23 Mar Swedish Small Space – Tour a Charming 553-sqft Apartment
Have you ever sat in an Ikea showroom and wondered if homes in Sweden actually look like that? Here is a real-life reference. We found this lovely apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden that sets the perfect example for small space decor and storage planning. On the west coast of Sweden where Gothenburg is, you’ll find quaint heritage buildings that haven’t changed since the 19th century. The talented interior designer Ingela Berg, who gave the apartment a makeover, preserved many original details such as mirror doors, mouldings, roof roses and deep window niches to maintain the apartment’s historical charm. Although it may not always look like it, choosing the right furniture pieces and wall colours etc. takes a lot of dedicated work to make the space feel spacious and comfortable. This apartment for example is a 553-sqft one-bedroom, but adequate furnishings make it look quite sizeable. Interested to tour the apartment and see what ideas made this small space feel grand? Continue reading below to find out! (Cover Photo Source: Stadshem | All photos by Janne Olander)
[Foyer]
As we enter the apartment, the first thing we notice is the light coming in from the kitchen and living room windows. The walls, ceiling, window frames and mirrors are all painted in white, and the idea of using an antique locker as a shoe cabinet in the ample foyer is fascinating. As in most homes in Europe, the toilet is separate from the bathroom, which can also be found here in the foyer area, so guests don’t have to go into the bedroom to use the toilet.
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem | Foldable Seagrass Storage Basket available on Riamist.shop, from $24.90
Source: Stadshem
[Living Room]
The living room is furnished with the perfect size sofa, TV bench, reading chair, bookcase et cetera, so the space feels a lot roomier than a 553-sqft apartment typically feels like. The walls, ceiling, and window frames here are also in white, and the blonde oak floors are in a beautiful herringbone pattern. We especially love the subtle contrast between the herringbone pattern and the old wood floors going into the bedroom.
Source: Stadshem | Kulpmont Grey Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug available on Wayfair.ca, from $195.99
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
[Bedroom]
Easily accommodating a queen bed with a nightstand, the bedroom has an excellent large wardrobe. The walls are painted in a gray, which really flatters the beautiful white panelled doors on the wardrobe. On the window ledge where the owner keeps a potted plant, the mosaic tiles quietly add colourful details to the room.
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem | Moroccan Striped Blanket available on Etsy.com, from $90.43
[Shower Room]
The ensuite shower room has plenty of storage space. The walls are tiled in white and the floors in dark gray.
Source: Stadshem | Asher Ladder Bookcase available on Wayfair.ca, $338.11
Source: Stadshem
[Kitchen]
The kitchen is an inviting space, and the large window creates a bright and cozy dining area. It can function as a work space and has a good amount of storage room. The cabinets have white doors with oak countertops. The glass cabinets above boasts the owner’s glassware and porcelain collection in a non-overwhelming way. The white walls together with the off-white mosaic backsplash make the kitchen area look clean and tidy.
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem
Source: Stadshem | Royal Palm Beach Solid Wood Dining Chair (Set of 2) available on Wayfair.ca, $209.99
▼Editor’s Picks from Wayfair, Etsy, and our webstore:
Moroccan Striped Blanket, from $90.43
Ladder Bookcase, $338.11
Wood Serving Board, from $34.90
Gray Area Rug, from $195.99
Seagrass Basket, from $24.90
Wood Dining Chair (Set of 2), $209.99
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