Back when I was in college, I remember one of my professors going on a rant about how shops were employing the concept of "gallery presentation" to interest customers and boost sales. True, a bare white wall is certainly the most effective way to present artwork--but can it be applied to a comfortable, cozy home? It seems to be contradictory, doesn't it? At galleries, we maintain a respectful distance from the displays, observing from a few feet away--"Look, but don't touch." At home, we want to be able to lounge in sweatpants, spend an afternoon watching a crap movie like Center Stage on the Oxygen channel, and not worry if we got cookie crumbs all over the couch. However, Swedish interior decorators Staffan and Monique of Staffan Tollgard Design Group assures us that it is possible to have the best of both worlds: Check out their stylish yet sensible (and kid friendly) apartment...
Staffan & Monique Gallery-Like Home
Entry:
The couple had floor-to-ceiling curtains made to not only separate the living room from the hallway, it also provides a softer look to the room and helps dampen any noise from the rest of the apartment.
Living Room:
Dining Room:
The living room flows to the dining room which also flows into the...
Kitchen:
One side of the dining area has streamlined cupboards that hide smaller appliances and provides storage.
The other side has a desk tucked in between two cupboards, creating a convenient office nook when needed. A chair can be pulled from the dining table when in use, or it can function as a handy side table for drinks when entertaining.
Bedroom/Bathroom
They created a visual link between the bedroom and bathroom by matching the bedding with what looks like a wall hanging in the bathroom (it's actually Marimekko fabric stretched over the cabinet front).
See even more photos (30+!) and get more details of Staffan and Monique's artsy apartment over at Living Etc.
(Images: Staffan Tollgard Design Group, Living Etc.)
Comments (14)
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Center Stage!!! I love that movie! Especially the dance scenes...
view rapunzel's profile
Closet envy.. seriously! There is a lot of drama to your home without it being uncomfortable. The ceiling to floor white curtains give me a great idea for my home... I think I'm stealing this idea! Love your artwork.
view sfteri's profile
i was just going to say i hardly think center stage is a crap movie. its not an oscar winner or anything, but i like it. :)
view TNstyliegal's profile
I love that they created the hallway with drapes, and I'm drooling over the round Vladimir Kagan piece in the den. Overall it's a bit matchy-matchy for my taste. The only thing I absolutely could not live with are those obnoxious gooseneck light fixtures in the hallway, other than that, kudos!
view jacksonlalonde's profile
I really like this apartment - but it works because the designers embraced the white walls by repeating the white in the rugs, fabrics, furnishings, artwork and accessories...
If they had competely ignored the white in these choices, this apartment wouldn't be nearly as cohesive and would appear to be crying out for a paintjob.
view bepsf's profile
love the whole thing!
view CaliinFrance's profile
OMG - I love that runner! Does anyone know the source?
view bfootnovellista's profile
"I'm drooling over the round Vladimir Kagan piece in the den."
Ditto. Brillant apartment. I could live here. Which is my highest praise.
view Anet500's profile
wow, what an amazing house. Love it!
I adore that coffee table in the living room.. anyone recognize it??
view tamster's profile
amazing
view Stephvixen's profile
I just bought the print edition of LivingEtc today and I loved this apartment!
According to the article the runner is by Marcel Wanders at Moooi from Evitavonni.
The coffee table in the living room is by JNL.
view Solvi's profile
Living proof that looking like a catalog can be good!
view quiltmaster's profile
Great place
view vanda's profile
There is A LOT going on there, but after posting after posting of nothingness and limewashed everything, it is fun to see art again. I am also a big art person so I share the passion and the joy.....not so big on the clutter, but at least it says something about you. Bravo!
view CliveChristy's profile