Natural tones and colorful kitchen: house in Sweden

Previous residents had lived here for quite some time – more than twenty years. But this house in the town of Salt-ho Bu, east of Stockholm, is actually very old: it was built in 1785. The house has 220 square meters, two floors, eight rooms, and a layout typical for such homes: the first floor includes the kitchen and common areas, while the second floor is traditionally reserved for bedrooms. There's also a library and a small study for quiet work.

The appearance of the restored two-hundred-year-old house, together with the equally charming old trees surrounding it, suggested which palette to choose when designing the interior. However, even inside, there were guiding elements for color choices. For example, the original doors with old locks and a true rarity – a fireplace lined with tiles depicting royal lilies, just like those on the fireplace tiles.

Swedish stylist Sofie Gonnev, who designed the interior, immediately noted the dominant earth and wood tones in the house and complemented them with ochre, copper, and brick tones in furniture, accessories, and decor elements.

In selecting furniture, the stylist focused on comfort and relaxation: if sofas, then multi-seater ones with a pile of cushions; if chairs, then with comfortable rounded backs, and an obligatory rocking chair. Sofie paid a lot of attention to local lighting.

The second floor is calmer and more peaceful thanks to the dominant use of white. But still, not a step away from the main color scheme.

If all living rooms are decorated in one style, the kitchen turned out to be more vibrant and slightly different.

Firstly, the backsplash: it was tiled with small cobalt-toned tiles, some with a pattern of royal lilies, just like on the fireplace tiles. Secondly, one wall was painted with graphite paint, and next to the stuccoed fireplace, this contrast looks particularly colorful. Finally, warm metal tones of mixer taps, lights, stove knobs, and saucepans blend beautifully with the natural color palette of the interior, where each color fits perfectly and harmonizes with the rest.

LayoutRead also: Cozy Swedish house with three bedrooms and a picturesque fireplace, 10 ideas for country homes you'll love, Pros and cons of graphite paint in interiors