EASY LIVING
Classic Scandinavian decor and an idyllic location were the perfect ingredients for Bengt Björklund’s getaway by the coast
Scandi simplicity by the sea was an irresistible draw to a city dweller seeking a weekend retreat
Back in 2004, Bengt Björklund began searching for a house in the country. ‘I wanted a rural retreat I could escape to from my busy life in Stockholm,’ says Bengt, who owns and runs a management consultancy in the capital. ‘I wanted somewhere I could come for weekends and spend the whole summer. Naturally, I thought of Scania, where I grew up. It’s always so calm and peaceful there.’
Having chosen the area, one house stood out from all the others. With its contemporary design, sleek exterior and tall windows, it was strikingly different from the rest of the summer homes in the area, which were mostly fisherman’s cottages or more traditional Swedish
houses. ‘There was something special about this house,’ says Bengt. ‘It was so warm and cosy, and filled with light.’
Bengt was also drawn to the house’s unusual design, both inside and out. ‘The house had been built in the mid-nineties, and was designed by architect Olof Hultin, who also designed the decor,’ says Bengt. The ceiling and floors were constructed in pigmented white pine, making the building low maintenance – another plus point. Black slate had been used in certain areas, such as the kitchen and both entrances, creating a distinctive contrast with the light wood elsewhere.
As Bengt was happy with the house’s existing open-plan layout and
decor, there was virtually no structural or building work required. ‘The only major change I decided to make was to remodel the garden,’ says Bengt. It was replanted with a mix of tall grasses, roses and wildflowers, and a former grass-covered area was transformed into a spacious deck, which was then covered with white pigmented concrete. Bengt and partner Aliya now use the remodelled deck as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. ‘We’ve also planted a large wisteria over the pergola to provide shade in years to come,’ says Bengt.
When it came to furnishing the interior, Bengt and Aliya hand-picked every item. They chose classic Danish and Swedish designs to fit the design of the house, including several pieces from Bengt’s parents’ summer house. ‘Being here is such an amazing contrast to living in the city centre,’ says Bengt. ‘We love arriving here at the start of summer, with the whole season ahead of us. It’s our favourite time of year.’
With five grown-up children between them, it is important for Bengt and Aliya to have a place where everyone can gather. ‘This is a sunny oasis, where we spend our time cooking, swimming and socialising,’ says Bengt. ‘When summer draws to a close, we return to the centre of Stockholm – it really is the best of both worlds.’