Miss Clara by Nobis

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Scandinavian design in our years on the job it’s that it defies stereotyping. Even just in Swedish design there are currents within currents, and to unpack the references involved in Stockholm’s Miss Clara by Nobis would require a proper education. This distinctive 1910 façade is pure Art Nouveau, a former girls’ school which retains much of its historic character. But step back and you’ll see it’s topped by a modern addition, courtesy of the Swedish architect Gert Wingårdhs, who was tasked with bringing Miss Clara into the 21st century.

Even the modern elements bear classic echoes, and there’s nothing about the place that feels confrontational or alienating. And before we go too deep into our dissertation, we’ll skip ahead to the point. The upshot of all this impeccably thoughtful design is a place that can’t help but soothe and welcome any traveler who’s sensitive to the built environment. Whether you’re aware of all the visual references or just appreciate a bit of confident character in your lodging, it’s hard to find fault here.

Do be sure to pry yourself out of your room long enough for a bite at Miss Clara’s restaurant — modern Scandinavian cooking is possibly even more thoughtful than modern Scandinavian design, and as you’ve seen, that’s saying something.