AT HOME WITH JULIA MÅRTENSSON
On our way to meet Julia Mårtensson in her vibrant home, we walk among the quaint streets of Vasastan. Historic buildings and charming cafes set the scene of this picturesque Stockholm neighbourhood, that houses not only Bemz’s showroom, but many local hotspots. Join us as we take a deep dive into the kaleidoscope that is Julia’s home.
Stepping into Julia’s colourful studio apartment, we are warmly welcomed by Valter, her sprightly 12-year-old Danish-Swedish Farmdog. The cozy 31 square meter apartment is nestled on the ground floor, with expansive windows that open to a charming outdoor space. The zesty spirit of Julia's aesthetic appreciation unfolds right from the entryway, painted in a radiant sunshine yellow hue courtesy of Klint, Julia’s place of work. Her role as Creative Manager and stylist for the contemporary paint company has greatly influenced her home, that functions as a vessel for Julia to channel her creativity. “As someone who overthinks everything, my home has become a therapeutic project I work on to take my mind off things. Rearranging my knicknacks is mindfulness for me.”
When asked to summarize her distinctive style in three words, Julia encapsulates it as collected, cheerful, and ever-evolving. Every item and piece of furniture serves as a storyteller, making her home a gallery of narratives waiting to be explored. She explains that her life orbits around three central fascinations: interior aesthetics, meaningful connections with people, and True Crime. A small, daily dose of each is her personal recipe for happiness.
I want to give a big round of applause to this slipcover. Changing the cover changed the whole atmosphere of the apartment!
In the beating heart of the apartment lies the enchanting fusion of the living room and kitchen. Julia and Valter snuggle up on the sofa, an IKEA Stocksund 3-seater and footstool that she found secondhand. Wrapped in a lively slipcover from Bemz, Julia's choice of Brera Lino in Apple Green infuses the space with an energetic pop. From the snug haven of the sofa, Julia's gaze extends to her meticulously styled kitchen and dining area. Four striking "Kamilla" chairs, designed by Johan Kandell, immediately capture attention. Despite being cherished family heirlooms passed down through generations, these blue chairs seem destined for Julia's vibrant world. With a playful laugh, she confesses that comfort might take a backseat with these chairs: "My friends never hesitate to remind me of that, but you know what? Sometimes beauty triumph ergonomics."
Within the cozy confines of Julia's petite apartment lies a tucked-away bedroom, a space that, despite its size, exudes a distinct richness. The bed's headboard, with a cover in Brera Lino Terracotta, harmoniously resonates with the painted IKEA Ivar cabinet – another Klint nuance, naturally. Bemz' made-to-measure curtains in Sheer Check Linen delicately filter the incoming light, creating a play of shadows that lends the illusion of the entire floor being one expansive bed. Adding a touch of rustic charm to the contemporary colour palette, a bedspread in Cotton Hemp, Blue Stripe, introduces a playful contrast.
Defying the conventional wisdom that advocates for a neutral interior base, Julia passionately champions the opposite approach. To her, the key lies in crafting a personalized palette inspired by anything that sparks creativity. She shares her secret technique: "It can be a piece of art or a picture; use the colour picker tool in any editing program to extract nuances from it, and voila – you have your palette." For Julia, colours aren't just aesthetic choices; they possess a transformative power to evoke emotions and shape moods. Describing herself as emotionally driven, we witness a seamless connection between her vibrant interior and her emotional intelligence, creating a home that's as alive with feeling as it is with colour.
As we close the chapter on Julia's delightful and dynamic abode, her home stands as a testament to fearless design choices and an unwavering commitment to personal expression. Each nook and cranny narrate a story of playfulness, spontaneity, and a vivid celebration of colour that has defined her space for the past four years. With her eyes set on a new adventure, Julia’s vision is to one day find and renovate an attic in Södermalm, a vibrant Stockholm district known for its bohemian atmosphere and vintage boutiques . When that day comes, we hope to be invited for another interview.
