A 35sqm studio with clearly defined zones in a period building
A 35sqm studio in an 1890s building in Sweden. Sleek Scandinavian decor, well-defined zones, and plenty of natural light
On the corner of a quiet street in Old Gothenburg, we discover a renovated 35sqm studio in a building dating back to 1890. With plenty of light, understated materials, and a meticulously planned layout that creates clearly defined zones, this is a space that’s certainly worth a look.
The studio’s layout is typical of apartments in period buildings. While today, in this type of small space, people often integrate the kitchen into the living room, here the kitchen is in a sort of well-separated alcove. In the living room, large windows let in light all day long. The layout makes the most of every nook and cranny. The sleeping area is part of the large room but is separated by a light curtain that can be left open during the day. A sofa, a table, and a few chairs make up the living area.
The bedroom area features a large, comfortable bed and a nice wardrobe (because you’ve got to keep things tidy!). It’s just the essentials, discreet enough that you barely notice it from the living area. Installing a curtain to separate the bedroom area in a studio apartment is always a good idea. It's an economical solution that allows you to create privacy in this space and can be opened up during the day to give a greater sense of spaciousness.
As seen here, you can choose a sheer curtain that lets in light. But you can also opt for a thicker fabric that will create a true bedroom with no view into the living room at night. There are other solutions for separating the sleeping area from the living area in a studio apartment; we invite you to discover them in this blog post.
And as in many period buildings, even though this is a studio apartment of just 35 square meters, you’ll notice the spacious and attractive entryway, which offers ample storage thanks to its large closets. A small bench provides a place to take off your shoes, and the decor complements the living area visible through the large opening.
The kitchen, located in a windowless alcove, is above all well-equipped and functional. Its cabinet fronts feature a neutral tone, the countertops are understated, and there is plenty of storage.
The bathroom has been renovated with materials described as “timeless”, a term it truly deserves. Its tilework is understated: elongated format, light color, and thin grout lines. The fixtures feature a monochromatic palette. It’s optimized, understated, and comfortable.
The apartment embraces the neutral palette of Scandinavian design in its most classic form. The use of off-whites, light gray, and natural wood comes as no surprise. It’s the standard Scandinavian design scheme that never fails to work.
The staged photos reveal some interesting design choices: a minimalist pendant light above the table, raw linen cushions, and well-executed zoning of the space. One downside, however, is that the parquet floors appear to be period pieces but look slightly dull. However, sanding and a matte oil finish would easily transform the atmosphere.
We love the high ceilings, typical of buildings from this era, which completely change the perception of space.
We really like this studio. There’s something soothing about this Swedish approach of not trying to overdo it. It’s simple and effective.
What really appeals to us is the overall cohesion. From floor to ceiling, every choice is perfectly thought out.
Our only reservation? The styling plays too safely into the high-end Scandinavian catalog aesthetic. One or two objects with real personality, a vintage ceramic piece, a designer light fixture, a large plant, would have been enough to give it some soul. The presence of the tile-style table and the Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer is a good start, but it's lacking a few more personal touches. A little something extra, you know...
In short, a beautiful foundation, a tasteful and successful decor, and untapped potential that could change with a little effort. Staying neutral is fine, but less is more when it comes to creating an interior that feels lived-in, rather than a beautiful magazine spread where no one ever seems to sit.
Gothenburg isn’t Stockholm and proudly embraces its working-class heritage. The Kungshöjd neighborhood is part of that Gothenburg, it’s an authentic area where beautiful buildings have been preserved.
This residential neighborhood perched above downtown features Swedish-style Haussmann-inspired buildings, cobblestone courtyards, and an urban village atmosphere. It’s therefore a neighborhood best explored on foot to fully appreciate it. These large Swedish cities that have retained their authenticity are always interesting to discover.
35sqm
This 35sqm studio in a period building in Gothenburg is for sale at Stadshem
The layout of the spaces
The studio’s layout is typical of apartments in period buildings. While today, in this type of small space, people often integrate the kitchen into the living room, here the kitchen is in a sort of well-separated alcove. In the living room, large windows let in light all day long. The layout makes the most of every nook and cranny. The sleeping area is part of the large room but is separated by a light curtain that can be left open during the day. A sofa, a table, and a few chairs make up the living area.
The bedroom area features a large, comfortable bed and a nice wardrobe (because you’ve got to keep things tidy!). It’s just the essentials, discreet enough that you barely notice it from the living area. Installing a curtain to separate the bedroom area in a studio apartment is always a good idea. It's an economical solution that allows you to create privacy in this space and can be opened up during the day to give a greater sense of spaciousness.
As seen here, you can choose a sheer curtain that lets in light. But you can also opt for a thicker fabric that will create a true bedroom with no view into the living room at night. There are other solutions for separating the sleeping area from the living area in a studio apartment; we invite you to discover them in this blog post.
And as in many period buildings, even though this is a studio apartment of just 35 square meters, you’ll notice the spacious and attractive entryway, which offers ample storage thanks to its large closets. A small bench provides a place to take off your shoes, and the decor complements the living area visible through the large opening.
The kitchen is a functional space
The kitchen, located in a windowless alcove, is above all well-equipped and functional. Its cabinet fronts feature a neutral tone, the countertops are understated, and there is plenty of storage.
A bathroom in the true spirit of Scandinavian design
The bathroom has been renovated with materials described as “timeless”, a term it truly deserves. Its tilework is understated: elongated format, light color, and thin grout lines. The fixtures feature a monochromatic palette. It’s optimized, understated, and comfortable.
Planète déco’s take on this 35sqm studio
The apartment embraces the neutral palette of Scandinavian design in its most classic form. The use of off-whites, light gray, and natural wood comes as no surprise. It’s the standard Scandinavian design scheme that never fails to work.
The staged photos reveal some interesting design choices: a minimalist pendant light above the table, raw linen cushions, and well-executed zoning of the space. One downside, however, is that the parquet floors appear to be period pieces but look slightly dull. However, sanding and a matte oil finish would easily transform the atmosphere.
We love the high ceilings, typical of buildings from this era, which completely change the perception of space.
We really like this studio. There’s something soothing about this Swedish approach of not trying to overdo it. It’s simple and effective.
What really appeals to us is the overall cohesion. From floor to ceiling, every choice is perfectly thought out.
Our only reservation? The styling plays too safely into the high-end Scandinavian catalog aesthetic. One or two objects with real personality, a vintage ceramic piece, a designer light fixture, a large plant, would have been enough to give it some soul. The presence of the tile-style table and the Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer is a good start, but it's lacking a few more personal touches. A little something extra, you know...
In short, a beautiful foundation, a tasteful and successful decor, and untapped potential that could change with a little effort. Staying neutral is fine, but less is more when it comes to creating an interior that feels lived-in, rather than a beautiful magazine spread where no one ever seems to sit.
Kungshöjd, a Gothenburg neighborhood worth exploring
Gothenburg isn’t Stockholm and proudly embraces its working-class heritage. The Kungshöjd neighborhood is part of that Gothenburg, it’s an authentic area where beautiful buildings have been preserved.
This residential neighborhood perched above downtown features Swedish-style Haussmann-inspired buildings, cobblestone courtyards, and an urban village atmosphere. It’s therefore a neighborhood best explored on foot to fully appreciate it. These large Swedish cities that have retained their authenticity are always interesting to discover.
35sqm
This 35sqm studio in a period building in Gothenburg is for sale at Stadshem
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