Houzz Tour: Sweetness and Light in a Swedish Family Home
Generous doses of white make a bright background for energetic wallpaper patterns, splashes of bright color and playful accessories
Vanessa Brunner
September 30, 2012
Houzz Editorial Staff
With a tasteful blend of clean, Swedish design and subtle bursts of color, Anna and Richard Wright have made their small home in Stockholm, Sweden, a playful retreat for their family of five. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Telefonplan, this 1,120-square-foot home combines midcentury Scandinavian furniture with U.K.-inspired decor — a tribute to Swedish Anna's and British Richard's roots. Vintage lighting and childlike touches complete the home's cheerful look.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Anna and Richard Wright, their 3 young children and 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Size: 104 square meters (1,120 square feet); 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Photography by Lisbet Spörndly
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Anna and Richard Wright, their 3 young children and 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Size: 104 square meters (1,120 square feet); 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Photography by Lisbet Spörndly
While many modern homes embrace the open living plan, the Wrights actually put up a wall between the kitchen and the living room, because the long space felt uncomfortable for the family. "It felt like a showroom, not a home," says Anna. Graphic wallpaper makes the wall a fun accent.
Wallpaper: Isak; wooden storage unit: Tradera; blue chair: vintage
Wallpaper: Isak; wooden storage unit: Tradera; blue chair: vintage
Most of the pieces came from from local charity shops and flea markets. "We love to decorate with things that have a soul," says Anna. The kitchen wallpaper, from the 1960s, is an online find. Because the paper was so delicate, the family hired a professional to help put it up.
The pink lamp over the dining table is one of Anna's favorite purchases — only 200 of these Bumling lamps were made in this color in 2011. The splash of feminine color completely changes the room's vibe.
Pink light: Ateljé Lyktan; table: Ikea
The pink lamp over the dining table is one of Anna's favorite purchases — only 200 of these Bumling lamps were made in this color in 2011. The splash of feminine color completely changes the room's vibe.
Pink light: Ateljé Lyktan; table: Ikea
While much of the kitchen is original to the home, Anna laid it out to work well for her family. The large table can easily seat everyone and is tucked away from the kitchen counter, "so I don't have to look at the mess after cooking," says Anna.
The layout maintains some floor space for the kids to play on while Anna and Richard relax after dinner.
The layout maintains some floor space for the kids to play on while Anna and Richard relax after dinner.
The Wrights have enjoyed infusing their playful personalities into this home, creating and customizing many of the accessories — including this great Lego box for kitchen utensils, made by Anna.
They hope to eventually change out the cupboards and flooring in the kitchen. "We love how it's designed, but it would be nice to change it into a retro kitchen," says Anna. "The dream would be a checkerboard floor with soft white and gray tiles."
They hope to eventually change out the cupboards and flooring in the kitchen. "We love how it's designed, but it would be nice to change it into a retro kitchen," says Anna. "The dream would be a checkerboard floor with soft white and gray tiles."
Ikea storage lockers keep CDs organized. The panels allow for a changing display of CD covers — one of Richard's favorite features.
The three children love to get involved in the home's design, often creating adorable accessories out of beads and fabric.
The three children love to get involved in the home's design, often creating adorable accessories out of beads and fabric.
White walls keep the small hallways feeling fresh and bright. This playful pendant from Barcelona casts scattered shadows.
Another piece of artful wallpaper, from Hanna Werning, plays off the color of an Ikea sofabed in a small family room. The couple found the print of New York City at an art fair at the nearby School of Art in Stockholm. A vintage pendant adds an elegant touch.
A vintage red Ikea pendant adds color to this entry hallway, while a framed piece of Marimekko fabric complements a gallery wall of family photos and art.
All the Wright children share a room. The two older children sleep on an Ikea bunk bed, while the youngest snoozes in a simple Ikea crib on the other side of the room.
Anna made the children's bedding out of vintage fabric. A desk from her grandfather's old office provides storage and brings family sentiment to this sweet space.
Banners: Jaglekerträd
Anna made the children's bedding out of vintage fabric. A desk from her grandfather's old office provides storage and brings family sentiment to this sweet space.
Banners: Jaglekerträd
Hand-carved stools from Stockholm engraved with the children's names line the end of the room. The dresser on the right is an old piece from Anna's parents' home; she and one of her daughters painted it pink.
Crib, rugs: Ikea
Crib, rugs: Ikea
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