Transformed abode showcasing varied designs, DIY IKEA solutions, and delightful Swedish flair in a quaint cottage.
In the heart of Sweden, photographer Kajsa Hagelin's apartment stands as a testament to a modern Swedish lifestyle that seamlessly blends practicality with artistic expression. The apartment, a personal space for the Dutch illustrator and ceramicist, is a harmonious mix of eclectic and minimalistic elements, showcasing a playful, resourceful approach to interior design.
The story behind Hagelin's home is one of creative resourcefulness. Rather than opting for expensive or traditional designer furniture, she skillfully transforms IKEA basics—known for their minimalist and modular design—into customized pieces that feel bespoke and personal. This approach speaks to a DIY ethos and sustainability mindset common in Scandinavian design culture, where the focus is on quality, adaptability, and longevity.
One such example is the IKEA hack on the Billy bookshelf, which serves as a practical storage solution. However, the apartment's art collection, a curated collection of prints, paintings, or photographs, is not a DIY project. This wall of art, visible in the transformed kitchen, injects personality, color, and a lived-in warmth to the home, creating a dynamic contrast with the clean lines and neutral tones typical of Scandinavian interiors.
The art collection, like the Fjellraven Kånken rucksacks that continue to be a part of the decor, seems to be a common element in the homes of creative professionals. Interestingly, the studio and home of a Danish carpenter, previously showcased, do not appear to have a significant art collection.
The apartment, before its transformation, was a kitchen. Today, it boasts a modern kitchen setup, complete with a Samsung The Frame TV, further demonstrating Hagelin's knack for seamlessly integrating technology into her living space.
In sharing images of her apartment, Hagelin invites us into a space that embodies a contemporary Swedish way of living—stylish yet unpretentious and deeply personal. It's a space that tells a story of creative resourcefulness, inviting warmth, and a celebration of art and design tailored through accessible means.
The art collection, a curated display of prints, paintings, or photographs, adds personality and warmth to Kajsa Hagelin's Swedish home, contrasting the clean lines and neutral tones of traditional Scandinavian interior design. This apartment, once a kitchen, is now a testament to contemporary home-and-garden design, blending lifestyle and interior-design with creative resourcefulness, showcasing a modern blend of minimalism and eclecticism.
