Stockholm
WITH AO/JN
Stockholm is a city where heritage and innovation meet, offering a rich canvas for interior designers. Spread across 14 islands, it balances medieval charm with sleek Scandinavian minimalism. Rooted in simplicity, craftsmanship, and sustainability, Stockholm’s design ethos favours natural materials, muted tones, and timeless aesthetics. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the avant-garde galleries of Skeppsholmen, the city exudes understated luxury. Södermalm and Östermalm pulse with independent studios and concept stores, while institutions like Svenskt Tenn and Nordiska Galleriet continue to shape Swedish interiors. A city of functional beauty and effortless sophistication, Stockholm remains a haven for designers who seek innovation and a deep connection to nature.
january 2025
Words: designeers and ao/jn
a design hotel to STAY IN:
Ett Hem
Ett Hem never fails to impress. The effortless space designed and curated by Ilse Crawford is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Stockholm, where comfort and silent luxury take precedence in every aspect.
A breakfast and coffee stop:
Stora Bageriet
Stora Bageriet offers some of Stockholm's finest pastries and provides the perfect spot for a "fika paus" while exploring the city. Housed in a historic building in Östermalm, this bakery—one of Stockholm's oldest surviving industrial buildings—once produced bread for the army for decades. Today, it's renowned for serving the city's best "semlas," a traditional sweet treat typically enjoyed in February.
Favourite art gallery:
Odem Atelier
ODEM ATELIER is a contemporary art gallery and dealership located in the basement of a 19th century church in central Stockholm. The gallery is run by founder Nikodem Calczynski and represents a juxtaposition between contemporary ceramic artists and antique pieces. It's a great source of inspiration with a mixture of cultures, showing not only Swedish artists but also international ones. We often source pieces for our projects as it fits well within our design approach: the transcendency between the old and the new.
A COCKTAIL or wine BAR:
Tjoget
Tjoget has now been voted one of the best bars in the world for several years and is situated on the hip area of Södermalm. The cocktail bar, with its chic metallic bar and chequerboard floor, draws on influences from southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. My favourite drink is ‘Beets by Tjoget’, with beetroot-infused Absolut Vodka, lemon juice, coconut syrup, ginger juice and grated nutmeg.
an artisan everyone should know about:
Fredrik Nielsen
Fredrik Nielsen is a Swedish glassblower/artist that pushes the boundaries and traditions with glass in his own ways. His pieces are quite raw and can in some ways be brutal, often influenced by graffiti, music and pop culture. What we love about his pieces is that they are made in defiance of what is perceived as perfect; what may appear rough and unfinished remain as part of the final piece. The contrast of this together with a soft, timeless interior space creates a unique mix of two worlds.
A fine dining restaurant:
Persona
Persona offers an incredible dining experience in a beautiful setting designed by our friend and designer Erik Bratsberg. This relatively new Stockholm restaurant takes a unique approach to fine dining, and the space itself is worth visiting—every single detail, from the light fixtures to the tableware, has been thoughtfully considered and custom-designed for the restaurant.
A PLACE TO ADVENTURE OUT OF TOWN:
Artipelag
Artipelag is a museum located in the Stockholm archipelago 30 minutes drive from the city centre. Renowned architect Johan Nyren designed the building to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Clad in pine planks and nestled between trees and cliffs, the structure offers breathtaking views over the water.
YOUR GO-TO BOOKSTORE OR MAGAZINE SHOP:
Papercut
Papercut is a great source of inspiration packed from floor to ceiling with every type of book and magazine you can think of, both local and international publications.
A MUST-VISIT STREET OR NEIGHBOURHOOD FOR DESIGN LOVERS:
Mariaberget
Mariaberget is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Stockholm, and was created/inhabited once Gamla Stan (Old Town) began to overcrowd. It's a beautiful area with cobblestone streets and hills that lead up to Stockholm's best lookout point with 360 degree views of Stockholm. The area not only has beautiful & inspiring architecture with iconic buildings (ex. Laurinska Huset) but also a great art-scene with some of the city's best art galleries, for example Blås & Knåda that house some of Sweden's best sculptors & artists.
THE BEST SPOT FOR A SUNSET VIEW:
Monteliusvägen
Monteliusvägen (at Mariaberget) is the best spot in town for beautiful views of Stockholm. City Hall, the Royal Palace, Old Town, and other landmarks are all visible from the lookout.
Another unique spot for a sunset view is at the top of City Hall which you are able to climb up during the summer months.
Photography credits:
Persona – Erik Bratsberg
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