nordic star
Signe Mörner artfully transformed this former holiday retreat in a Stockholm suburb into a permanent family home
Situated on the outskirts of Stockholm, this former holiday retreat has been transformed into an idyllic family home
Until recently, Stockholm dwellers knew the suburb of Stocksund only as a weekend retreat – somewhere to kick back and relax until Monday morning. But now many city slickers, including Signe Mörner, are realising that this tranquil spot, just a 30-minute bike ride from the city centre, makes the perfect permanent country home, too.
‘Once there were only summerhouses here,’ explains Signe, ‘typical red-brick Fifties homes that were left empty during the week, and some for most of the year. But it’s a truly beautiful location, just eight kilometres from the city with incredible views of the Baltic Sea. I thought to myself, “Why wouldn’t you want to live here all year round?”’ Fortunately, Signe’s husband, Fredrik, agreed, and the pair quickly snapped up a property that was in need of some long-term love and attention.
They renovated the entire place in just 10 months. ‘ We ripped out the kitchen and bathrooms, and moved two of the walls,’ says Signe. ‘We also created an enormous window, which has given us spectacular views of the city lights in the distance, completely changing the feel of the entire house.’
When it came to decorating, Signe looked to her father and stepmother’s country house for inspiration. ‘It’s not a manor,’ she explains, ‘ but it’s absolutely beautiful. Every item has its own
story. They have managed to mix the glamour of the old days with modern designs and styles, and there aren’t any white walls!’ Signe chose vibrant paint colours for her own walls, too. ‘I was tempted by some wonderful bright wallpapers I found,’ she says, but the couple’s two daughters, Hedda, now five, and Anna, two, put paid to those plans. ‘The girls have a tendency to colour the walls themselves, so we decided paint would be more practical.’
Furnishing the home also gave Signe the opportunity to indulge her love of auction houses. ‘I’ve really enjoyed picking up pieces from the property’s era,’ she says. ‘Several of the items were already in my possession, though, having been passed down through my family. The kitchen table and chairs, for example, were originally my father’s, so I’m thrilled to use them every day in my own place.’
It is the clever juxtaposition of the old and the new that gives Signe’s house a very established family feel, even though they have lived there for just a few years. ‘I treasure items that have a tale to tell – they are a starting point for talking about our family history.’
Having surrounded herself with the things that mean so much to her, Signe has no immediate plans to move. ‘We felt very comfortable and settled here straightaway,’ she says. ‘I hope my daughters will enjoy growing up in this house for the next 10 years or so – although my husband would say the next 25!’