Located at the very top of a workers’ apartment building constructed in 1930, in the Bagaregården neighborhood of Gothenburg, this 24sqm studio with a mezzanine redefines the concept of living space. In the attic, the high ceiling frees up floor space for the sleeping area. This small Swedish apartment feels significantly more spacious than its square meterage would suggest. Large skylights, a dining area beneath a half-moon window, and a cozy living area make up this unique home.

A well-designed layout


The apartment’s space is organized on a single open level, arranged around a central entryway. The living room is set back slightly, and on the other side are the kitchen and bathroom. Two small closets have been installed next to the staircase leading to the mezzanine, providing storage for shoes and clothing. The absence of a hallway prevents any feeling of crampedness despite the limited floor space. Its high ceilings, achieved by converting the attic space, completely transform the perception of the space.

A living room enhanced by its high ceilings


Upon entering, the living area feels more spacious thanks to its unusually high ceilings for such a small home. Two skylights flood the living room with light. A white sofa occupies the corner beneath the sloped ceiling. A section of rough plaster wall, deliberately left exposed, evokes the building’s age. The maple tree planted in a large stoneware pot climbs almost to the ceiling, brings a touch of nature into this very urban apartment. A small white dresser, a solid-wood side table, and a few handcrafted ceramics complete this cozy living area.

A compact kitchen tucked under the sloped ceiling


The kitchen runs along the sloped wall. Its taupe-gray cabinet fronts and a white metro-tile backsplash beautifully frame this dining area. The sink sits on the light-wood countertop, topped by a vintage-style gold faucet. This linear layout frees up the center of the room, making it easier to move around.

A dining area beneath a half-moon window


Near a half-moon window typical of Gothenburg’s older buildings, a round table with a marble-colored top is surrounded by four black Fourmi chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen. A rounded, plum-colored pendant light hangs above the table, adding a welcome splash of color to this very light-colored space.

A mezzanine that frees up the entire floor space


The white ladder leads to the bedroom area, an elevated sleeping space typical of small Swedish apartments. The bed spans the full width under the roof, with just enough headroom to sit comfortably. Under the mezzanine, a built-in closet and a full-length mirror make everyday storage easy. A slim console table is placed in the entryway.

A bathroom entirely tiled in white


White subway tiles with black grout cover the entire bathroom walls. The walk-in shower, enclosed by a glass partition, is equipped with a fixed showerhead and a handheld showerhead. A gray vanity completes the look, topped by a mirror cabinet that’s practical for everyday use. The dark stoneware floor contrasts with the white walls.

Our take on the decor


The design of this 24sqm studio with a mezzanine focuses on simplicity and natural materials. The Scandinavian furniture, Fourmi chairs, and solid wood coffee table are typical of this type of Swedish apartment. Its cream and light gray tones tie the rooms together, and the sloped ceilings add charm to the space. Overall, this design proves that a small attic apartment can be both elegant and well-optimized.

A nod to Parisian attic apartments


In France, this type of apartment is particularly reminiscent of the old maids’ rooms tucked away under Parisian rooftops. They were built in the 19th century to house the staff of bourgeois families. These small attic rooms are highly sought after today. Their charm stems from the same elements as this Swedish apartment: exposed beams, skylights, and a sloped ceiling. It should be noted, however, that since the recent heat waves, they have the drawback of turning into veritable “ovens” during periods of extreme heat. Air conditioning, if possible, is therefore necessary for comfortable living.

The scarcity of land in major French cities has reignited interest in these small, unique spaces. Whenever possible, they are often remodeled with a mezzanine to maximize floor space. These long-neglected attic spaces are transformed into highly sought-after studio apartments brimming with charm. Turning an architectural constraint inherited from the past into a true design asset results in interiors that stand out from the ordinary.

Bagaregården, a Swedish neighbourhood on a human scale


The Bagaregården neighbourhood lies east of downtown Gothenburg. Its tree-lined streets and large, lush inner courtyards give it a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Built primarily between 1900 and 1930, the area owes part of its urban design to architect Albert Lilienberg. At the time, these cooperative housing units already featured indoor toilets, a rare luxury for working-class families of that era. The red-tiled roofs, visible from the building’s high windows, define the urban landscape typical of this part of the city.

attic kitchen and living room 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest


attic living room 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest




attic living room 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest


attic living room 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest


attic kitchen and living room 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest


attic kitchen and living room 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest


attic kitchen 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest


attic living room 24sqm studio Scandinavian decorShare on Pinterest


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This 24sqm studio with a mezzanine  is for sale at Entrance