It’s been over two years now since I bought my cozy apartment in central Stockholm. Note the key word, ‘cozy‘ which is actually Swedish code for ‘teeny-tiny’! I basically had to get rid of every thing I owned so I could squeeze in; hence I became minimalist by default–no trendiness required!
In my neighbourhood you’ll find tall, narrow historical buildings, mature tree-lined streets, young families with strollers and buzzing restaurants jammed with chatty young professionals anchored at each corner. Built in the early 1900s, my home comes complete with uneven floors, testy crumbling walls and creaky wooden window sills–I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Can you spot the birdie? This Swedish chandelier hails from the 1950s and was procured at a local antiques dealer in Vasastan (the poor man who had to install this cumbersome, delicate beast!).
All photography by Jesper Florbrant and styling by Anette Ottosson.
This pic below is the part-time living room + part-time dining room = full-time tennis court (according to my son!)
Floating bookshelves from Umbra bought at a bookstore in Williamsburg, Brooklyn; they add a bit of fun to the walls and lead the eye up to create some extra height (yes, the ceilings are tall, but the space is small!).
This solid wood round bookshelf (botom left) was bought home from Vietnam. The candelabra on the right is one of a pair and each has the weight of an anvil (how did I manage to bring this back??) I bought them at a market in Bruges to use as elements for a reception I had in London. The countless nights I spent tediously dripping wax on those holders in my meagre attempt to dollop old world charm to these already old world antiques! It’s a small miracle there’s still wax on them considering how many times I’ve changed countries!
Exposed shelves makes drink ware within easy reach and as a practising tea addict I need my cups and kettle at the ready! The white espresso cups are by Villeroy & Bach and were a gift. They come with matching petit curved plates designed to hold a biscotti or two. And the glass and ceramic lace-imprinted white bowl in distance? They’re the result of a DIY experiment I performed by adhering a glass candle stick to the bottom of the bowl to add height for visual interest. The porcelain bowl is by Anyu, Ireland and was a gift from one of my lovely Irish cousins.
Shop My Kitchen:
Me smiling, pretending to slave away my blog!
Plotting my next post…
My favourite things: red anti-glare computer specs ease my orbs when staring for hours at screens and two note books organise my thoughts. The books consist of a day planner and the other categorised according to my blog. The quote taped on the notebook is from a newspaper and keeps me motivated. It doesn’t look the most glam–but it works!
Shop Organizers:
Bought from a weekend flea market in Hotorget, I had to take home this working bright red dial phone for its nostalgia and pop of color. If only I had a landline to plug it into!
This little brass cherub mirror I brought home from an outdoor market in Bruges.
A printed engraving of Venice in the foyer which I purchased from a dusty old antiques shop in Venice, Italy. I’m sure I sneezed a lot because it was really old and stuffy and with relics piled on top of each other and crammed in every corner and crevice. I still remember the old Italian man embedded at the back who graciously sold it to me!
The Building Landlords: The Persian, Jinx and the backside of her accomplice, American shorthair, Sushi collecting their rent money. Neither wanted to be on camera.
The Master Bedroom. By American standards, this room is probably about the size of someone’s laundry room in Cincinnati! By Swedish standards, this is a standard room for two! The dimmable, metallic rose light fixture above (sorry was cut off in this pic!) is from Danish designers, Herstal. With no headboard I used a 4 piece poster I purchased from the beautifully redone London Museum (one of the best museums in the UK if you want to learn more about the history of London). These posters are poverty maps of London from the 1880s. They’re color-coded and what makes them so shocking is how the Victorians labelled the poorest areas as ‘vicious’ and ‘semi-criminal’ in the map legend!
Shop Bedroom Light Ideas:
Cascading String of Pearls plants. I had to hunt all around to find them but they were worth the purchase as their long, graceful, necklace-like strings add a geometric interest against the curvaceous corners of the bay window. It’s always nice to inject some green life to a room too!
Striped chair from Ikea beside a Mother-In-Law tongue plant. This angular white plant stand was a good fit for my place to add some height interest in the dining area. Standing on the top of the fireplace to the right is a silver antique vase, bought from a local flea market. The herringbone wood floors are original and although the cats sprint around and leave the odd, long skid marks, I find a little olive oil instantly erases all evidence of their mischievousness!
Shop Scandi Style Chairs:
Inspiration boards. I made them inserting cork board inside a frame and made the decorative push pins by hot gluing buttons and brass animals onto plain, flat-backed brass tacks. These magazine clippings are some visual inspirations for my next post!
Tweet this! The wee little birdies and nest I purchased at Michael’s craft store in the US. I think they were in the bargain bin–my favourite kind of bin!
The back garden view from my terrace. I’m up high, so you’d have to crane your neck down to see the foliage!
There you have it. Life in Scandinavia, as viewed through a typical little apartment. Hope you enjoyed the tour! Would love to know what you think!
Looks amazing!! Lovely blog! X
Glad you like it–thanks so much Louise!
Trace x
Oh my, what a beautiful home you have! Literally everything about it is wonderful, you’ve decorated it so gorgeously and I love the style of the windows too. I’d love to live here and the floating bookshelves are especially fabulous!
Alice Xx
Aww, thanks so much Alice! It’s my little sanctuary especially when it’s cold out here!
Trace x
Wow! You have such a gorgeous home Trace! I love your style! 💖 I especially love the “Don’t Quit What You’ve Started” notebook, the floating bookshelves and how awesome are your cats names, Jinx & Sushi! Love them! 😍 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Cheers for that Bexa! Means a lot to me coming from a creative like you!
Trace xx
WOW.
Your home is so beautiful! I adore the chandelier and the bookshelves – such a lovely design. I’d love to have a home just like this!
Livvy x
http://www.seabreezecorner.com
Thanks so much Livvy! Glad you like it!
Trace x
Your home is absolutely beautiful! Your apartment looks super cozy and peaceful, I love the bright white walls and all the vintage details 🙂
http://www.lambassadrice.com
OMG I can’t believe I got a comment from you I am a HUGE fan of your site!! Thanks so much!
Trace xx
I adore your home! That 1950’s chandelier is only something I could dream of owning one day. You are such great taste
Kate xx
http://www.mummywho.com
Thanks so much Kate! Just had a look at your site–I love it!
Trace x
Love the home tour and all the beautiful accent and statement pieces you’ve acquired to give your home it’s character. Very charming!
Cheers,
Lauren
Bustinoutbeauty.com
Thanks so much Lauren! It’s always a work in progress, but am having fun along the way!
Trace x
Wow. It is so beautiful, just loved it. I spotted the birdie 🙂
Pictures are absolutely stunning. Awesome Home!
Sending you my best wishes 🙂
Thanks so much Aditi! All the best to you too!
Trace x
The Scandi really knows how to decorate a house! love the post inspo! x
https://vanessaventuri.com
Thanks so much Vanessa! Decorating is always fun!
Trace x
Wonderful deco and lovely blog! I wish I could have an apartment as big as yours! Singapore land is scare and property is expensive and small!!
Hi Jennifer!
Thanks so much! Actually my apartment is quite small by American standards; it’s probably the photos that make it look larger than it actually is!
Trace x
Your apartment is so lovely! Such cute touches that really create a unique space. We’re doing floating shelves in our kitchen as well. Love the look of them! The chandelier, and the rose gold light fixture are both so gorgeous! Definitely getting some decor inspo from this post. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks so much Anjhanee! The floating shelves are quite easy to install and should look fantastic your kitchen! Glad I was able to help with some ideas for you–all the best with decorating your space!
Trace x
I was casually scrolling through pictures and reading your post and then I encountered a picture of your cats and my heart melted. Those little furballs are so cute! Love these!
Your apartament has a great style – elegant, yet simple. I love it too.
Dorota
http://www.journalofdorota.com
Thanks so much Dorota, the wee cats definitely add the most character to the apartment!
Trace x
I love your apartment and the decor! It is so beautiful. I want to visit Sweden someday, and if all apartments all look as modern and beautiful as yours, I may just AirBnB 😉
Thanks so much Jenny! And yes, most of the apartments looks like mine or better–Swedes love their interiors :o)
Trace x
I absolutely love your decor! That’s exactly the type of style I’d want in my own place when I get one 🙂 xxx
Awww, thanks so much Jenny! You made my day!
Trace xx :o)
Wow, your home is absolutely gorgeous! This blogpost was a dream to read and I can only hope to have a house like this someday. Thanks for sharing!
Arshi | earthtoarshi.com
So nice of you to say that! Thank you so much!
Trace x
Tracy,
Can’t wait to see your beautiful apartment, hear about your blog and all that you are doing!! Juju
Thanks so much Judie!
I love your apartment! Looks very welcoming and you did a great job with the interior decor. Everything is arranged where it looks complete without being cramped at all. Total fan of the natural lighting at your workspace. I love the inspiration board – I’ve been meaning to make one but haven’t found the time. Thanks for a tour of your lovely home!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I’ve always been a fan of Scandinavian homes. I love how cozy your house looks and it didn’t seem to look like a teeny tiny house! You did great at decorating it. The details are everything! I especially love the round bookshelf. 😍
Thanks so much Jam! It was a fun project!
Trace x