Design Dissect 4 - Petrus Palmer - Living Room
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This is my first attempt at understanding Scandinavian Interior Design. I’m going to do some research about general themes after I’ve dissected Palmer’s space in an attempt to remain fresh eyed. Today I will be dissecting his family home’s living room.
User Bio/User Goals -
Petrus Palmer is a designer of furniture, spaces, things, and a businessman - most notably for his company Hem. The Palmer’s recently moved to the outskirts of Stockholm to support a growing family outside of the city. Kid-friendly play rooms are a must, as well as adult-friendly work offices. The two requirments marry in the living room - where the family will likely congregate after a long day. The living room is where the Palmers will exist not individually, but as a family.
The best living rooms, in my opinion, have space for relaxation but also for engaged movement. Practically speaking, the living room will need enough space for the family of 5 (seating, lounging, etc.). Another important element is entertaining - entertaining within the nuclear family as well as when guests come over.
Materials Bio -
There is consistency across materials in the two Toogood pieces - a camel leather. The Palo sofa doesn’t diverge in texture although it is a wool material. The Monster rug is also wool but adds volume to the room through its fluffiness.
The curtains in the room are sleek, adding no weight or dimension to the intentional simplicity of the space.
Color Palette Bio -
If I had to give the color palette in this room a name, it would be Notably Neutral. Notably Neutral makes perfect sense for this family I would have made the same decision in coloring. Specifically, light and dark grey tones, camel, and beige and white accents.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the intentional use of green in the room as well. The various gradients of green remind me of the imperfections in life and of the imperfections in our homes. Although beautifully curated in neutrals, greenery from indoor and outdoor plants make me feel like this house is a home.
Palmer’s emphasis on peace and balance in his designs is in large part because of the colors he chooses. The living room sits centrally with color setting the tone for harmony and serenity throughout the home.
Art Bio -
No art is the art choice in this room. And that decision is a thoughtful one. When I don’t see art on walls it makes a room feel overwhelmingly quiet. Art usually accessorizes spaces but the closest artistic element in the Palmer’s living room comes from the window and floor to ceiling doors that let in a view of nature. It feels as if live art is a feature because of the seasonal changes happening year-round in the family’s outdoor space.
Another non-art art piece is the Monster rug in this room. Designed by Siri Carlen, the Monster rug resembles a cooler version of a leopard’s spots and remains consistent with the chosen neutral color scheme.
Furishing Bio -
The star of the room. Palmer’s living room is entirely furnished with Hem pieces.
Puffy chair by @t_o_o_g_o_o_d
Stump table by @t_o_o_g_o_o_d
Palo Sofa standing on the new Monster rug by @siricarlen
Silver glass cloud by @studioreiser
The @t_o_o_g_o_o_d pieces read less like traditional, functional furniture and more like material art brought to life. I personally would love to sit in the puffy chair - so fun. The puffy chair and stump table have a similar coloring, bringing a pop of contrast to the muted grayscale commanding the majority of the room.
Bulbous, not sharp or angular edges, are a through-line for the chosen furniture and accessory pieces. The Palmers definitely had the kiddos in mind when making this choice.
All of the pieces are positioned to face inwards, to pull guests and family in to the moment but allow them to wander their gaze to the outdoors which is so temptingly alive and gorgeous.
Light Bio -
Light plays a huge role in this room. Because the window and doors are main focal points, so is light. The benefits of light on one’s mood and happiness are paramount. Palmer’s knowledge of this likely influenced the choice of home and use of this space as the living room.
I see two artificial light sources - one serving as a main overhead and another perfectly positioned in the corner of the room for reading. The overhead light is tiny, so I assume the vibe in this room is more mysterious and romantic when the sun sets. The reading light is fairly small - a moment of peaceful reading with the whole world dark and quiet around you can be intimately felt.
Overall Impressions -
I feel as if this entire time, I’ve been confusing sleek style as modern, when in reality, it may be Scandinavian. I am so excited to dive deeper in to understanding this style and it’s definitely changed the way I see Interior Design.
With love,
Cecilia
