Hidden away in Gothenburg’s Linné neighborhood is a 40sqm studio that combines the charm of classic Swedish design with a minimalist aesthetic. The apartment is located in a typical early 20th-century building, recognizable by its moldings and high ceilings. The open-plan layout takes advantage of two orientations and lets in plenty of light. A separate kitchen and a west-facing balcony make it a pleasant place to live day to day.

An entryway in pure Scandinavian style


From the entryway, light floods into the apartment from two different directions. The bleached ash hardwood floors create a visually unified look. This light shade makes the space feel larger and reflects natural light into the adjacent rooms. The entryway leads to the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. A spacious closet provides ample storage for clothes and helps keep this small apartment tidy. Woven baskets and a handy bench are all that’s needed to furnish this transitional space. Nothing clutters this entryway, which is designed to remain functional.

A spacious living room that serves a dual purpose


The main room serves as both a bedroom and a living room. It features a comfortable bed and a sofa. The ceiling moldings and windows overlooking the outdoors add character to the room. Light curtains, a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace, and beige tones create a soft, cozy atmosphere in this space.

Looking at the floor plan, it’s clear that a simple layout change would be enough to transform this studio into a two-room apartment. All it would take is moving the kitchen into the living room and freeing up a bedroom on the courtyard side. The result would be a quiet bedroom and a separate living area.

A kitchen that combines stone and light wood


The separate kitchen has a distinctive character, a far cry from the usual open-concept kitchens, thanks to a section of exposed brick wall. The upper and lower cabinets maintain a minimalist aesthetic in white lacquer. Its dark countertop contrasts with the light cabinet fronts. A glass door opens directly onto the west-facing balcony. In this room, as in the living room, contemporary Scandinavian decor and antique pieces blend successfully.

A simple bathroom, true to its era


The bathroom is rather modest compared to the rest of the apartment. It features a shower, a toilet, and a vanity unit. A mirror framed in dark wood adds an elegant touch. A linen curtain replaces the traditional glass partition. This room remains functional, and its understated decor is in keeping with the studio’s overall style.

A balcony overlooking a lush courtyard


The balcony overlooks an inner courtyard planted with hydrangeas and climbing plants. This lush greenery is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. A small table and two chairs are all it takes to create a spot that invites you to settle in.

Our take on this decor


This decor embraces simplicity and lets the original architecture shine through. The choice of bleached ash flooring unifies rooms with different functions. The residents opted for neutral tones, beige, gray, and off-white, that are very much in keeping with the Scandinavian aesthetic. Its touch of brick in the kitchen serves as a reminder that this building has stood for over a century while retaining all its beauty.

Vintage furniture, along with rattan and straw chairs, add warmth to this minimalist atmosphere. Handcrafted ceramics displayed on the table add a personal touch. Overall, this studio perfectly illustrates the charm of Scandinavian design.

A Scandinavian vibe that resonates with us


Although this studio is typically Swedish, it evokes certain classic apartments built during the same era in major European cities. They, too, feature moldings and high ceilings. Capitals and major cities all experienced a wave of high-density construction around 1900, characterized by similar architectural styles. This period has left behind a legacy of classic and beautiful residential architecture.

Why this type of interior inspires interior design enthusiasts so much


Scandinavian interiors are regularly featured in magazines and on interior design blogs. They never go out of style, and even though we’ve seen them many times, we’re always happy to discover new ones. With a fairly neutral base, they manage to blend furniture from different eras. This decorating style requires little investment and, above all, a taste for mixing natural materials.

The setting of this 40sqm studio in Gothenburg


Linné where this studio is located, is a lively area. With its market, historic fortress, and park, it’s a pleasant place to live. It is located southwest of downtown Gothenburg. The neighborhood slopes gently upward toward the Skansen Kronan fortress, built in 1697 to guard the city. The streets, lined with independent shops and cafés, give this area a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Linné remains one of Gothenburg’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Its popularity stems from its blend of community life and architectural heritage. Early 20th-century buildings dominate the cityscape with their stone facades.

Swedish buildings from this era share a common decorative style. Ceilings are often over three meters high and feature moldings. Interior doors have molded panels. This architectural style has stood the test of time without losing any of its original, timeless beauty.

white kitchen with brick wall and balcony Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


white kitchen with brick wall and balcony Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest




white kitchen with brick wall and balcony Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


white kitchen with brick wall Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


hallway with mirror and benchShare on Pinterest


living room and bedroom with ethanol fireplace Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


living room and bedroom with ethanol fireplace Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


living room with ethanol fireplace Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


bedroom Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


bedroom Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


bedroom Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


small walk in wardrobeShare on Pinterest


small walk in wardrobeShare on Pinterest


entryway Scandinavian decor 40sqm studioShare on Pinterest


small bathroomShare on Pinterest


small bathroomShare on Pinterest


balcony on courtyardShare on Pinterest


balcony on courtyardShare on Pinterest


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This spacious 40sqm studio with a separate kitchen is for sale at Entrance