A new hotel – a luxury and homey guesthouse – is soon to be opened in Stockholm. It’s called Ett Hem (a home) and is situated in the fancy area Lärkstaden in a posh townhouse built in the year 1910. It’s been quite a controversy about this hotel, because the neighbours didn’t want this house to transform into a hotel. But it’s launched, by a venture capitalist, and decorated by the British design star Ilse Crawford. Room rates per night starts at $565/€420 (up to $1 500/€1 100/night), so when this hotel opens in May it might not become the top-chioce for many of us – so this is far from a recommendation – but the interesting part is: the hotel is designed to look and feel like a home. It wants to provide a sense of living at home, rather than at a (ordinary) hotel. And how does Home Is Where the Heart Is – Ilse Crawford do this? Considering how she made a home out of this historic buildning in Somerset, my expectations are huge. The first pics of a room can be glanced at Icon magazine. This is, I think, the best pic:
Very well, home-like for sure! Love the curtains. Many hotels are actually very nice & homey these days so I’m not overwhelmed. But maybe when it’s ready in its 12 versions, it knocks me off the chair. Speaking of interior designer Ilse Crawford, here’s 4 of her best advices for homey decor:
- Consider how your life looks like. Don’t start from functions, consider instead what it is that you really, really enjoy doing. If you love to cook together with your friends, make sure that your kitchen has room for it.
- Home is a place to socialize with friends, family, relatives and children. A home that requires that every single thing is in its right place is a nightmare, so decorate to make it look ok even if it is a bit messy. Messy is OK – it’s part of life!
- It is not enough that the couch has the right price, size and appearance. Are you sure you really want to sit in it? There are modern sofas with low backs that are so uncomfortable that those who bought them rather sit in bed.
- Opt for safe cards that provide a homely feel: some old or inherited things, curvy furniture, rocking chairs, table lamps, rugs, sheepskins and soft fabrics like velvet or wool. Choose things that feel good, not only look good.
