The Architect's Oak Kitchen in the 1920s Villa

In a charming 1920s villa in Bromma, Stockholm, architect Iraklis and his partner Firas have created a home where carefully chosen colors take center stage. The rustic wooden kitchen from Nordiska Kök brings a sense of warmth and harmony, seamlessly balancing the home's beautiful color palette.

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Characterized by its prominent frames, the kitchen exudes a rustic yet sophisticated aesthetic.

The Caesarstone Moorland Fog countertop pairs effortlessly with the warm oak cabinetry. Learn more about kitchen worktops.

The villa in Bromma, just outside Stockholm, built in 1927, was well-kept and beautiful when Iraklis and his partner Firas, along with their daughter, moved in 2023. However, the kitchen was small, quite worn, and in need of an update to its functionality. Iraklis, who is an architect himself, shares a passion for design with Firas, who previously ran his own clothing business. Together, they laid the foundation for the renovation and final result, where color would play a crucial role, and a kitchen in warm wood tones would serve as the heart of the house.

– We moved into our house in Bromma in December 2023, a house that was well-kept but where the kitchen was too small, worn, and lacked a dining area. To improve functionality and create a more inviting space for meals, we decided to renovate the kitchen. We wanted to expand the area and create room for a cozy corner with a smaller dining table, so we could have breakfast there instead of having to walk back and forth to the dining room, says Iraklis.

The rustic base cabinets are paired with tall cabinets featuring shaker doors and line glass, creating an elegant detail in the kitchen. Wall lamps "Baluna" by Grupa.

The custom-built pantry is also from Nordiska Kök.

Beautiful details include the custom-built seating bench with marble tiles in the small seating corner of the kitchen. Chairs and table by Bolia.

A wooden kitchen from Nordiska Kök in a warm tone with rustic elements was chosen. The kitchen is both timeless and modern, creating a wonderful atmosphere while also being functional and practical.

We felt that Nordiska Kök really understood our style and our wishes.
— Iraklis

Carefully selected colors and materials create a personal and elegant atmosphere in the kitchen. The beautiful ceiling light in pink Murano glass is from Cherry Vintage.

The couple's sense of design is clearly visible in every corner of the house.

– After seeing 'The Architect's Design Kitchen in Österlen' on Nordiska Kök's blog, 'The Kitchen Journal,' we knew we wanted to recreate a similar feel in our own kitchen. We were drawn to Nordiska Kök's light brown oak stain, which perfectly aligned with our vision. We felt that Nordiska Kök truly understood our style and our wishes, says Iraklis, continuing:

– The goal was to use natural materials. We wanted a kitchen with wooden details contrasted by bolder wall colors to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The ribbed marble wall behind the seating bench, adds unique texture, and was also an important choice, as we believe natural materials like marble complement the rest of the design, which is relatively neutral and natural, says Iraklis.

The honey-yellow colour is seen in the baseboards and door frames, and together with the warm oak and the hue of the walls, a soft warmth is created in the kitchen.

The grain of the oak is clearly visible through the light brown stain, highlighting the beautiful wood.

The kitchen is a mix of timeless design with a nod to the house's functionalist aesthetic.

To carry out the renovation, the couple hired Unges Byggservice, a company specializing in high-standard renovations of private homes in the Bromma area. Since Iraklis is an architect himself, the couple had carefully prepared with drawings but encountered a few challenges along the way, such as the need to relocate a beam to create additional space in the kitchen. This was resolved thanks to Unges Byggservice’s expertise and commitment.

– Despite these challenges, they were very flexible and truly took care of the work as if it were their own home, says Iraklis.

– Iraklis, being an architect, was deeply involved in the process, sharing ideas and visions with us at Unges Byggservice. Through ongoing dialogue during the project, we brought those ideas and visions to life, says Marko Unge, CEO of Unges Byggservice.

Unge Byggservice offers services that range from full-scale renovations of villas and apartments to expertise in building techniques, extensions, landscaping, and stonework. The company also serves as an inspirational partner in interior design and enjoys working closely with its clients.

– We always work closely with our clients and help develop solutions and designs. In some cases, we lead the design process, in others, we collaborate with the client’s architect, says Marko, adding:

– Our philosophy is that anything is possible. Thanks to our clients, there are always new projects and new challenges. No two projects are ever the same.

Learn more how to order a kitchen from Nordiska Kök.


Photo: Emily Laye
Construction and images: Unges Byggservice


Malin Lundkvist