Stockholm by Stefan Nilsson
Published on 1 May 2021
Stefan Nilsson, aka Trendstefan, is one of the most renowned trendhunters and design experts in the Scandinavian market. An ambassador for Maison&Objet Paris - the trade fair is one of his favourite hunting grounds - he takes us by the hand to explore his city, letting us in on his most treasured addresses. An invitation we’re delighted to accept!
Constantly on foot Stefan Nilsson looks for new design, new lifestyle and the next big thing. Listed as one of the most influential people in architecture and design, by Magazine Rum. Trendstefan also runs Designgalleriet in Stockholm. Check out his stories at @trendstefan or at www.trendstefan.se
How long have you been living in Stockholm?
I am born in Stockholm and my family has lived here for at least six generations. My great great great grandfather was a founding member of Academy that gives out the Nobel Prize and my dad was a celebrated dancer in the 50s. We are a mixed breed.
Where would you say is the ultimate spot to get a real feel for the city?
Go to the island of Skeppsholmen where the Modern Art Museum is. Stockholm is built on 14 islands and from here you can see the Old Town, the posh area of Östermalm, the city center and creative Södermalm. Stockholm is built to be seen arriving from water and this is as close as it gets. They are still making boats on Skeppholmen. It is almost like time stood still sometimes.
Which places do you find most culturally inspiring?
The Nationalmuseum did a full renovation just before the pandemic and is top notch. Don’t forget to visit the unique restaurant in the building. The project with the restaurant has never been done before and will most likely not happen again. Designer Matti Klenell acted as a curator and asked the most prominent of the Swedish design scene to work with local commercial crafts companies. 40 designers worked with almost as many companies. Everything from lamps, coat hangers, cutlery and salt and pepper shakers were made from scratch. The intention was to make a long-lasting mark and fully show what Swedish contemporary design is all about.
Which restaurant or café would you say best captures Stockholm’s vibe?
The food court in the posh area in Stockholm – Östermalmshallen. Newly renovated and beautiful atmosphere. Go to fish restaurant Lisa Elmqvist and get Skagenröra. Yum.
Knut, a little off the regular food map in Stockholm. Knut is really, really unpolished Swedish. Expect odd chairs, odd paintings and a loud atmosphere. Here you get very local dishes like reindeer, palt and lingonberry desserts.
Which neighbourhood instantly springs to mind when we say “Shopping in Stockholm?
Normally when I have international guests, I have a route for a full day. Start at Svensk Tenn on Strandvägen, stop next door at Malmstens, up the next street on Sibyllegatan and pass by wonderful bags and accessories store Palmgrens, and a few meters up you have the best antique store with Scandinavian modernist design, Modernity. Just across the street is super trendy Asplund. Go back towards where you came from, but now on Nybrogatan (pass by Östermalmshallen for lunch). You will pass places like Nordiska Galleriet and rug company Kasthall. Go towards Norrmalmstorg. In the corner of the square, you have Acne flagship store for fashion and fun – and all of a sudden you are at Biblioteksgatan and you can check all Swedish fashion brands you know (Byredo, Dagmar, Hope, Rodebjer, Happy Socks…). And in the same neighbourhood you have the shop Svensk Slöjd with genuine Swedish local handicraft.
Do you have any secret addresses you’d care to share?
Stockholm and Sweden is really best known for chains and in our DNA we have brands like H&M and IKEA, but - of course I have secret spots. I would recommend Brandstationen a passionate owner who loves design and vintage.
Swedes are very interested in sustainability and a fantastic second-hand market retail concept is Arkivet. On a few locations in the city.
Where is the best place to stay for anyone keen to explore the city?
If someone else is paying – I would surely book the most hyped hotel in the city Ett Hem.
But keep an eye open for my new hotel concept at Clarion Sign Hotel. Will open this summer… Swedish design and sustainable materials galore.
Which design piece can only be picked up in Stockholm?
I would buy something from Svenskt Tenn. Their colourful prints are amazing and can be found on affordable things like matchboxes. Or why not look at 1930s pewter. These things are only sold here… Nowhere else.
Maison&Objet Paris by Stefan Nilsson (interview 2018)
