Ett kulturarv i Stockholms innerstad med exempel från Vasastan

Abstract

In this paper I investigate the role and perceived value of late 19th century and early 20th century fixed interior decors in modern home design ideals. I conduct case studies of four apartments built in Stockholm (Sweden) near the end of the 19th century and beginning of 20th century. For each apartment I produce a detailed inventory of all remaining fixed interior decor of historical and cultural significance as per the year 2015. I observe that the modifications done to the apartments in question can be summarized in three key themes; (i) Floorplans have been simplified to produce larger open spaces where walls, originally intended to separate servants from the social life of the inhabiting family, have been removed. (ii) Technical and hygiene standards have been raised significantly, mainly by an expansion of kitchens and bathrooms. (iii) A general simplification of style has given modern additions such as kitchen furnishings, new doors and doorways a cubistic form with smooth surfaces. Further, I conclude that apartments with preserved late 19th century fixed decor are perceived as exclusive in the real estate market and generate higher sales prices relative to those without remaining period details. At the same time, such apartments are presented as entirely modern and open for the buyer to shape and design after his own tastes. I argue that this situation is problematic from a building conservation perspective as signficant refurbishments pose a threat to properties of cultural and historical value.