In the 1920s, within a historically rich building in Stockholm, there was an apartment long forgotten by time. Fortunately, the skilled hands of Note Design Studio have breathed new life into it. This is not just a simple renovation, but a profound tribute to history and art.
The original features of the apartment had been stripped away, but the Note team did not give up. They faced a significant challenge: how to restore the original floor patterns, plaster ceiling contours, radiator covers, and window frames within a 3,700-square-foot space, while also rethinking the entire functional layout. What seemed like a simple task was, in fact, exceedingly complex, requiring meticulous observation and exceptional execution.
Upon entering the apartment, the first thing that catches the eye is the light-colored parquet floor, with subtle variations in color that are striking. Following the diagonal lines, one can easily trace the floor's pattern, resembling a mysterious labyrinth. The design of the fireplace is particularly unique, with curved bands of blue-green Brännlyckan marble wrapping around it, creating a vivid contrast with the floor and establishing a distinctive atmosphere.
The bathrooms are another highlight, with the three largest ones adorned with different types of Swedish marble, each exuding its own charm. The smallest bathroom features tiles made from mosaic fragments, practical yet full of creativity.
In the living room, large furnishings like the hefty coffee table and oversized spherical decorations complement the intricate details throughout. The door frames are crafted in an Art Deco style, meticulously made by local carpenters, each element rich in artistry. The overall color palette of the apartment is soft and understated, yet vibrant items and elements are cleverly scattered throughout the spaces, becoming visual focal points.
Notably, the apartment also houses iconic vintage designs, such as Gerrit Rietveld's Zig Zag chair, Frank Gehry's Wiggle stool, and the Luminator lamp by the Castiglioni brothers—classics in the design world. These distinctive pieces resonate with the apartment's details, creating a space that is both retro and modern, comfortable yet brimming with artistic flair.
Note Design Studio's renovation not only revitalizes this historic building but also invites a renewed appreciation for the perfect blend of retro and modern, tradition and innovation. This apartment is not merely a living space; it is a work of art filled with stories and emotions.