When I was house hunting a year or so ago, I nearly completely disregarded any new builds on the market because here in the UK the standard is really pretty poor, unless you have a sweet million to play with. I of course didn’t. And the prospect of a tiny flat with mean windows, low ceilings and pokey, profit-driven spaces filled me with dread. If you look to the rest of Europe and Scandinavia, though, you can see how they’re leading with new builds – they have generous, open-plan spaces, huge floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies that can fit more than just one person at a time.
This property, a simple Swedish new build on sale at Fantastic Frank, is a beautiful example of just how great new can be when it’s done right. Within a smart, contemporary, graphite black facade, you’ll find an open space flooded with light. Full-height sliding doors allow you to zone off different spaces while giving an illusion of space when open. Fresh white walls and huge black framed windows add a sense of airiness and brightness.
The kitchen is minimal and white, with a wall of handle-less units framing one wall. I love how there is both a shelf above the worktop, to display favourite items and objects, as well as a line of units and matching box for the extractor fan. The marble adds some luxury, while a wooden table, pastel mint green bentwood chairs and terracotta pottery give an understated, homely feel to the space. They grey pendant is particularly cute, I’ll have to try and find out where that one is from!
Muted colours and new neutrals have been added to the rest of the space, lifting the white of the walls and adding interest to cosy corners. I love the combination of soft blue, dusty pink and green. It makes for a very calming, restorative space.
The big thing going for this new build is its outdoor spaces, there’s a balcony leading to a small courtyard strung with festoon lighting. You’d have plenty of room to entertain, with the round concrete table and comfy rattan chairs. I love how the raw, industrial feel contrasts with the simple white interior.
What do you think, could you live here?
All images courtesy Fantastic Frank
