6 Small Space Ideas To Learn From a Beautiful Blue Swedish Pad

Why, hello there! I hope you had a great weekend! It's a beautiful, sunny day here in Southern Sweden and I pedalled to work feeling full of the joys of spring (although, also mindful that snow could appear on the forecast at anytime - let's hope not!). Yesterday Per and I went to see how our tiny cabin build is coming along - I'm so looking forward to sharing an update tomorrow. Small spaces are therefore on my mind, and lo and behold, this beautiful 34 square metres (365 square feet) Gothenburg home popped up in my feed this morning. I simply can't believe, it's almost the same size as our little cabin - not only does it look very stylish (and yes, styled!), it also looks really spacious, despite breaking the rules with a darker wall colour HOW? I dissected it to find out what's at play and discovered 6 great small space styling tricks:

1. Round tables - circular tables have a smaller footprint than square tables simply because corners are such a waste of space. Better still, choose an extendable table for entertaining - as well as chairs with the same curve so they can be tucked away under the table and you'll achieve a flexible, space saving dining / work area.

2. Use the height: OK, this place has envy-inducing, ridiculously high ceilings - but still, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not using the vertical height - crucial when it comes to making the most of every square inch.

3. Bed nook: evolutionary, we sleep a whole lot better if we feel cosy and safe - so carving out a zone for sleep in which we feel cocooned in some way is key. Here, they've made great use of a nook. if there isn't space for this, you can create your own bedroom zone in a small space using shelving placed perpendicular to the wall, curtains, or screens.

4. Paint your storage the same colour as the walls: if you want a neat and tidy home, plenty of storage is key. But that doesn't mean it needs to take over. Paint it the same tone as the walls and it will blend into the room to help create a clean, clutter-free and cohesive look.

5. Make the most of every nook and cranny: a bespoke cabinet has been squeezed into a nook in the bathroom to create storage space. I'd have probably also included an under sink cabinet (like we're planning in the bathroom at our cabin).

6. Disguise the front door: In a small space front doors can be very prominent - sometimes leading straight into the main open-plan living area / bedroom. A curtain in front of the front door is a great way to create an oasis, plus it helps to keep sounds from the communal hallway and drafts at bay.

Here's the floor plan: