I always thought that Scandinavians do it better… Stråhattfabriken (Straw Hat Factory) in Stockholm is a real example of this. Dating back from 1886 to 1887, this beautiful heritage listed building was recently redeveloped into stunning apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. Gimme, gimme!

Developers, designers and home buyers – if ever you thought that residential developments had to look generic, impersonal and “blaaaah” – well… you better think again y’all! This is a wonderful example of how a cosy, warm, livable, modern interior (with a classic twist) can be achieved by moving away from typical “beige on “greige” color and material selections, and getting a little bit playful with joinery. Sure, it helps when you have a gorgeous heritage canvas and a flawless bone structure to piggy-pack off, but let’s not kid ourselves here – I’m sure you’ve all seen a fair share of examples of super crappy heritage building redevelopments (those living in Sydney, just think of Mark Foy’s resi building on Goulburn Street. DIRT!) That stuff seriously makes me feel angry and sad all at once. What a waste!

Anyway – note to self – we are here to admire and learn from beauty, not criticize and get all worked up… Calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean… By the way, have you noticed how they cleverly used hats when styling these apartments as a little nod to the history of the original detail? That, my friends, is called clever attention to detail, and I have nothing but extreme love and respect for it.


[Discovered via French By Design. Images via Stråhattfabriken.]



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With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

3 Responses

  1. Lisa Gordon Scott

    Lovely. Scandinavians do do it better!
    Too many times have unimaginative, money hungry developers squeezed hundreds of tiny, boxy flats, with paper thin magnolia walls, into beautiful historic buildings! It’s heart breaking. Rant over. Great post.

    Reply

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