“In Sweden, we have this concept called Jantelagen,” says Joanna Laven. “It means that you should not think that you are better at something than anyone else.” Because of this, Swedes are not likely to outsource parts of their lives with nannies, cleaning support, and, notably, interior designers. To the Swedish, it is hard to be proud of something you did not design yourself. Luckily for designers Laven and David Walgren, citizens of the Scandinavian nation are beginning to realize that designers can help a space reach its full potential.
Walgren and Laven collaborated on this late 19th-century Stockholm apartment on Strandvägen, a sought-after waterfront boulevard. Typically, Swedish design is not too showy, with a focus on simplicity and minimalism. These clients, however, had a penchant for grand interiors, albeit ones with clear taste. Because of their busy work lives, they wanted space to unwind in, and a space that felt like home. Zeroing in on what exactly is the clients’ vision is “almost like being a shrink,” comments Laven. Often, she finds herself asking: “What do you like? How can we channel that throughout the space?” The result of her collaborative mindset are interiors that often appear more warm and striking than what one might expect. (Read more.)
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2 comments:
I think that cold is a problem that can be easily sorted. But relatively small spaces and relative lack of light for months at a time require more consideration. So I would normally think that Stockholm residences would have simple interiors and light colours written all over them. Perhaps the waterfront view made the difference. Perhaps Walgren and Laven showed that minimalism was not necessary. I am not sure.
Thank you, Hels, for your reflection.
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