Where
Located in the south-east of Sweden, Stockholm is an archipelago of 14 islands all connected by over 50 bridges. It is the capital as well as the political, cultural and economic centre of Sweden. With 30% of the area made up of water bodies and an equal amount dedicated to green spaces, the city provides a breathtaking panorama.
When
The climate of Stockholm is relatively warm compared to other places at those latitudes. During summer, the sun barely sets and the long hours of sunlight are ideal to make the most of all that the city has to offer. Thinning crowds and mild temperatures also make spring and autumn a good time to visit the city.
Why
Here, three World Heritage sites and other medieval and Renaissance buildings vie for space with the new-age glass and chrome skyscrapers and modern architecture. The vibrant art and theatre scene and the hundred-plus museums have put Stockholm on the must-see list of the global traveller.
The Story Goes That…
Once upon a time, on a busy street in Stockholm was an apartment building on the verge of being closed down by the city. Its occupants were mostly musicians, writers and artists and they refused to vacate the city until they were assured that the premises would be looked after. And, then the Story Hotel was born.
Swedish company Koncept that designed the hotel wanted it to carry a timeless feel. To achieve this many of the original features of the building were maintained.
The wallpaper and the wooden flooring from the original building were maintained and in some spaces part of the original worn-out concrete walls have been allowed to lay exposed.
Where The Dust Settles
For anyone who is looking for a conversation piece for the table or the mantle, Dusty Deco provides enough options to keep the chatter going endlessly.
Framed paintings and photographs, medical posters and neon signs cover the wall. A Victorian statue sits alongside a ceramic cheetah. The collection is so extensive that it is difficult to imagine that it all started as a hobby from the garage of an owner.
Home to vintage objects sourced from across Europe, the store is a one-stop shop for just that right piece for that special corner of the house.
Doors from the old building have been reinvented to serve as headboards for the beds. The furniture, bespoke artefacts and modern artwork mingle with these to create an ambience that is both vintage and contemporary.
The dramatic artwork that is showcased throughout the hotel public areas and the rooms emerged from the collaboration with Wonderwall art dealers; many of the works have been specially designed for the Story Hotel.
Holding Court
Food courts are largely a domain where functionality and practicality form the cornerstones of design decisions, K25, a foodhall in Stockholm is a pleasant deviation from this ideology. The usual bright, neon colours make way for a muted and warm palette of greys, black and earthy hues.
Different seating clusters have been created, including a bleacher-like layout at one end of the wall which provides a vantage point to survey the entire space. The interior design is contemporary and stylish, but yet a casual vibe has been maintained. There is consistency in the design that binds the entire space. But, at the same time there is a clear difference in the appearance of each of the 11 food businesses that occupy K25.
All Aboard
The year was 1628 and the Vasa had set off on its maiden voyage. Hundreds of Stockholmers had gathered to see the warship set sail, but within hours, catastrophe struck and the ship sank as the crowds watched.
For over 300 years the Vasa lay at the bottom of the sea, until in 1961, the wreck was recovered and the Vasa Musuem planned to showcase the historic ship.
The three masts on the roof of the musuem depict the height of the ship’s original masts. The main hall of the musuem holds the wreckage of the ship itself, 95% of which is original. Home to the only preserved 17th century ship in the world, the Museum attracts millions every year.
Text By Himali Kothari
