Home tour | A sophisticated turn-of-the-century Stockholm apartment

Fancy starting the week with some more real-home inspiration from Sweden? Then feast your eyes on this stunning Stockholm apartment, which has recently come up for sale. It’s decorated throughout in soothing grey and griege, with rich brown accents and dark wooden furniture adding depth and warmth. There’s also a fantastic mix of period features and modern, minimalist furniture, creating a serene and very sophisticated feel. And although it might be a little grander than the average home, there are plenty of easy-to-borrow ideas that could be incorporated into other spaces, too.

The living room is particularly beautiful. The ceiling has been painted in a darker shade than the walls to make the large proportions feel cosier and more cocooning, while semi-sheer linen curtains add softness and texture without blocking out any natural light. Sadly the original fireplace had been ripped out, so the owners decided to build a contemporary version whose clean lines contrast with the ornate plasterwork above. I’m not sure whether the wall panelling is original or not, but it’s surprisingly easy to replicate by gluing wooden beading to the wall and it’s a great way to restore lost character. It’s offset brilliantly by the soft curves of the furniture, which includes a pair of elegant ‘Crown’ easy chairs by Massproductions and a striking glass-topped coffee table. Petite Friture’s ‘Vertigo’ pendant lamp [AD – affiliate link], which also featured in my last home tour, is the perfect finishing touch – it’s large enough to make a real statement but has an open design rather than a solid form, meaning it doesn’t overwhelm or dominate the space. The floor lamp is the iconic ‘AJ’ model [AD – affiliate link] created by Arne Jacobsen in 1960.

A similar selection of colours and materials is used in the kitchen, which combines pale-grey units, brown marble and rattan. It’s a fairly small room but a built-in bench seat makes excellent use of the space, as do the shelves installed in the awkward nook behind. Aestep’s ‘Model 2065’ pendant hangs low over the table, neatly defining the dining area and creating the perfect mood for relaxed meals.

The bedroom is also very compact, but bespoke wardrobes and a bed with drawers underneath help to maximise storage. Panelling has been added behind the bed, echoing the other areas of the apartment and giving the impression of a headboard without eating into valuable floor space, and there are wall-mounted Serge Mouille lights in place of bulky nightstands with lamps. I love the way a mirror has been incorporated into a peg rail on the opposite wall, and the way small and large Flos ‘Gato’ lamps [AD – affiliate link] have been clustered together in the window to create an eye-catching display.

A similar approach has been taken in the second bedroom, which belongs to the owners’ young daughter. Here, the niche between the fitted wardrobes has been turned into a desk space, with a single bed (again with useful storage drawers) on the other side of the room.

The bathroom, meanwhile, pairs bespoke wooden cabinetry with sleek stone tiles, creating a luxurious yet understated sanctuary with plenty of room to hide away bottles and other clutter. Cleverly, the deep windowsill has been integrated into the scheme, providing the perfect place to display plants and ceramics – and a handy spot for a glass of wine to enjoy while soaking in the tub!

Please note this post contains affiliate links (all clearly marked), which means I will receive a small commission on any resulting sales. You won’t pay any more by clicking on these links than you would if you visited the websites directly.

All photography via Innerstadsspecialisten