The elegant bistro kitchen at Julia Hichens
Nestled in the charming district of Vasastan in Stockholm, lifestyle blogger Julia Hichens and her family have created a timeless home in a historic 1911 apartment—complete with an elegant bistro kitchen by Nordiska Kök that now forms the heart of the home.
See more Shaker kitchens from Nordiska Kök
The bistro kitchen by Nordiska Kök for Julia Hichens’ home in Stockholm features a site-built breakfast nook, blending French bistro flair with Scandinavian design.
The apartment dates back to 1911, combining historic character with understated elegance in a timeless and inviting atmosphere.
After a few years living in a house outside the city, Julia and her husband John, along with their two children and dog, decided it was time to move back. They assumed the search for their new home would take time, but when the listing for a historic apartment in Vasastan in Stockholm appeared, everything suddenly fell into place.
The apartment, dating back to 1911, still retained its original layout, though it was in need of renovation. Determined to preserve and restore the space, Julia and John anchored their choices in sustainable and timeless principles, highlighting the apartment’s historic beauty while infusing it with their personal style.
Defined by soft tones, shaker doors and bold green granite, the classic kitchen exudes calm elegance while seamlessly harmonising with the rest of the home. Stove by Smeg.
Julia Hichens and the dog Bruno, in their beautiful home in Stockholm.
Throughout the apartment, beautiful objects are carefully arranged, bringing charm and personality to the space.
For the kitchen, Julia had a clear vision: it should be a tribute to the places she and her family love to visit. The result—an elegant bistro kitchen by Nordiska Kök, blending French bistro charm with Scandinavian design. Thoughtfully planned, in timeless Shaker style, it features classic elements such as upper glass front cabinets, traditional tap and sink, and a welcoming breakfast nook with a built-in bench spacious enough for the whole family.
With the possibility of creating a fully bespoke kitchen, designed according to the couple’s own preferences and vision, choosing Nordiska Kök felt like a natural step.
– I came across Nordiska Kök online and was immediately drawn to the craftsmanship, flexibility, and the way the kitchens can be tailored to personal visions. We chose Nordiska Kök because it’s not a ready-made concept – it’s a dialogue where the kitchen takes shape together, and where the process is just as important as the result, says Julia.
The elegant breakfast nook blends French bistro flair with Scandinavian design.
Wall lamp from Eichholtz. Knobs from Lundell & Zetterberg.
“I came across Nordiska Kök online and was immediately drawn to the craftsmanship, flexibility, and the way the kitchens can be tailored to personal visions.”
The inspiration was drawn from a variety of places—from the intimate charm of French bistros to the polished elegance of hotel breakfasts.
– I was inspired by the cosy booths at restaurant Prinsen here in Stockholm – a place we love to go for dinner, and where we also had our wedding reception. I also thought of hotel breakfasts, polished nickel, and the curated feel of items on display. But also the contrast between soft and hard, homely and professional, Julia explains.
The green granite worktop “Verde Italia” paired with traditional chrome taps adds a sense of timeless elegance, while the Shaker style cabinets, painted in a soft greige tone, blend seamlessly with the apartment’s historic charm and architectural features.
With its blend of old and new, the interior exudes historical charm and quiet sophistication. Wooden living room table, inherited from John’s mother. Green sofa “Petito” by Furinova.
The green granite worktop “Verde Italia” is beautifully paired with greige tones and chrome knobs.
In the kitchen nook, the upper glass front cabinets enhance the French bistro atmosphere while also providing practical storage. Round dining table by Ulf Scherlin.
From the very first moment Julia and John stepped into the apartment, they fell in love with its architectural features and beautiful details. The preserved layout included everything from original serving corridors to built-in bookshelves. Bringing that same bespoke, built-in feeling into the kitchen was key to creating a sense of cohesion throughout the apartment.
– What we appreciate most is how the kitchen, which once felt tucked away, has now become the heart of the home. The breakfast nook has space for the whole family – it’s where homework gets done, guitars are played, gingerbread is baked and naps are taken, all without ever feeling crowded or cut off, Julia says.
– On a practical note, we’re most pleased with the storage in the dining bench and the possibility of making the upper cabinets as tall as we wanted. It makes the room genuinely functional, she adds.
The Hichens family’s home in Vasastan strikes a perfect balance of traditional decoration and contemporary elegance. Beige velvet sofa from Bröderna Andersson.
Beautiful architectural detailing in the entrance hall.
Julia’s keen eye for beauty and style is evident throughout the home. For her, interior design is about creating a place where life can unfold and pause, where inherited and found objects are proudly on display, and where art carries memories.
– My interior style often rests on a neutral base, but there’s always colour and life in contrast: the children’s baskets of ongoing play, the dog’s pillows, John’s crosswords, and my open books scattered around.
About Julia Hichens
Julia Hichens is a lifestyle blogger a The Way We Play and works as a principal. As a side project, she also runs Arts & Tea, a cultural club and newsletter focusing on art, literature, and conversation.
Photo: Kristofer Johnsson for Nordiska Kök
Styling: Pella Hedeby
5 tips on how to get the French bistro-look into your kitchen
The French bistro kitchen combines charm, comfort and timeless style. Here are five tips to get the look at home.
1. Keep the palette minimal
Choose a restrained colour scheme – think soft greys, creamy whites or muted greens – to give the space a timeless, understated backdrop.
2. Bring in vintage furniture
A rustic wooden table, café chairs or a marble-topped bistro table instantly nod to Parisian charm.
3. Showcase antiques
Open shelves or glass-fronted cabinets are perfect for displaying treasured ceramics, glassware or collected pieces that add character.
4. Choose classic finishes
Opt for chrome or polished nickel taps, shaker-style cabinetry and tiled splashbacks to echo the traditional brasserie feel.
5. Create a breakfast nook
A built-in bench or cosy corner seating area encourages gathering, conversation and that relaxed French bistro atmosphere.
Find more kitchen inspiration. Explore Scandi Elegance—a design concept that blends minimalist aesthetics of Scandinavian design with sophisticated charm of French style. Or learn more about how to create the bistro-style kitchen.
