Think Finland, think clean lines, white walls and minimal contemporary furniture. This was not the aesthetic of choice for AnnMari Månsson and her partner Henrik in their flat in the Finnish town of Ekenäs. Here, white is offset with black-painted woodwork, daring gold details (including, ingeniously, gold leaf-covered kitchen tiles) and William Morris wallpaper. And, when it comes to furnishings, almost everything is old. In fact, only the bed, sofa and a few other pieces are new.
'Growing up, we didn't have the opportunity to buy new things, so buying second-hand has always been my first choice. As an adult I'm still very critical of buying new things, although now I have different reasons. I think we should all be mindful of the way we use nature's resources. Antiques also bring a certain depth and authenticity to spaces that new things just can't compete with. I find comfort and a sense of peace when surrounded with antiques.'
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Homes & Antiques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Homes & Antiques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Animal magic
Brought to life in myriad ways, whether printed, woven or embroidered, animals and birds have always been popular motifs in textile design, says Celia Rufey
Bright, bold and BRILLIANT
Small homes don't need to compromise on character. In Nick Kenny's two-up, two-down terrace, natural light, upcycled pieces and colourful accents make a big impact
HEIRLOOMS OF THE FUTURE - FLORA JAMIESON
The stained glass artist talks to Dominique Corlett about the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and capturing the English countryside at its best
Armillary sphere
The roots of the armillary sphere go back centuries but the design has retained its appeal, and sculptor David Harber creates some of today's most spectacular examples, says Jenny Oldaker
Six of the best HERITAGE RAILWAYS
Plying an 84-mile round trip route through the Scottish Highlands (current licensing woes willing), the Jacobite Steam Train starts at Fort William and skirts the tallest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, and spectacular beaches on its way to Mallaig.
TRAVEL
48 hours in Stockholm and the best heritage railways.
A PERSONAL PASSION
For opera lovers, Glyndebourne Festival is the highlight of the summer, beloved for its magical setting as well as the calibre of its productions. Celia Rufey steps behind the scenes as it celebrates its 90th birthday
48 hours in LEWES
As Glyndebourne Festival celebrates its 90th anniversary, there's no better time for a weekend away in the neighbouring town of Lewes in East Sussex says Sarah Riches
WE HEART ART
Visiting national art galleries and their acclaimed masterpieces is one thing, but the real satisfaction of being an art lover lies in building a collection of your own, says Caroline Wheater
The mystery COLLECTOR
One of the joys of collecting antiques is that pieces often come to us with stories attached. The story of Murray Pollinger, who built up an important collection of Samuel Alcock porcelain, is like the stuff of fiction. Fittingly so, as Willa Latham discovered...
