A historic apartment thoughtfully renovated in a contemporary style

In Gothenburg, this 86sqm renovated historic apartment occupies the top floor of a beautiful classic building constructed in the late 19th century. Its owners patiently restored it, room by room, without ever losing its original character. A palette of warm grays, beiges, and hints of rust was used to decorate it. Two balconies extend the living space toward the city’s rooftops. The blend of Swedish heritage and contemporary design is a masterclass in harmony.

The living room and its moldings

Its living room opens onto two large windows and a French door leading to the first balcony. The taupe-gray walls highlight the stucco cornices adorned with foliage motifs, painted in off-white. A carved medallion adorns the center of the ceiling. The pine floor, sanded and then treated, adds a warm, light-colored touch. White sheers hang from the ceiling to the floor, softening the sometimes harsh northern light during the summer months.

A sofa in a slightly faded shade of yellow occupies the main wall. A collection of mismatched cushions adorns it. Opposite it, two mismatched armchairs, the first in gray velvet and the second in beige terry cloth, help create a cozy space. The large, ecru-colored, long-pile wool rug adds a comfortable, plush feel.

Above the sofa, two paintings in very different styles hang side by side: a large abstract canvas with solid black areas and an antique still life in a gilded frame.

The kitchen, an essential room

Its kitchen is large enough to accommodate the dining area, freeing the living room from this vital function. The owners of this renovated historic apartment chose handle-less cabinet fronts in beige Fenix, a matte, contemporary material. This mineral beige pairs perfectly with the limestone countertop. The backsplash, cut from the same stone, extends the countertop at a low height. Its range hood is clad in light oak to add a touch of texture to this very modern setting. The kitchen also features open oak niches where cookbooks and decorative objects can be displayed.

Right next to the kitchen, a former walk-in closet has been repurposed. The owners transformed it into a pantry and a custom-built coffee nook. Two open shelving units help organize this coffee nook with mugs, storage boxes, and a glass Chemex coffee maker. Another automatic coffee maker sits on the countertop to brew espressos, “what else”?

The bedrooms, blending softness and color

The first bedroom opens onto the second balcony through a tall French door. Its beige walls give it a serene and bright atmosphere. A row of custom-built closets has been installed. Painted beige like the walls, they blend seamlessly into the background. The color in this bedroom comes mainly from the curtains and decorative objects.

The walls of the second bedroom are painted in a soothing gray-green that invites relaxation. Rust-colored curtains, identical to those in the adjacent bedroom, create a sense of continuity between the two rooms.

The entryway, a welcome worthy of the apartment

In the entryway, the walls and ceiling have been painted in harmonious shades from the Jotun brand. New moldings have been added to the original elements, creating a sense of continuity. A rust-and-ecru checkered rug covers the floor. The mirror and a bench are the two elements that make this entryway a truly practical and useful space.

Our take on the decor

This renovated historic apartment was restored with respect for its original features, while adding an extra touch of elegance through the harmonious color palette. The taupe gray of the living room, the beige of the kitchen, and the gray-green of the bedroom blend together while remaining distinct. These powdery hues envelop the rooms and help highlight the white moldings. This color palette works particularly well under the often-gray northern light.

The second highlight of this interior is the blend of eras. The owners have preserved every heritage element and paired it with contemporary design pieces. A paper lamp sits alongside a stucco medallion, and an antique still life hangs next to an abstract painting. Finally, soft materials like velvet, terry cloth, linen, and wool make each room inviting. It’s a personalized space that remains understated and universally appealing.

What inspiration can we draw from this for our older apartments?

This Swedish apartment is sure to appeal to lovers of bourgeois buildings in the historic centers of our cities. The apartments there feature the same cornices, the same medallions, and the same molded doors. In a Haussmann-style setting, it’s best to move away from an all-white palette to highlight the beautiful period features by choosing understated shades for the walls. These will also create a sense of refuge and soften the light.

The apartment is located in Linnéstaden, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Gothenburg, a major city on Sweden’s west coast. Its brick and stucco buildings, topped with red roofs, form a characteristic urban landscape. From the apartment, you can see the Skansen Kronan tower, a former fortification crowned with a golden wreath. The neighboring neighborhood of Haga attracts strollers with its wooden houses. The large Slottsskogen Park is also just a few minutes away. Living on the top floor, as you do here, allows you to fully enjoy this setting. This renovated historic apartment, measuring 86sqm, is for sale at Entrance