We usually only post stuff that really inspire us here at Trendey (or pics from our own projects) but there is an interior design phenomena I just can’t leave uncommented. The white ‘light and fresh’ Swedish (or Stockholmish) interior style is wildly, almost insanely, acclaimed. I know a lot of you love it too. This style is not just a trend in Stockholm, it’s a norm. White, white, white…Increasingly though, the norm has been questioned – thank god – by people who love colours, creativity and a homey atmosphere. When the chips are down, the white hygenic/’industrial’ style is all but a cosy place to curl up and recharge in. It is actually more like a box to keep in robots in, or like “ER with a kitchen”, than a home. I think these pics takes the biscuit. They raise the stakes and somehow says it all. A kitchen fully wrapped in tiles. How clean, light and fresh! ;)

| via Emmas designblogg |

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=816943415 Lilly Jones

    Hear, hear!! I ? Trendey :)

  • http://twitter.com/2hounds Dane Caldwell

    Nope all that tile makes it too sterile for me.

  • http://design-vox.com Christina

    Wait, I’m confused. Do you like this room, or not? I saw it on Emma’s blog and had mixed reations. I really love the all-white Stockholm look, but I think I mostly like the idea of it. It has inspired me to integrate white into my home more, but I would never be able to have a completely white-washed room. I commented on Emma’s blog stating that I felt this room was a little much for my tastes. All the tile is a little overwhelming. I can appreciate it for its boldness, but I would not want to live in it. It’s nice to look at though!

  • Mia

    Thank you all so much for commenting!

    Yes, I do not like it. It is a phenomena – a trend – a norm – very much celebrated and I do not judge its supporters (*at all* – style is, like you said Eve; personal) I just needed to shed light on it. Me personally, find no comfort, no fun, no belonging and certainly no spirit – no inspiration – in a home/interior design like that. White tiles, in Henen’s winged words “public toilet tiles” ;) _all over_, takes the Swedish whiteness to an extreme – which made these pics especially interesting. It’s an extension of a style that (Swedish) people have come to know as “right”. I detest “rights”. There are no rights, no rules! I cherish close-to-the heart-decor. Like I cherish people who dress they way they love not the way they “should” according to some trend or prevailing idea of what looks good right now. Still, trends are there to inspire, imho.

    I guess this, in a way, boils down to why Trendey was named “trend-ey”.com and not “trendy” – a love for the inspiration and progress interior trends can bring, as opposite to just perpetuating the trending norm or style. And yes, these pics tipped over the Scandi-clean-white-industrial edge, and pointed to the core of what interior design is all about.

  • Eve

    I totally agree with you Mia, thanks for sharing your view! and Dane too, and Christina, this is not interior design at all, just sterile and inhuman. Who would want to live like that?! Well that’s my opinion, style is personal isnt it!!

  • elisabeth-thomas

    CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DECORATE THIS KITCHEN ?! *lol* I know what your saying Mia, I second it. its too much same of the same. Im a creative gal who loves to be inspired and find new ideas and I dont find them in white tiles. either. you did this only to get some discussion didnt you? :-;

    have a lovely weekend, and dont you ever stop blogging! :o

  • Dia

    I saw these photos today at Emma’s design blog and have some mixed feelings. Really cool but nothing to try at home! I had not thought about ER until you said!

  • http://design-vox.com Christina

    Thank you for responding Mia. I really love hearing other people’s thoughts on stuff like this. I largely credit Swedish interior design as the catalyst that led me to love and obsess over design the way I do now. But it is important that I not let that sentiment keep me from challenging my own perceptions of Swedish or any other design. There are other styles that can also be classified as Swedish or Scandinavian that I am drawn to much more than the white-washed look. For example I LOVE the Swedish stylist Cia Wedin. She uses all kinds of colors! :)

    It is so interesting to think about living in a country where a look like the one above is accepted and praised and thought of as the norm. In the United States there are so many wildly varying opinions about what interior style is best, but I seriously doubt there are many of us who would see the above room and call it “normal” or “right”. Wow I should be careful speaking for this whole massive nation. Haha.

  • Hanna

    I also think the popular Swedish interior style is too cold and sterile. Silly how popular it is!!

  • Mia

    Again thank you so much for commenting! Great to hear your opinions.

    Agree fully Christina – there are many lovely and inspiring versions of Swedish and Scandinavian style. I’m especially fond of the Swedish folk style, influenced by Carl Larssons work from the turn of the century before last. With mild colours, handicrafts, light wood and lots of flowers in a homey atmosphere. And the old Mora clocks, etc. Cia Wedin, which I think is really great too!, uses some of those features.

    Besides that I personally am not attracted to a whitish clean, industrial style, as a home environment (- nor do I fancy the überpopular white shabby chic style) – I oppose its hegemony. I guess it’s an inherent complexity of strong trends – they can be elevated to Law or the only truth of what is right =) It is surely boring to watch all the uniform white decor in this country.

    Hah, it’s a thrilling thought experience to see all the US homes decorated in industrial white! The comparison highlights some characteristics of our small country and Swedishness. The tendency to follow trends, to feel safe in a “right” concept and on the whole – not to be odd or special.

    Perhaps it is significant that the list of typical Swedish features usually include anxiety, conformity, fear of conflict and envy….;)

  • Lovisa

    I couldn´t agree more, I´m so sick and tired of the ‘industrial´ style I see it EVERYWHERE!! Interesting topic. I want to see more creative and personal interior designs.

  • http://www.accordiondoorstore.com Accordion Door

    Totally different and beautiful! Yes, it thus look like an ER but there was something in the way it was designed and made that makes it look fresh and spotless!

  • Jen_bauer

    Hi Mia!

    Could you advise me on what hotel to choose in Stockholm? I am going on a 5 day trip in octobre. I want it to be central and good price and comfortable.

    Love your blog! Also I agree those kitchens are not nice. xo Jen Bauer

  • http://trendey.com Mia

    Hello Jen! Since I’ve lived in Stockholm for almost 3 years now, I have very few *recent* hotel experiences here….but my favourite hotel (when I lived up north) was Freys Hotel. Always stayed there: http://www.freyshotels.com/freyshotel/default-en.html It’s very central and (at least it *used to be*) good in every aspect. It has a nice belgian restaurant next to it.

    Another hotel I have heard people liking is Story Hotel. http://www.storyhotels.com/ It has some great interior design (boho-chic and at times really quirky and fun) as one can see from their photos and it’s located in Östermalm, a fancy area. Thinks that’s about all I can say at the mo – hope you’ll have a great stay!

    Oh, and thanks. Happy you like Trendey :)) /Mia