When flicking through glossy design magazines and seeing some truly stylish homes it’s easy to dismiss it as not attainable as well as not suitable for living with children. But there are certain tricks to follow to achieve a truly elegant family home. We are taking you on a house tour today – and also sharing how you can get the look!
This sophisticated design led home is situated in the hills above, and only a short stroll away from, the charming town centre of Helsingborg in Sweden. The ground floor apartment sits within a three storey town house, build in early 20th century.
There’s original wood floors throughout, tall ceilings and large sash windows. Original period features and ornamentation as well as two large fire places are all intact. The generous sized rooms are separated by large double doors, also original to the period.
Although we are craving lighter, paler tones in 2016, darker tones on the wall remain best where natural light is lacking. In comparison darker walls enhance the light wooden floor as well as making the most out of the daylight streaming through the windows.
The east facing dining room has therefor been painted in Farrow & Ball Studio Green which feels totally timeless and has an artisan feel to it. The skirting boards is painted in Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball, matching the original fireplace as well other ornaments. The draped full length curtains are custom, double layered in luxurious cotton velvet. Antiques and art have been carefully combined with modern design classics.
The south facing living room is normally flooded in sunshine and is therefor painted in a typical Scandinavian white. The room has been furnished with timeless design classics. To complete the look the owner has decorated with luxurious textiles, such as the large berber style authentic vintage Beni Ouarain rug in black and white and dark velvet curtains alongside the large contemporary portrait from Java. Together with the tall ceilings and original wooden floor, the room is sophisticated yet minimalistic with its monochrome timeless Scandinavian style.
The owner chose to replace all the door knobs with solid ebony beehive period door handles with brass from Architectural Decor. These are completely in line with the original feel, still with a contemporary twist.
Antiques and art have been collected by the owners on their travels and from time spent living abroad. The large oil on canvas portrait in the master bedroom is from Ubud in Bali. Together with the animal skin on the bed the master bedroom, painted in French Gray from Farrow & Ball, is a personal, calm and beautiful retreat.
The children’s bedroom, again south facing has been painted in a delightful light yet warm, blushing pink colour called Setting Plaster from Farrow & Ball.
The Swedish shelving system String was created back in 1949 and is today a functional and minimalistic design classic as well as a highly functional and versatile piece of furniture. The modular system can create storage for any space or room. We found the String as stylish open storage solution in the kitchen. But also the children’s bedroom had a combined book case and desk from String. The beauty about the String is that this is a piece of furniture that would last. You can dissemble and bring it along to other places and new homes. If you buy a shelving unit for your child and they can actually bring it with them when they leave the nest. The design is timeless and so minimal thus easily combined with other design and decor.
The apartment is furnished with antiques as well as new design for a eclectic and sophistaced style. There is a focus on the late 1950’s to early 1960’s with the most prominent pieces being the Egg chair and ottoman in the living room designed by Arne Jacobsen and the large Floss pendant in the dining room by Gino Sarfatti – both original design from 1958. Worth mentioning is that this Egg chair is a special ltd edition for Arne Jacobsen 50th anniversary. The floor lamp in the living room is a original Serge Mouille. Also notable is 7 Series chairs in leather by Arne Jabosen and the Eames DSR chairs, seen both in the dining room as well as in the kitchen.
The apartment is situated in a quiet residential area, on a leafy street nestled with town houses between large communal gardens. The private terrace is a brilliant space to entertain guests with some al fresco dining from sunrise to sunset. Or just to enjoy a coffee and some quiet time on your own.
The owner Marion Reynolds, probably best known as the Creative Director of the high end luxury brand Pale Cloud has also ventured into interior design. Her family home in Sweden displays her flair and creative talent, from colours and textiles to the the carefully selected choice of furniture, with a high level of attention to details. The result is a bright, open family home, where friends and neighbours are always welcome.