Some might find the combination between vintage and minimalist style contradictory. For ages we've seen vintage evolving around a more maximalist basis... but as soft minimalism grows stronger, it is proving us wrong and convincing us that these two styles can in fact go hand in hand.





















This characterful apartment based in Sweden is a beautiful showcase of the pleasant little marriage between the two. The home is newly renovated and–for the lucky ones living in Sweden–up for grabs; 3,05m ceilings and gorgeous muted colored walls serve as the perfect canvas for the luscious pieces of art hanging from the walls and the stunning vintage pieces of decor, scattered around the spacious place.

The not-so-secret secret lies in maintaining a minimalist and mindful mindset when it comes to the acquisition of the decor pieces and considering space and color. This place does it perfectly, bringing us small vintage details–like the simple color on the kitchen counters, that stunning "Smeg" cooker hood and the retro lines on the furniture–while combining that with more modern pieces and trends.

Below are a few suggestions, in case you want to make this a part of your space.
























Lindholm

If you read my previous post, you might have already heard this from me... but keep in mind, a minimalist approach is not about deprivation–it's merely about cutting out the excess.

What do you think about this style: thumbs up or down?

Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

An hour north of Oslo, located on a majestic hillside facing the Norwegian woods and Mjøsa lake, lies the Gjøvik house; a modern and minimal cluster house created by Norm Architects.

The house is built from 6 cubes, overlapping each other in plan and section. The Gjøvik House shows exactly what Norm Architects’ foundation of elegance and minimalism is about—bringing in a sense of minimalism and warmness at the same time by connecting every room seamlessly and allowing each room privacy and character.
























This carefully-planned project resulted in the stunning modern communion of man and nature.

Most pieces in this home are built-in / custom made. That, combined with their choice of concrete, texture and materials, creates a feel of calmness and belonging throughout the space. Not to mention the lake-fronting facade blends in with the interiors, making this one more masterpiece in the pocket of lead architect, Linda Korndal.

Smålands Skinnmanufaktur is a furniture and home accessories design studio that’s based in Sweden. Their style is characteristically Scandinavian. Minimal and environmentally-friendly products have put them on the first page of many blogs lately and they clearly deserve that spot.























Emily Laye

Every product from Smålands Skinnmanufaktur is made by hand with leather from the only environmentally certified tanner, Tärnsjö Garveri–in natural gray and chromium-free. They are lasting and classic, a true statement for everyone's home.

Erik Lefvander

If you are a Scandinavian style enthusiast, you have probably already heard of Swedish Interior Design pioneer, Louise Liljencrantz. With a good eye for elegance and style, Louise is able to combine the subdued essence of minimalism with rich materials, full colors and character-filled objects.

So, it’s to no one’s surprise that her private home would be aesthetically pleasing–bordering a piece of art. Remaining true to her style, Louise managed to create a statement with her classic-meets-modern approach: Light grey walls, high ceilings, moldings, beautiful timber floors and an impressive collection of artwork, ranging from paintings to statement pieces of furniture.

Each element in this home seems to play a key role in the play with light and the effortless representation of true decadence and elegance.

I’m particularly in love with her stunning dining room.

Below are some images of Louise’s work... because I simply needed to share.

What do you think of her project?