Hstoric architecture in the centre of the Swedish capital is blended with modern scandanavian design to produce a hotel that is warming, welcoming and luxurious without being stereotypically plush

Interior Design: Claesson Koivisto Rune

This 201-room in the centre of Sweden’s capital has been created by one of the country’s foremost design practices, Claesson Koivisto Rune, melding historic architecture with contemporary Scandinavian design.

Located in two historic, interconnected stone buildings from the 19th century, the interiors are comfortable without excess, elegant and timeless, contemporary but not resorting to gimmickry – the epitome of the northern European design aesthetic.

The stone buildings, built for and used as apartments, are typical of the massive stone edifaces that began to emerge in the Norrmalm and Östermalm districts of Stockholm in the second half of the 1800s.

In creating the interiors for the Nobis Hotel, part of the Nobis Group and a member of Design Hotels, Claesson Koivisto Rune took inspiration from Stockholm’s winter colours.

Toned-down and discreet tones characterize the guest rooms and the public spaces and bringabout an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Interiors for the rooms and the rest of the hotel were carefully composed, with pieces from a selection of designers and manufacturers to evoke the feeling of being in a private home.

The guest rooms and suites were primarily designed to house natural materials that become more beautiful as they age, such as wool, wood, stone, leather and glass, and ironwork.

High ceilings in all rooms create a sense of space and air. Subdued colours such as light grey, brown, beige and white bring about a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.

The rooms are luxurious, but in a no-nonsense way, devoid of standard luxury embellishments, gold and velvet. The sense of luxury comes from optimal comfort and function, and a cool, sophisticated ambience, without excesses.

The bathrooms are fitted with white Carrara marble throughout, as are all the floors in the public spaces, though in a patterned design.

The suites have their own look and feel with a mix of the old and new. Historic details are mixed with contemporary furniture, which serves as a contrast to the traditional settings.

Light plays an important role in Sweden and is an integral part of the atmosphere of the guest rooms and suites. Each room has elaborate lighting with up to five light sources so that guests can change the light according to their mood.

The suites have up to 10 different lights. All the lamps have a different character and are made by a variety of designers, including David Chipperfield and Ilse Crawford.

In addition to an array of high-spec fittings, all the guest rooms and suites are fitted with safes that are not only large enough to take a laptop, but are also fitted with electric sockets so that guests can recharge their computer while safely storing it. Nice touch.

Stefano Catenacci, brother of the Nobis Group CEO Alessandro, is the award-winning executive chef at Nobis Stockholm, which has two restaurants, and two bar lounges.

The Lounge is next to the Gold Bar and comprises four separate living rooms, each furnished differently, hence its nickname of ‘Stockholm’s new living room’ and again aiming at creating the feel of a private home. Each of the living rooms can accommodate 50 people. With a soaring 25m-high multicolour ceiling, The Lounge lobby evokes the feeling of being in a cathedral with modern ceiling fresco painting, while in the Gold Bar golden mirrors sumptuously line the walls and ceiling.