Embracing Swedish serenity: A peek into Emelie Lindmark's Barcelona family home

In the bustling heart of Barcelona, the calming home of Swedish It-girl Emelie Lindmark stands as a symbol of a harmonious blend between Scandinavian minimalism and Mediterranean warmth. Reflective of her modish clothing company, Le Capsole, the Swedish-born founder has curated “her favourite place in the world” to replicate a sanctuary of organic, classic design. In this Spanish haven enriched with Scandinavian artisanal accents, every element resonates with the stories of intertwined heritages, her love for husband Gerard Sabé, and the entrepreneur's evolution as a woman embracing the joys of imminent family life.

After an extensive search, the couple was captivated by the city-centric abode. “Admittedly, it was quite run-down at the time of purchase, but I could see its immense potential. It's rare in Barcelona to have a park just outside your window. While it wasn't initially on our list of essentials, this unique feature truly made us fall in love with the place and reminded me of the Swedish countryside."

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The transformation of Emelie Lindmark's Barcelona sanctuary was a family affair. Collaborating closely with her sister-in-law, Elena Eyre, a Barcelona-based interior designer, Emelie found the perfect ally to weave the essence of Swedish simplicity with Spanish vibrancy. "Mood boarding is my process; this is how I developed my Le Capsole collections, my wedding, and tablescapes for dinner parties," Emelie shares, emphasising the significance of this creative technique in envisioning her dream home. In partnership with Elena, Emelie was guided to source unique pieces from local markets and ateliers. This approach was not just about aesthetics for Emelie; it was about creating a legacy, selecting furnishings that would transcend time and become cherished heirlooms for her daughter.

Stepping into the entryway of the Barcelona home is like walking into a scene from a Pinterest board. The space is defined by a striking “must-have” monochromatic chequered floor reminiscent of a traditional London hotel. This design element elegantly extends into the boot room and guest bathroom. Soft pastel blushes and natural tones such as clay and pine, applied with eco-friendly Little Greene paints, bathe the space in a warm, earthy Scandinavian glow.

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"Our home is steeped in history. From the outset, we were captivated by its age-old charm and were determined to unearth and amplify its inherent potential.” To achieve this, the couple introduced elegant mouldings and rosettes, complementing them with classic arched doorways to accentuate the ceiling height.

In true Scandinavian fashion, traditional wood-framed windows and distinctive chevron parquetry “was the final touch that brought the classical Swedish elegance of the apartment to life." Original skirting board plasterwork and forgotten corners have been championed with a lick of paint in 'bone china blue' and 'blush' for added charm.

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The home's centrepiece is undeniably the "social hub" kitchen, masterfully designed by Nordiska Kök. Emelie, having long admired the Swedish brand, was ecstatic to learn of their expansion into European kitchen designs. "The moment I knew they were venturing into this, I jumped," she shares. "They have utterly surpassed our expectations, crafting our dream kitchen. The fusion of dark wood, light cabinets, and marble is a visual delight – I couldn't have imagined it more perfect."

The couple chose a taupe and beige flecked marble for the countertops and splashback in this culinary space, harmoniously blending with the cascading floating cloud chandeliers. Natural elements have been incorporated in the form of stacked antique chopping boards and terracotta ceramics for a dose of the Swedish countryside. These elements add a touch of rustic charm to the kitchen, which often buzzes with guests savouring Emelie's renowned goat cheese spinach quiche and her traditional Swedish Janssons Frestelse.

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A tucked away, yet integral part of the kitchen is a walnut-coated coffee nook ingeniously concealed by traditional bespoke cabinetry. Emelie describes it as "an essential", along with the matching tea station in the bedroom. Nordiska Kök handcrafted drawers reveal meticulously organised spice spots and an array of Scandinavian teas, a testament to her Marie Kondo-inspired organisational approach. This sense of order and elegance is echoed in her walk-in wardrobe, a bespoke creation by Elena Eyre. The wardrobe, with its colour-coordinated scheme and latte-painted cabinetry, is not just a storage space but the backdrop for Emelie's Instagram posts and revolving Le Capsole drops.

In a harmonious flow, the family bathroom marries the rustic charm of a Spanish villa with a Scandinavian twist. Its walls, enveloped in Microcement, emit a warm glow, while the shower and sink, sculpted from Carrara marble, evoke the tranquillity of a hammam. Emelie has carefully selected NV Gallery rectangular lamps, handmade from Jade stone, to cast a serene light that perfectly complements a mirror inspired by the fluid forms of the 1960s Swedish design movement. “We began playing with lighting to foster a gentle, soothing atmosphere where I can indulge in my peaceful Sunday spa sessions and only opted for natural, soft-to-touch materials," Emelie explains. Eschewing mainstream trends, the bathroom's storage solutions are a testament to craftsmanship: wooden cabinetry, hand-carved by a local Barcelona atelier, boasts a Scandinavian antique finish, adding a touch of bespoke elegance to the practical space.

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Illuminated, the entrepreneur's "husband often remarks that our home feels reminiscent of the cosy coffee spots and eateries back in Sweden," shares Emelie, as she highlights the intimate setting created by the strategic placement of small table lamps and the gentle glow of flickering candles throughout their apartment. "Spotlights are a no-go in our apartment," she asserts, "playing with lighting is key to crafting our desired atmosphere." As they eagerly anticipate the arrival of their daughter next year, the couple has embraced "soft lighting," skillfully employing strategically placed lamps and museum-like shelving that not only illuminate but also provide a stage for the everpresent burning candles. In the bedroom and sitting area, the Scandinavian setting is further enhanced by a pair of Cestita wooden lamps and a floor light designed by Miguel Milá, sourced from Santa & Cole, alongside statement Murano glass chandeliers from Swedish Studio Laruin, all casting an inviting glow. During the festive season, forest greens and berry red candle sticks appear, with winding Christmas lights enchanting the already Hygge space.

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With adaptability in mind, the couple has artfully combined practicality with style, selecting pieces like a dark-hued oak dining table from Westwing and natural linen chairs with black threaded accents from NV gallery. "My favourite space is the dining, sitting, and kitchen area because it's all interconnected, and I can envision us creating cherished family memories here."

This space, a hub for both elaborate dinner parties and intimate family gatherings, is infused with personal touches. Built-in arched alcoves adorn the dining area, displaying framed childhood portraits of the couple, antique candle holders, and a cherished painting by Gerard’s grandfather. Among other treasured items are heirloom antique books from Emelie's grandmother and unique finds from Barcelona's Mercanti market. "Gerard and I adore the blend of classical, contemporary, and sourced antiques; it’s a timeless aesthetic that continually inspires us."

A custom-made sofa, crafted by local artisans and matching curved baby-proof Teddy Bear armchairs anchor the sitting area, draped in Scandi H&M Home cushions and an elegant Hermes throw, melding luxury with comfort. A festively adorned Christmas tree in prime position is a symbol of their blended heritage, embellished with Scandinavian trinket baubles, a nod to Lindmark's roots, and further accented by a woven reindeer and autumn-hued dried hydrangeas bought locally in Spain. The dining area, meanwhile, showcases a florist-foraged wreath, draping symmetrically over the mantel, setting the stage for their festive gatherings.

"I love Christmas. It's my favourite holiday," Lindmark shares, "but we keep it simple - a decorated tree, and then play with flowers, oranges, and candle colours. We avoid overdoing it with maximalist Santa Clauses everywhere." Their dining table, graced with Mateus Collection plates and Villeroy & Boch cutlery, remains a versatile centrepiece, adaptable for any occasion. "It's all about the surrounding decorations," she adds, revealing a special touch: "My coffee and tea cups, 120 years old from my Swedish family, are used only for extraordinary celebrations." Embracing the seasonal shift, Lindmark also tailors her home's aroma, "Currently, I adore the scent of Christmas – a blend of clove, orange slices, rose, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. It's perfect for welcoming guests."

As the couple eagerly anticipate the arrival of their daughter, their home readies for a new chapter with the creation of a tranquil nursery. "The walls will be bathed in a delicate powder beige, mirroring the green park outside her window, inspiring a palette that speaks of nature – earthy greens, gentle beiges, and floral hints," shares Lindmark. The developing space will also feature a changing station from Danish brand Camcam Copenhagen, alongside cherished items from Garbo & Friends, reflecting Emelie's affinity for natural motifs.

With the ebbs and flows of life changes, it is clear that the couple's shared admiration for one another's heritage is woven throughout the tapestry of their Spanish home, where Scandinavia's calm is enshrined within the once-forgotten walls of this historic Barcelona building – now set to become their family home.