March saw a long-awaited trip to Sweden, Stockholm, a city I had been yearning to visit, having already been to Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki in the past year.
Being a huge fan of Scandi design, I envisaged the city break as being a kind of design pilgrimage, and I was not disappointed. This was not least made possible by the Nobis Hotel, our temporary home for the weekend. Located in the centre of the city in a building dating to the late 1800s, the hotel underwent a careful redesign by local studio Claesson Koivisto Rune in 2010.
There was even an Acne flagship store at ground level!
But the most impressive area was the Gold Bar lounge (below), which has a 28 metre-high ceiling!
I loved the palette of greys, neutrals and heavy accents of Carrara marble. Best of all, I spotted the Made By Originals book produced by Design Hotels, which I contributed to in 2010!
Despite its clean, modern interiors the Nobis has an exceptionally colourful history. The building was once a bank which, in 1973, was subject to a six-day long siege by a robber. It was during this event that the term 'Stockholm Syndrome' emerged, referring to the empathetic relationship a hostage can often adopt in relation to his/her hostage taker.
Rooms were even more minimal than the public spaces. I didn't mind this so much though, as arched windows with ornate stucco work and high ceilings balanced the simple aesthetic of the interiors which included plush rugs, sumptuous grey throws and long, flowing curtains, among which typically Scandinavian furniture was scattered.
I love touches like this! So hospitable. And welcomed after a long morning travelling.
Elsewhere in the hotel, luxury touches were abundant and it was clear that no expense had been spared...
Hermes clock anyone?
Being a huge fan of Scandi design, I envisaged the city break as being a kind of design pilgrimage, and I was not disappointed. This was not least made possible by the Nobis Hotel, our temporary home for the weekend. Located in the centre of the city in a building dating to the late 1800s, the hotel underwent a careful redesign by local studio Claesson Koivisto Rune in 2010.
There was even an Acne flagship store at ground level!
But the most impressive area was the Gold Bar lounge (below), which has a 28 metre-high ceiling!
I loved the palette of greys, neutrals and heavy accents of Carrara marble. Best of all, I spotted the Made By Originals book produced by Design Hotels, which I contributed to in 2010!
Despite its clean, modern interiors the Nobis has an exceptionally colourful history. The building was once a bank which, in 1973, was subject to a six-day long siege by a robber. It was during this event that the term 'Stockholm Syndrome' emerged, referring to the empathetic relationship a hostage can often adopt in relation to his/her hostage taker.
Rooms were even more minimal than the public spaces. I didn't mind this so much though, as arched windows with ornate stucco work and high ceilings balanced the simple aesthetic of the interiors which included plush rugs, sumptuous grey throws and long, flowing curtains, among which typically Scandinavian furniture was scattered.
I love touches like this! So hospitable. And welcomed after a long morning travelling.
We were lucky enough to have a balcony overlooking Norrmalmstorg, a large square in the centre of the city.
Best of all though, were the bathrooms which were generously filled with toiletries by one of my favourite (Swedish) brands, Byredo. Did I stock up? Yes I did! This stuff is £30 a bottle in Liberty! The (removable) elaborately carved sink cover had me scratching my head though...
Elsewhere in the hotel, luxury touches were abundant and it was clear that no expense had been spared...
Hermes clock anyone?
- Norrmalmstorg 2-4
- SE-111 86 Stockholm
- +46 (0)8 614 10 00