How Swede It Is

Posted by Rebecca,  Senior Home Editor

Armed with insider tips (a guide to Stockholm compiled by the collecting editor at Martha Stewart Living, a shopping guide from Lotta Jansdotter, and a stack of business cards courtesy of my fellow home editor, Shane), my husband and I boarded a plane to Sweden for our first solo trip since having our son, Luca, two years ago. We rented a Volvo (of course) and drove to Sigtuna -- a well-kept secret just 35 minutes north of Stockholm. Situated around a lake, it's Sweden’s oldest town, dating from 980 A.D., and has what is perhaps the smallest and cutest town hall ever.

I suggest staying at the Sigtuna Stadshotell, even if just to enjoy its beauty: classic furniture, smartly designed stationery, and beautiful battleship-grey woodwork ... I think Martha would approve.

Look how smart the Swedes are: Hanging trays make for attractive storage and easy breakfast in bed. I also adored the vintage “Ericofon” phone by Ericsson on our desk.

Next we headed to Stockholm. Our first day trip was to Drottningholm, the royal summer palace. It takes an hour to get there by ferry, but seeing the palace on the approach makes makes every second worth it.

Here's one of my favorite rooms inside. (Forgive the reflection from the glass -- this was as close as I could get with my camera, but at least it was close enough to memorize that blue!)

There is also a papier maché theater lit entirely by candles: truly magical.

Another favorite stop was the guards' tent at the Chinese Pavillion. It's actually not a tent at all, but a rigid structure built to look like one.

Of course, we also had to make a pilgrimage to Ikea, my design Mecca. The Stockholm store was designed like the Guggenheim, and I bought some delicious books there.

I also recommend visiting the Ostermalm Saluhall market hall and having lunch at Lisa Elmquist.

As for H&M: I had to go to three of them, and I am happy to report that we get all of the same things here in the U.S.! Check back tomorrow for many more Swedish finds, including lots of shopping discoveries I can't wait to share!

 

Comments

[emma]

I bought the mentioned book (Beloved Homes) at the IKEA store in Sacramento just this week... in English!

[Tara]

Oh my! My parents have that same telephone and have had it since they moved into their first house back in the early 60's. It's moved with them over the years and I now have dibs on it. How exciting to see that others find it as interesting as I do!

[lisa]

I love the stuff hanging on the walls it reminds me of this idea

[lisa]

I love the stuff hanging on the walls it reminds me of this idea

[J Sandfier]

Very cool stuff!

[Olivia]

I was so excited (and very surprised) to see the cover of that book! I own a pair of pillows like the ones on the cover. I recognize the other ones too. I bought them in Guatemala. They're made in Guatemala, but now I wonder if they stole the patterns and colors from Ikea. (Or was it the other way around?)

[LmL]

everything looks soo streamlined, clean, and beautiful!im def adding sweden to my top places to visit!
cant wait to see what you bought :)

[Adam]

Great post. Please elaborate as I'm taking a very special lady to Stockholm next month for our first vacation together. Food, drinks, sights, and design-related suggestions please!

[lsaspacey]

Thanks, lovely.

I'm still waiting for the English translation of that book to come to the US IKEA stores. When, IKEA, when?

[Victoria E]

How exciting! My life will not be complete until I visit the land of my ancestors (Sweden, of course). Very much looking forward to seeing your great shopping finds.

[Ashlynn]

OOH I loved Sweden! I think there was an H&M on every corner!

[Courtney Baker]

Oh my gracious. The thought of visiting IKEA in Sweden. It's too much to wrap my mind around that thought! Lovely pictures... thanks so much for sharing!

[Ulrika]

Hi!

I'm so happy you like Stockholm! Don't miss out on Skansen, where you can see a lot of ancient Swedish culture, The Hallwyl Palace with it's vast collections, the restaurant at the Modern Museum or Wedholms fisk - a great seafood restaurant!

Ulrika