A guide for anyone viewing a home in Sweden, Stockholm, Gotland or beyond.

Buying a new home is exhilarating - the anticipation, the possibilities, the vision of a life lived beautifully. Yet in reality, it can also feel overwhelming. As a luxury architecture studio and high-end interior design studio working across Sweden and Scandinavia, Stockholm, we meet countless clients who carry the same quiet worry:

“What if I fall in love with a property that becomes a money pit?”
“Are my renovation ideas even realistic?”
“What am I missing that an expert would immediately spot?”

These questions are not only common - they’re smart. And this is exactly why we created our Pre-Purchase Design Consultation. Before you even attend a viewing, we help you understand the real opportunities and limitations of a property, so you can make a confident and well-informed investment.

Below, we share the architect’s checklist we use when reviewing a home - the same principles we apply in our work across Scandinavia as both an architecture and interior design studio.

1. FLOW & LAYOUT POTENTIAL

A beautiful home starts with intelligent flow. When walking through a property, consider:

How naturally the rooms connect and whether the circulation actually suits the way you live.
Which walls may be structural and what can realistically be reconfigured.
Remember: broker floor plans can sometimes be inaccurate - always check the real dimensions.
Bring a measuring tape to test future furniture layouts.

Good flow isn't cosmetic. It’s the foundation of a functional, grounded home.

2. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER & QUALITY

In Scandinavian homes, details matter.

Look closely at:

Joinery, mouldings, timber floors, and existing craftsmanship.
Window proportions and door heights.
What can be restored, and what could (or should) be upgraded without losing the character that gives Scandinavian architecture its timeless appeal.

Good bones matter more than good styling.

3. CONDITION & HIDDEN ISSUES

This is where buyers often feel the most anxiety - and rightly so.

Inspect for:

Moisture, uneven floors, poor ventilation.
Outdated electrical or plumbing systems.
Cosmetic “quick fixes” covering deeper problems.

Before dreaming about paint colours and marble countertops, you must understand the technical realities. As an architecture studio, this is where our expertise becomes invaluable - identifying what’s urgent, what’s manageable, and what’s financially unwise.

4. KITCHEN & BATHROOM FEASIBILITY

Two of the most expensive rooms to renovate, especially in Sweden.

Consider:

Whether moving a kitchen or bathroom is actually possible (sometimes the answer is a clear “no”).
The location of plumbing and drainage.
Heritage restrictions in older Scandinavian buildings.
Budget versus the real scope of work.

A luxury result requires realistic planning.

5. STORAGE & PRACTICALITY

Scandinavian design is built on intelligent simplicity.

Look for:

Opportunities for bespoke joinery and concealed storage.
Niches or awkward corners that could become functional.
What can be added without compromising the home’s architectural integrity.

Beautiful living requires practical thinking.

6. LIGHT & ORIENTATION

Light is everything in Scandinavian architecture.

Notice:

How daylight moves through the rooms.
Window direction and ceiling height.
What you see through the windows - and what you wish you saw.

Light shapes mood, atmosphere, and the feeling of home.

7. MONEY, TIME & LIFESTYLE REALITIES

Every dream home requires investment - financially, emotionally, and logistically.

Ask yourself:

How much are you prepared to invest in renovations? It’s almost always more than you expect.
Where will you live during the renovation?
What is the impact on your time, energy and relationships?
What is the return - emotionally and practically, once the home becomes what you envision?

Renovation isn’t just a project; it’s a journey.

OUR PRE-PURCHASE CONSULTATION

Expert support from a Scandinavian Architecture & Interior Design Studio before you buy. If you’re standing at the edge of a big decision, wondering what’s possible - and what might be hiding beneath the surface, our Pre-Purchase Consultation brings the clarity you need.

In a one-hour online session, you meet directly with our founder, Amelie Mogard, an architect and interior designer with experience across Sweden, Stockholm, Visby, and international luxury projects. Together, you review your property’s drawings and available information before your viewing, so you arrive informed, confident and prepared.

WHAT WE COVER:

Realistic layout changes
Feasibility of reconfiguring key rooms
Renovation potential and limitations, especially in older Swedish buildings
Daylight, flow, and structural considerations
Storage and bespoke joinery opportunities
Hidden risks and potential money pits
Honest insights to support your investment decision

INCLUSIONS

1-hour online consultation
Review of property drawings and available information
Tailored architectural and interior design guidance
Advice you can use immediately or carry into a future full design project

READY TO VIEW YOUR POTENTIAL NEW HOME WITH CONFIDENCE?

You can book your Pre-Purchase Consultation directly through our website. Your future home deserves a thoughtful beginning. Let us guide you there.

What to Consider Before Buying a Home - An Architect’s Perspective