In 2000, Sigbrit and Mats moved into their first-floor apartment, once the home of publicist Lars Johan Hierta. The house is believed to be drawn by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, father of Nicodemus the Younger, the architect behind Stockholm Castle. In the 1990s, the apartment was refurbished as close to the original design as possible, with the exception of the kitchen and bathroom, which feature modern amenities.
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The first floor, known as the piano nobile, is stunning, boasting high ceilings and lavish décor. Each room of the house, like this one, features murals and tiled stoves.
Paintings from the 18th century are a testament to the wealth of early owners: the painter Johan Pasch is believed to be behind the wall paintings.
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With her first paycheque, Sigbrit purchased a classic Thonet chair and over the years, her Thonet collection has grown.
Living in an old apartment, Mats and Sigbrit describe it like living in the countryside in the middle of the city. "There is a nice little town feeling here. The population is very mixed, both in terms of age and background. If you go to the library, the librarian asks, ‘How is August?’” explains Sigbrit. August is the couple's cat.
We initially decided to tone down the high bourgeois and mix new and old, just as we always enjoyed doing.
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Chairs and chaise longue in the Rococo Revival style, a newly created Bruka cabinet under the window and a blue cabinet passed down through the family sit together in the kitchen, along with an IKEA lamp and a chair from Afroart.
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Several of the ceramic creations made from broken porcelain and adorned with small figures in the form of animals or dolls are Sigbrit’s own works.
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In the bedroom, there is a door that leads to a walk-in wardrobe and en suite. On the bedside table is a lamp from IKEA.
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The couple has successfully mixed old and new objects throughout the whole flat and created a welcoming, warm atmosphere while also highlighting the mural masterworks on the walls of the rooms.
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The apartment is a blissful mix of new and old, exclusive designs, flea market finds and IKEA furniture. "We only go after feeling, buy what we like to look at," says Sigbrit.
In the hall hangs a chandelier from the couple's former residence. Outside, there is a cosy courtyard which housed Aftonbladet's print shop after Lars Johan Hierta bought the entire property in 1836.
From 18th-century paintings to Thonet, IKEA and the little figures that look over the rooms, we can see a snapshot of what this apartment may have looked like over the past 350 years.
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Photography: Kent Billeqvist
Stylist: Sigbrit Kvarning
