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Nothing more, nothing less

The stress of the city had this couple longing for a slower, simpler and more conscious life – even before their baby came along. And while becoming parents turned their world upside down, they discovered that it didn’t have to change how they wanted to live. Their cosy little apartment embodies lived-in simplicity: furnished only with things that this new little family needs and loves, with both the present and future in mind. Best of all, at a surprisingly low price too.

IVAR shelving units with bamboo doors create both storage and display space in a warm, casual living area.
    A young couple snuggles their newborn baby.

    The test of time

    Every item in their home was picked with a long-term view in mind – both timeless design that they’ll love forever, and durable quality that will last for years and years. Natural materials like wood, bamboo and cotton from more sustainable sources are woven in throughout, giving their home a calm and tactile feel.

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    An illustrated floor plan of a one-bedroom apartment with a combined living and dining area.
    A DRÖMSK glass vase with a simple fig branch adds a calming touch of greenery.
    Two golden brown IDÅSEN drawer units on castors slot in below wall-mounted IVAR cabinets in pine.
    The HILDAMARIA cushion cover is made from 100% cotton and features stripes in green and a natural beige.
    Natural materials are at the heart of this dining area, with IVAR cabinets in pine, and a VOXLÖV dining set in bamboo.
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      Two KIVIK chaise longues pushed together for an island of comfort in the centre of this living area.
        Instead of a regular sofa, this couple chose two chaise longues, side by side. It’s such a comfy spot to relax, or curl up for an afternoon nap.

        Hans BlomquistInterior designer

        Little, big moments

        From baby’s first giggles to a quiet cup of tea, it’s those small, fleeting moments in life that are worth making time for. Easier said than done when you’re a new parent, right? Thankfully, with ready-made snacks and prepped ingredients always in stock, their ultra-organised kitchen helps them save precious minutes for what really matters.

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        A couple enjoy a quiet tea break at their STENSELE table, with a MISTERHULT pendant lamp hanging overhead.
          A calm morning tea moment featuring the METALLISK kettle and IKEA 365+ mug in clear glass.
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            Get the look

            Light woods and black accessories are at the heart of this home's style, with vibrant accents of golden yellow and green.

            Peace and tranquility

            Even if sleep patterns have shifted since the arrival of a certain tiny roommate, the principles of comfort and calmness still hold true in this bedroom. Soft-on-the-skin cotton bedding and uncluttered storage lay the foundation of this dreamy, shared sleep space.

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            An IKEA 365+ carafe with stopper and DYRGRIP glass are filled with water on a bedside table.
              A glimpse into a warm and inviting bedroom with a VADHEIM bed and REGOLIT pendant lamp shade made from paper.
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                Bringing-home-baby basics

                What do you really need to welcome a newborn? This couple’s verdict: not much! The baby’s corner of the bedroom is equipped with only the essential furnishings. Every item is made from quality materials, in ageless colours and with versatility that will see their little one into toddlerhood and beyond.

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                A SNIGLAR cot combined with FLISAT wall storage creates a cosy nursery corner in natural wood.
                  An assortment of baby textiles in 100% cotton, including SOLGUL blanket and LEN muslin squares.
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                    Where laundry meets serenity

                    One of the great mysteries of life: how adding one extra, tiny human can seemingly double the laundry! Two generous baskets take care of the extra load, made from solid poplar that ties in with the bathroom’s other pieces in birch and bamboo.

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                    A bathroom with GODMORGON/TOLKEN bathroom cabinet and a LINDBYN mirror on the wall.
                      Two side-by-side BRANKIS laundry baskets in a green-tiled bathroom.
                      DRAGAN bathroom storage containers in materials like bamboo and cork with bottles in the background.
                      SALVIKEN towels in anthracite and dark beige hang from hooks.
                      Bathroom jars with different coloured contents and a wooden brush on the top.
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                      Giving before getting

                      So, you’ve managed to pare back your life and home – but now how to keep it that way? This family’s “front-door philosophy” never lets them down: for everything new that comes through their front door, they have to give one thing away. The result? No clutter or impulsive buying – great for their wellbeing, and their bank balance too. For more tips on creating a minimal (but liveable!) home, interior designer Hans Blomquist has plenty of wisdom to share.

                      Read more about paring back your home
                      A SVENSÅS memo board in fibreboard and cork with various paper items attached to it.
                      A black TURBO clothes rack, in combination with wall-mounted shelves, creates a clothes storage solution in a hallway.
                      A NISSEDAL mirror in a hallway is illuminated by a SKURUP work/wall lamp on the wall nearby.
                      Five BUMERANG hangers on a clothes rail, with various items of clothing hanging from them.
                      A hallway with wall-mounted solutions like IVAR cabinets with doors, SVENSÅS memo boards and a SKURUP work/wall lamp.
                        Read more about paring back your home

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