Inspiration/Turn of the century

Turn of the century – interiors in older Swedish homes

Homes with original details – cornicing, panelled doors and parquet – meeting modern interiors. The rooms show how older spaces can be used today.

Salongsrum i sekelskifteslägenhet med pardörrar, vit marmorspis, inbyggda bokhyllor, fiskbensparkett och fåtöljer i bouclé och terrakotta

In a turn-of-the-century home, the architecture is already part of the interior. Stucco, panelled doors and herringbone parquet do the work — the rest is about not competing with them.

The feeling

Ceiling height and windows lead the room. Furniture can sit lower than it would in a modern space so that the height of the walls remains visible. Symmetry works, but it should be broken in at least one place so the room does not feel like a museum.

The colours

Off-white and greige against white woodwork. A more muted colour — green, blue or brown — in one room adds character without taking attention away from the original details.

The materials

Pine and oak floors, marble and limestone in kitchens and bathrooms, brass in hardware and lighting. Wool and linen in textiles. New materials are allowed to look new; that is more honest than imitation.