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A versatile living area where calm is key

A combined living and dining area are common throughout the world, but here’s one that takes a refreshingly different approach. The young family who live here have tailored this small space to their specific needs and interests – with a strong emphasis on simplicity, time-enduring design and natural materials.

A wide IVAR cabinet combination with woven bamboo doors is styled with books, art and other personal objects.
A wide IVAR cabinet combination with woven bamboo doors is styled with books, art and other personal objects.

Functional form

In a small room, every object needs to be useful – but what about beautiful too? This space shows what happens when the two come together: every piece of furniture serves at least one purpose, with timeless design that adds to the look of the room.

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Two FRÖSET easy chairs in white stained oak veneer are paired with a KYRRE stool for a casual sitting area.
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The only rule is that there are none

Your home is your own personal space, so make it work for you and your life. This couple, for instance, don't own a TV (their laptop works just fine for them), which gave them more freedom when furnishing their living area. Rather than a traditional sofa, they instead opted for two side-by-side chaise longues to create a nice space for relaxing. When friends come over, the nearby stools and easy chairs can quickly spring into action.

See the KIVIK series
Two KIVIK chaise longues are placed side by side and end to end, for a floating sofa alternative.
A stack of KYRRE stools in birch, in front of a dark coloured metal radiator with a bag hanging from it.
See the KIVIK series
The RUDSTA glass-door cabinet in anthracite houses a collection of books, vases and ornaments beside a white curtain.
“
Simplifying your home means keeping what matters to you. Why not store your favourite things where you can use and admire them often?
”

Hans BlomquistInterior designer

Combine and conquer

This bamboo dining table is the scene of many suppers and gatherings with loved ones. It’s also where deadlines get chased and creative juices flow. The secret to fitting so many functions into one small space comes down to the flexible storage nearby. Craft supplies go on the rails, tableware is taken care of by the double cabinets in solid pine, and the two drawer units tucked below pack away the paperwork.

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Wall-mounted IVAR cabinets in pine providing generous storage in a combined dining and workspace area with table and chairs.
The seat and backrest of the VOXLÖV chair are made from handwoven paper twine.
An assortment of products from the NEREBY series creates wall-mounted storage for stationery and craft supplies.
A woman sitting on an ODGER swivel chair in anthracite, by a table, writing on a pad with a pencil.
IDÅSEN drawer units on castors in golden-brown add flexible storage to a combined dining and workspace area.
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Down-to-earth essentials

Natural materials like bamboo and jute are the starting point of this home's warm and welcoming style, with black accessories and green accents added to the mix.