Tour a Malmö Home Filled with Smart Scandinavian Style Ideas

Goddag, goddag! While there are lots of different looks across Scandinavia, I think what the region is most famous for worldwide is its love of a neutral palette—one that balances calm minimalism with a big dose of hygge (or “mysig” as the Swedes say). But what exactly makes the difference between a space that feels a little “meh” and one that feels unique, warm, and oh-so-cosy?

This Malmö home, which until recently belonged to Elin and Kristoffer (they’ve now moved on to restore a beautiful house in nearby Österlen), is full of clever yet simple decorating tricks that make all the difference.

Let’s discover what’s at play.

The first clue: the furniture mix. Rather than sticking to one style, the home features a playful blend of modern-day finds, retro gems, and antiques. Everything is kept in earthy tones, but the mix of shapes and a few design classics keep the whole space feeling interesting rather than flat.

Next: texture, texture, texture. From sheepskin and leather to wood, cotton, linen, and wool—layering textures adds instant depth to a room. It’s what makes a home feel tactile and inviting, almost begging you to reach out and touch. Neutral colors on their own can risk looking bland, but bring in a variety of textures and suddenly the space feels warm and full of life.

Scale. This is one of my favourite tricks. In this home, smaller displays are balanced out with a few oversized pieces—especially the lighting. A large pendant or table lamp makes a bold statement, adds drama, and stops a pared-back space from looking too timid. It’s a little design “surprise” that gives the room personality.

Finally, contrast: light and dark. This is another brilliant trick you’ll spot in Scandinavian homes. By pairing light walls and furniture with darker accents—whether it’s a dark wood floor, a deep blue sofa, or even just a moody cushion – you create depth and drama. The play of light against dark keeps a calm palette from looking flat and instead makes the room feel layered and full of character. Plus, it mirrors the Nordic landscape itself, where long dark nights meet endless bright days.

I hope you feel inspired by this glimpse into Elin and Kristoffer’s home. It’s such a lovely reminder that cosy minimalism isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right little things that make all the difference.

I can’t wait to see what they will do with their next home. If you’d like to follow their renovation journey check it out on @ohrepersson.

Is there anything that you love in particular about the way they have decorated their Malmö home?

Since I’m sitting at my desk in Malmö, I feel it’s only fair to spread a little love for Sweden’s third largest city. Here are some other homes you can tour:

Inside a cosy Malmö apartment where old meets new
An artist’s atelier in a converted workshop
A peek inside my friend Rene Humphrey’s evolving Malmö home

Happy mid-week friends!

Niki

Photography: Markus Linderoth