Step into a unique one-bedroom flat in Stockholm, featuring a spacious balcony perfect for outdoor living. Owned by a woman in her forties, the flat retains its 1938 charm with retro elements like vintage doors and furniture. Despite its compact size, the interior exudes elegance, with a cozy living area, charming kitchen, and modest bathroom. The expansive balcony offers a serene retreat, making it a standout feature of this stylish urban dwelling. What are your thoughts on this distinctive space?

The flat is located in a house built in 1938. On the top floor of a 4-storey building.

Although the owner lives in wealth (it is noticeable at least by the not cheap William Morris wallpaper), but the flat retains a lot of retro elements – the doorbell, old doors, headset from the 1940s.

Even the locks and keys here haven’t been changed in decades

General view of the hallway area
The flat itself is laconically organised. In the spirit of the Swedes, who do not chase fashion and are not so obsessed with their native Ikea.

I’ll start by showing the layout.

There used to be a partition between the kitchen and the living room. It was demolished in the noughties. The current owner bought the flat as it was.

The room is visible from the hallway. The owner has hung curtains on purpose, both for extra cosiness and to block the view of the bedroom if necessary.

There’s a fireplace in the corner (a working one by the way, but it’s almost never lit)

And this is the tiny kitchen, where only the fridge, sink and a couple of kitchen cupboards fit in

The atmosphere in the kitchen is created by William Morris wallpaper and printed posters (a reproduction of one of Henri Matisse’s most popular works hangs by the fridge)

The very cabinets from the 1940s (Scandi-style lovers are probably no longer surprised by the reverent attitude of Swedes and Finns to old kitchen sets)

But the tiles on the apron (as well as the worktop) are already new-fangled

But the windows have the same old fittings

The kitchen is separated from the hallway by a small bar counter, which fulfils several functions at once. On the kitchen side, there are cupboards for storing crockery. On the hallway side, there are books under the bar counter.

The owner lives alone, so a tiny dining table is enough for her. And in case she has guests over, she can always organise gatherings on the terrace (I’ll show it later)

1.5-sleeper bed, fireplace and vintage sofa. The painting on the wall is a reproduction by Gustave Klimt

The ceramic pots are gorgeous! As are the candle holders on the mantel

The bathroom, on the other hand, is nothing amazing. It’s simple and modest.

Bonus! The very same terrace (although it’s basically a balcony) of 17 squares

The neighbours are less fortunate – they have very small balconies

From here you have a magnificent view of the neighbourhood. The street is visible in both directions

A garden sofa with soft removable cushions, plants in old ceramic pots, vases with fresh flowers, candles and lanterns – a clear example of how to make the balcony cosy
This is such an unusual studio/one bedroom with a huge terrace. What do you think of the flat? Share your impressions, please! Because I realise that the renovation here is far from ideal.