The Nordic Minimalist – Compact living in Stockholm
At the top of the building, near Humlegården in Stockholm, is interior designer Christina Nydahl's latest project located. An attic with high ceilings, preserved wooden beams and original details and a white-painted, minimalist kitchen. The apartment, which has received a complete renovation, is 45 square meters but feels larger thanks to the solid ceiling height and Christina's smart design solutions.
White painted kitchen with solid wooden drawers on the inside. Plates, glasses etc. are vintage just like the lamp in the window.
The wardrobe and pantry is site-built to fit exactly into the apartment's dimensions. Coffee table is vintage just like the ceiling lamp.
We did a total renovation where all traces of early 2000s were removed. We sanded up the floors and the wooden beams on the ceiling, which were previously painted white. We built a wardrobe section from Nordiska Kök and a site-built piece of furniture at the entrance. The bookshelf was built on site and is the biggest eye-catcher in the apartment, Christina says.
We pulled out the 'kitchen island' with stove and oven more than that standardized 60 cm partly to take height for the sloping roof but also, to bring in pull-out cabinets behind to maximize the space, Christina says.
In love with the Living room interior design with its natural color palette.
What was the most important thing when planning the kitchen?
Given that the only possible placement of the kitchen was by the slanted ceiling, the function and how to move in the kitchen was even more important than what usually is. We pulled out the 'kitchen island' with stove and oven more than the standardized 60 cm, partly to make height for the sloping roof but also, to bring in pull-out cabinets behind to maximize space.
Instead of upper cabinets we chose to have open shelves. Except that it created a slightly more appealing eye-catcher with the stone it actually created more storage possibilities. Plus, that it had felt very visually heavy with overhead cabinets.
Given that the kitchen is not that spacious we chose to paint it in the same color as the wall to create a monochrome epresssion. The stone became "The statement piece" in the kitchen, but also quite subdued.
Christina loves finding the right furniture and details such as the dining table and Chairs from Neils O Moller.
The beautiful limestone climbs all the ways to the ceiling.
How should one think in order to achieve a common thread through the renovation?
It is important to consider how the spaces flow and fit together and what function they fulfill. Her for example, it was important to bring in proper storage but that it still feels "designed" and not just like any storage space. We created different zones so it was clear what function each space has. It’s clear what is hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen.
I am personally very fond of natural materials and slightly dull colors so for me this becomes the common thread - the use of materials and its application.
Working with the natural conditions is also important. For example, in the main room there is a high ceiling with lots of light - this enhanced by bright colors on the walls. The bedroom is small with quite steep pitched roof. There, instead, we wanted to create a little cozier feeling and chose a really dark warm chocolate tone on the walls and ceiling as a contrast to the light.
We used a painted treatment where the grain is visible through the paint to give it a little more life and a slightly softer feel, Christina says.
The bedspread is specially ordered in light wool. The headboard in velvet is designed by Christina herself. Curtain from Gotain. The wall lamp is from the 50s from Etsy.
How should one think in order to achieve a common thread through the renovation?
It is important to consider how the spaces flow and fit together and what function they fulfill. Her for example, it was important to bring in proper storage but that it still feels "designed" and not just like any storage space. We created different zones so it was clear what function each space has. It’s clear what is hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen.
I am personally very fond of natural materials and slightly dull colors so for me this becomes the common thread - the use of materials and its application.
Working with the natural conditions is also important. For example, in the main room there is a high ceiling with lots of light - this enhanced by bright colors on the walls. The bedroom is small with quite steep pitched roof. There, instead, we wanted to create a little cozier feeling and chose a really dark warm chocolate tone on the walls and ceiling as a contrast to the light.
Tell us a little about WTP studios
WTP studios is a small design studio where I mainly do private residences. From design concepts, to renovation, sourcing and furnishing - just like I did here. I love old stuff both from a design perspective and sustainability perspective, so most of my projects tend to have that in mind mostly focus on vintage furniture.
I spend a lot of time sourcing the right products. The focus is on natural materials and a muted color palette. Although I like a sense of space without so much plot But still with a soul and patina and preferably something a little quirky even though that may not be immediately visible.
Photo: Kristofer Johnsson
