A 19th Century Swedish Apartment Where Old Meets New

It's a misty morning here in Malmö and I can hear the sound of fog horns drifting across the strait. I love that ever-present reminder of the sea, even if it's in a bit of a mood today. Sweden's capital city further North spans many islands and the water is never far away. Many commuters hop on ferries to get from A to B. 

This has little to do with today's apartment tour, save for the fact that it's located in Södermalm (known locally as 'Söder') one of Stockholm's hottest neighbourhoods which is surrounded by water on all sides. I was immediately drawn to this striking apartment thanks to the contrast. It's a living space where rough meets smooth and old meets new.   

Think contemporary touches in the form of exposed plaster and a pink kitchen nestled beside decorative 19th century masonry ovens and beautiful period features. Small groups of fascinating objects also help to add interest. Plenty of ideas to feel inspired by! 

I'm often asked about TV placement. I really appreciate how the furniture has been placed in a social way and the TV is nestled on a shelf as a side-show rather than as the focal point in the room. 

Many of the magnificent 'kakelugn' (tiled masonry ovens) you see in Swedish homes are still in good working order today. Although incredibly efficient, they serve as a more decorative nod to the past than a source of energy - especially in urban homes! 

Over the years I've observed that Swedes are careful to create a calm vibe in the bedroom, opting for serene whites or soothing blues, greens or greys and keeping the space clutter-free. 

It was a bold move to leave the walls bare in the kitchen and sitting room but I think it makes a strong impact! 

Would you consider doing this in your home? 

See more homes which include exposed elements in the archives:

Brickwork

The storekeeper's house

A fabulous Dutch house in an old tannery

Beams

Before and after, a dreamy home in Montana

A Swedish home where the past meets the present

A relaxed family home with sky high beams!

A bright, light-filled loft with magnificent beams

Plaster: 

An eye-catching plaster wall in a Swedish home

A dreamy Copenhagen home full of books, arts and Danish design

The stunning Bavarian home of a photographer

So many beautiful ways to reveal the history of a home - and add interest! 

Niki

Photography - Tommy Andersson

For sale via Bjurfors

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A Rundown Schoolhouse Becomes a Swedish Family Home

I absolutely love it when someone takes the time and energy to painstakingly restore a historical house! Even better when they share the step-by-step process online, right? Photographer Lovisa 'Furubo' Andersson and her partner Daniel bought a former schoolhouse in Ölvingstorp, near Kalmar in South East Sweden a few years ago and have been renovating it by hand ever since. Today, the former classroom serves as a spacious and light-filled kitchen and other rooms (such as the gym hall!) have become beautiful living spaces. Here is a selection of truly inspiring before and after pictures of the exterior and kitchen as well as snapshots from some of the other rooms! 

Exterior Before 

Exterior after

The main school house and outhouse had been painted in linseed oil paint 100 years ago, and Lovisa and Daniel felt it deserved the same treatment today! Naturally, there was a lot of other work included in the exterior renovation too. The result is so fresh, yet still in keeping with the original look and feel of the property. 

Kitchen before 

Kitchen after 

Often it's only when you see the before pictures that you can fully understand the sheer amount of work that has gone into a project! Beautiful wood panelling has been installed throughout the house to bring back a romantic old school feel (see my guide to choosing wood panelling here). 

Kitchen units before 

Kitchen units after

Lovisa and Daniel upcycled old materials wherever possible. In the kitchen old wardrobe doors were installed and then painted with linseed oil paint. 

The oven is from Bertazzoni and most of the furniture is secondhand. 

Lovisa made the coffee table by hand. The Viscontea lamp is by Flos. 

I absolutely love this wall lamp - Lovisa bought it from Strömshaga. The rug is from Mio.

A Kyoto lamp from Mio hangs from the ceiling in the bedroom. 

Wood panelling has also been installed in all the bedrooms and hallway, giving the entire home a cohesive look. 

So inspiring!

If you've ever thought about buying a former schoolhouse, perhaps this is just the nudge you needed! 

You can also take a peek at other converted schoolhouses: 

A beautiful Finnish home in a former schoolhouse 

A romantic former schoolhouse in Sweden

A derelict classroom becomes a stunning kitchen 

Lovisa and Daniel continue to renovate their house room by room - follow the progress and feel inspired over at @lovisafurubo. 

By the way, thank you for your patience last week - my family and I had a really lovely time in Åre, Sweden. It was very snowy - a little on the cold side (my toes are still defrosting!), and so relaxing! back in the less snowy south now and all ready to go! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Niki

Photography @lovisafurubo, share with kind permission.

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'Writer's Corner' - A Light and Airy Swedish Apartment

Hello friends! I've enjoyed this week on the blog - an earthy home on the island of Öland, and a loft in Germany with splashes of bright colours. And today, I wanted to nip in and share one final tour: a lovely, light and airy home in Gothenburg aptly named 'Writers Corner'. I was reeled in by the soothing tones, effortless style, large windows and all the plants! It also makes me feel like spring is in the air! I hope this lovely home brings a little calm to your Friday too! 

Like a breath of fresh air! 

If you fancy moving to Gothenburg, it's currently for sale here. 

Did you spot the roaring 'kakelugn' (tiled masonry oven). 

I'll be taking a little time out and back here blogging again on Monday 27th February. In the meantime, please do pull up a chair and have a rummage in the archives - there's so much to see! Here are a few links: 

Swedish homes

Danish homes

Norwegian homes

Small spaces

Country homes

Summer cottages

News here: after a year of writing (setting the alarm at the crack of dawn every single day before the family awakes), I've finally finished penning my fourth book! Such a relief! Now the editing begins! I can't wait to share more with you soon. 

It's a school holiday here in South Sweden next week and so I'm going to be taking a little time off with my family, Keep an eye on my instagram if you'd like to see a few behind the scenes pics from beautiful Åre, Sweden! 

I hope you have a relaxing week, seen you Monday 27th February! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Entrance

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A Vibrant Loft with Splashes of Colour, Art and Playful Touches

Yesterday, someone mentioned I had featured some impeccable homes lately, but all with the same colour palette. I hadn't even noticed, as I was simply picking out beautiful homes as I went along. But when I looked back, there did seem to be a strong theme. So, today, I'm going for a slightly different aesthetic. 

Lilli's home in Liebefeld, north-west Germany is fresh, vibrant and fun. Using white as a backdrop, she and her husband Sascha have created a wonderful home for themselves and their daughters Emma and Laura. Get ready to feel inspired by how splashes of colour, art and quirky touches can transform a home! 

First, here's a snapshot of the blank canvas, i.e. a pure white kitchen! 

And now, look at what happens when you add simple splashes of colour in the form of a sculpted vase, playful rug, art and flowers. 

Kitchen - IKEA, Scultptured vase Motel a Miio, art on floor Vinta Series

The dining area is so vibrant - and a large balcony door fills the space with fresh spring air! 

Similar gym rings here*, sculpture in corner by Karl Manfred Rennertz. 

Yellow and pink chair from sushi restaurant Nihombashi Berlin, Sculpted light Schneid studio. 

Fail art by Eike König, Lips from Studio Job, Samsung The Frame TV on back wall. 

So many fun touches in this home! I especially love all the art and sculptures, they make a huge difference to the overall space. 

Did Lilli's home put a smile on your face too? If so, you might like to follow her over at @kitschcanmakeyourich. 

Those who have been following My Scandinavian Home, might recognise Lilli's home from 2020 - since then she has made subtle changes so I felt it was time to revisit (although I couldn't resist sharing the same picture from the dining space). You can never see this loft too many times! 

See more splashes of colour in these fabulous homes: 

12 playful design trends in Sussie's fabulous Danish home

How to add colour to your home, Danish style

Maria's colourful home will brighten up your day!

A vibrant turn-of-the-century home in Malmö

Snapshots from a vibrant Copenhagen home

Happy mid week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @kitschcanmakeyourich, shared with kind permission. 

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