A Vibrant Yet Serene 53sqm/570sqft Apartment on Stockholm’s Södermalm Island
Many new owners might have looked at this space, seen its limitations, and opted for a complete overhaul. But for Cristina Poelk, the art director of Swedish furniture brand Hem, and her partner Anton, the layout was its strongest asset. The 53sqm/570sqft apartment met all their needs without requiring structural changes, making it a perfect project for Poelk – who knows a thing or two about how the right furnishings and decor can really make any interior sing.
Located in an original 1880s building in the lively and creative neighborhood of Mariatorget on Stockholm’s Södermalm island, the apartment bore some traces of its long history even though it had undergone a few updates by the time the couple moved in. Poelk, for her part, wanted to respect its roots while still making it her own: “While we live in a turn of the century building, I’m personally more drawn to modernism, Bauhaus, functionalism and mid-century architecture. I allow myself to respectfully live with different elements of all eras by letting the framework be turn of the century, some hardware be Swedish Functionalism and the furniture be mid-century and contemporary.”
Among the many touches they made to update the space and make it their own, the most major include replacing door handles and knobs and painting the entire apartment an off-white. The trimmings and stucco on the ceiling were also highlighted with a bright white finish to accentuate their details. With the original flooring still intact, they chose to preserve it too.
Curating a Home with Unique Elements
Upon stepping through the door, it is evident that the home is designed for simplicity and function. A Tig Hook by Kwangho Lee for Hem holds coats and bags, while a small green storage unit keeps essentials like sunglasses, keys, and gloves organised. Natural light, streaming in from the west-facing windows of the rest of the apartment, helps to brighten the space.
On a more decorative note, Poelk used metal elements – what she calls “the jewellery of the home” – throughout the apartment to add a cohesive flair. Chrome chairs, side tables, and a striking art piece punctuate the living room, while a stainless steel countertop was chosen for the kitchen. In the bedroom, the bedframe is a chrome-plated vintage 1982 IKEA bed by Knut Hagberg, a lucky eBay find.
The couple’s love for books and music is evident in the living room. An oak zig-zag shelf holds their collection of art and books, and a dedicated music area houses their collection of instruments. Poelk explains, “We both play several instruments, so we really wanted a corner where we could gather all of our pieces. There’s something soothing about the presence of instruments in a home, so I really like to have them around me.”
Designing for Seasonal Light Changes
The changing Scandinavian seasons significantly impact the apartment’s design. Poelk notes, “The shifts in light are so extreme in Sweden – the sun barely sets in summer, and in winter, it hardly rises. While we need blinds in summer to sleep, in winter, you need at least five light sources just to stay awake. Only good interior design can solve this”.
Two adaptable lighting solutions help counter these shifts: a pendant lamp by Hem hangs above the dining table and can be changed as their style evolves, while a Mayday lantern by Flos can be moved between rooms. It has served as a bedside lamp for guests, a reading light in the living room, and an extra source of warmth during the darker months.
A Kitchen Enriched by Art
Cooking and hosting are Poelk’s passions, second only to design. (If you’re curious, she shares her love for kitchen architecture and kitchenware on her Instagram account, @soft_servings.) In her own home, the kitchen is a reflection of her passion. The cabinets are painted a rich custom green – a colour choice she still “cherishes every day.” The deep tone grounds the space, complementing the playful La Mela artwork by Enzo Mari that hangs above the counter. “Generally, I don’t understand why people don’t have more art in their kitchens. You spend so much time in there, so it should be a place filled with personality.” The kitchen also houses one of Poelk’s proudest and most affordable finds, a Vitra Design Museum print: “It’s magnetic to our guests. It takes you through all the decades of design history.”
The Red Thread
Poelk’s design sensibility is deeply influenced by her childhood, growing up with two designer parents surrounded by classic furniture and art books: “There was always a red thread of honouring art and design pieces. My parents had a huge library of art books, and as a child, I would stand in front of it, being so intrigued, flipping through every page. That thread still runs through my home today.” That same philosophy has shaped an apartment that feels both cohesive and layered – a space brimming with light, texture, and colour. A home that is at once vibrant and serene, filled with carefully curated pieces that honour the past while embracing modern living.
Shop this episode
