Update: Our Tiny House Interior Plans & Inspiration

It's been a while since I shared an update on the tiny house we're building in the garden of the summer cottage in southern Sweden. A lot has been going on behind the scenes, but most excitingly Per and I headed up there for a meeting with the builders last week and it's starting to feel VERY real! A while back, I shared our plans for the exterior. I'm looking forward to sharing the finer details of that soon (once we have settled on the wood finish). Until then, I thought I'd share the plans and inspiration for the interior! 

Layout: 

Our cabin is called a Komplementsbostad which is a special Swedish dwelling measuring 30 m2 (323 f2) and a maximum of 4 metres (13 feet) high. The idea is to use it as a place to unwind at the weekends and in the holidays. If we're staying in the main cottage, it will be a place for guests to stay and hopefully in the future, somewhere our children to come with their family and friends!

The cabin will contain a small kitchenette, social area, bathroom and two sleeping quarters. It's designed to sleep 4. I think I'll start with the latter! 

We decided to lay the sleeping zones out over two floors (which is fairly customary with this type of house). The 'master bedroom' will be in an alcove / nook on the lower floor, and a sleep loft will be placed over the bathroom and bedroom. 

The reason we decided to do it this way and not create a separate master bedroom is because we also wanted to create a nice social area in which to hang out - so we needed the extra space. For the same reason, we also decided not to have a formal entrance / hallway. 

Inspiration for the bedroom / sleep loft area: 

I absolutely love the look and feel of Lina Kjellvertz's cabin (the swede has impeccable taste - check out her house in Mallorca if you have the time!). Her attafallshus was designed by Sommernöjen and features white walls and a light wood ladder and sleep loft - something I am looking to emulate. The only difference is that the atelier / desk area will be exchanged for a bed. Basically like this: 

The bedroom nook will be fairly snug! The cosy danish bedroom below has also been a major source of inspiration for us. See the rest of the lovely cabin here. 

We are looking to convert the under section of the bed into two separate, very large drawers which will be used to store clothes, bed linen, towels etc. A little like the ones in this tiny Norwegian house on wheels.

We're also hoping to add shelving, but sadly we won't have space for a surface behind the bed like the one seen above since the nook is the exact length of the bed! 

Kitchenette

The kitchen and dining area is very much a work in progress! As with everything else, it will of course be small. Since space is of a premium, it will involve upper and lower cabinets. I love this kitchen by Swedish Nordiska Kök - it's clean and contemporary, but also features some beautiful natural elements including stone and wood, which would be a nice way to bring the surroundings inside. Do you like this look too? Clearly the island is a no go, as we simply don't have room! Instead, I'm hoping to find a small vintage table for four. Let the hunt begin! 

One big dilemma: we were hoping to put the boiler in the top right cabinet BUT the plumber told us it would be way too small. Instead it might need to be placed to one side of the sleep loft which is not ideal. I know my family, and they do love their showers! If you have any other ideas on where to place it, I'm all ears! 

Main living / social area

You might have noticed that all these inspiration images have something in common: wood panelling. I absolutely love wood panels, they bring a more relaxed feel to space and help to add a coastal touch.  Are you a fan of panelling too?

This panelling by Swedish brand Norrlands Trä seen in this Scandinavian cabin is spot on. I'm just in the process of ordering samples to see which style would look best (every panel option comes in an option of at least two different whites as well as various textures - I tell you, it's a minefield!).

Sitting room

I'm going to be honest, we still haven't decided which direction to go in with the sitting room. All thoughts are welcome at this stage! The only thing we do know is there are a LOT of windows and doors to contend with (see plan) and there'll definitely be a woodturning stove (more info to follow soon!).

But what we don't know, is what seating to go for. 

Do we go for some kind of built-in bench running from the kitchen units to the wall with storage underneath like in these lovely rooms?

Or do we opt for a sofa-bed with storage to make room for extra guests? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Looking at these images I'm wondering if I've over sold our cabin now!! I mean, some of these spaces are simply incredible and quite a lot bigger than our cabin! The pressure is on! 

I can't wait to share more plans with you soon including the bathroom, outdoors space and wood burning stove! Meanwhile, we're hoping the first spade will go in the ground this week - woohooo! 

For more tiny cabin inspiration check out: 

Opening doors vs folding doors - see the comments for the final reader verdict!

And the tiny house archive - which is full of inspiration for small spaces! 

Right guys, that's it from me this week, thank you for coming along for the ride - and for all your kind messages in yesterday's post, it really meant so much. 

Trevlig helg / have a great weekend!

Niki

Photography: 1. House Doctor. 2&3 Sommarnöjen 4, 5 & 10. Morten Holtum 6. Nordiska Kök 7. Norrlands Trä 8. Femina 9. My Domaine

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The Beautiful, Earthy Home of a Swedish Florist

This über cool early 20th century Malmö apartment popped up in my feed yesterday via real estate agent Bo-laget - and I've been wondering who lives there ever since. And now, I think I might just have figured it out, super sleuth that I am! Remember this cosy vintage-inspired apartment of a Malmö Florist? Well, since then Sofie has been busy turning this beautiful apartment in the Rörsjöstaden area of town into her new  home. At least, I think so, as many of the fabulous pieces of furniture, lighting fixtures and art photography remain the same. I'm a big fan of Sofie's unique style which oozes texture and a warm earthy touch - you should see the bouquets and floral displays she creates! Ready to see what she's done with this 122 m2 (1313 f2) apartment? 

I love this mix of open and closed storage. One of my Danish friends Caroline Birk Bahrenscheer has developed beautiful shelving for mugs which has totally taken off and would also look nice here. 

I'm so curious about this table and bench, I've never seen this design before. Can anyone shed any light on the brand? Or perhaps it's handmade? Maybe, I'll reach out to Sofie and ask her - I promise to come back to you if I find out! 

I love the casual look of the gallery wall and piled books - it adds a wonderfully relaxed feel to the dining space (dining rooms can feel so stiff and formal sometimes, don't you think?). 

You often see old brass candlestick holders like these in Swedish homes! I have one from Skultuna which has aged really nicely. But I can also recommend looking on Etsy for similar sets*. 

Textures galore!

If I had an old home like this, I'd definitely consider painting the doors, skirting boards and arbitraging in a dramatic colour, I think it looks awesome and adds so much drama and interest to a space. Are you a fan of this look too? 

How lovely! It's fun to see a space with such eclectic furniture. Sofie has clearly taken their time to search for unique pieces. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about her home?

I really do hope it is her home now, or I'll be so embarrassed! 

Take a peek inside other Malmö homes here - I'm so proud to live in such a creative city.

On a completely separate note, have you seen The Father with Olivia Coleman and Anthony Hopkins? Per and I went to see it at my favourite Art Deco cinema on Friday (i's called 'Spegeln' and has armchairs and a little bar in the actual saloon!). For the first half of the film, I sat mesmerised by the set - the apartment was just so beautifully decorated, and I was fascinated by how the decor played a central role in the storyline. 

The entire film was incredibly moving, and really struck a chord with me as my own beloved Father passed away a month ago after a year-long battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma Multiforme GBM). This is the first time I've mentioned it here, I guess I just haven't really been ready to talk about it before. I have to say, it's been heart-breaking seeing someone so close and with such a brilliant mind - so clever, funny and kind, slowly decline. I do take some comfort that he is at peace now, even so I miss him every single day. In honour of my dad, this is probably the only time I'll mention it - he hated a fuss and loved to keep things upbeat, I think that's why he was such a huge fan of my blog and all my books! He's always been my number one fan! 

My heart goes out to anyone of you currently dealing with someone with ill health in your family or who have also suffered a loss. I hope this blog brings a little bubble of escape to you each day!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bo-laget with thanks.

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A Tiny House On Wheels, Norwegian Style

While researching for our little cabin (the build is hopefully starting this week - I can't wait to share our latest plans soon), I came across this beautiful tiny house designed by Norwegian company Norske Mikrohus (Norwegian micro house). Just like the tiny house on wheels I shared a few weeks back, the 20 metres square (215 ft2) house has been almost entirely constructed from wood - from the glazed pine panelling on the facade to the wooden fittings inside. This helps the house to connect with the natural surroundings - and gives it a lovely warm feel. But best of all, is the use of space. Designed for four people looking to enjoy short term stays, the cabin is full of clever solutions to ensure maximum use of space - as well as views of the surroundings. Norwegian compact living at its finest! 

One end of the cabin is taken up with a fully functioning bathroom and bunkbed. Notice how a little space has been left at the foot of the bed to provide room for a shoe rack and baggage spot (after all, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering a home in Scandinavia - is it the same in your country - or home?). A built-in ladder also shields the lower bed for privacy. 

The kitchen has everything you might need for a short-term stay including a sink, portable stove and even a small dishwasher! 

The bathroom has been designed so you can enjoy the surrounding landscape while taking a shower. The narrow sink and cabinet is ideal for small spaces.

I haven't seen a tiny house with this type of lounge solution before. I love how the sofa is designed to face the windows so you can sit and read or chat while enjoying the view. A foldable wall mounted table can be used as a desk or somewhere to enjoy meals while two drawers pull out for extra storage. 

The table can be boded away so that the space can be converted into a full-length master bed. I've been racking my brains over how the extended mattress works - if you're curious too and would like to know more, you can order the brochure here. 

What a fabulous little house! 

My family and I would be so happy in a little cabin like this - I'm taking notes!

Could you imagine unwinding in one of these? 

Read more about the 'Rast' cabin over at Nordisk Mikrohus. 

Looking for more tiny house inspiration? Check out: 

Off-the-grid: a tiny Swedish cabin in the woods

A beautifully crafted tiny house on wheels

Small spaces archive

Ha det så bra! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Nordisk Mikrohus found via Planete Deco with thanks. 

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A Charming Open-Plan Swedish Summer Cottage

Why, hello there friends! It's a bit of an exciting week as I'm on my way to the West Coast for a few days with Carpe Diem Beds. First stop: the pretty fishing village of Fiskebäckkil which I included in my travel guide last summer. How I've missed real live events, have you? These pretty summer places are quite deserted now that every has returned to the city, but there's a real beauty about them in Autumn and winter when the nature and wildlife takes over. On the other side of Sweden, this pretty cottage in Hölö belonging to architect Ninni Ryott, is sure to be locked up for the winter. But since I refuse to let summer go until the strength in the sun's rays finally fades, I'd love to take you on a tour! 

Built from wood and painted in Falu red, the cottage was built in 2013 and designed to match the other traditional buildings on the estate. 

It might measure a mere 45 m2 (484 f2), but Ninni has worked hard to ensure there's plenty of space for the entire family with one large room for dining and socialising. The main living area feels extra spacious thanks to the tremendously high ceiling  wonderful white wood panel walls. 

The space has been furnished with a relaxed blend of old and new - with blue and white a central theme. 

A ladder leads up to a loft with four beds - a bunk for each member of the family! How my children would love this, they're always asking if they can sleep in my bed and they're 10 and 13 (but that could just be because we have a Carpe Diem one and they are amazingly luxurious!). 

What a wonderful cottage, so simple just as a Swedish summer cottage should be, yet light and airy and very cosy. 

I wouldn't mind knocking about here all summer, how about you?

See more of Ninni's work over at Ryott Arkitektur (I love the cabin by the sea she designed too!). 

If like me, you're looking to prolong summer this week (hey, it's not quite October, right?) - you might also like to check out these cottages: 

A photographer's charming summer cottage in the woods

A traditional Swedish summer cottage enjoyed as a year round home

An oasis on a Swedish island

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Ryott Arkitektur

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12 Ideas To Steal From A Small Swedish Home With a Castle-like Turret!

"Rapunzal, Rapunzel, let down your hair". Actually, scrap that! You wouldn't need rescuing if you lived in a turret like this - the space is a dream! Small it may be (33 m2 / 355 f2), but awkward angles don't need to spell cramped. This stylish Swedish space has made full use of every nook and cranny to create a beautiful oasis high up over the rooftops of Gothenburg. And there are so many ideas to steal too! Here are 11 to feel inspired by. 

1. Ribbed wood walls are having moment - and they're a great way to add interest and warmth to a space, as well as dampen sound. 

2. A long mirror bounces natural light from the balcony to lighten up the space. 

3. Skylights are ideal for rooftop living - and now they come with built in blinds to shield from sunlight on warm days. 

4. Darker stone surfaces have taken over in the kitchen and add a wonderful, natural, textured feel. 

5. Wood and stone / ceramic accessories are everything right now - the more artisanal / imperfect the better. Expect to see a growing number of wood accessories such as bowls, jugs and pots this autumn / winter too! 

6. The shades might be earthy, but the combination of wood, exposed brick and stone - as well as the black contact ensures plenty of interest. 

7. A kitchen on one side, a hallway on the other - you can't get quicker to the fridge than that. Plus, it capitalises on space! 

8. In a small space like this with lots of angles, white is a great shade for keeping the look bright and airy. 

9. Trailing plants add so much greenery, plus they are often so much easier to keep alive than standard plants (as least in MHO). Take a look here to feel inspired! 

10. Check out the mix of textures: 'teddy' / boucle, linen, shaggy wool, stone etc. If you like a minimalist look but still want things to happen - this is the way forward! 

9. Arched mirrors - remember those from my Autumn trend post? Here, round / curved edges help to break up the angular shape of the room. 

10. A slither of exposed brick helps to connect the bedroom with eh kitchen, giving the home a cohesive look and feel. 

11. Remember that discussion the other day? I hadn't realised that the unmade / crumpled bed look was a Scandinavian (potentially European?) style trend! OK, the styling here is a little excessive, but in general I'm all for the creased / messy linen look, I mean no ironing? Winner! Thoughts?

12. For limited spaces, a small wall mounted desk is ideal! Plus it's perfectly positioned under the window to maximise natural light. The Arum lamp* is from Ferm living, I have the wall version in my bedroom and L.O.V.E it (Canadian friends - I noticed your comments the other day, the good news is it appears Ferm Living is available for you through The Modern Shop) and the Afteroom chair* is from Menu. 

I totally get that it's unlikely you live in a turret shaped home - but many of us do live in small spaces / have teeny rooms to decorate, so I hope this has given you a few ideas for your home! 

For more small space ideas check out this archive. 

Right friends, that's it from me this week! There's a storm brewing in Malmö with gale warnings so I need to get on my bike and peddle home as fast as possible before it arrives. I hope you have better weather! 

Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: this home is for sale courtesy of Alvhem 

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