Get inspired by Unique Homes – Marie-Louise Sjögren
Lighting by Jean Royère, chair art déco, French folding table 19th century and candlesticks by Estrid Ericson.
Unique homes Marie-Louise Sjögren
Photography Pär Olofsson
› Sculpture by Runa Bülow-Hübe
In a beautiful art nouveau building from 1914, interior designer and gallery owner Marie-Louise Sjögren lives with her husband and three children. She calls herself a junky for history and storytelling and has a deep passion for antiques and objects with a story to tell which reflects her unique home in Stockholm that is inviting and elegant yet playful.
Tell us about your home?
Our home is a playful, warm and happy place where my husband and I live with our three little children. It’s an amazing art nouveau building from 1914 that we spent a year and a half restoring and renovating to fit our needs.
What’s your idea of a home?
My idea of a home is to create a happy place! An inviting and warm, beautiful, in some ways practical but most of all cosy place.
” The apartment is located in an art nouveau building from 1914 where we spent a year and a half restoring and renovating to fit our needs but above all to restore the original architecture ”
› French table 19th century, Italian ceiling lamp from the 60s, daybed by Josef Frank, mirror designed by Marie-Louise Sjögren and the table lamp Taccia for Flos.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I would describe it as elegant and decadent but inviting.
Your favourite part of your home?
Ah, I think it depends on the season! In the late spring and summertime, I love to open all windows in our living room and enjoy the breeze and sun flowing in from the big park Humlegården. Lay on the deep couch with my kids and almost feel like we are up in the air with treetops and blue sky. In the fall and winter, I prefer to be the centre of attention behind the kitchen island and enjoy the view of friends and family in the connecting lounge and bar area, as I love cooking and entertaining.
In what way does your personality reflects your home?
I would say in many ways. I designed it and it hosts my loved ones so of course, I made it feel warm, welcoming and fun!
What inspires you?
Travelling, movies, books, conversations with new people, conversations with old friends, great music and dancing. Inspiration is found in happy moments.
› Lighting by Jean Royere, Liljevalchs sofa and stool by Josef Frank, coffee table by Hans J. Wegner, Norwegian sports cabin chairs and rug by Märta Måås-Fjetterström. Oil painting by Gerhard Nordström.
› Armchair Aulanko by Märta Blomstedt, floor lamp and stool by Josef Frank.
Tell us about an art piece or object that means a lot to you?
I must say the oil painting “Sjöfåglar” by Swedish artist Bruno Liljefors that we bought last year. I’ve been in love with his work since I was a child and saw his similar paintings at Thielska Galleriet in Stockholm. They reminded me of my heritage from my mother’s family growing up in the Stockholm archipelago. I have this really weak spot for national romanticism.
What are you looking for at auctions?
Basically, anything with the right kind of patina, shape or material. Swedish Allmoge, Swedish Grace, Art Déco but also modern design in interesting materials and shapes can be fun in the right mix and context.
› Chair ”Lovö” by Axel Einar Hjorth.
” I look for anything with the right kind of patina, shape or material – Swedish folk art, Swedish Grace, Art Déco but also modern design in interesting materials and shape can be fun in the right context ”
› Armchairs 637 Utrecht by Gerrit Rietveld. Oil painting by Ove Pihl.
› Sofa designed by Josef Frank. Hanging wall lighting by Michael Anastassiades.
› Red lacquered chair by Josef Frank, Italian mirror 40s. Dining room group by Josef Frank and carpet designed by Marie-Louise Sjögren for Vandra.
Why are you drawn to old objects?
Because I’m a junkie for history and storytelling. Imagine the different rooms an old writing desk has been in and all the letters having been written on it. Or all the meals and conversations have taken place around a 300-year-old dining table! What’s not to love about that... All the layers of history and design. I fantasise a lot…
What was the latest thing you bought at an auction?
A large folding table from the late 18th century.
What can’t you live without?
Of course, my children and husband. The rest is, even though loved, just material and replaceable. But a really dear object of mine is the large sculpture in our hallway by Runa Bülow-Hübe, who studied for Carl Milles. It's so strong and powerful.
” My favourite painting is ”Sjöfåglar” by Swedish artist Bruno Liljefors – I’ve been in love with his work since I was a child and saw similar paintings by him at Thielska Galleriet in Stockholm. They reminded me of my heritage from my mother’s family growing up in the Stockholm archipelago. I have this really weak spot for national romanticism ”
› Swedish wall sconces, 1940s. Oil painting by Bruno Liljefors.
› Headboard, pillow and bedspread designed by Marie-Louise Sjögren. Lighting by Arne Jacobsen and mirror, 18th century.
Your top three favourite spots in Stockholm?
First I would say the art museum Thielska Galleriet on Djurgården. The setting is absolutely breathtaking with the beautiful sculpture park surrounding the villa that hosts the most amazing collection of Scandinavian National Romanticism with paintings and sculptures by Carl Larsson, Eugene Jansson and Bruno Liljefors to mention a few. It’s the dreamiest combination of architecture, art and interior. Light, bright but yet dramatic
Second will be a lunch at restaurant Prinsen. Its’ atmosphere is great this time of year and I eat Biff Rydberg with a glass of red wine.
Third has to be a visit to the interior store and institution Svenskt Tenn. A beautiful world of warm interior design that always inspires me.
What book are you reading at the moment?
Unfortunately, only bedtime stories for my children.
Till Marie-Louise Instagram
