Reinventing Stockholm's 1930's Egna Hem Style
Though Sweden's Egna Hem movement began in the 1930's, the style is still fresh and current. And worth exploring. Egna hem (translating literally into “own home”) was an architectural movement in 1930's Stockholm of small standardized owner-occupied houses. Because the original occupants built the structures themselves, the houses have a style that is highly-functional as well as comfortable and unassuming. These design elements have resurged in popularity for dwellers who want to create a home that is chic but accessible--and affordable. The following photos highlight Swedish-modern egna hem hints for your, yes!, own home.
Clean architectural lines meet with a cozy functionality. This space has been created meticulously and yet looks very lived in. The bookshelves and photos add warmth and detail, kept uncomplicated by their organized arrangement. And that hallway lighting, oh man.
Here the modern white cabinetry creates a simple (but in no way boring) visual interest. The window, the warm hardwood flooring, and the countertop items left out for use all give the space a modern Swedish look with warmth.
A similar kitchen palate with stainless steel detail. Note how functional yet ordered the kitchen looks. To me it gives the impression that a very fine meal might appear at any moment, without the chaos or the massive post-dessert clean-up.
Though this is . . . grander than the usual egna hem detailing, an important element of the style is to keep the quirky mouldings and designs that give a house its soul. Adding your own layers to the originality of the home is what will make it yours.
Yes, live-able is an important word. Sparse and well-chosen details, such as the curtains, the wallpaper, the antique pram, personalize these already charming kinds of spaces.
Josef Frank, Swedish Modern designer in the 1930s, would likely highly approve of this amazing room that combines bright colors, unconventional structure, and comfort. Though completely reconstructing your living room to have more interesting structure might be out of the question, think simply: paint and upholstery. Imagine this room without the paint or green seating.
And, yes, it is the shape, color, and design that creates noteworthy rooms like these [love the fireplace] but it is also the atmosphere that invites the inhabitant to curl up and LIVE in it, such as this room, which seems perfect for visitng for hours.