Unfinished Walls And Exposed Cables Give Character To A Stockholm Apartment

Renovating a space with a rich and interesting history is a challenging project. On one hand, the place has to suit a contemporary lifestyle so a certain degree of change is to be expected. On the other hand, the history deserves to be preserved so past and present have to meet harmoniously. Managing to do that in a small studio apartment is even more challenging.

HB6B renovation project14

HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14

In the case of this 36 square meter apartment in Stockholm, the renovation was far from conventional. The apartment previously served as furniture storage for 30 years and its previously owner had started renovating the place back in the 1980s but hardly managed to change a lot of things.

HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14

As a result, the space remained untouched for a long time. In 2012 its new owner worked with Karin Matz to restore the space and to give it a second chance. Old wallpaper was still on some of the walls, a few old tiles here and there and no electricity.

HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14

The architect’s goal was to turn the apartment into an airy and comfortable space. As a result, a walk-in closet was built, a large luxury shower with green tiles and all the necessary appliances were added to the design.A lot of the apartment’s original character was preserved. You can still see the unfinished walls and ceilings and traces of the original paint, definitely not how you’d picture a renovated space.

HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14
HB6B renovation project14