Emma Sundh has made a name for herself in Sweden in the field of sustainable living. She discusses topics such as recycling, circular concepts and has written a book about how she and her husband built their home using low emission and reused materials. They live in the picturesque county of Värmland in the Swedish countryside.
“We lived in Stockholm a few years ago when we decided to build our dream house in Värmland. It’s made from locally produced straw bales, clay, stone and circular pre-owned materials. The old style fits into the surroundings and we have a lovely, lush garden around the house.”
Emma Sundh has always loved old antique and vintage details.
The family moved into the ground floor in 2023 and are now working on finishing the upper floor.
“I love our old windows with mouth-blown glass and the squeaky doors we’ve installed. The porch roof is made of an old tin roof that once belonged to Moderna Museet in Stockholm. All these old details give the house character.”
The house is made out of straw bales, clay and reused materials.
A Love for Vintage Charm and Imperfection
Emma Sundh loves the uneven texture of the clay walls. It makes the house feel old, even though it’s new.
Has your interior style changed over time?
“Maybe a little. I’ve always loved old details, antiques, remake and a certain colour scheme that includes dusty green, pink, mustard yellow, English red, and brown.”
What makes you feel at home here?
“I grew up just a few hundred meters from our house, so it's a familiar environment. And I feel at home in our house because I like the imperfect and worn look when it comes to style. I’m no minimalist and cleaning isn’t my favourite activity since I have so many interesting projects going on – don’t have the time! It's always chaotic at home – that’s just how it is when you’re building a house, raising kids, have a garden and want to take time to really dive into projects. I love it.”
Even though the house is new, the building materials and interior details makes it feel old.
Treasures, Dreams and Auction Finds
What is your best auction or vintage find?
“I’ve made a lot of great bargains over the years. But if I had to choose just one, it would be the old windows and doors of the house. Or our kitchen lamp from Svenskt Tenn. Or our garden’s cast iron furniture ... I never buy anything new – everything I own is second-hand, reused, recycled or repurposed.”
When browsing auctions sites Emma is always on the look for old doors and windows.
When browsing online auction sites, is there something you're always on the lookout for?
“Old furniture and interior details from the late 1800s – zinc tubs, pots, coloured glass, windows, and double doors. The list is long …”
Is there a piece of furniture you're dreaming of buying?
“An armchair with fringes!”
Is there something in your home you'd never consider getting rid of?
“A yellow pair of iron beds. And some old chairs from the cinema Gamla Filmstaden Råsunda, which were used during Greta Garbo’s heyday.”
Why not create an outdoor area with an old iron bed?
Is there an auction bidding you lost that still makes you sad?
“Yes, I once bid on an old round window that would have been perfect for our house. More round, mullioned windows for everyone!”
When it comes to designers Emma Sundh holds dear, she mentions the craftsman Lars Holmström from Arvika.
“His brass creations are beautiful ornaments to decorate the home with.”
Round and mullioned windows are Emma's personal favourite type of windows.
Want to know more about Emma Sundh? Check out her Instagram page @emmasundh or visit her website emmasundh.com
Get the Style
Check out our curated collection of pieces inspired by @emmasundh's signature style.
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