10 Ways To Turn a Pokey Top Floor Flat Into A Swoon-Worthy Living Space

Why, hello there! How was your weekend? I thought we could kick off the week with something a little more down-to-earth. After all, it's lovely to sit back and enjoy incredible homes with towering ceilings, impeccably preserved stucco, and large, spacious rooms - but when you live somewhere that's not big enough to swing a cat, they can just feel well, a little too far from reality sometimes. And the beauty of this itsy-bitsy 35 metre square (376 feet square) top floor flat, is that it's proof that a pokey living space, with tricky angled ceilings and limited natural light can be swoon-worthy and highly practical too!  Here are a few clever interior tricks to steal from this small attic space in Gothenburg:

1. Keep it simple: It's easy for a small open-plan living space to feel cluttered - so try to stick to a simple colour scheme throughout (in this case white, charcoal and brown). It's enough to just stick to this colour scheme for bigger items - sofa, rug, bedding etc to create the impact you're after.

2. Use art to create different zones: In the open-plan living space, a carefully placed gallery wall creates a focal division between the bedroom and living room area. Note how they've been placed at all different heights - a popular styling trick!

Above: The Wise Man by Hein Studio*, Her Side by Nord Projects*, Grain pendant light by Muuto*

3. Let in the light: In a small space with limited windows, it's important to keep the flow of natural light as unobstructed as possible I.e. knock down dividing walls to create an open-plan space and avoid heavy curtains or clumsy-light-blocking pieces of furniture (note the cane chair!).

 4. Put it on a pedestal: Plinths are no longer reserved for galleries and museums. I've been seeing an increasing number of them in humble homes like ours! They are perfect for highlighting an item you really love such as a plant, sculpture or even a pile of books.

Above: Muuto nerd bar stool*, pick up a similar plinth here - or keep a look out on Ebay.

5. Make the most of every inch: angled ceilings can be tricky, but with some clever custom-made storage, you can make the most of every single centimetre of your apartment! IKEA has some great solutions and will help you design the space.

6. Somewhere to reflect: Use mirrors to bounce light around and also reflect items you love!

7. Play with shapes: Monochrome it maybe, but this little bathroom is far from boring thanks to the fabulous chevron and square tiles. Note the contrasting grouting in both cases! The plant adds a touch of harmony too! 

8. Space under the window: in a flat measuring 35 metre square you've got to maximise floor space! This otherwise redundant area under the window has been used for a washing machine and recessed storage - and I noticed they have done the same with shelving in the main living room too.

9. Get a look-in:  These internal windows allow light to flood into what would have been an otherwise dark stairway / entrance hall.

10. Extra storage: Recessed shelving in the stairwell is ideal for providing a little spot for keys, glasses etc (in my house they'd no doubt be loaded with a ton of other random stuff too - honestly, the things my girls pick up during the day!).

Bonus tip! I was chatting to a friend the other day who lives in a tiny apartment- we're talking shoe box size. And he said 'everyone is raving about 'tiny homes' right now,  but there is one major drawback (space limitations aside) - and that's how everything suffers from more wear and tear - the floors, the furniture etc - since it is used more. If you're in the process of decorating a small space, he recommended making sure you invest in high quality, durable flooring, rugs and furniture that can withstand a lot of use. Wise words!

I'm sure I've missed a load of things, so please feel free to add anything in the comment section below - I'd love to hear your thoughts / observations!

If you found this home inspiring, you might also want to have a rifle through the small space archive - it's one of the most popular!

Have a fabulous start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Alen Cordic
Styling: Emma Fischer
For sale through Bjurfors 

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A Fabulous Vintage Inspired Loft in a Former Textile Factory

Last night I was under pressure. I searched high and low for a special home tour. One that would end the blog week on an inspiring high. And then, just as I was about to give-up, this place showed up. It was everything I was looking for: packed with personality, unique, and inspiring. It's also in a city close to my heart, Philadelphia - where I spent a year in my teens (I still miss those cheese steaks!). Looking at this incredible loft, I'm wondering why I left? Could I really have lived in a 2400 square feet (222 square metres) Northern Liberties loft like Liz Sparacio?! Maybe not, word on the street is these rentals in a former textile factory are hard to come by. But I am delighted to see this space has fallen into the right hands. Liz, who works at Philly's number one second hand store Jinxed, has ensured there's something fascinating to look at at every turn: from the 'hand' chair and mannequin sculptures to the art, plants and vast array of wonderful vintage finds. I'll say no more, just leave you to enjoy the tour. Happy Friday friends!

Wow. Just wow! This totally brings out the wannabe artist in me (you know, the one wearing paint splattered dungarees with a scarf in my hair working from my own ceramics atelier in Österlen!). One day, one day!

For now though, I'll settle for admiring the fabulously quirky and delicious second hand pieces in Liz's loft. The chairs, the mannequins / sculptures, the paintings, the vintage finds. It's a complete feast for the eyes.

Anyone else feeling a tad inspired?!

If you'd like to see more of Liz's home check out her instagram feed really_really_Lizzy for daily updates (she's so funny too!).

And for more creative spaces this weekend I love:
A Former factory becomes an inspiring home
The lovely home of a Danish artist
An artist's home in a former factory
Pretty blues and greens in a former artist's atelier in Copenhagen
A Finnish home in a converted factory
A Parisian artist's home in a former button factory
An artist's studio and home in Stockholm

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Niki

PS Just heading to Copenhagen for a meeting with Skandinavisk - exciting! I might have to treat myself to an after work (or "AW" as they call it in Sweden) by the canal. I'm looking forward to it already! Are you up to anything fun this weekend?

PPS If you haven't filled out my survey yet, I'd be so happy if you could take a mo to look at. Thank you!

Photography 1& 2 Love Me Do Photography the remaining: Liz Sparacio 

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A Danish Family Home in a Former Jam Factory In London

You can take a girl out of Denmark, but you can't take Denmark out of the girl. And this incredible apartment in London is proof! Originally from Copenhagen, Christina Thaisen lives in a former jam factory just off Bermondsey Street with her boyfriend and son. Formerly a fairly run-down industrial area, Bermondsey is a vibrant little village in London where a hip crowd mingles in cosy pubs and independent eateries. I chatted with interior designer and shop owner Christina to find out more about life in London, the inspiration behind her beautiful home and online interior shop NABO.

What took you to London?
I moved from Copenhagen to London 5.5 years ago. I moved here to live with my Danish boyfriend, who moved to London for work. I used to think it was only for a short period of time but now we both call London home and we wanted to start a family here.

Above; "Our dining chairs are Ant Chairs by Arne Jacobsen, dating back to the 1970s and my son is now the 4th generation eating dinner on them! The Lamp over our dining table is a PH Limited edition in copper and the bar wagon is designed by Herbert Hirche. Our dining table is designed by Egon Eiermann." 

What do you like most about living in Bermondsey?
I love living in Bermondsey: there are independent shops, great restaurants, cosy coffee shops and lots of different markets - basically, everything you need! Our area has a local feel to it, which makes it really homely.

Your apartment has incredible bones, can you tell us more about the architecture?
The jam factory is known for being one of the most outstanding industrial conversions to be completed in London in recent years. It was converted by Ian Simpson Architects in 2002, but the building originally dates from 1902 when it was constructed as a factory by Sir William Hartley's famous jam company.

Your home is beautiful! Do you work with design?
I have an MA in Art & Visual Culture. I work with interior design through NABO but also on interior projects for private clients. I focus on creating homes where design is not a mere object for display, but a combination of quality, function and aesthetics.

What is the story behind NABO?

When I moved to the UK I was shocked at how much replica furniture I saw in firms, private homes - and even in interior design studios. I found that people focused more on getting a 'certain look' than finding furniture that functions in their daily lives, stands the test of time and reflects who they are. I started helping people by sourcing original Danish vintage furniture (both classics and less known names which are more affordable) and focusing on new designers and brands that weren't already available in the UK. This is how I came to open NABO. 

Above: Christina inherited the daybed from her grandparents and the pendant is the Circle Lamp by Frama.

I love the sense of contrast in your home, can you tell us more about the colours? 

The grey walls and shelves in our living room and hallway have been painted in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball. Down Pipe complements the industrial building brilliantly! The green tiles in the kitchen create a calm atmosphere for dining. 

You have a beautiful mix of furniture in your home, can you tell us more about it?

The daybed is from the 1960s and is an heirloom from my Grandmother. The piece itself is teak and very minimalist - it's something we'll keep forever, I'm sure - but I've added a blue seat cushion to make it a little more unusual. In fact, I love heirlooms in general. As well as the daybed, we have lamps, dining chairs and a coffee table from our grandparents on both sides, and I love the personality that things which have been in the family for generations give to a space. Whenever I buy something new for our home, I ask myself if it's something I would want to pass on to my children. 

  

5 quick questions!

What do you miss most about Denmark? The snow in winter time. There's something magical about it and it's very rare to see snow in London.

Favourite Danish word? 'Velbekomme' is a good word! It's used when telling someone to enjoy their meal. There isn't a word for it in English, so the English have adopted 'bon appetite' from France, I would say the Danish equivalent is just as good!

Danish open sandwich or British sarnie? Danish open sandwich. No doubt about that one!

Mid-century or modern day? Oh, that's a tough one because I love the mix! If I have to choose, I would say modern day as I think it's important to support new designers instead of putting old designs back in production again (which makes it very hard for new designers to break through).

Secret London design tip? The New Craftsmen is a design gallery showcasing unique objects that are rooted in craftsmanship. Everything in there is made by UK artisans. Definitely worth a visit!

Thank you so much for welcoming us into your home and telling us more about your life as a Dane in London Christina!

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I love the emphasis on items made with care and built to last throughout Christina's home. What a great approach, don't you think?

Is there anything that stood out to you in Christina's lovely home?

If you'd like to see more hop over to her instagram or to pick up something for your home, NABO is a wonderful shop!

There's a ton more Great Dane home tours to be found here.

Only a day left until the weekend - we're nearly there guys!

Niki

PS If you haven't already, I'd be so grateful if you could take a moment to answer my survey about a new project I'm working on, it only takes a minute and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Photography courtesy of Christina Thaisen

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Snapshots From The Boho Oklahoma Home of Two Vintage Collectors

You kind of know that the owners of a shop selling 'vintage, crystals and unique goods' are gonna have a lovely home full of goodies, don't you?! And Danielle and Philip Fausset-Holmes' home definitely doesn't disappoint. While the couple aren't minding their brick and mortar shop Jo and June Vintage in Tulsa, Oklahoma, they're chilling out in their cosy, boho oasis complete with hanging plants, cactus, layered kilim rugs, and second hand furniture. Put the kettle on, pour yourself a cuppa and enjoy!

 Cactus print from Fine Life Co (beautiful shop!), Macrame plant hanger*, vintage rugs and cushions

My Mum has had a kilim rug in the sitting room for as long as I remember - which she teams with an antique blue velvet chesterfield. I've been a huge fan ever since! Keep an eye on Jo and June's stock for one off vintage rugs like these! 

 Vintage safari chair*

Sinnerlig pendant, Tulip table*, Muuto nerd chair*, white sheepskin throw*

What a truly personal and cosy home!

I love the layers of textiles and all the plants (especially the two hung from the ceiling in the dining room).

I am wondering if I should do the same with hanging plants in my kitchen? The only problem is our high ceilings and I remember Hilton Carter advising us in the Ultimate Guide to Hanging Plants that we should always place green friends in reach so they're easy to water (I'm already picturing myself teetering on a bar stool!). Could be worth it anyway, what do you think?!!

Is there anything that stood out to you about Danielle and Philip's lovely, boho home?

See more pictures of it here and check out their fabulous shop Jo and June (or better still, if you're in the Kendall Whittier District of Tulsa, Oklahoma why not stop by?!).

Oh and more boho homes I love here (if this pops up first just scroll on by - unless of course you'd like to take the tour all over again, in which case I wouldn't blame you!).

Have a fabulous day!

Niki

PS The cactus print pops up twice since these pictures weren't all taken at the same time and the couple love to move things around!

Photography: Danielle and Philip Fausset-Holmes / Jo and June
Affiliated links marked with *

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