Home tour | A minimalist Japandi apartment in Stockholm

I’m always drawn to interiors that are simple and pared back, yet also cosy and inviting – and this Stockholm apartment is another wonderful example. It’s also a great illustration of ‘Japandi’ style, which blends design influences from Scandinavia and Japan to create schemes that are minimalist, functional and intentional, with an appealing mix of natural materials and clean lines.

The furnishings in this home may be sparse, but an array of different textures stops it from appearing cold or unwelcoming. There’s an inherent warmth in the soaped hardwood floorboards, the oak dining table, the jute rug, the woven chair seats and the kitchen’s sandstone splashbacks and worktops, and the lack of ‘things’ to distract the eye means the qualities of the materials take centre stage.

Every item in the apartment has been carefully chosen and considered, with nothing superfluous or unnecessary. And every one, from the larger pieces right down to the smallest accessories, makes an important contribution to the overall look and feel of the space. The leafy potted plants soften the hard angles, the rustic bowls and vases provide additional texture, and the lemon-yellow bedding adds a subtle splash of colour. My personal favourite is the daybed which, thanks to its hewn-stone base, is as much a sculpture as a functional bit of furniture.

The absence of artwork means the wall finishes also play a vital role. Vertical wooden panelling (which hides useful cupboards) and stone tiles around the fireplace break up the swathes of white paint, adding interest without detracting from the calm, airy feel. 

The lighting, too, is very thoughtfully done. A sleek Ferm Living ‘Collect’ pendant casts a cosy pool of light over the dining table, but its simple form and muted colour mean it doesn’t overwhelm the space. Black wall lamps at either end of the living area provide additional task lighting and balance each other out beautifully, while large white floor lamps add layers of mood lighting. In the bedroom, a pair of opal-glass ‘Gregg’ suspension lamps by Foscarini frame the bed to create a focal point, while ensuring the room as a whole remains simple and soothing.

Finally, I have to mention the bathroom, which is small but very cleverly done. The space has no window, but rather than hide the lack of natural light the home owner has chosen to work with it, lining the walls with wooden panelling to create a sophisticated cocoon. A sink and vanity unit are integrated seamlessly into this, providing handy storage without breaking up the effect, while a pillar partially conceals the toilet. The walk-in shower, meanwhile, is clad in stone tiles that echo the finishes in the kitchen, ensuring a cohesive feel throughout the apartment.

All photography via Esny