In the last couple of years grey seems to have largely been replaced by beige as the neutral of choice, but I still think grey interiors can be beautiful – and this home is a stunning example of how to make them work. Located in Saltsjöbaden in the Stockholm Archipelago, it’s elegant, timeless and inviting, with a wonderful interplay between warmer and cooler colours and materials.
Throughout, steely greys are offset by wooden accents, which appear in both the furniture and the architectural details of the building. Floors and ceilings are clad in timber, while large wood-framed picture windows provide far-reaching views over the surrounding area and bring in plenty of natural light. What’s more, radiators and heating vents have been hidden behind slatted panelling, adding another wooden element as well as doubling as shelf space for lamps, ceramics and the like.
In the living room, a charcoal-grey sofa sits against a paler grey wall, with a pair of abstract paintings creating a tonal look. Sheer white curtains, beige linen cushions and a pair of oak-framed easy chairs break things up, while an angular black coffee table adds a bit of depth and structure. I particularly love the way the ceiling joists have been left exposed – a detail that’s extended to the covered balcony beyond, providing another interesting connection between inside and out.
Steps lead from the sitting area up to the kitchen-diner, which sits on a mezzanine level behind a half-height wall, ensuring some separation between the two spaces without disrupting the airy, open-plan feel. The same palette is used here, with dark grey units, an oak dining table and classic Hans J. Wegner oak ‘Wishbone’ chairs. The mottled stone counters echo the tops of the heating covers elsewhere in the house, and the units merge seamlessly into a built-in window seat with cupboards underneath – perhaps my favourite detail in the whole house.
Dark charcoal grey appears again in the main bedroom, in the form of an upholstered headboard and sleek storage units. There’s also more white and beige linen, adding to the sense of quiet relaxation. The windows are positioned to make the most of the views, with a wide panorama to the front and a glimpse of the trees to the side, and have discreet roller blinds that can be pulled down for privacy.
The house also features a home office with the same beautiful mix of grey and oak, as well as a sanctuary-like second bedroom with a low-slung daybed and a versatile Eames side table from Vitra – the perfect spot for coffee, naps or maybe a bit of yoga. Both are accessed via a hallway with bespoke cupboards, providing plenty of room to hide things away and maintain the calm, clutter-free air.
Finally, I have to mention the lighting, which has been done very cleverly throughout. Unobtrusive black downlighters – often hidden between ceiling joists – create plenty of ambient light, while low-hung pendants and adjustable wall, floor and table lamps provide additional task lighting over desks, chairs, sinks and tables. They’re complemented by more sculptural lamps, among them the Flos ‘Gatto’ and Fredericia ‘Meadow’, which act as softer mood lighting and form an integral part of the decor. It’s a great example of how to design an effective lighting scheme, and it only adds to the house’s appeal.
How about you? What do you think of the colours and materials used here? And could this home tempt you back towards grey…?
Photography via Wrede
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