Svenskt Tenn was founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson as an avant-garde interiors shop on Strandvägen, a ritzy boulevard on the banks of the Stockholm harbor. In the 1930s, the Austrian émigré Josef Frank joined, and his versatile Liljevalchs sofa soon cemented the brand in popular culture as a bastion of Swedish modernism. But the company has always been led by women.
Today, it’s headed by the Småland-born businesswoman Maria Veerasamy, who previously spent 20 years at Indiska, a storied Swedish retailer. In her foreword for a recent book on Svenskt Tenn, published in June to celebrate its centennial, she wrote, “Preserving history while charting the course for the future—herein lies the heart of my mission.”
Here, Veerasamy shares her guide to the city she calls home.
Stockholms stadshus
The Stockholm City Hall is one of Sweden’s most renowned buildings. Built in the National Romantic style by Ragnar Östberg, it masterfully blends craftsmanship, architectural vision, and sculptural detail. To fully experience its grandness, visitors need to book a guided tour. Without it, you only get access to a small part of the building. (stadshuset.stockholm)
Skogskyrkogården
A tranquil cemetery where nature and architecture merge. Created by Sigurd Lewerentz and Gunnar Asplund for contemplation and reflection, the space has a quiet, spiritual atmosphere shaped by its pines, hills, and light. It’s been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1994. (skogskyrkogarden.stockholm)
JUs
A concept store that curates the best in fashion, design, and art with aesthetic clarity and creative ambition. Among much else, the shop carries pieces by my favorite jewelry designer, Yasar Aydin, who has an exquisite sense for cuts, materials, and form. (jus.se)
Konst/ig Books
Stockholm’s premier bookstore dedicated to design, architecture, fashion, and contemporary art. A treasure trove of inspiration, knowledge, and unexpected perspectives for industry insiders and curious minds alike. (konstigbooks.com)
Saman Amel
Saman Amel sells timeless tailored pieces of international caliber, grounded in Swedish roots. The menswear brand prizes quality above all else, with expert craftsmanship and an unwavering eye for detail. (samanamel.com)
Petri
An intimate high-end restaurant serving beautiful Swedish food with a French influence. Petter Nilsson, its chef, leads with a musical touch that leaves you eager to return. Nilsson also oversees Café Svenskt Tenn, our in-store coffee shop. (petrirestaurant.com)
SöderTobak
A neighborhood bistro with a warm, familiar atmosphere. Great food, drinks, and a relaxed vibe. (instagram.com)
Socker Sucker
The haute couture of pastries. Here, sugar and butter are transformed into edible art with precision, imagination, and finesse. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth. (sockersucker.se)
Existo
A wonderful place to start or end your day with breath, movement, and stillness, this studio brings together some of Stockholm’s top yoga instructors. (existo.se)
Larsson Korgmakare
Established in 1903, this rattan workshop in Stockholm’s Old Town is now run by the fourth-generation rattan maker Erica Larsson. Larsson Korgmakare has produced Svenskt Tenn’s rattan furniture since the 1930s, when Erica’s grandfather began collaborating with Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank. If you’re able to book an appointment, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the making of this living craft, where tradition and skill meet in every weave. (larssonkorgmakare.se)
Carl Eldhs Ateljémuseum
Once the studio of the renowned Swedish sculptor Carl Eldh, this timeless space now exhibits his expressive works alongside contemporary art. (eldhsatelje.se)
Blå tunnelbanelinjen (The blue line)
Stockholm’s subway system is often called the world’s longest underground art exhibition. The first time I visited the city, as a teenager, I was stopped in my tracks (pun intended), especially at Solna Station, on the blue line, where Anders Åberg’s red cottages, pine trees, and northern landscapes suddenly appeared amid the subway’s hum. It felt like a magical collision of hometown and big city. (visitstockholm.com )
You can explore our complete, constantly-updated guide to Stockholm here
