Woman holding a cat in a kitchen with a painting on the wall.
Woman holding a cat in a kitchen with a painting on the wall.
A calm and characterful home – inside Tuva’s Stockholm apartment

At the very top of a late 1930s building, Tuva found exactly what she and her family were searching for — a light-filled apartment with four rooms and a sense of freedom. After years of living on the ground floor, what struck her most was the view. From the kitchen and living room, she could finally take in the treetops and the nature. That feeling of openness and overview brought a deep sense of security. It's still one of her favorite things about the apartment.

Photos by Kevin Johnson

Tuva’s interior style is guided by intuition and shaped by the character of the space. She embraces a calm, neutral foundation and adds personality through contrast — oversized door knobs, playful light switches, and a rich mix of wood tones. Materials like stainless steel meet vintage finds, IKEA basics, and sculptural vases from contemporary artists, creating a thoughtful but unpretentious balance.

Rather than forcing pieces into place, Tuva lets the apartment decide what belongs. Even items with sentimental value, like a turn-of-the-century mirror she loves, stay in storage if they don’t suit the space. For her, true harmony comes from knowing what to keep and what to leave out.

The result is a home that feels calm, warm, and full of quiet character — a reflection of both its surroundings and the people living in it.

Modern kitchen with wooden backsplash, countertop, and abstract art on wall.
Modern kitchen with wooden backsplash, countertop, and abstract art on wall.
Wooden bookshelf with decorative items in a room with a dining table and chairs.
Wooden bookshelf with decorative items in a room with a dining table and chairs.
Wooden bookshelf with decorative items including books, vases, and a small statue.
Wooden bookshelf with decorative items including books, vases, and a small statue.
Dining area with wooden table and chairs in a home setting.
Dining area with wooden table and chairs in a home setting.
Modern kitchen with wooden dining table and chairs, white cabinets, and a cat on the table.
Modern kitchen with wooden dining table and chairs, white cabinets, and a cat on the table.
Living room with a gray sofa, wooden coffee table, and abstract painting on the wall.
Living room with a gray sofa, wooden coffee table, and abstract painting on the wall.

Q&A with Tuva Sterner

Are there any objects in your home with a special meaning?
My most cherished piece is a sculpture my grandfather made of my mother as a child. It makes me smile every day. It’s placed on a shelf we found at Bukowskis last year.

What role does art play in your home?
Art transforms a room — it brings emotion and character. I like when it feels a bit unexpected, like hanging a piece in an unusual spot. And I’m no longer afraid to switch things up. Art doesn’t have to be permanent, and that makes decorating more fun.

What makes a home feel like “you”?
For me, it’s all about warmth and making people want to stay. Soft lighting, small lamps, and candles help set that mood — I’ll even cook in dim light just because it feels cozier.

Do you have a favorite spot in your home?
Our kitchen, definitely. It’s where my husband and I spend the most time. Watching the seasons change through the window while cooking adds something really special to daily life.

Wooden shelf with books and a vase, red poster on the wall
Wooden shelf with books and a vase, red poster on the wall
Living room with wooden staircase, bookshelf, and a cat on the floor.
Living room with wooden staircase, bookshelf, and a cat on the floor.
Modern interior with wooden chair, ottoman, and abstract painting on a wall.
Modern interior with wooden chair, ottoman, and abstract painting on a wall.
Wooden shelf with a lamp, books, and decorative items against a wall with a framed abstract art piece.
Wooden shelf with a lamp, books, and decorative items against a wall with a framed abstract art piece.