Stockholm

I thought many times about a title for this article but it didn't come up. Stockholm is Stockholm and, if you are a lover of design and Nordic style, you've already said it all by saying its name. At most I can say that it is the city of consonants: in a word there can also be 4 or 5 in a row. Other than our Italian “aiuola” (flowerbed)! This was a surprise trip, a gift from Otto (thank you my love!). I didn't know the destination until boarding. And from there I had my eyes on my heart that I still have on me every time I think about it. And ready to leave tomorrow.

But let's get to the point.

Where can you go to peek at some design? Stockholm is full of furniture stores and household items, even if you decide to lose yourself and don't follow an itinerary, you won't come home without seeing anything.

Here is my list (for a 2 day tour).

SKEPPSHOLMEN o NORRMALM

LAGERHAUS Drottninggatan 31

Place of perdition! Here you can find everything. It is full of household items: from the iconic plastic boxes in pastel tones, to plates and glasses, from a wide selection of cutting boards (I would have bought more than one) to more colorful terrace sets. White, black, pastel colors ... how can you not love it?

GRANIT Kungsgatan 42 or Gotgatan 31

Here we are. Here I left my heart. A riot of objects in black and white, metal and wood. Baskets, containers, lamps that recall the industrial style even in the most neutral shades. Linen kitchen linen and linens! And then, let's face it, they make sets that are scary and already seem to live in them. Impossible not to buy!

CLAS OHLSON Drottninggatan 53

It is a chain, Swedish, also present here in London, but, it will be the Stockholm effect, I found the store more cared for and, certainly, much wider. From household items to stationery, which is delicious, up to the technology and hardware department. Even here it is impossible to go out without anything in hand. The Swedish trait in shapes and colors is and is noted. Less expensive in Granit prices, it gives everyone the chance to buy something.

DESIGN TORGET

For lovers of the essential and in search of something original this shop is the right one. Inside, in addition to famous brands like the iconic String, there are also emerging designers or less known to us. I fell in love with a candle holder built on a box of matches (ah, remember to get a box! Even those in the supermarket are beautiful!). And anyway where you turn it is all a wonder for the eyes. Take a look at the vases brings A flower ... to gloat!

Design Torget has more stores around the city.

AMANDAS Drottninggatan 26

It's a small gift shop. Perfect if you are looking for a Pippi Longstocking, a cup with the king and queen, or a tray with the words Lagom or Fika (no, it is not a dirty word, it is the traditional Swedish word to call relaxation accompanied by a tea or a coffee, a good read, or the company of friends). It also has beautiful Nordic-style posters.

DESIGN STOCKHOLM HOUSE Hamngatan 18

It is located within the Nordiska Companiet department store. Leave the clock at home and take the time to turn and peek, dream and buy. (I left Otto at the bar while I was shooting. There is a limit to his patience when I dive in these tours)

AHLENS Klarabergsgatan 50

This is also a large warehouse overflowing with design. They could let me in and decide to throw away the key so I wouldn't realize it. All to discover!

GAMLA STAN

It is the oldest part of the city. The historic center. An islet that contains the Royal Palace and the medieval cathedral. Full of narrow streets and colorful buildings, it is full of small places to eat, even outdoors, and shop windows that make you fall in love.

ZNOGG Osterlanggatan 24

Small shop, but cute! Articles for the home and hand made in pure Nordic style. Objects for children and to think about gifts to bring to friends.

STOCKHOLMSSTADS MISSION SECOND HAND Kopmangatan 15

And here we come to the first second-hand shop I found. My passion for used cars is strong and I couldn't help looking for one. The selection inside is truly incredible and will leave you speechless. If you are looking for original ceramics this is the right place for you.

EMMAUS SECOND HAND Peter Myndes Backe 8

Hit the home department of this thrift shop. You can find Swedish or Nordic-style pottery at super affordable prices!

If you are wondering where to eat I usually let people know who is at the place when I arrive.

It was a surprise to book the dinner at Nomad. A Swedish food bar, as he likes to call himself, on Upplandsgatan 2. Very few seats and a super traditional menu. Meatballs never fail. Recycling furniture and window fittings will make you feel all the Lagom atmosphere you've been looking for. It also has a small garden outside. Yes, one of those with lights hanging from one tree to another. And during the weekend it offers live music.

If instead you want something sweet along the way you should definitely try Fabrique! The classic cinnamon swivels are an amazing thing (and even here you can redo your eyes with a typically local decor).

Last but not least, drop by H&M. On the first floor a stylish café welcomes you. Blue velvet armchairs, black rattan chairs, mirrors and a multitude of plants will make you feel in the garden.

These were my two days in Stockholm. There are many other shops to see. In two days I did the essentials. My advice is to walk and get lost. Jump from one island to another through the beautiful bridges that connect it, take a trip to the Moderna Muséet (if you continue the road you can have the view from the top of the city) and always look up at the windows of the houses . A lamp will always be on and ready to let you resume the slow and just rhythm of life.