Light, Calm and Oh-So-Scandinavian: A Malmö Apartment Full of Design Inspiration | Smart is Beauty

Hej hej kompiser! Niki here, reporting from a gloriously sunny Malmö today. And what better way to start the week than with a fresh, bright Scandinavian apartment tour right in the heart of town?

What really caught my eye about this home is what a breath of fresh air it feels like. The light wood floors, most likely the originals that have been sanded back and then waxed, give it a lovely, light, soft feel. And then there is a little detail I am especially drawn to: the architraves, door frames and skirting boards have been painted in a darker shade than the walls, which is something we've been seeing a lot of lately. 

It's a simple yet effective idea. I have been toying with this look for my own (relatively dark) home. I know that painting both the walls and trims dark would not do me any favours, but here the contrast works beautifully. The darker trims frame each room, add structure, and make the pale walls seem even lighter and brighter. Plus, it is a subtle way of ensuring something is happening without overwhelming the space. Are you a fan too?

Keep an eye out too for the classic Swedish touches sprinkled throughout: the iconic Celotocaulis cushion  Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn (a company whose prints have made an amazing comeback in recent years), a beautiful 'Lotta's tree' print by local artist Lotta Olsson and a pair of wall candlesticks by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna. 

And of course, there's that very handsome kitty peeking around the corner - making sure everything is in its place. 

All in all, it is a home that manages to be both calm and full of character, the perfect Scandinavian balance. I hope you enjoy the tour as much as I did!

Oh, so dreamy. This apartment makes me feel instantly lighter and calmer, which is quite a feat on a Monday! I really love those little touches of Swedish design too.

Did anything in particular stand out to you? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Speaking of comments, it seems Friday’s fairytale Swedish cottage on its very own island caused quite a stir. It really was the stuff of dreams, and I so enjoyed reading all your reflections. I am looking forward to sitting down later today to respond properly.

In the meantime, here are a few more lovely Malmö homes to brighten your week:

A cosy little cottage by the sea
Tour a Malmö home full of smart Scandinavian design ideas
Step inside a cosy apartment where old meets new

Happy Monday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bolaget, with thanks

Smart is Beauty

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