Frida Sömskar lives in a charming early 20th-century home in Enhörna, just outside Stockholm in Sweden. It's a place full of personality and history. She and her partner Pontus bought the house, originally built in 1912, eight years ago – and you can follow Frida’s renovation and interior design journey on Instagram at @fridasomskar.
“It was a total wreck, but we fell for it instantly. When we went to see it, it was leaking in five places—but it just felt right.”
The house had been abandoned for many years, and it took Frida just over two years of renovation before the family could move in.
Restoring a Century-Old Home
Frida, who’s trained in building conservation, was hooked by the fact that so many original details were still intact.
“The house had been empty for years, no one had ‘modernized’ it. That gave us the chance to restore it to its original state—but with the bonus of adding things like running water and proper plumbing that weren’t there before.”
Antiques and a bouquet of lilacs from the garden add charm to the bedroom.
After two years of serious renovation work, they moved in. Frida has always had a passion for interiors, especially classic and romantic styles.
“I want the decor to reflect the age of the house, so I go for furniture from around the turn of the century up to the mid-1900s. There’s just something special about older pieces—they’re unique, beautifully made, and secondhand is hard to beat.”
Frida’s kitchen has a large window and just 7 square meters of floor space. The goal was to create a modern, functional kitchen while keeping a classic look that reflects the house’s original era.
A Favorite Spot: the Glass Veranda
Frida’s favorite place in the house is the glassed-in veranda, where she spends much of her day.
“It’s like sitting outside even though you’re indoors. I eat breakfast here, and it’s also where I work. The hand-blown glass makes the view slightly wavy, which is beautiful year-round.”
The glass veranda is Frida’s favorite room. The sofa, which she bought at an antique shop, has been reupholstered in a William Morris fabric.
She loves hunting for vintage furniture and decor at flea markets and auctions. One of her best finds sits in the veranda: a late 1800s furniture set with a backless chaise lounge and two chairs. Rumor has it the set once belonged to a nearby manor house. Frida reupholstered the pieces in a lovely William Morris fabric.
“I love that feeling when you find something that’s just right. The thrill of the hunt and that gut excitement when you make a discovery—that’s half the fun.”
Dream Pieces and Timeless Favorites
Is there a piece you’d never part with?
“My Carl Malmsten dining table. It might not look like much, but it’s both practical and beautiful in its simplicity. When I bought it at an auction, it was really worn down, so I had it refinished. Now it looks brand new, and it’s followed me through every move.”
The dining room features green-painted wainscoting and a patterned William Morris wallpaper.
Is there anything you dream of owning?
“Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve wanted a Carl Malmsten ‘Samsas’ sofa. So when I finally found one, I jumped on it! It was recently reupholstered in a bright pea-green fabric and in amazing condition. And then, believe it or not, I found a sky-blue Samsas armchair on Auctionet. The armrests were a bit worn, but I’m planning to embroider something on them.”
See more of Frida on Instagram @fridasomskar
Get the Style
Check out some of Frida Sömskar’s favorite pieces on Auctionet.
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