How a 31sqm studio from the 1940s reimagines the art of living in a small space
Tour of a 31sqm studio with vintage decor in a 1940s building in Stockholm. A lesson in decorating a small space
Located in a building constructed in 1944 in Årsta, a neighborhood of Stockholm, this 31sqm studio features a sunny balcony. It has retained its vintage style and beautiful original features, particularly its kitchen. This makes it a small apartment with a big personality, further enhanced by its decor and layout that pay homage t ²²o that era.
You walk into the living room and the first thing that catches your eye is the bookshelf-partition made of honey-stained solid pine. It reaches almost to the ceiling and features asymmetrical compartments. Large compartments, small ones, and staggered levels make it truly unique. It creates a semi-enclosed bedroom space. It allows light and the eye to flow freely, preserving the sense of space.
The warmth of the pine contrasts with the white walls, and the few objects placed on it are carefully chosen so as not to be too overwhelming. In the bedroom area, the bed is covered with a green and mustard-yellow plaid throw. Placed over a textured beige bedspread, with a few striped linen pillows, this color scheme echoes the nature visible through the window leading to the balcony. The balcony visually extends the living room outward, creating an additional living space.
Its forest-green velvet tufted sofa is undoubtedly the most striking piece in this apartment, along with the pine room divider. It’s a vintage model, inspired by the ’60s and ’70s. Its generous curves give it a cozy look. The occupants of this 31sqm studio may feel a sense of nostalgia for their Scandinavian grandparents’ home. Its dark green color gives the room an almost luxurious feel.
Here, it finds exactly the right setting and creates a living area that strikes a perfect balance between warmth and simplicity. The green and cream striped cushions add a contrast that makes it stand out even more. On the living room’s white wall, two framed posters paying homage to the region take center stage.
The kitchen is remarkable. It has retained its original teak cabinet fronts, with chrome spout-shaped handles. Its countertops combine stainless steel with vintage Swedish laminate, a hallmark of the 1950s and 1960s, now found only in older apartments. White wall tiles with black grout cover the walls from floor to ceiling.
The pale blue-gray and white checkered floor is a retro nod to the 1940s, with a bistro vibe. It pairs perfectly with the original vintage furniture.
The stainless steel dining table, surrounded by Marcel Breuer’s Cesca chairs, perfectly completes this space. Cesca chair is a Bauhaus classic found in many interiors, as it is a timeless piece. The table is well lit by a metal pendant light with an antique look.
This studio is a prime example of successful organization. How can you combine a living room, bedroom, and dining area without each zone feeling cramped? The answer here lies in three key decisions.
First, the choice of a true visual divider, the bookshelf, rather than a solid wall. The space still feels open while offering relative privacy to the bedroom.
Next, a limited color palette featuring a harmonious blend of forest green, warm wood, off-white, and natural linen. A few touches of amber are added by the glass objects, all within the same color scheme.
And finally, the open kitchen creates a sense of increased space. This was not the case when the building was originally constructed. The use of tile flooring between the living area and kitchen clearly delineates the zones, just as effectively as a wall would, but in a more contemporary and pleasant way.
The overall look is cohesive, blending 1960s-70s Scandinavian vintage with Bauhaus style. The building is old, the style is consistent, and the objects seem to have a history.
Preserving the original kitchen is also a highlight of this apartment. Where some might have opted for a contemporary model, the choice made here is largely what gives this 31sqm studio its charm. The echo of its color in the wood of the shelf also creates a perfectly harmonious overall feel.
The colors also contribute to this balance, evoking the nature so dear to Swedes. These are also tones that were popular during the mid-century era, and their combination with warm wood fully respects the spirit of that part of the last century.
Årsta is located about fifteen minutes from downtown Stockholm and features many mid-20th-century buildings. Buildings from this era are functionalist in style, featuring generous spaces, high ceilings, solid hardwood floors, and meticulous woodwork details. Although these were modest structures intended for the working class, they date from a time when construction quality was taken seriously. This has allowed them to stand the test of time without losing their essence.
This 31sqm studio with vintage decor is for sale at Historiska
Separating spaces with a piece of furniture
You walk into the living room and the first thing that catches your eye is the bookshelf-partition made of honey-stained solid pine. It reaches almost to the ceiling and features asymmetrical compartments. Large compartments, small ones, and staggered levels make it truly unique. It creates a semi-enclosed bedroom space. It allows light and the eye to flow freely, preserving the sense of space.
The warmth of the pine contrasts with the white walls, and the few objects placed on it are carefully chosen so as not to be too overwhelming. In the bedroom area, the bed is covered with a green and mustard-yellow plaid throw. Placed over a textured beige bedspread, with a few striped linen pillows, this color scheme echoes the nature visible through the window leading to the balcony. The balcony visually extends the living room outward, creating an additional living space.
The sofa, a vintage-style choice in keeping with the studio’s vibe
Its forest-green velvet tufted sofa is undoubtedly the most striking piece in this apartment, along with the pine room divider. It’s a vintage model, inspired by the ’60s and ’70s. Its generous curves give it a cozy look. The occupants of this 31sqm studio may feel a sense of nostalgia for their Scandinavian grandparents’ home. Its dark green color gives the room an almost luxurious feel.
Here, it finds exactly the right setting and creates a living area that strikes a perfect balance between warmth and simplicity. The green and cream striped cushions add a contrast that makes it stand out even more. On the living room’s white wall, two framed posters paying homage to the region take center stage.
The original vintage kitchen
The kitchen is remarkable. It has retained its original teak cabinet fronts, with chrome spout-shaped handles. Its countertops combine stainless steel with vintage Swedish laminate, a hallmark of the 1950s and 1960s, now found only in older apartments. White wall tiles with black grout cover the walls from floor to ceiling.
The pale blue-gray and white checkered floor is a retro nod to the 1940s, with a bistro vibe. It pairs perfectly with the original vintage furniture.
The stainless steel dining table, surrounded by Marcel Breuer’s Cesca chairs, perfectly completes this space. Cesca chair is a Bauhaus classic found in many interiors, as it is a timeless piece. The table is well lit by a metal pendant light with an antique look.
An optimized space
This studio is a prime example of successful organization. How can you combine a living room, bedroom, and dining area without each zone feeling cramped? The answer here lies in three key decisions.
First, the choice of a true visual divider, the bookshelf, rather than a solid wall. The space still feels open while offering relative privacy to the bedroom.
Next, a limited color palette featuring a harmonious blend of forest green, warm wood, off-white, and natural linen. A few touches of amber are added by the glass objects, all within the same color scheme.
And finally, the open kitchen creates a sense of increased space. This was not the case when the building was originally constructed. The use of tile flooring between the living area and kitchen clearly delineates the zones, just as effectively as a wall would, but in a more contemporary and pleasant way.
Our take on the decorative choices
The overall look is cohesive, blending 1960s-70s Scandinavian vintage with Bauhaus style. The building is old, the style is consistent, and the objects seem to have a history.
Preserving the original kitchen is also a highlight of this apartment. Where some might have opted for a contemporary model, the choice made here is largely what gives this 31sqm studio its charm. The echo of its color in the wood of the shelf also creates a perfectly harmonious overall feel.
The colors also contribute to this balance, evoking the nature so dear to Swedes. These are also tones that were popular during the mid-century era, and their combination with warm wood fully respects the spirit of that part of the last century.
The location
Årsta is located about fifteen minutes from downtown Stockholm and features many mid-20th-century buildings. Buildings from this era are functionalist in style, featuring generous spaces, high ceilings, solid hardwood floors, and meticulous woodwork details. Although these were modest structures intended for the working class, they date from a time when construction quality was taken seriously. This has allowed them to stand the test of time without losing their essence.
This 31sqm studio with vintage decor is for sale at Historiska
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