Modern Elegance kitchen
Timeless, elegant and filled with light – this tranquil Stockholm kitchen is the result of a collaboration between Nordiska Kök and the interior design studio AO/JN. Oak cabinetry and white quartzite surfaces pair beautifully with pale parquet flooring, creating an airy space defined by understated elegance.
Discover more inspiration for contemporary wooden kitchens.
A monolithic white quartzite countertop draws the eye to the kitchen island, designed on two levels for a relaxed dining space – beautifully paired with the elegant Superleggera Chair from Cassina. Discover kitchen island inspiration and ideas.
Interior designer Alexandra Ogonowski and interior architect Jesper Nyborg, co-founders of AO/JN, in the kitchen.
Founded by interior designer Alexandra Ogonowski and interior architect Jesper Nyborg, AO/JN studio focuses on creating serene spaces with a sense of authenticity.
– Our designs typically strive to respect the original details of the space. We aim to unite the old with the new through respectful design additions and intricate detailing that carry through the entire home, says Alexandra Ogonowski.
– We love to create a neutral canvas that acts as a stage for other materials, patterns and forms to shine and transform into something new, she adds.
A perfect example of their signature aesthetic, this pale and peaceful kitchen delivers both in design and functionality. We asked Alexandra to tell us more about the kitchen and the project.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets provide concealed storage and ample space for built-in appliances. Appliances from Miele.
A wide doorway links the tranquil white-and-wood kitchen to the dining area in this light-filled home in Bromma. Superleggera Chair in ash from Cassina. Beautiful wooden flooring from Chevron Parquet.
A ‘Scandal’ pendant by Articolo hangs above the kitchen island, its design seamlessly complementing the space's understated elegance. The faucet is by Dornbracht. Read our guide on how to choose the right faucet and sink for your kitchen.
Where did you draw your inspiration for this project from?
For this project, we were inspired by the home’s original architecture. We always start by studying the details of the existing building to see what features are worth conserving, and to draw inspiration for the design process. Restoration requires a careful balance between respecting heritage and adding originality. Any successful restoration project must feel like a natural continuation of the building’s history, while updating it for modern life.
The house is located in Bromma, just outside Stockholm, close to water and greenery. It’s a beautiful area, and the natural light that floods into the house through its generous windows lends a feeling of serenity to the space. We wanted to work with materials and colours that honoured this and blended in effortlessly with the character of the building.
Oak cabinets run the length of the wall, where natural light floods in, highlighting the textural details of the quartzite countertop and parquet floor. Range cooker from Bertazzoni.
Gio Ponti's '699 Superleggera' chair for Cassina, crafted from pale ash wood, is the perfect complement to this timeless yet contemporary kitchen.
What was the key focus when you were planning the kitchen?
The original kitchen layout felt cramped, so we aimed to design a more functional and inviting space. We expanded the opening between the dining area and kitchen, and added an additional double door leading to the garden to bring in even more natural light.
The curved cabinet edges and open shelves were a natural choice, as there is a passageway into the kitchen from the entrance hall. We wanted to make sure there were no sharp edges here, without compromising on storage space. Our approach throughout the project focused on essential forms and paid rigorous attention to the details. The result is a home that feels soft and soulful, with spaces that encourage human interaction.
The clients had complete trust in us throughout this project. They only had minor demands regarding the flow of the kitchen, which needed to accommodate a lot of storage and appliances, as well as offer convivial seating around the island. Their primary wish was for a home that felt warm, modern, elegant, and timeless.
Handle-free oak fronts contributes to the kitchen’s streamlined feel, allowing the grain of the wood and period architecture to shine.
The beauty inside this light oak curved cabinet. Ceramics by Mimmi Blomqvist. Discover our top 6 kitchen decor ideas.
What should you consider before starting a renovation?
There are many elements to consider before embarking on a renovation. For example, the use of space, the overall flow, the lighting and what kind of atmosphere you’d like to create.
In the next phase, you can decide how you want to add personality. You may have to be prepared to let go of some of your original ideas, as you might find they aren’t feasible once you start making structural changes, such as knocking down walls. It is essential to keep an open mind and be creative throughout the design process, allowing your ideas to evolve and adapt as the project progresses.
What principles or ideas guide your work as a design studio?
As a studio, we trust our intuition and remain true to our aesthetic, rather than focusing too much on interior design trends. Often, our inspiration comes from architecture and art, grounded in geometry and details. At the moment, we’re noticing a frequent use of natural materials—such as Calacatta Viola, Brazilian Quartzite, and burl wood—which are timeless choices.
Wooden pieces in richer tones create contrast in the dining area, while still feeling in keeping with the tactile kitchen scheme. Dining chairs from Carl Hansen. Read our top tips on how to decorate the dining room.
The home’s pre-existing staircase, which ascends in a graceful arc, echoes the curved edges of the cabinets in the kitchen.
AO/JN’s five key steps for planning a kitchen that is truly personal:
Decide what kind of feeling you what to create in your space. Begin the planning process by finding your preferred balance between design and functionality. Consider any rooms that are connected to your kitchen and how these spaces will interact with each other.
Create a moodboard for the design process, combining the materials you’d like to use and composing a colour palette for the space.
Prioritise the functional requirements you have for your kitchen, such as storage, space for large or small appliances, seating requirements and how much work surface you need for cooking and preparing meals.
Create drawings that include all of the above. You may find you need to revise the plans several times before achieving the perfect configuration.
Take a breather and step back to review what you've created to see if any adjustments are needed. Always trust your gut feeling throughout the design process. For some, it can take a while to get there, but most of the time, we know what we want and what feeling to aim for. Enlisting the help of an interior architect in the early stages of a project can help you navigate the various decisions and speed up the entire project.
Interior design: www.aojninteriors.com @aojninteriors
Photo: Kristofer Johnsson
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