The least we can say about this colorful 71sqm apartment is that it’s not one that will appeal to everyone! Located in Gothenburg’s residential neighborhood of Hogsbo, it’s in a building constructed in 1953. This apartment originally had three rooms. The owners chose to transform it into a spacious two-room apartment. It’s bathed in light and features a large south-facing balcony.

Each space features a bold color, ranging from burnt orange to brick red, including a vibrant yellow in the hallway. The original oak hardwood floors complement graphic wallpapers. This meticulous renovation blends original 1950s details with carefully selected vintage furniture. The result is an interior that is certainly original yet cohesive, warm, and decidedly personal. This is a far cry from the “subdued” Scandinavian decor typically characterized by white, wood, and gray.

The kitchen, a showcase of burnt orange


The kitchen, with its wall painted in a deep terracotta orange, is partially open to the living room. Its low stainless-steel cabinetry contrasts with this warm hue while also brightening it up. It’s this stainless steel that prevents the room from feeling cluttered. This cabinetry is complemented by a black granite countertop designed for ease of daily use. Above the countertop, an Arch pendant light by Oblure uses its blue hue to highlight the color of the wall and the cabinetry. This ensemble is truly a success, an extraordinary kitchen that leaves a lasting impression.

The window, framed in the same shade as the walls, opens onto the neighborhood rooftops and lets in beautiful natural light. A Kolmården marble ledge, dating back to the building’s original construction, adorns the windowsill. This semi-open kitchen opens directly onto the dining room and living room.

A brick-red living room and dining room


The living room is painted a deep brick red that covers all the walls in the room. Its hardwood floor adds warmth and highlights the home’s historic character. The solid wood dining table is surrounded by green slatted chairs and a light pine bench. Two blue pendant lights hang from the ceiling, illuminating the table and echoing the color of the kitchen’s pendant light. In this living area, as well as in the kitchen, the ceiling painted in sage green is another great idea, original yet understated.

In the living room area, a pink velvet sofa invites you to relax. A chandelier made of amber-green glass globes dominates the space. A red metal shelf displays a neatly organized collection of vinyl records, along with a turntable for playing them. Its large windows offer an unobstructed view of the neighboring buildings and the surrounding greenery, all the way to the wooded hills on the horizon.

The bedroom and its wallpaper


The bedroom stands out thanks to brown-and-white organic-patterned wallpaper that covers all the walls. Its powder-pink ceiling softens the atmosphere and echoes the color palette chosen for the other rooms. A cloud-shaped pendant light made of crumpled paper adds a touch of magic to the room. The wicker headboard brings a retro touch reminiscent of 1950s Scandinavian furniture.

Since there are no nightstands in this room (a piece of furniture that’s actually quite practical!), two gold wall sconces have been installed on either side of the bed. A walk-in closet with solid taupe doors rounds out the bedroom’s furnishings. This cozy room contrasts with the bright colors of the living room and offers a soothing retreat for the night.

A striking entryway with a sun-yellow ceiling


The entryway stands out thanks to a striking contrast between a bright yellow ceiling and blue-and-white wallpaper featuring stylized plant motifs. A vintage birch chest of drawers and a closet with mirrored doors make it very practical to live in. Mirrored doors in an entryway are always a great idea, as they visually expand the available space. A small Scandinavian bench made of braided rope invites you to sit down and put on your shoes before heading out. This entryway already hints at the apartment’s colorful personality the moment you cross the threshold.

A functional bathroom and a sunny balcony


The bathroom, entirely tiled in white, is the most understated room in this 71sqm colorful apartment. Still, there’s a red vanity cabinet to liven up the decor. It’s clear that the owners are big fans of warm colors, and this is confirmed on the balcony.

The south-facing balcony enjoys plenty of sunlight throughout the day. A small orange table and two matching chairs coordinate with the colors of the interior. From this balcony, the view takes in the rooftops of Hogsbo and the wooded hills surrounding Gothenburg.

Our take on the decor


This colorful 71sqm apartment is surprising and won’t be to everyone’s taste. Each room features a strong, dominant color, which could quickly become overwhelming for most people. But the more daring will appreciate the warm hues of the kitchen and living room, which complement the softer tones of the bedroom.

The chosen color palette creates a harmonious flow from one room to the next. Vintage furniture, sculptural light fixtures, and graphic wallpaper reinforce this bold identity that’s evident from the moment you walk in. The owners have successfully blended the architectural heritage of the 1950s, with its herringbone hardwood floors and original wood paneling, with bold contemporary choices. This interior makes you want to step off the beaten path of all-white Scandinavian design. Will we be tempted?

A source of inspiration for our apartments


This Swedish interior offers several ideas for our apartments. Painting a single room in a bold shade, like this burnt orange kitchen, immediately sets it apart from the ordinary. The mix of antique furniture and contemporary pendant lights works perfectly, especially when the fixtures are high-quality.

Opting for graphic wallpaper in an entryway makes a lasting impression right from the doorstep. This colorful approach is worth considering when we undertake a home renovation, as we’re often more hesitant when it comes to color.

The surrounding area


Hogsbo is located southwest of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city after Stockholm. The neighborhood blends 1950s apartment buildings with commercial areas, just a few minutes from downtown by tram. Residents enjoy numerous green spaces and quick access to major highways. The city of Gothenburg charms visitors with its harbor architecture, colorful houses, and laid-back atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of Stockholm. The city boasts numerous parks and an archipelago accessible by ferry.

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kitchen in inox colorful apartment 71sqm vintage decorShare on Pinterest


kitchen in inox colorful apartment 71sqm vintage decorShare on Pinterest


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dining room red walls colorful apartment 71sqm vintage decorShare on Pinterest


living room and dining room red walls colorful apartment 71sqm vintage decorShare on Pinterest


living room red walls colorful apartment 71sqm vintage decorShare on Pinterest


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living room and dining room red walls colorful apartment 71sqm vintage decorShare on Pinterest


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bedroom with wallpaperShare on Pinterest


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entryway with yellow ceiling and with wallpaperShare on Pinterest


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balconyShare on Pinterest


71sqm

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This colorful 71sqm apartment in Gothenburg is for sale with Erik Olsson for 2,990,000 SEK (approximately 270,000€)