I like to see that a piece has been passed down through many generations and it’s OK if it’s a little damaged, or the fabric isn’t perfect
interior retail outlets, he’s expert at creating inspiring settings that draw people in, and his home is an extension of his work. Each room is carefully curated, allowing furniture and art from the past to sit happily alongside familiar modern items, which helps to balance the budget. It’s not always heritage that makes a piece important, says Björn. What matters to him is how it fits into the style and story of the home. ‘I don’t have to have original pieces,’ he explains. ‘I’m not that kind of collector. I always say that I buy for style. That means I’ll buy a piece that complements something else that I have. I start with a sofa and then add some chairs that match, and suddenly I have a look for a whole room.’
The library is a case in point and it’s the couple’s favourite room. It’s no surprise, as it’s also the room that perfectly captures Björn’s approach to decorating: he’s mixed ingredients such as refurbished Ikea bookshelves with antique oriental rugs bought at auction. Bridging the age gap is a 1930s sofa in a classic 18th- century Swedish style. The modern objects blend with the old so that everything fits together seamlessly.
As with his attitude towards mixing and matching antiques across the ages, Björn is relaxed about a bit of wear and tear. It’s rare that he will restore a piece, preferring what he terms as the ‘country house condition’, where a scratch here or a chip there adds to its intrinsic beauty. ‘I like to see that a piece has been passed down through many generations and it’s OK if it’s a little damaged, or the fabric isn’t perfect. I don’t really like it when everything is in pristine condition. It feels as though the soul has been stripped away.’ ABOVE LEFT The view into the master bedroom reveals a gentleman’s valet stand. Björn and Marcus travel regularly, so the suitcases, handmade in Africa, are in regular use BELOW LEFT The simple four- poster sets off the bedside tables, which Björn inherited from his great-great-aunt