A Mid-century Swedish Apartment with Warm Tones

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Stockholm, this Swedish apartment bears many of the hallmarks of its 1944-45 origin. The kitchen for example, still has the original cabinetry and pantry - and it warms my heart to see these remnants still intact!  

As an 'end' apartment, it's also blessed with light from three different directions. In our first apartment  many moons ago, Per and I lived in a flat just like this and I absolutely loved how the light changed throughout the day. 

The owners of this space have included quite a few mid-century pieces to stay true to the architecture - while not being afraid to add some cool, contemporary touches. Look closely, and you'll also witness sculptural pieces, unique treasures, a rich blend of textures and warm earthy tones. 

Finally, keep an eye out for the shelving in the sitting room - a perfect solution when wall space is limited. 

I hope you feel inspired by the tour! 

Feeling confused about the layout? Here's the floor plan for the 46 m2 (495 ft.sq) apartment: 

Glossary: matrum - dining room, kök - kitchen, vardagsrum - sitting room, sovrum - bedroom

I love how warm this apartment looks; I can imagine feeling instantly at ease here, how about you? 

The earthy kilim rug and cushions reminded me of the tour I once featured of the Swedish home of interior designer Saša Antic. I have been working with Saša this week and he is such a talented guy! 

Also, note the cushion to the right of the sofa. The tone is similar to the Pantone 2024 colour of the year - Peach fuzz, which goes beautifully with dark green. Can you imagine adding this accent to your home this year? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts, as always! 

Happy Lillördag! 

Niki

Photography @jockeono, styling Clindholm design, for Historiska Hem. 

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A Scandi-inspired Lakeside Cabin in Norfolk, UK

I quite often read about 'Scandinavian inspired' homes overseas, but never have I seen one as Scandinavian as this! The contemporary wood clad cabin designed by Koto wouldn't look out of place in any Nordic country, couple this with the woodland and lakeside location and you are immediately transported to the beautiful nature I so love about the region. 

A British start-up, Koto prides itself on designing prefabricated cabins 'that exude a sense of calm where users can relax and be inspired, whilst feeling connected to the great outdoors'. Described as a 'Scandinavian sanctuary', this cabin is set in Norfolk woodland on Fritton Lake and invites the new owner to getaway from it all and at the weekends or holidays, take wintery walks, 'njuta' from log fires and relax in the lakeside sauna before taking a dip in the lake. The only thing that's missing are the moose! 

Now all that's left to do is fill it with your most loved get-away essentials. For me - that would be board games, books, blankets, sheepskins, candles, slippers, some delicious cheeses and a bottle of red wine. Oh, and my favourite people! 

What would you add to this cabin to make it your very own sanctuary? 

Would you like dream about other escapes this Monday morning? Of course you do! Check out the cabin archive or dive-in to these rural retreats: 

On 1st February I'll be starting a #30daysofNjuta challenge on my instagram. The challenge is centred around the Swedish word 'Njuta' which means to 'savour' - the subject of my new book (*ad for my own work). In my mind, February is one of the toughest months of the year so why not join in and find small pockets of happiness in the everyday, Swedish style? Absolutely no purchase of my book necessary (it's available in most libraries now, if it's not in yours yet, please do put in a request if you fancy a read although not required for the challenge!). I hope you'll join in, the more the merrier! 

Have a happy Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Modern House, with thanks. 

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A Swedish Apartment with a Mid-Century Vibe

It's so important to decorate your home in a way that feels just right for you (and your family). However, if you get stuck on something - like which dining chairs or overhead light to choose, it's helpful to look at the architecture and the period in which your dwelling was built. Case in point: my Mother lives in a house that was built in the 1960s and designed by a well-known architect and struggled to find a light to hang over the dining table. So I suggested the Gubi semi-pendant which was also designed in the 60s. And we were thrilled to find it worked perfectly! 

This Stockholm apartment is situated on the 3rd floor of a block that was originally built in the late 19th century. However, it went through a major renovation in 1939 - during the posgt first world war I 'funkis' period. A Swedish abbreviation for 'functionalism', 'funkis' architecture is designed purely for purpose and function.  The owners have stayed loyal to the funkis style and given the interior a mid-century vibe. The kitchen is also in the origional 'funkis' style (save for the range oven of course!). 

I love that this home is a little different from the ones I've been showing lately, I hope it fills you with inspiration! 

It's nice to see a children's desk with a monitor (usually this angle is skipped out!). It looks as though the entire desk set-up (tabletop, drawers and trolley) are all from IKEA. I love the box at the end of the bid which is used to store games. 

When was your home built and have you decorated it according to this period? Our house was built in 2001 so there wasn't so much to go on! 

See other funkis style homes here. 

Have a happy Friday and great weekend! 

Niki

PS written slightly in haste since I got almost zero hours sleep in the night, do you ever have nights like that? You feel like you're the only one in the world awake! Gaaaah! 

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks. 

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Splashes of Colour in a Swedish Home that Combines Old and New

My sister came to visit me from sunny Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain last month and she found the cold and darkness really refreshing (LOL!). She sent a picture of the landscape to her friends back home - and they assumed she had added a black and white filter to it. Nope, when there's snow on the ground and no leaves on the tree, the world is genuinely monochrome. The snow blizzard we are currently experiencing in Malmö is no different - my friend had to wear ski goggles on her bike to work wbich did actually add a rose tinted film to the world. And yes, the Swedes are still cycling!

It's in wintertime when I appreciate colour in the home the most. A pop of sunny yellow here, serene sky blue there. Maybe a splash of fuchsia pink and pea green won't go amiss either! In fact, this uplifting Swedish house has just the right amount of colour for me - and also boasts some lovely furniture too, much of which is vintage. 

Välkommen in! 

The pendant light is great, don't you think? It's the Filigrana light in Tobacco Canes by Sebastian Wrong. 

Kilim rugs with a hint of colour are becoming more and more popular. In fact, I was in a Kilim dream world at the Domotex floor fair last year! Try Etsy* for similar. 

Loving the layers of linen in the sitting room. If you have an IKEA sofa you can easily re-create this look by investing in a 'loose fit' slipcover in linen from Bemz*.

Most old houses in Sweden have a fairly steep roof (designed so that the snow falls off). The owners of this one has made use of the nooks and crannies to create cosy sleep zones for their little ones! 

Sky blue and pea green is a great, very 'now' combination! Are you a fan? 

Such a cute row of Fjällräven rucksacks too! 

This is one of those home tours which is worth going through several times - and each time you'll spot a new detail! 

For me, it's the mix of treasured second-hand finds or heirlooms with bang up to date, contemporary items that really stands out. The owners are clearly passionate about home decorating and spend time to source special pieces - some of which they have customised. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? Are you onboard with the wallpaper trend? I think it works best with older houses but who knows... we might see a revival in more modern homes too. After all, when I was growing up Laura Ashley wallpaper was EVERYWHERE - with lamps to match! 

Now, it's time for the owners to move on - and for someone else to take the reins of this beautiful house (see the listing here). 

Have a happy Wednesday vänner. Keep warm if you're here in the North - and cool if you're down in the South! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, found via Nordroom with thanks. 

*affiliated link

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Julie's Playful Yet Elegant Home Features Some of the Big Trends of 2024

Artist Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg has moved home quite a few times - each time weaving her magic with her unique sense of style. I have featured all three of Julie's Danish homes - starting with her flat in Aarlborg when she was a student (it's hard to forget the purple bike, right?), followed by the flat on the ground floor which she shared with her partner Mads and daughter Vanilla. 

And today, I'm excited to feature the family's latest home which Julie and Mads have been transforming into their family 'forever' home with two children in tow.

It's so fun to see the transition over the years, and seeing her style develop and morph into a mature and elegant living space, yet still bearing the signature Julie trademarks: pops of colour, playful touches and an eye for detail. 

Let's take a look inside! 

In the kitchen, Julie has installed a Reform kitchen (expect to see a lot more dark wood in Scandinavian homes moving forwards) and a beautiful light from NUAD. 

One of the big trends I witnessed at the international fairs in Germany last week (Domotex and IMM Cologne) was the mix and matching of different wood. Dark, light, mid wood - combine any way you like! 

A popular Valerie Objects wall lamp adds a contemporary touch to the space. 

The pair have put in a tremendous amount of work to renovate the house. I couldn't resist sharing the picture below to show how the kitchen looked during the building project. 

Compared to how it looks now....

The L-shaped kitchen also includes a dining area. The walls have been decorated with a beige shade from the up and coming danish paint brand Color Stories and sheer pink curtains from curtain.dk. 

The table bears a checkered pattern - which has been a big trend in Scandinavia for a while now. 

A wicker bench provides a spot for magazine, books, flowers and some of Julie's art. 

How cute are the little glass doorknobs by Danish artist Nina Nørgaard? It's such a pretty way to upcycle and personalise a vintage piece! Loving all the handmade ceramic cups too! 

The hallway has been decorated with 'Sibylla' wallpaper from UK based company Living Quarters. Wallpaper has been making waves in Scandinavian homes for a while now which is an exciting development I think!

A nook just off the kitchen serves as a spot for Julie to create had upcycled or handknitted art. 

A large antique patchwork quilt from Daisy and Beulah fills ones of the walls in the kitchen. At the nordic fair Formland last summer I noticed a lot of patchwork and embroidery, and it's exciting to see it take shape in homes like Julie's - the embroidery in particular is central to Julie's own work. 

A fabulous Ekstrem chair by Terje Ekstrøm awaits on the landing. 

The brown / light blue colour combination is a big trend right now in the world of interiors - as is pops of green. 

A bed by Karup works with the dark wood floor in the master bedroom. 

A wall mounted Montana drawer unit and retro Tulip chair make perfect companions in the bedroom! 

If you love Julie's style, you'll love her upcycled or handknitted art - here's a glimpse of her studio and one or two of her pieces. All her latest work can be found here. 

Julie's home and art have really brightened up a grey snowy day here in Malmö, Sweden. I hope they have also put a spring in your step and got your week off to an inspiring start too! 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular? If so, please do share in the comments below! 

Check out the Danish home archive for more Danish home tours today! 

Happy Monday friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg, shared with kind permission. 

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