How to Avoid Relocation: A Successful Example of Zoning

Many designers prefer to start a design project with complex reconfigurations, but the owners of this 87-square-meter apartment chose the path of least resistance. Instead of intricate design solutions, they implemented a thoughtful and minimalist layout with a unified living room and kitchen area, storage systems in the hallway, and two isolated bedrooms.

Minimalist Approach

The interior of this three-room apartment is distinguished by strict lines in finishing and well-planned zoning: despite the kitchen and living room being in the same space, the area is strictly separated by function. The majority of the space is taken up by a living room zone with a sofa and coffee table, a linear kitchen cabinet along the side wall, and an dining table placed between them, defining the boundaries of the zone with a carpet.

To avoid overloading the living area with wardrobes, storage systems were moved into the hallway: a long white wardrobe-closet with many compartments runs along both bedrooms.

Subtle Experiments

Scandinavian style is often used as a basis for decorating modern apartments: light and bright, it helps visually expand the space and allows for experimentation with decor. The owners of this apartment in Stockholm preferred subtle experiments: they complemented the white living room finish with light dining furniture, a caramel-colored leather sofa, and several gray accents.

To preserve the unified minimalist concept of the interior, the bedrooms were decorated in a similar style: both rooms feature dark-toned walls—plum and chocolate—and additional lighting fixtures and night lights were provided besides the main illumination.

Winter Garden

The layout of the apartment has one undeniable advantage: a spacious semi-circular balcony with a view of the lake. To complement the interior with natural accents, a winter garden with plants that are not afraid of northern climate was set up here.

Additionally, a relaxation zone was organized on the glazed panoramic balcony, which is comfortable to use all year round: a table with high chairs allows for occasional family dinners or quiet evenings alone. To warm up the space, a rug was laid on the floor and the interior was decorated with skins and throws: despite the restrained color scheme, the balcony design turned out lively and cozy.