Villa Westre

Sandra, Mikael, and their two daughters, Rut (6 years old) and Flora (4 years old), started their journey in central Stockholm. During the pandemic, they decided to trade the hustle and bustle of the city for a functionalist-style house in Falun. Sandra, originally from Dalarna and working in innovation and product development for a global company, saw the move as a way to reconnect with nature and create a more harmonious lifestyle for the entire family. After a period of intense commuting and remote work, they ultimately decided to move closer to Stockholm again—this time to Täby. Rather than building new, they chose to breathe new life into an existing 70s house, marking the beginning of their unique journey.

The house they purchased was a catalog home built in 1976, largely untouched since its construction. Its originality was the main attraction—“a blank canvas for creativity,” as Sandra describes it. For the family, renovating rather than building new was important to preserve the atmosphere of the house and the era it represented. By collaborating with Lowén & Widman architects, they developed a vision that highlighted the house’s best features while incorporating modern conveniences.

For Sandra, it was clear that the goal wasn’t to “fix” the house but to bring out its soul and history. Renovating a 70s house wasn’t just a practical decision; it was an opportunity to celebrate the architectural expression of an era often overlooked.

The renovation wasn’t just about modernization—it was about honoring the house and its time period. Warm yellow tones now adorn the walls and ceilings, harmonizing with oak details inspired by Sandra’s grandmother’s home. Materials and colors were carefully chosen to create a cohesive, authentic 70s feel while seamlessly integrating modern elements.

One of the most important design elements was the doors, where Njord played a central role. Custom oak doors treated with a unique stain to perfectly match the other wood details became an obvious choice. Sandra describes the doors as “as much an aesthetic feature as a practical necessity.” The harmonious tones and high-quality craftsmanship completed the house in a thoughtful and elegant way.

When it came to the interior design, Sandra ensured a consistent theme throughout the home. She worked with a clear plan based on the shapes and materials that define the 70s, while keeping the design timeless. Danish architecture and design were major sources of inspiration, as was quality craftsmanship from contemporary architects and designers.

Materials and furniture were mixed to create a harmonious yet interesting interior. Many pieces were bought second-hand from auctions, Blocket, and Facebook Marketplace. Furniture in need of care was given a second life, creating a timeless aesthetic while adding personality and soul to every room.

Sandra emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality design classics and recognizing the potential in older furniture that can be restored to fit perfectly into a home.

Quality, sustainability, and longevity were key when selecting materials for the renovation. Short-term trends were avoided in favor of materials that age beautifully and reflect a thoughtful design philosophy. Oak, natural textures, and robust constructions were chosen to ensure both function and aesthetics. Additionally, materials that aligned with the building techniques of the era were used to enhance the authenticity of the renovation.

Sandra shares a few insights from her renovation journey:

• Research the building techniques and materials of the era to ensure every change respects the home’s originality.
• Work closely with your builders. Make sure your vision and expectations are clear, and keep the dialogue open for adjustments.
• Stay true to your vision – It’s easy to compromise in the pursuit of quick results or short-term fixes, but long-term thinking always pays off.
• See the potential in furniture – The second-hand market is a treasure trove for those with patience, and a little renovation can work wonders.

The renovation wasn’t about “modernizing” but about honoring a decade full of character. The result is a home where every room tells a story, blending the best of the past with today’s modernity in perfect harmony. They take the most pride in staying true to their vision and making uncompromising material choices.

"We are truly impressed by how solid and high-quality the doors feel," says Sandra. "The house now has five hinged doors and five sliding doors in various sizes, and each door adds a distinct premium feel. One thing that really surprised us was how perfectly the tone matched the rest of the woodwork – a detail that elevated the overall impression of the home tremendously. When we first started sketching the house, we may not have realized how important a role the interior doors would play in the character of the home, but today we are incredibly happy we chose the oak doors from Njord."

Location: Täby, Stockholm
Architect: Lowén Widman Arkitekter
Home: Sandra Fristedt Westre and family | @villawestre
Products: Oak | Door frame k02 | Sliding door
Photographer: Emma Jönsson Dysell | @emmajonssondysell