The Nordic Nomad

Nordic tastemakers

My Nordics, as told by interior designer Richard Lindvall

The Nordics • Insider guides • My Nordics, as told by interior designer Richard Lindvall

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Richard Lindvall

Stockholm-based interior designer Richard Lindvall has carved out a significant place in the city’s design scene. Splitting his time between the vibrant Swedish capital and a serene country house in the Dalarna region, Lindvall draws inspiration from the contrasting environments. Since establishing his eponymous studio in 2007, Lindvall has achieved international recognition for his bold, minimalist designs that perfectly balance functionality and aesthetics. Beyond his design achievements, Lindvall is also a self-proclaimed foodie with a passion for discovering the best culinary experiences across the Nordics. His love for food not only fuels his travels but also influences his work – he’s designed interiors for some of the most stylish restaurants in Stockholm, including Olli, one of the hottest spots in town.

Here, he shares his love for the serene lakes of Sweden, his top picks for hidden gems and his favourite culinary experiences, including a must-visit restaurant on the Faroe Islands.

Portrait photography courtesy of Mikael Lundblad

“I had no idea how advanced [Aarhus] was until I visited.”

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

… Denmark because of its charm. I’ve been lucky to have friends in Skagen, living among the sand dunes in an old house with brick floors that swallow up the sand as you step inside. It’s a classic Danish design, likely from the 60s. Outside, a massive sand dune acts as a natural barrier – a memory I cherish. Copenhagen also stands out for its unique vibe. Just crossing a ferry or bridge to Denmark, you notice a more open and cheerful mentality compared to Sweden. It’s a refreshing experience. I love driving along the coast between Helsingborg and Helsingør, visiting Louisiana, and admiring Arne Jacobsen’s architecture. Denmark is a creative country that works hard despite limited natural resources. What draws me most is the vibrant food scene, which is truly exceptional.

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

… Aarhus. It’s a fantastic city, even though it’s smaller. I was blown away by its innovation and architecture. The city feels incredibly modern compared to Stockholm, with cutting-edge designs, automatic garages and futuristic libraries. I had no idea how advanced it was until I visited. Denmark’s Aarhus is a vibrant city with great restaurants and a strong sense of forward-thinking urban planning. Unlike in Sweden, where city planning can feel disjointed, Aarhus has a cohesive vision that makes it a place you want to spend time in. The harbour areas, in particular, are well-designed, balancing creativity with a unified aesthetic.

“It’s an experience that’s both humbling and exhilarating.”

For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …

… the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago that is part of Denmark. It’s the Nordic destination I talk about the most and I highly recommend it to everyone. There’s something awe-inspiring about being on these remote islands, surrounded by the vast ocean. Just landing there, stepping out of the plane and picking up your rental car feels surreal – you feel so small in such a powerful, majestic environment. I initially travelled there for the food, particularly to visit a restaurant called Koks, which had earned its second Michelin star. A few friends and I flew over, driven by our love for food and curiosity about the Faroe Islands. But once we arrived, we discovered so much more. The natural beauty was a bonus – taking boats to tiny islands with just a handful of residents, swimming in the clear waters and enjoying the incredible wild salmon. It’s an experience that’s both humbling and exhilarating.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

… Gullmarsstrand in Fiskebäckskil. The sauna is practically on the water, offering complete tranquillity as you sit and gaze out over the sound. It’s an incredibly peaceful and serene experience. Another great option is Havsvidden Resort on the island of Åland. The houses there were designed by Thomas Sandell, and I have a friend with a Finnish-Swedish partner who owns a house in the area. The northern Åland archipelago is stunningly beautiful.

“We had everything from langoustine brains to whale heart and mahogany clams – truly adventurous and exciting cuisine.”

For a great meal, I go to …

… Koks on the Faroe Islands. Koks has temporarily relocated to Greenland for two years but plans to move back and build something new on the Faroe Islands. There’s a fascinating documentary about their move from the Faroe Islands to Greenland, and it’s worth watching. The experience at Koks was incredible. We had everything from langoustine brains to whale heart and mahogany clams – truly adventurous and exciting cuisine. The setting was intimate, with just two rooms, each seating eight people, making it a very exclusive experience. What makes Koks special is their commitment to using local ingredients. They don’t bring in anything from outside except perhaps the wine. They also collaborate with guest chefs from around the world, keeping the kitchen dynamic and constantly evolving. It’s a unique place that draws people in, and the atmosphere is truly one of a kind.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… Konstnärsbaren – KB – in Stockholm. It’s a place I keep returning to. Whether it’s for lunch, enjoying an isterband (lightly smoked sausage) or in the evening for a steak tartare and a beer, it’s a fantastic spot with a great atmosphere. Another standout experience recently has been at Rolf’s Hav. The food was excellent, the service was incredibly friendly and the overall experience was surprisingly good. One thing Stockholm has been slow to adopt is bar dining, where you can sit alone, enjoy a meal and chat with the staff. But now, more places like this are popping up, making it easier to have a relaxed, social dining experience. I really enjoy striking up a conversation with the people working in the kitchen or behind the bar.

“It’s one of those places where you often leave with more than you planned … ”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …

… Paul & Friends at high-end department store NK in Stockholm. Although clothing isn’t always my main focus, I enjoy browsing for accessories and small items, like cardholders or other unique pieces. Paul & Friends at NK has a great selection, and I’m also a fan of the brand Sandro, a French label known for its stylish and well-made items. I also find myself enjoying a visit to the Systembolaget in PK-huset. For those unfamiliar, Systembolaget is the Swedish state-owned liquor store. The location in PK-huset has an especially impressive wine selection and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable. It’s one of those places where you often leave with more than you planned – it’s a bit dangerous in that sense, but always a fun experience.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… Millesgården on Lidingö in Stockholm. It’s a wonderful place to walk around and soak in the art and history. I have a connection to Carl Milles’ work through a friend who is involved in the sale of his sculptures. Interestingly, they still cast these sculptures using the original molds at Herman Bergman Sculpture Foundry, and they are made to order. Millesgården itself is a beautiful cultural spot, once home to Carl Milles and his wife Olga when they were in Sweden. The property also includes Annes Hus, which was designed by Josef Frank in 1951. It’s a serene and inspiring place, perfect for a peaceful cultural escape.

“There’s something special about going down to a lake, stripping down and taking a quick dip.”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… Gamla Orangeriet. It’s a really charming place, perfect for hosting events or just enjoying a visit. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s located near the Museum of Natural History and the Haga Ocean Butterfly House in Stockholm. The building itself is an old orangery and it’s quite unique for Stockholm. The space has gravel floors, large concrete planters and a rustic feel that makes it a lovely spot for lunch.

For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …

… taking a dip in our calm, small lakes. The quality of water in Sweden is exceptional, and there’s something deeply refreshing about these swims. I’ve even tried winter swimming a few times, which connects to an old Swedish bathing tradition that has faded but is now making a comeback. Rekindling the culture of cold baths and outdoor bathing houses is something I find really enjoyable. There’s something special about going down to a lake, stripping down and taking a quick dip – it’s just incredibly refreshing. Sometimes, I’ll follow it up with a sauna, but for me, the swim itself is the highlight. At our family place in Dalarna, it’s become a routine to head there every day with my boys, who are seven and nine, to take at least one dip, especially in the evening. Afterward, coming home to a whisky and then heading to bed – it’s an amazing way to end the day. It’s a true taste of Nordic life.