How to Transform an Old Apartment and Furniture Without Renovation

This 35-square-meter single-room apartment is located in the historical center of Stockholm and fully corresponds to it due to the original 19th-century details preserved inside. For example, large double-hung windows with metal catches, a nearly museum-like wooden buffet on the kitchen, and various decorations: a brass watering can, a bronze candlestick, and antique dishes.

The layout of the apartment was not changed: a spacious living room, a separate kitchen with an alcove, a tiny bedroom, and even a storage room remained in the same place.

The main detail that unites old and new is a deep blue finish on the windows, doors, and partially the furniture. The secret lies in the fact that by extending this blue color throughout the apartment, designers refreshed the interior without renovation.

The living room's backdrop is white. The austerity of white and cold blue is balanced by plants, warm wooden furniture, floor, and paintings. Note how they are hung: to avoid unnecessary holes in the walls, rail systems were used. All paintings are held by nylon threads and can be easily moved without leaving marks.

The kitchen is narrow but appears much more spacious due to the abundance of daylight from the large window. The main exhibit here is a buffet made of oak wood. It's the oldest tenant in the apartment, but in the updated blue color and with new metal handles, it doesn’t lag behind trendy kitchen units.

Grey cabinet fronts blend perfectly into the overall white-blue palette. Thanks to reflecting surfaces—kitchen backsplash made of tiles and metal countertop—the kitchen looks bright and spacious.

It's interesting that in the alcove by the window, an additional relaxation area was added, and the dining table was moved into the living room instead.

In the small bedroom, only a bed was found space for. Designers deliberately left the room free of bright details to create a calm space for sleep and rest.

The bathroom is simple but cozy. The shower curtain was replaced with a glass screen, making the space seem more spacious and stylish.

In the entrance hall, a large mirrored wardrobe-closet was fitted, functioning as a wardrobe.

Layout

Source: Historiskemhem