An Earthy, Calm and Beautiful One Room Studio in Stockholm

Every now and again a home really leaps out at me, and this is one of them. Organic, mature and calm, the one room studio apartment is a perfect oasis in the heart of Swede's capital - and even has a cosy balcony full of Autumn blooms on which to enjoy a morning coffee. 

A mix of grainy woods, earthy 'unpolished' walls, coarse linen - the apartment might be void of bright colour, but it more than makes up for it in rich textures, all of which help the space to come alive. 

Keep an eye out for items that help to add the 'hygge' (cosiness) - such as a Sjöstrand espresso maker (we have one of these in our cabin!), teapots, vintage mugs, and a retro stereo system. And of course, there's the blend of mid-century and antique furniture too. 

So friends, pop the kettle on and curl up, there's plenty to feel inspired by in this beautiful Swedish studio apartment! 

The paint work is lovely - neutral yet lively. There's a good article about different paint finishes and how to achieve them on House Beautiful in case you'd like to create something similar. 

I forgot to mention in my previous small space post that many Swedish apartment blocks have storage in the basement which is perfect for storing out-of-season items. This one is no different. Even so, you can see in the last picture that it there is quite a lot of wardrobe space - and most likely space under the bed for clothes and other bits and bobs too. 

One of the things that really caught my eye in this home were the retro headphones. My wonderful dad, who sadly passed away a couple of years ago, used to love music and spent most of his spare time browsing record shops or going to gigs (when he wasn't ferrying us!). He had a huge record collection which all my friends used to admire (his taste was so down with the kids). He also had a set of headphones just like this! It's funny how a single item can bring back so many memories. I guess it's still quite raw for me as I reflect with sadness - but a wise friend told me that one day I'll be able to look back at my memories of my Dad with a smile and I look forward to that. Sending a big virtual hug out to anyone else who has also lost someone special. 

Did you spot anything in this apartment that you fell in love with or admire? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts below! 

Wishing you all a happy Wednesday, 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks

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In Copenhagen, An Enchanting Home In Shades of Soft Sea-Green

Have you ever been to Copenhagen? There's something about the relaxed vibe and their love of all things hygge which makes me feel immediately at ease. It's been a while since I've been, so today I thought we'd take a peek behind a facade in the leafy area of Fredriksberg. Danish interior stylist, brand and visual storyteller, Sedsel Roug lives in a beautiful 145 m2 (1560,77 feet) ground-floor apartment with her Colombian husband Louis Carlos and three children Isabel (8), Luis (3) and Gabriel (3). The space has all the characteristics of a late 19th century apartment - including original wood floors, towering ceilings and large windows which let in soft pools of light. The harmonious feeling is accentuated by Sedsel's love for pale sea-green walls, fabulous vintage and antique finds and lots of art. I caught up with Sedsel to find out more. 

Your apartment has beautiful bones - can you tell us a little more about the history of it?

It's an old apartment dating back to 1860 with original wood floors and a ceiling height of 3.10 metres! 

How would you describe your style?

I like that my home is an experience and that one gets surprised from the blend of styles. I like to decorate with vintage pieces and art and mix all kinds of materials and shapes. I am particularly passionate about marble, brass and velour. 

"My favourite item of furniture is the Romeo Reha brass shelf from Italy, which I found at caution many years ago. It's timeless and like a work of art."

Would you say your home is typically Danish? 

My home is inspired by many different styles and countries. I have lived abroad (Brussels, Plymouth and New York for eight years) and love to travel to South Europe where I find inspiration for furniture and art. I also love to mix Danish design with wood details. 

What inspired your colour scheme? 

I'm very inspired by flowers and art. I mix all the wall colours until I feel inspired by the colour. I tend to go towards shades of green-grey / light sea green which has been made up using a blend of paint leftovers!

The tones are beautiful! Can you advise on similar colour codes?

Colour codes 3495, 4491 and 4502 from Flügger are similar to the walls in my home. 

Where do you source items for your home? 

I have bought many items at auction in Germany and Italy. Actually, most of my furniture and accessories are vintage. I also adore upcoming artists and collect ceramics and art prints. 

Any favourite artists? 

I adore Bycdesign Studio, Hein Studio, My Paradissi* and Aure Studio.

Finally, what do you love most about your home? 

I love how my home is constantly changing (I like to move furniture around!). I also love the light - there's not much natural light as it is a ground floor apartment - but the light that does come in is peaceful and enchanting. 

So lovely! There's something enchanting about Sedsel's apartment, don't you think? I particularly  love the sea green palette combined with wood furniture. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Wanna see a little more? Take a peek at @sedselroug! 

In case you're curious about where some of the items are from (I know I was), here's a round-up:

Get the look from Sedsel's home

1. Bycdesign Mid Collection 08*
2. Ikea STOCKHOLM 2017 Cabinet
3. Hein Studio Ostrea ROCK Glass Vase
4. Afteroom Plus dining chair City Velvet*
5. The E1027 Collection No 05
6. H&M Cotton Satin Duvet Cover*
7. Hein Studio The wise man 01*
8. Skagerak Georg dining table
9. Bolia Lady Armchair
10. New Works Kizu Table Lamp

What amazing pieces! Time to go vintage bargain hunting...

Meet you at the antique market?

Niki

Photography: Sedsel Roug, shared with kind permission. 

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The Eclectic Home of a Danish Treasure Hunter

 

It's Friday friends, FriYAY!! Woooop! Any fun plans for the weekend? I for one, am looking forward to kicking off with a lie-in, it's been one looong old week. Thankfully, just as I was fading (fast), this pretty Danish apartment popped up and filled me with energy. The bright, playful home belongs to Luna Signe Hørdum Nielsen  - a writer, project manager, concept developer, founder of Moro Moro studio and one of Denmark's rising stars of the interior world (Luna is currently nominated for the esteemed Bolig magazine's stylist of the year award). I chatted with Luna to find out more about her beautiful, eclectic home in Copenhagen and new business initiative. 

Who do you live with?
I live with my boyfriend Jeppe, who is an IT engineer and sound nerd!

Saint ceiling light* (love these!), Fritz Hansen Egg chair*


How old is your apartment and where is it located? 
We live in a beautiful old apartment dating back to 1902 in the old Østerbro district of Copenhagen, near to nature and the water.

Can you tell us a little more about the layout?
It's 95 square metres (1022 square feet) and divided into six rooms: a kitchen, dining room, living room, office, bedroom and small bathroom. The apartment has high classical panels, stucco and rosettes, herringbone wood floors and three metre high ceilings.

Gubi TS coffee table

Wow - what a find! How did you acquire it?
It's Jeppe's grandparent's old apartment which Jeppe has renovated so the old decor and smell of smoke has gone - but the original details are still intact!

I love the energetic feel of your apartment - can you describe your approach to the interior?

The style of our home is really mixed. I blend colours, warm materials and crazy travel treasures with Nordic design, heirlooms,  flea market curiosities, gold from the trash, classic furniture, modern design and budget-friendly items.

Portrait of Hanne Wilhelm Hansen by Vilhelm Lundstrøm, Cat by Any Warhol,  Hay masks, the wall is painted in colour code NCS S 6020-B.

As a collector, how do you make sure the space doesn't become cluttered?

I have gathered items for many years, and occasionally I have to sell stuff so that Jeppe doesn't get tired of me!

 Luna made the art above the bed herself using circular mirrors and blue and purple paint to create a "space / heaven / sky kind of feeling." 

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in shapes, colours and materials as well as moods, people, crooked details, art and poetry. It's not important whether or not it all fits together. For me, it's important that my home inspires me, feels cosy, tells stories and hold memories.  

 Tell us more about Moro Moro Studio

It's a new Copenhagen-based creative studio specialising in vintage design, interior details and local crafts which have been hand-picked from around the globe. We also represent contemporary international designers and are always seeking new collaborations.

Aaaah, I SO enjoyed chatting to Luna and noseying around her beautiful living space . Isn't it inspiring?!

I can't wait for Moro Moro Studio to open, I'll be there with bells on!

So friends, that's it from me this week! if you'd like to see a few more pics from Luna's apartment over the weekend, check out her instagram - and for more Danish homes - try this archive (one of my favourites!!). 

I hope your weekend sparkles (there is no angry way to say 'bubbles' after all!). 

See you Monday!

Niki

Photograhy: Luna Signe Hørdum Nielsen with kind permission

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8 Essential Furnishings Items For a Swedish Studio Apartment

Live in a small space? I've lived in two studios in which the bed was in the corner of the living room: while studying at the University of Edinburgh and then again when I first moved to Malmö, Sweden. And oh, how I wish I'd seen this home then - it's a dream and full of ideas! I hope this Gothenburg home inspires you too - even if you have a bigger space to play with! 

Here are 8 essential elements I spotted that hold the key to creating a beautiful compact home: 

1. Room divider: sometimes the most simple of dividers can be enough to create a visual separation between the place you sleep and the rest of your living space. This rattan screen is great as it can be folded away - and moved around should you decide to re-arrange the room. 

2. Nesting tables: I think we're going to be seeing a lot more of these nesting tables in the coming months and years - and they are absolutely ideal for a smaller space since you can move them around and use them wherever needed - or push them together for a more compact look. I love the Carl Hansen & Søn nesting tables I featured in my cabin last week. 

3. Pouf: I bought this pouf for our cabin last week (I chose it as it is the perfect height and really comfortable - plus it looks nice too). It felt like the final piece of the jigsaw. A small-ish seat-high pouf is a perfect addition to a compact space since it can be used as a footrest or extra seating and doesn't take up a lot of room. 

4. Blackout blinds: Look closely at the windows in the bedroom area and living room and you'll spot a white blackout blind above the window. It's subtle, yet vitally important for a good night's slumber! 

5. Hook rail: A staple in Scandinavian homes, a simple rail is perfect for extra storage and overnight items. Opt for a smaller one like in this home or fill the entire width of a room. 

6. Curtains: A compact space can quickly feel cluttered. Curtains are great for concealing clobber, help to dampen sound and also add a soft and serene feel to the room. In this apartment, fresh white linen curtains have been used as window dressing, to cover storage and also between the living area and kitchen. 

I spotted these white linen curtains* on Etsy which are made to measure, and you can decide on the amount of blackout too - pretty smart I thought!

7. Round furniture: I know, I kind of wax lyrical about this, but I can't emphasise the importance of rounded edges enough! Plus round tables are way more space efficient than square tables! 

8. Mirrors: reflective surfaces are a great way to visually enlarge a space and bounce the light around. 

Curious to see the layout of this lovely Gothenburg apartment? Here it is: 

Vargadsrum - living room, Kök - Kitchen

I hope this bright and sunny space has given you a few ideas! I love the curtains in particular - something I will be thinking more about in my home. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Incidentally, booklovers out there must be wondering where the shelves are. If it were my home, I would probably add some built-in, wall mounted shelves in the corner of the living room which go up and over the door to the kitchen. It's a perfect spot for them, don't you think?

Would you like to see some more studio apartment inspiration today? Check out: 

Smart family compact living on a budget
A smallish city flat with a clever room divider solution
A little cottage in the heart of the city
A calm one-room oasis in the heart of the city
A tour of our little cabin
A charming tiny Swedish allotment cottage 

I hope you have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Credits: Stadshem
*affiliate link

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