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A side-by-side kitchenette and seating area, with a multi-tone palette of light pink, terracotta and gold.
A room with a long table set for a celebration, and a wall-to-wall storage unit.
A room with grey storage filled with boxes and cushions etc., in the background and a set table with hanging lamps in the foreground.

Bim's communal multi-space

Designer
Bim Eriksson

Location
Stockholm, Sweden

Concept
An inspiring multi-purpose storage room shared by neighbours

Bim Eriksson is a Swedish graphic novelist, artist and illustrator. Her work has appeared in numerous Swedish periodicals and daily publications, and exhibited in galleries and museums across Europe.

Inspired by communal spaces in Swedish apartment buildings, Bim has transformed the idea of a dull, shared storage room into a vibrant and inspiring multi-functional space for all neighbours to use. Here, you'll find space for tools, extra furniture and foldable tables that tenants can borrow for parties and gatherings.

Designed in an organic style featuring rounded profiles, dusty warm hues, light woods and bursts of green, Bim’s room becomes an extension of the home that relieves the pressures on your own apartment. A shared space that brings everyone together, regardless of what activities you like to do.

Spaces to inspire a healthier, more sustainable future

The sustainable collab series showcases ten rooms by ten creatives around the world, each telling a story of togetherness, conscious living or connecting with nature. At your local IKEA online store, you'll find even more ideas for living a healthier, more mindful life at home.

Community kitchen

For food to be heated, drinks to be prepped and snacks to be served – having access to an extra kitchen that's close to the action is a win-win for everyone living in the building.

The two portable induction hobs can be hung away when not in use, freeing up the compact kitchen for other needs.

A trolley that offers both storage and worktop space can be moved easily between the kitchen and dining area.

Just as cosy as home

This little corner invites meet ups with friends, catch ups with neighbours or even just solo hang outs. Cushions in a mix of colours are a simple and budget-friendly addition that make the whole room feel extra welcoming, ramped up with all sorts of greenery.

Don't worry about a watering schedule! Artificial plants are a great, low-fuss choice for a shared space.

Mirror magic

The footprint of this room might be on the smaller side, but thanks to a clever trick of the eye, it appears much bigger.

A large wall of mirrors creates the impression of spaciousness – and a much longer table! Framed by stage-like curtains, a soft and welcoming scene is set for all activities in the space.

Yoga, ballet or weight-training? The versatile mirror wall also proves useful for indoor sports where good form is key!

Party starter kit

Birthday? Graduation? Random Thursday night? This space doesn't need an excuse to bring people together – but is more than equipped to do so when the occasion arises!

Simple, neutral tableware – like white plates and glass carafes, is available for all neighbours to use. They lend themselves brilliantly to any festivity and style, and won't cost a fortune to replace if broken amidst all the fun.

Take, use, return

The communal storage wall of IVAR shelving units is the backbone of the room – keeping everything in order, from play mats to suitcases, speakers, boardgames and tools. Neighbours can simply grab what they need for an activity, and return it once they're done.

Painted in a calming shade of dusty pink with a fun DIY-detail of rounded corners on the cabinet doors, the creative possibilities of the IVAR system are on full display in this space.

The empty space below the left-most unit is perfectly sized for the foldable dining tables, should they be packed away to make space for other activities.

Mats, books, crafts and other easily-grabbed items are housed on the open shelves, while bulkier items get packed away into the cabinets below.