I am always drawn to the opposite. Mention a documentary about climbing Mount Everest or another daring adventure and I’ve hit play before they’ve even put on their crampons – from the safety and warmth of my sofa, of course. And here on MSH, there’s always room for a big old house in a remote country setting – even if many of us live right in the middle of the city.
That said, some of the most inspiring homes are often the smallest ones. Spaces that rely on clever planning, flexible living solutions and smart storage – and prove that you don’t need endless square metres to create something full of personality.
And that’s exactly what this bright little Stockholm apartment does so well.
Measuring 36 m² (388 ft²), the one-bedroom apartment is full of lively prints, small pops of colour set against a soft, neutral backdrop (note the distinct lack of white), and a joyful collection of playful details that gently nudge a smile as you move from room to room.
Even though we haven’t seen the sun for some time, these cheerful touches make the flat feel bright whatever the weather. And isn’t that part of the magic of a thoughtfully put-together home? A flower-shaped bath mat underfoot. A botanical shower curtain that turns everyday routines into something a little more joyful. Cherry-themed glasses catching the light. A tablecloth dotted with tiny lemons, quietly reminding you not to take life too seriously. None of it shouts – it simply delights.
It’s a lovely reminder of how small, inexpensive details can completely transform a space – great news for renters and homeowners alike. Which playful touch would you borrow for your own home? And do you lean more towards calm and neutral, or do you enjoy adding cheerful little surprises like these?
Let’s take the tour!
Notice the Aarke carbonator again (told you it was popular here in Scandinavia!) – and I also spy a Sjöstrand Coffee machine, which we have at our cottage. Lovely appliances!
Have you noticed how popular blue and white ceramics have become lately? A true classic that perfectly suits the nostalgic phase we’re in.
Another popular piece right now – the blue and white Klippan blanket.
Tables attached to the balcony are perfect for saving space on a small balcony. And the chess set is lovely too!
Cobalt blue is set to continue as a key colour this year (and hopefully forever once we’ve invested in it, after all, we don’t need to stick to trends, just what we love!) – and this Siesta bedding from Midnatt is so vibrant! Word of caution if you buy Swedish bedding – their sizes are quite different, for example the pillows are almost square shaped (50 cm x 60 cm!), it’s very strange!
It’s clever how they’ve created a thread of cobalt blue throughout the flat – look back and you’ll spot small details everywhere – it really helps to tie the space together.
Oh, so fun!
I loved looking at all the details in this apartment, so fabulous!
Did anything stand out to you?
I think I might treat myself to the lemon tablecloth, it would be so pretty on our garden table at our summer cabin!
Here are some more homes with a wonderful, playful touch:
I am always drawn to the opposite. Mention a documentary about climbing Mount Everest or another daring adventure and I’ve hit play before they’ve even put on their crampons – from the safety and warmth of my sofa, of course. And here on MSH, there’s always room for a big old house in a remote country setting – even if many of us live right in the middle of the city.
That said, some of the most inspiring homes are often the smallest ones. Spaces that rely on clever planning, flexible living solutions and smart storage – and prove that you don’t need endless square metres to create something full of personality.
And that’s exactly what this bright little Stockholm apartment does so well.
Measuring 36 m² (388 ft²), the one-bedroom apartment is full of lively prints, small pops of colour set against a soft, neutral backdrop (note the distinct lack of white), and a joyful collection of playful details that gently nudge a smile as you move from room to room.
Even though we haven’t seen the sun for some time, these cheerful touches make the flat feel bright whatever the weather. And isn’t that part of the magic of a thoughtfully put-together home? A flower-shaped bath mat underfoot. A botanical shower curtain that turns everyday routines into something a little more joyful. Cherry-themed glasses catching the light. A tablecloth dotted with tiny lemons, quietly reminding you not to take life too seriously. None of it shouts – it simply delights.
It’s a lovely reminder of how small, inexpensive details can completely transform a space – great news for renters and homeowners alike. Which playful touch would you borrow for your own home? And do you lean more towards calm and neutral, or do you enjoy adding cheerful little surprises like these?
Let’s take the tour!
Notice the Aarke carbonator again (told you it was popular here in Scandinavia!) – and I also spy a Sjöstrand Coffee machine, which we have at our cottage. Lovely appliances!
Have you noticed how popular blue and white ceramics have become lately? A true classic that perfectly suits the nostalgic phase we’re in.
Another popular piece right now – the blue and white Klippan blanket.
Tables attached to the balcony are perfect for saving space on a small balcony. And the chess set is lovely too!
Cobalt blue is set to continue as a key colour this year (and hopefully forever once we’ve invested in it, after all, we don’t need to stick to trends, just what we love!) – and this Siesta bedding from Midnatt is so vibrant! Word of caution if you buy Swedish bedding – their sizes are quite different, for example the pillows are almost square shaped (50 cm x 60 cm!), it’s very strange!
It’s clever how they’ve created a thread of cobalt blue throughout the flat – look back and you’ll spot small details everywhere – it really helps to tie the space together.
Oh, so fun!
I loved looking at all the details in this apartment, so fabulous!
Did anything stand out to you?
I think I might treat myself to the lemon tablecloth, it would be so pretty on our garden table at our summer cabin!
Here are some more homes with a wonderful, playful touch:
