Transformed living space innovation in a Danish apartment, elegantly leveraging minimal area for maximum aesthetic appeal
In the latest issue of Simply Scandi magazine, readers are treated to a tour of several beautifully designed small apartments in Sweden and Denmark, each showcasing clever small space tricks that epitomize Scandinavian design. Here are some key strategies that these compact living spaces employ:
1. Functional, multipurpose furniture: Furniture that serves multiple purposes is a staple in these homes. For instance, sleek tables that double as dining nooks and work desks, or sofa beds that transform into guest beds at night. Modular furniture like low-profile L-shaped sofas can be reconfigured to suit different needs, making the most of limited space.
2. Use of light woods: Scandinavian interiors favour light woods like ash, oak, and pine that reflect natural light and keep small spaces feeling airy and open. Furniture such as coffee tables, sideboards, and minimalist shelves in these materials add warmth without crowding.
3. Maximizing vertical space: Floating shelves, wall hooks, and slim cabinets are widely used to free up floor space while offering storage and display opportunities for books, plants, or artwork. Hanging baskets on decorative hooks provide attractive additional storage for small items and clutter, keeping floor areas clear.
4. Avoiding corridor effects with layout: In long, narrow rooms, light-colored corner sofas with low backs avoid a tunnel-like feel and create cozy corners. This also opens space for extra seating like floor cushions or footstools.
5. Intentional space division: In very small or studio apartments, simple renter-friendly solutions like placing shelving units at the foot of a bed or installing ceiling curtains can create the illusion of separate rooms without needing walls, enhancing both function and privacy.
6. Smart storage solutions in corners and nooks: Custom or wall-to-wall shelving and dressers built into small or awkward corners maximize every inch of space while still allowing for vertical storage expansion with shelves or lighting above.
A standout example is a small Stockholm apartment, which underwent renovation and now boasts an expanded kitchen. The apartment also features a unique library solution, with one bedroom converted into two bedrooms during the renovation. The original floor plan of the apartment is also included for comparison.
Photography for some images is credited to Christina Kayser and Small Nordic Tales. Another noteworthy feature is a Copenhagen home with a serene design, as well as a Danish family home full of inspiring details. The article provides 10 small space tricks to learn from a Swedish apartment renovation and 11 small space hacks to learn from a beautiful Danish home renovation.
The glossary provided includes terms for bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, and hallway in Danish, offering readers a glimpse into the local language and culture. The renovated apartment is featured in the small space archive, a resource for those seeking inspiration for their own small space transformations.
Lastly, a charming Danish summerhouse in Lammefjorden is also referenced, showcasing how even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into inviting, efficient, and stylish homes with a touch of Scandinavian design.
The refreshed Stockholm apartment, showcased in the magazine, exemplifies how strategic renovations, like expanding the kitchen and converting one bedroom into two, can enhance a home's function in limited space. Moreover, this article offers insights into Scandinavian design and lifestyle, as it delves into various small space tricks, such as implementing functional furniture and maximizing vertical storage, derived from the home-and-garden of Swedish and Danish apartments. Furthermore, the piece provides inspiration for readers seeking to revolutionize their own small spaces, as demonstrated in the small space archive and the Danish summerhouse in Lammefjorden. This transformation of interior-design not only highlights practical living solutions but also reflects the Scandinavian culture and language, as presented in the glossary.
