Two storeys of art

Welcome to the a home which not just contains, but celebrates art. When Fred and Anna-Karin decided to abandon the residential life and seek a change, they would still remain in Lidingö. The opportunity emerged when a large turn of the century building was converted to condominiums. A bit later, they had fallen for a duplex of more than 200 square meters, with large windows.

The year was 2008 and the family hired architect Lennart Welin from Lund to help them with the design and furnishing of their home. The result is a home with a studio feel, with large windows and a huge ceiling height in the common areas on the ground floor. The Swedish home became similar to a New York loft, which was not a conscious decision when purchasing the house

Above the door in the upper level hangs the artwork T Acke of Hyden. A custom-built bookcase gives the room even more character. Next to it, the Le Corbusier Armchair, LC 4 in black leather. Concrete bench by the artist Stefan Lundgren. Spots Star, in copper, by Jonas Bohlin for Örsjö lighting.

The curving staircase is surrounded by art. Around it, the wall houses four artworks: A bright-colored photograph of Wale Beshty. From top: a textile painting by Lara Schnitger, a cement painting of Patrick Hill and an oil by Charles Karubian. The colors are repeated by the cushions of the couch from Norell.

Even if it was not intentional, it probably means something. We love New York, Anna-Karin has lived there, I’ve been there a lot, and some of that New York feel we have inour spine.

says Frederick.

The staircase was designed by architect Lennart Welin. On the wall two photographs of the artist Luis Gispert (top) Oh Lorry Lorry and LV escalade.

The large walls are decorated with huge pieces of art, in a modern, warm and personal, but at the same time bold interior. The dramatic spiral staircase in the living room is surrounded by magnificent work. Even the guest bathroom is adorned with art. An unusual place for hanging pictures, but here it works.
A preference for certain design have also left their mark on the home:

I like design classics, even if we do not have a plethora of them in the apartment. We rather choose sustainable design than throwaway. A telling example is the gun lamp by Philippe Starck, which combines a message with the strong form.

A textile painting by Lara Schnitger, Untitled (Cats). Three howard chairs in burgundy velvet with silk pillows. In the foreground, a silver table from the Dome. In this a concrete sculpture of Annie Svenbro and Philippe Starck Gun Lamp.

In this environment Frederick has finally had the opportunity to create the interior he wanted to place his art collection in. He is a collector of contemporary international art, especially photography. A number of American artists in his collection have works in tge MOMA in New York and Saatchi in London.

Personally, I think it becomes rather boring when one idea or approach rules the whole interior, so that everything is color-matched and sterile. The home becomes more personal when it emerges at its own pace,

he says.

The open plan living and dining area are connected by a fireplace. The cupboard is by Voice; on top, from left: an oil on canvas by Stefan Lundgren, and Grove and Studio, both by Brian Fahlstrom. The old dining table in oak feels new with the white chairs by Karl Anderson & sons. The roof a white light from Moooi. The rug with zebra patterned edge is called Octave, made entirely of paper from the Finnish World Cup carpet.

The living area downstairs is big, the living room has generous-sized sofas. Dining room and kitchen are connected to the living area as an open floor plan. There is also Anna-Karin’s and Frederick’s bedroom, with a bathroom adjacent to a terrace.

Behind the white curtains lies a patio. Dining table in oak are heirlooms from their families. Two busts of the Swedish artist Stefan Lundgren, now living in Mallorca.

The bathroom has a door to the terrace outside. The window is low so the view can be enjoyed from the bath. The Red venetian blind is surprisingly at home here. Teak floor with a touch of matte black tiles. Bathroom Furnishings from Kolo.

The upper floor comprises a large lounge and library with a fireplace in the center. Here, the family’s teenage daughters, Matilda and Fredrika have their separate rooms, a large bathroom and an extra room when needed. A glass balustrade creates contact with the floor downstairs.

The headboard is upholstered in a natural colored fabric, green velvet cushions and bedspreads in Alcantara from Moltex. Photo-art, from left, Rainbow portrait and snapshot, both by Daniel Gordon.

The kitchen furnishings are custom-ordered from a carpenter in Germany. Above the sink is wall paper behind glass panels, identical to the one in the dining section.

In many homes I see how the furniture is arranged, although walls are usually the first thing you see when you come into a room. I’ve always been interested in what you do with empty walls, and it has got to be with and control the interior.

Being a collector can be difficult too as Frederick says: the giant Clay Ketter-painting the big room was a challenge:
– It weighs around 170 kg and came in a shipping box, approximately 400 kg. The dimensions are 240 x 220 cm, so it was not easy to get into the apartment. We had to take off the terrace door for it to come in.

A velvet wallpaper in a beautiful brown color gives the backdrop for the dining area. On a bench by Voice is a part of art collection: two small paintings by Brian Fahlstrom, television Grove and th Studio, both from 2008. A prominent monk of wood and a red glass lamp are specially commissioned.

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