Small Spaces: A Beautiful Swedish Home That Makes The Most of a 'Sceiling'

Sloped ceilings (or 'Sceilings' as they're known in the trade) have their down sides (literally!) - and can be tricky to work with (trust me, we have one on the top floor of our house!). But with a little work they can make beautiful, light and airy living spaces. This small, two room studio is nestled on the top floor of an apartment block in Gothenburg, Sweden. The designer has thought carefully about how to work with the different heights - resulting in a practical, space efficient home - which is comfortable and easy on the eye to boot! 

Bespoke shelving in the kitchen makes the most of every inch of wall space to create as much storage as possible (IKEA shelving can easily be cut to size to create this look). The stove and fridge-freezer have been prioritised as areas that need extra head room while the dishwasher can be opened from the side. 

While looking back at these pictures again I also noticed how they've snuck in a fan amongst the shelving - smart! 

Redundant work space (the ceiling is simply too low on the far left to use) has been decorated with fresh branches of lilac - which could easily be exchanged for fresh herbs! 

The sofa has been placed on the lower side of the room (a little out from the wall) - creating a comfy, spot. I also love how the beams have been painted black for contrast. 

A table for two has been tucked away at the far end. It looks a little tight on the right, but it looks as though there's enough space to shift everything to the left for more head room! 

Does anyone know who the wall lamp is by? Rita?! 

A ladder is stored out of the way but within reach for higher stuff - I see there is an alcove to the left - any guesses what could be hidden up there?! I've always wanted one of these ladders - but haven't found use for one yet! Actually, maybe the shelves in my bedroom? Would Per's handmade shelves withstand the weight though?!  

Artwork: Portrait M* by Gurilla,  Figure 02* by Bycdesign studio

A bench has been placed at the far side of the bed which can be used for lighting, books etc, while the higher side of the room is reserved for storage. Love the light green-grey wall too, how about you?!

Artwork: Shapescape 08* by Jan Skacelik, 

Lighting: Mass light by &tradition. 

On the bed: white linen duvet cover*, beige pillow case*, cream knit blanket, and grey linen throw* are similar.

Loved this! Such great inspiration for spaces with sloped ceilings too. 

I hope you've found this home inspiring too!

Other beautiful small spaces to feel inspired by today:

15 small space hacks to learn from a Danish home
10 ways to turn a pokey top floor flat into a swoon worthy living space
A Small Swedish space that will make you want to downsize

Have a wonderful start to the week - I hope the sun is shining where you are too!

Niki

Photography: Alan Cordic for Bjurfors - found via Nordic Design with thanks
Affiliate links marked with *

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A Lovely, Understated, Warm and Inviting Berlin Home

Why, hello there Friday - how lovely to see you! If I could choose where I'd like to be hanging out over the next couple of days it would be here! First of all it's in Berlin (yes, yes, I know; I totally wax lyrical about it being one of my favourite cities, but it's true!). And secondly - the home has such a lovely vibe to it. Jana shares daily shots of it on her instagram @Pixiswelt (German speaking friends, does this mean something in particular?) and I love that the space is pared-back and understated and yet makes me want to pull up a chair and stay for a while! I put this down to the beautiful dark wall in the sitting room, the artwork (look closely and you'll see one of the pieces is actually a rug*) and the plants - they do so much! Needless to say, the apartment also has incredible bones  - and on warmer days, the balcony door can be thrown open to draw in great gasps of air. An all-round beauty! 

 Era chairs*, Eames chair*

Ferm Living rug* (on wall)

Striped Moroccan blanket*

Such a lovely home tour with which to round-off the week, don't you think?! 

Is there anything you loved in particular? I really like the idea of the Ferm Living rug* on the wall!  

Other Berlin spaces to love this weekend (bet you saw that coming!): a bohemian touch in a magnificent Berlin home, before and after: a Berlin studio undergoes a magnificent make-over and Josi's relaxed and super charming home.

Have a fabulous weekend y'all!

Niki x

PS I've signed up to do 'Toughest Family' with my daughters on Sunday which I'm now seriously  regretting! Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it! Hope your plans are, errrr, slightly more relaxing! 

Photography: Jana / @pixiswelt

Affiliate links marked with *

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My Latest Bedroom Update (+ Get The Look!)

Sponsored by Nordal*

As you know, the top floor of our townhouse is one big room which we use as our bedroom and home office. Open plan is wonderful - it creates an airy, light-filled space. But at the same time I've learned it can also present challenges - like less privacy, the need to carve out zones and create cosiness. But I think I've finally found the solution: a rattan room divider from Danish brand Nordal. It makes a PERFECT screen - and I think it's so pretty too! While placing my order, I couldn't resist throwing a few other pieces into my cart (as you do!). And now I can lie in bed without looking at my huge pile of 'things to do' on my desk and wake up to fresh blooms instead. Phew! Here's a glimpse of my latest bedroom update. 

I love the imperfection in the rattan - my entire bedroom felt instantly more relaxed when I added it. It was like it had always been there. Don't you love it when that happens?

The stool is made from solid teak and I love the irregular shape. I picked up the vase years ago in a flower shop (you've probably spotted it in other parts of my home before).

I'm still so happy with the wall colour (Blushing Peach)  - can you hear Per breath a sigh of relief?! FYI: our floor colour looks white but it's actually Strong White by Farrow & Ball which is a very pale grey. You can find out more about the armchair and linen bed cover here.

A while back I remember a reading a birthday card that said 'Dot went out to the shops to buy a chocolate bar and found a dress to match' - and that was completely the the case with this amber vase. I felt it went so nicely with the 70s vibe of the rattan screen, and it adds something sculptural to our windowsill too! So pleased with it! 

In case you're curious about all the items I've added, here's the complete low down:

GET THE LOOK

1. Burgundy cushion cover
2. Rattan divider
3. Teak wooden stool
4. Rilla vase (medium)
5. Rilla vase (small)

Nordal has an online store in Denmark. If you live outside Denmark, search for your nearest stockist here.

If you're wondering about anything else in my bedroom just give me a shout below!

Have a 'dejligt' day!

Niki

*This post is in paid partnership with Nordal, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Photography and styling: Niki Brantmark / Felicia Alm

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Before And After: A Dated Georgia House Gets The Scandi Treatment!

Oh, how I love to see before and after shots. I find it so inspiring to get an idea of the complete transformation - and the feeling that anything is possible with a little imagination and hard graft (and depending on the scale, some cash, of course!) - how about you? When my amazingly talented friend Valentina Fussell acquired her home in Georgia, Atlanta it was dated and a sea of beige, beige and more beige. But the moment she and her husband Jack and their three children stepped through the door they were in love. Looking at the bones, I can totally see why! Valentina had the vision to turn the house into a striking, contemporary, light-filled home inspired by their years abroad, including a stint in Copenhagen. You might recall a previous feature of the house here (and a tour of their Danish home here) but I couldn't resist revisiting the space today to share a little more about the transformation and show some of the before pictures. Drumroll, please! 

KITCHEN (BEFORE)

AFTER 

Valentina and Jack completely gutted the kitchen and decided on dark grey cabinets (from Bell Cabinetry & Design) to add energy and a sense of drama to the space. Dark colours also help to mask appliances. 

VALENTINA'S OFFICE (BEFORE)

AFTER

Perhaps the most dramatic room in the house, Valentina's office has been painted entirely in dark grey. the large windows help to bathe the space in light. It reminds me a little of the lovely home of Lotta Agaton - what do you think? 

LIVING ROOM (BEFORE)

AFTER

Valentina stuck to her monochromatic scheme and added warmth with details such as books, figurines, photos and plants as well as cushions and blankets. The wood floor is from Authentic Reclaimed Hardwoods and selected due to the imperfect 'alive' nature of the grain which adds texture and a relaxed feel to the monochrome space. I have to say; this room is BEYOND...!!! 

JACK'S OFFICE (BEFORE)

AFTER

This bedroom was transformed into Jack's office. A work in progress (although I struggle to see how it can be improved!), the office has been decorated with a black and white scheme with added texture and interest from a large, patterned rugs, art other personal possessions. 

MASTER BATHROOM (BEFORE)

AFTER

The master bathroom was the first room in the house to be renovated. The pair opted for a more classic look so it would stand the test of time. 

VALENTINA'S DAUGHTER'S ROOM

Valentina's daughter was given free rein to decorate her bedroom. And judging by the results, it seems an eye for design runs in the family! My eldest daughter also loves to personalise her room with pictures - usually ripped out without scissors and haphazardly stuck to the wall using copious amounts of Sellotape! I am feeling particularly inspired by the way the pictures have been displayed in this teenage bedroom! Great inspiration! Thank you! 

What an incredible transformation, don't you think?! Valentina is just so clever!! 

If you're curious to hear more about the renovations and see more of the home (including 'the catwalk' and amazing conservatory, take a peek at her films here and here. 

Valentina recently relaunched House of Valentina stateside and helps others buy, sell, renovate and decorate. One day she dreams of opening a shop loaded with all the items used to stage and decorate homes. If she does, I'll be the first in line, how about you?! 

See more fabulous 'before and afters'! 

Have a lovely day! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Valentina Fussell with thanks. 

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