As soon as Christmas and New Year are over, I relish the moment when the decorations can be stripped back and put away, and you can start afresh with a clean and clutter-free home. It’s somewhat palette cleansing after a month of festive excess, rich decoration and indulgent food. Just as a clean desk and new notebook can help as you step back into work, so too can a clean, tidy home help revive the mind, soothe the soul, and ready you for the year ahead.
For today’s ‘I wish I lived here‘ we have a brilliantly bright, one-bedroom, Scandinavian home in Gothenburg, all white walls and lime-washed floorboards. It has large windows, two balconies and big, wide doors that open from room to room, giving a sense of space. It’s light and airy, just the inspiration we need on a dull January day.
The living room is pared-back with cosy touches. A dark grey sofa adds richness, while a textured rug, sheepskins and soft throws make it feel homely and welcoming. A few quirky, monochrome prints and some fresh greenery bring it to life. I can just imagine settling in front of that beautiful, old fire on a cold evening with a good book and a glass of wine.
The bedroom is my favourite room, so crisp and light with very pale grey walls and white bed linen. With good built-in storage, all you really need is a cosy armchair, a good light to read by and a Monstera plant for company. It makes me want to go through my bedroom and throw everything out!
The kitchen is a little warmer in its colour palette, with dark grey kitchen units and a lovely, rustic dining table. I love the simple finishes, from the minimal chrome door handles, through the sleek line of the shelf, to the thin marble worktop. That’s certainly one thing I’m seeing a lot – the reduction in the thickness of worktops and the lack of a splashback – less is more. The worktop appears less heavy and overpowering, while the fuss-free splashback and shelf lets beautiful kitchen objects and knick-knacks become the focus. We’re adding personal touches to what was once a purely utilitarian space.
The hallway gave me some ideas for my own. I hadn’t really seen a String shelf used for shoes before but unlike other shoe storage systems, it’s wonderfully lightweight and subtle. A framed print and bunch of eucalyptus provide a welcoming touch – it’s the simple things.
All in all, a beautiful, bright home that I could happily see myself living in. I always like peering into these Scandi apartments and taking away ideas for my own home. What would you steal for your own?
All images: Anders Bergstedt, Entrance Makleri
