it's given you a few ideas for your own home! 

Did anything stand out to you in particular? 

Feeling the mid-week heat? Why not pull up a seat and indulge yourself by trawling through the My Scandinavian Home archives! Here are some favourites: 

Small spaces

Vintage inspired spaces

Bohemian style

Styling with plants

Happy Cinnamon Bun day! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of ESNY. Found Via Nordroom with thanks. 

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Smart ideas for Small Spaces in a Stockholm Flat

A friend of mine recently transformed a tiny outhouse into a living space and asked me about small dining space solutions. I've been on the lookout ever since! And this Stockholm apartment popped up just at the right time - who wouldn't like to enjoy a morning coffee by the window? And then, as I took the tour, I discovered more exciting features which help to make a small space (50 sqm 540 f2) fabulous and practical. Keep a look out for clever tricks such as the use of mirrors, raised beds with storage underneath and a hidden washer-dryer. Välkommen! 

A small table, bench and chair tucked into the corner are all that's needed to carve out a quiet spot for breakfast! 

Carefully placed mirrors can brighten up a darker space and visually enlarged a room. 

A dining table by the window in the sitting room serves as a work and more formal dining space. 

Using the full height of the room is important in small spaces. This wooden shelving system provides open and closed storage. 

In a small space, it's important to keep the home as clutter-free as possible. Hiding appliances such as washers and dryers can help to keep the space looking clean and serene! Plus no one can see your smalls spinning away when they stop by for a visit. Major bonus! 

A raised bed makes way for an entire under-the-bed storage system. 

Loved some of these ideas. And the kitchen too - such a beautiful design! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

The sun has returned here after a very stormy week on the west coast, so I'm very keen to head out and enjoy it while it lasts. Plus, I have two girls here waiting to go for a morning dip! 

I hope the sun is shining where you are today and that you have a fabulous weekend!

I'll be back on Monday with a very exciting 'before and after' tour, see you then! 

Niki

Photos: Jockeono Studio

Styling: Studio Rydman

For: Historiska Hem

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