Stockholm Directory - Bokslukaren - Mariatorget Sodermalm

My sisters-in-law introduced me to this lovely little kids' bookstore in Stockholm's Mariatorget in Sodermalm.  I wanted to add it to the Stockholm Directory because it is a nice place to be.  I know, you're thinking, "but Ange, what does this have to do with design?".  Nothing.  We'll call it a lifestyle post and leave it at that.  Bokslukaren is a small business that relies on the patronage of locals and a lot of word of mouth.  There is a little cafe in the back, which is a cozy place to look at books with the kids and grab your caffeine fix.  And if you're an expat like me with very limited Swedish, then (some of) the books here are close to your level.  Side Note:  I was getting confident that I could read Swedish as I've been able to translate a particular kid's book into English for my 4 year old (he hates hearing me pronounce Swedish words) but then I picked up a Bamse comic book and was put right back in my place...

Translation just in ... Bokslukaren means eating books or to enjoy reading lots of books.  What do we call that in English?  Bookworm?  Anyone got anything better?

Bokslukaren
Mariatorget 2
118 48 Stockholm 
Bokslukaren.com

Stockholm Directory - Indiska

In the spirit of yesterday's post about Indian colour inspiration here's a place to find all kinds of Indian inspired home decor.  Indiska is both a clothing and home decor shop.  They carry the nicest tea mugs as well as some really fun finds - coat hooks, boho curtains and lighting, even crazy chickens. Pop in every now and again to see what's new.

There are Indiska locations all over Sweden.  The website will list the ones closest to you.
www.indiska.com

Stockholm Directory - Två Sekler Present and Inredning

Along Odengatan between Torsgatan and Norrtullsgatan, there is a collection of  antique and curiosity shops. I always find these shops a little more intimidating to browse as they are often very small, cramped and the proprietor is usually a bit of a wild card, so to speak.  I felt  particularly sociable the other day and decided to check out a few of them.  Design Stockholm's latest addition is one of these shops.  Två Sekler Present and Inredning is an eclectic mix of antiques, new and reproduction furniture, lighting and decorative objects.  The proprietor is lovely.  The basement, which houses some of the antique stock, is a small and appropriately charming space dug directly into the stone.  Två Sekler doesn't have a website so this is a place you'll have to check out in person.  You'll likely find a few things you love.

 

 

 

Två Sekler Present and Inredning
Odengatan 94
113 22 Stockholm
tel. 08 31 51 51
mobile. 0709 90 13 12

Stockholm Directory - Tabbouli House

Tabbouli House is a wonderful surprise tucked away on Scheelegatan in Kungsholmen.  With deep red walls, one of my go-to colours,  and a contrasting teal ceiling, it's a far cry from the typical Swedish aesthetic.  The product line is curated with an elegant selection ranging from Moroccan tiles to lighting to cushions and textiles and seasonal decorative finds.  Tabbouli House is the type of place you can go back to again and again.



Tabbouli House

Scheelegatan 4
112 23 Stockholm



Stockholm Directory - Superfront

SUPERFRONT makes doors and counter tops that fit the dimensions of IKEA cabinets and wardrobe systems.  The designs are fantastic and come in an array of colours not carried at IKEA.  The look is clean yet decorative without losing that typical Scandinavian aesthetic.  What I love about this is that it makes things so easy ...  and it's affordable.  Furthermore, if you went with an IKEA kitchen the first time around and now want to update, you can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen in just a few days, for a fraction of the cost ... by yourself (or with a friend)! 





 

Images - superfront.com

Perfect for bedrooms and consoles as well.  They also have a great collection of legs, knobs and pulls.

SUPERFRONT
Tegnergatan 5
111 40 Stockholm
superfront.com



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholm Directory - Jula

Jula's Pre-mixed Line of Paint

Jula is a big chain, self-proclaimed DIY supermarket. The selection ranges from outdoor activities, car supplies, building supplies and electrical.  Jula is great if you are on a budget as the the price point is really low.  The selection in each department is limited but worth taking a look, you may find something you love.  In addition to several fun finds, Jula carries a line of pre-mixed paint.  Nothing fancy but if there's a colour they have that you like, you could save thousands of kronor.  Perhaps after you spend a dark winter here you'll want to paint your entire house white anyway.  There's a very good reason Scandinavians are known for their minimalistic, white interiors.

Tangentvagen 16
14175 Kungens Kurva Stockholm
jula.se

Stockholm Directory - Ljusbutik and Ljushuset

Louis Poulsen Ph5 Pendant

Both the Ljusbutik and the Ljushuset are located in Kungsholmen within walking distance of one another.  The products range from traditional shade lamps to Gustavian inspired crystal and glass chandeliers.  There is of course the quintessential Louis lamp (Louis Poulsen of Scandinavia that is) and some interesting contemporary pieces.  The selection and affordable price point are comparable, so it's really a matter of preference or which is closer to you.  And while we're on the subject Belysning is the Swedish word for lighting.





Ljushuset
Drottningholmsvägen 13
11242 Stockholm
ljushuset.se

 

 

Ljusbutik

Fleminggatan 17

112 26 Stockholm

ljusbutik.se

Bauhaus

There are four Bauhaus warehouses in the Stockholm area. This is Sweden's answer to what North Americans call Home Depot. You will find tools, screws and nails etc., hinges, plumbing, electrical, flooring, wood planks, trim and moulding, plants, lighting, lawn maintenance machines, paint and accessories.  I love these types of stores - big, unpretentious and full of stuff! This is not the place to look for designer originals but it gets the job done, so to speak, and you may find a gem or two.  In fact, I found the greatest beveled tile for a kitchen backsplash at a fantastic price.

Bromma
Bryggerivägen 12 D
16867 Bromma, Stockholm
Telefon: 08- 517 080 00

Barkarby
Enköpingsvägen 41
17738 Järfälla, Stockholm
(Barkarby)
Telefon: 08-5191 91 00

Länna
Gamla Nynäsvägen 600
14251 Länna, Skogås, Stockholm
Telefon: 08-519 19 800

Botkyrka
Segersbyvägen 26
14563 Norsborg, Stockholm
(Botkyrka)
Telefon: 08-534 704 00

Ikea

When talking about Swedish décor shopping it is inevitable that Ikea should come up, so I'll make a small mention here. There are two Ikea locations in the Stockholm area, Barkarby and Kungens Kurva. I have only been to the store at Kungens Kurva, which is apparently the largest Ikea in the world, yet I can tell you, feels like the smallest. It is a circular plan spanning over 4 levels. Aside from the (more) confusing layout, the Kungens Kurva Ikea has everything you expect from Ikea. North Americans may find the restaurant a little surprising. Of course, Ikea caters to local food tradition at their restaurants but the selection in Swedish Ikea is much smaller than that of the North American counterparts. Another interesting discovery for me was that the Ikea grocery store, "The Swedish Food Market" (usually found near the exit), is called "The Swedish Food Market" even in Sweden. So there will be overhead messages about the grocery section in Swedish with the name of the section in English ... are you following me?  Kind of made my head spin a bit at first.

You can take the Ikea shuttle bus from Central Station at Vasagatan 18 every hour on the hour starting at 10am - 7pm - Monday to Friday.  On the way home the bus leaves every hour starting at 10:30am - 7:30pm and makes a few stops along the way in Hornstull, Friedhemsplan, Kungsholms and back to Vasagatan 18 near Central Station.  And it's free.

Ikea Kungens Kurva
 Modulvagen 1
141 08 Kungens Kurva

Ikea Barkarby
Folkungavagen 50
177 35 Jarfalla

Ikea.se

Hötorget - Hötorgshallen Update

 A great way to make your home look and feel fresh is to add fresh flowers.  There are flower stores and kiosks scattered all over Stockholm but I feel like this is the type of thing you want to buy in an open market.  In my opinion, having access to an open air market gives your basic life quality a boost.  The selection is better and the vendors' need to reel you in usually makes them quite animated or super cranky which is also good for a laugh.  Stockholm's open air market, Hötorget* is located just off of Drottninggatan (the pedestrian shopping street) in the courtyard outside the Konserthus, which is painted the prettiest shade of blue.  The majority of what you will find at the market is fruit, vegetables, flowers and luggage (of course?).  And to add to its charm it is a flea market on Sundays!

Hötorget Flower and Fruit and Vegetable Market - Stockholm Directory

Hötorgshallen 

(Update - October 23, 2013)

My home town of Toronto is a multicultural hot spot.  There are "Little insert country"s throughout the city.  ChinaTown, GreekTown, Little India, Little Jamaica, Little Italy, you name it.  Each with its own culturally specific grocery shops.  Grocery shopping can be a lot of fun in Toronto.  But here in Stockholm, I had only ever seen the big name grocery stores with their very limited selection and often not the highest quality ingredients.  I was recently given a little tip from a native of Greece when we were discussing the best place to get olives - Hötorgshallen.  Located in the basement of the movie theatre flanking one side of the outside market, Hötorgshallen is a little market with a great variety of venders selling all sorts of fresh meat, cheese and produce.  Check it out when you are picking up your flowers and produce outside.

 Hötorget* - Hay Market.
 I can only assume that this goes back many centuries to when people would have come to the central part of the city to trade.

Hötorget - Norrmalm

Grandpa

Grandpa - Kungsholmen, Stockholm

 Grandpa is a mix of interior design, antiques, books, fashion and jewellery.  The selection, although sparse in each category, is very well curated.  The shop is decorated with wood and warm, calm colours, and has a cozy feel.  In fact if you want to stick around for a while, there's a café too.  At Grandpa they have successfully bridged the gap between pretentious and, well for lack of a better word, unpretentious.

A quick glance at the things that can be found at Grandpa...

 Team Grandpa Beanie - 400kr ($63..ahem)

And we Canucks call this a toque.








Industrial Chair - 1800kr ($284)

Now that is a great price for such a fantastic piece ... I think we can all agree on that.









Tumbler Glass - 60kr ($9.50)

May seem a little steep for the frugal shopper but I do know of a great cafe in Stora Essingen where they use these for lattes which means these pretty little glasses are tough and up for the challenge.






Grandpa

Fridhemsgatan 43
112 46 Stockholm

Grandpa.se

Kreatima

In advance of this week's DIY, I am posting our inaugural "Stockholm Directory".  Where to go for design, furniture, lighting, crafts or anything inspiring in the central Stockholm area.

But first a little background:

When I first came to Sweden, and even before, I looked over the internet to find resources for myself and for an upcoming renovation.  I couldn't find anything.  But how could this be?  How can the "Capital of Scandinavia", the land of design, only have one interior design store?  You know the one I mean. Well here's the thing about Sweden, pretty much everyone speaks perfect English, but they don't speak English.  If you can't Google in Swedish, you won't find anything.  And then there's the tricky situation with finding a perfect translation.  It can be a very daunting task.

I hope to make things easier for you by charting the places I find.

Kreatima 

 

Where to go in Stockholm -Kreatima - Norrmalm

I originally walked into this store thinking I had finally found an art supply store.  I had been looking for one for some time and a lovely Artist that I had met did refer me to one but I forgot the name and then that language issue came up when I tried to Google it and I was back to square one.  When I stumbled across Kreatima on Kungsgatan near Central Station, I was thrilled to know that I had found a place where I could find the basics; pens, pencils, canvas, paints... but Kreatima has everything.  Everything for small projects, DIY, fine arts and beyond.  They even have mosaic tile, decorative glass film, wall paint and wallpaper by the meter.  You can even get smaller squares of wallpaper that were left over on the roll for 9kr (less than $1.50).  Definitely worth checking out.

Kreatima
Kungsgatan 58
111 22 Stockholm

Kreatima.se