Before & After: A New Life for a 1920s Gothenburg Apartment

Set on a prominent corner in Gothenburg, this beautifully preserved apartment combines the character of 1920s classicism with a thoughtful modern renovation.

Located in one of Gothenburg’s most attractive neighborhoods, the home used to be bigger (102 sqm compared to the 71 it is now). The apartment was divided into two separate apartments when it last changed hands.

This apartment has two bedrooms, a cozy living room with a fireplace, a spacious and social kitchen, and an impressive ceiling height of 2.85 meters.

The apartment dates from 1929 and was completely renovated in 2020/2021, with considerable care taken to preserve its original character.

High windows facing two directions bring plenty of natural light into the rooms, while period details such as cast-iron radiators, natural stone window sills, curved skirting boards, and ceiling rosettes remain an important part of the interior.

These historic features are complemented by polished oak parquet flooring, a new kitchen and bathroom, and a muted color palette that gives the apartment a calm and cohesive feel.

The kitchen is designed as the apartment’s social heart. The kitchen used to be in what is now the smaller bedroom, but during the renovation, the former master bedroom became this grand kitchen space.

The space in front of the large windows overlooking the quiet courtyard is turned into a styling dining area.

The kitchen pairs classic gray cabinetry with a black granite worktop, white tiles, and black fittings. It’s a classic combination that suits the apartment’s building period beautifully.

On the other side of the work area and island, with bar seating and open shelving, has been created.

At the heart of the apartment is the living room, where the working fireplace forms a natural focal point. The fireplace is an atmospheric feature that reinforces the home’s 1920s character.

The living room connects naturally with the kitchen and bedrooms, making it the central link between the apartment’s different spaces. This used to be the inner hall of the larger apartment, with the now master bedroom as the living room.

The living room is decorated with the Ragnvi wallpaper by Sandberg.

A glazed, industrial-style wall and door lead you to the master bedroom.

The master bedroom is a grand, calming space with light beige walls, sanded matt-lacquered single-strip oak parquet flooring, and a large rug.

The TALL table lamp by Jotex stands on the original stone windowsill.

The beige, curved headboard adds to the soft atmosphere in the bedroom.

The pendant lights next to the bed are from Zara Home.

Two large wardrobes with black doors provide plenty of storage space.

The second bedroom used to be the apartment’s kitchen. During the renovation, the brickwork was brought out, adding a characterful feature point to this small space and contrasting nicely with the beige walls and oak parquet floor.

One wall is decorated with “The Vintage Grove” wallpaper from Rebel Walls.

The bathroom was also renovated, adding a simple and contemporary style. Large gray stone tiles over the walls and floors, creating a cohesive backdrop for black fixtures and fittings.

The black vanity is from Svedbergs, adding storage under the sink.

The apartment is listed for sale at Alvhem.

And this is what the larger apartment looked like before the renovation.

A wall has been placed between the two spaces of this large living area. The space with the dining table is part of the apartment featured above and has been turned into the master bedroom. The other half is now part of the smaller apartment next door.

You can see the fireplace in the inner hall. During the renovation, a glass wall has been fitted between the spaces, creating a separate bedroom area while still letting light through into what is now the living room.

What is now the kitchen used to be this blue bedroom. The curved walls are a beautiful feature in this space.

And lastly, the small bedroom used to look like this. The simple kitchen has been removed, and the brick wall has been brought out.

Such a great transformation, isn’t it? It’s wonderful to see what you can do with a worn-out apartment.