Two-tones in Sweden

Via Emmas, a pleasing dove gray and white kitchen in Sweden. Photographs by Fabian Bjornstjern for the Swedish Elle Interior.

A Bright, Restrained Space

Via Materialicious , this anonymous apartment (Brussels?) does a solid job of allowing the details do all the talking -- highlighting the character of the weathered floor, the overgrown balcony, the beautiful shadows. See the full collection of images on Flickr.

Soderora by Tham and Videgard

Spotted on Muuuz, this Stockholm retreat by Tham and Videgard Architects defies its diminutive exterior with an impossibly spacious interior space. And while it may not be true to the final product, I also can't help but appreciate the use of craft felt on the model. See more of Tham and Videgard Architects here.

Extension: A Successful Container Addition

Perhaps the only shipping-container addition I've seen, this residence by Christopher Nogry in Nantes, France strikes a nice balance of brutal practicality and considered subtlety. While I am not against the more dramatic juxtapositions of old and new, there is definitely an admirable reverence for the history of the home's neighborhood, evidenced by the use of a non-confrontational shade of blue and an inconspicuous veil of trees. Ultimately, rather than a stylistic betrayal, I think the history of the home is deepened by its adaptation to suit its current residents. See more at muuuz.

Swedish Details

Found indirectly at Emmas , a Swedish apartment with all the right details. See more at Bologet.

Elding Oscarson in Landskrona

Swedish firm Elding Oscarson, first seen on Design Milk, design this residence in Landskrona, Sweden, a stone's throw from Copenhagen. While i personally appreciate the stark contrast between the structure's simplicity and its more senior neighbors, it may distract people from the finely-tuned interior. I especially like the way the deck and courtyard take on a terrarium feel seen through the large glass windows. See more of Elding Oscarson here.

Poplar Cottage by Dow Jones Architects

Found indirectly through Materialicous, Dow Jones Architects' Poplar Cottage is emblematic of the firm's style -- a slurry of English and Scandinavian elements. Dominated by brick and wood, the interior strikes an awkward but appealing balance of tessellated brick and linear wood planks. See more of their work here.