Hello Home, Gustav Broström

Gustav Broström is a Swedish creative, writer, and one of the country’s most beloved voices in second hand, vintage, and sustainable living. Together with his partner Hugo, he lives in a bright, airy turn-of-the-century apartment in Kungsholmen, where his personal style - a playful blend of design classics and quirky vintage finds - takes center stage.
“We moved in during the fall of 2024 after my boyfriend had finally had enough of my paper flowers taking over the whole apartment. He agreed I needed a dedicated workspace,” Gustav laughs.

The living room faces Kronobergsparken and is bathed in natural light from tall windows - one of the remaining details from the building’s original 1902 architecture. Sheer off-white linen curtains billow in the breeze from the balcony door. “Many original features have been lost over the years, but what remains is a beautiful, geometric framework with deep window sills and a simplicity I really love,” says Gustav. “The apartment is bright, airy, and full of light - even when it’s dusty and messy.”

Thankfully, any major renovation wasn’t necessary, which was equal parts relief and necessity. “Thank goodness the previous owners had done such a nice job - plus, we didn’t have any money left. Being human is expensive!” he adds.

It’s nearly impossible to walk through the home without pausing to admire shelves, cabinets, or tiny framed pieces - the entire space invites exploration. “Some of my best finds are right there in the pictures!” says Gustav with enthusiasm, referring to the images we just captured on camera. On a green trolley in the living room sits Mannen med masken (The Man with the Mask) by Stig Lindberg, a lucky second hand find. Behind it stands a skewed, rectangular vase by Danish ceramicist Niels Huang, discovered on Tradera.

Tablescaping has become something of a Gustav signature . whimsical, inviting, and always with a personal twist. His knack for combining flea market treasures with classic touches has inspired many to mix eras and styles at the dinner table. Currently, Gustav is also the host of Bästa sommarmiddagen (“Best Summer Dinner”) on Swedish Television, where he invites guests seeking inspiration and shares how second-hand pieces can elevate any table setting.

So, what would his own dream table look like?
“Something straight out of Brideshead Revisited! A summer lunch outdoors, a grand tent made of fabric, a mismatched mix of chairs, stools, and cushions. Champagne in sturdy tumblers and simple finger food on oversized silver trays. Relaxed but extravagant!”

At home, the dining table is dressed in a custom-made tablecloth of mustard yellow woven linen with pleated folds, complemented by matching yet contrasting off-white linen napkins. A blue-and-white dinner set adds a deliberate clash of pattern, while bamboo-handled cutlery from French brand Sabré brings a playful elegance to the scene.

The bedroom is calm and spacious, framed by layered curtains that offer both tranquility and privacy. Closest to the window hang sheer, off-white linen curtains that soften the light, while heavier blackout curtains in a warm sand tone face the room.
“We chose classic beige curtains with blackout lining and crisp white sheers for when you don’t want to show off the full spectacle to the neighbors,” Gustav says with a smile.

Textiles, he explains, are one of the easiest ways to refresh a room without making big changes. “Sometimes it’s bold prints from Svenskt Tenn, other times it’s minimal and monochrome. But I see curtains more as furniture, so I don’t update them as often as I’d like. I wish I were more like older generations - with separate curtains for summer, winter, Christmas, and Easter!”

At the foot of the bed sits a low bench adorned with a carefully curated mix of vintage treasures and newer favorites. A striking statue of a woman draws the eye - a personal piece made by a friend’s father, now living in southern France. As with the rest of the home, Gustav’s signature aesthetic is present here too: behind the curtains hides a small collection of pewter objects - quiet little discoveries waiting to be found.

Nestled among it all is a piece of special significance:
“The room divider by Alvar Aalto was my first major design purchase. I got it from Sjöström Antik,” Gustav says.

No visit to Gustav’s home is complete without stopping by the studio - a room pulsing with color, texture, and creative energy. This is where he brings his paper flower creations to life, surrounded by sketches, color samples, and sheets of silk paper. The space feels like an artistic greenhouse, with exotic blooms unfurling from shelves, drawers, and vases.

“My love for flowers only started two years ago! I took a course and was completely enchanted,” Gustav shares. “I’d tried just about every craft, but this was the one where I really felt I had it in my fingers. It suits me perfectly - having to put down my phone and keep my hands busy.”