Ett Hem

In the Sixties Stockholm was the capital of the kind of modernism that’s synonymous with “Scandinavian” design. Nowadays that utopian, vaguely futuristic look is the last thing on anyone’s mind. In the Nordic countries, the best hotels — and their guests — are devoted to something much warmer, a luxe, stylish sort of coziness, and an eclectic approach which makes use of mid-century modernism as just one element among many historical references. And even if Ett Hem’s aesthetic isn’t strictly homegrown — designer Ilse Crawford is London-born, to a Danish mother — the fact is, it’s probably the finest example anywhere of the current tendency in Scandinavian boutique hotel design.

More importantly, it’s simply one of the most impressive hotels in the region. Twelve rooms might just be the perfect size for a boutique hotel, especially one whose name means “home” — small enough that each room is an authentic original, and the staff has a chance to get to know every guest.

The rooms are well-appointed, and with their blend of contemporary and vintage design, they’ve got more personality than any ordinary luxury hotel, and in certain departments, more comfort as well — some have rain showers, others luxurious freestanding tubs, not to mention fireplaces or stoves, handy for the long winter months.

And like any house worthy of the name, there’s more to Ett Hem than just bedrooms. There’s a library and a couple of sitting rooms, all of them equally as stylish as any space in the house, and come mealtime you’ll have your choice of a walled garden, a sunny conservatory, or the kitchen, where guests gather at a long table for a bit of classic, old-style hospitality. We’re tempted to say it’s like being at home, but if we’re honest, most of us can only wish home was so good.