HOMES
Above and beyond Craned over the 1980s table in the living room is an Arco floor lamp by Achille Castiglioni, which
Josephine won at auction. As you move around, the constantly changing reflections of the lamp and 1960s round
mirrors bring the room to life. When you consider all the different elements – including the tube-like Moustache “Bold
Chair” and African Kuba cushions – the likelihood of them all working together doesn’t seem great but Josephine has
done it with the help of a neutral scheme. Not having a rug keeps the focus off the floor.
IN JOSEPHINE EKSTRÖM’S HOME, old and new furniture
stands out against the backdrop of bright white walls
and painted floorboards. Most of the pieces were found
at European trade fairs, French flea markets and
Swedish auctions, which she frequents on buying trips
for her nearby interiors store Lily & Oscar. Josephine
loves to try new things and accommodate the many
items she finds on her travels with iconic designer pieces
and even homewares she makes herself.
“I find the inspiration for my combinations everywhere,”
she says, “in interior magazines, people I know,
restaurants and hotels. Travel tends to be a big source,
especially when I’m in more unusual environments.”
The 200-sq-m house in the small fishing port of
Höganäs is close to the beach and popular summer
activities so her family is always busy outdoors. But there
was a lot to do inside when they moved into the 90-year-
old house. The children were small and there was space
to be created and wallpaper stripped. In addition, after
discovering beautiful black and white tiles under the
living-room floor, Josephine’s husband Rikard decided
to clean every one before re-laying them in the hall.
Josepine took care of the styling, and her home has
been a constantly changing moodboard of inspiration
ever since. The look can variously be described as a
blend of vintage industrial, modern, ethnic and antique.
“From one week to another, the house can look
completely different,” she explains. “I am always on the
lookout for design from the 1950s. I’m crazy about AWHO LIVES HERE?JOSEPHINE EKSTRÖM, OWNER OF INTERIORS
STORE LILY & OSCAR, HER HUSBAND
RIKARD AND THEIR THREE CHILDREN,
EMMIE, 10, NOAH, 8 AND LILY, 5.
LILY & OSCAR; WWW.LILYOSCAR.COM
Interior expert Josephine Ekström not only retails
accessories, she styles projects and homes for private
clients. Rikard is an engineer and project manager.
Disappearing walls Rikard’s father has a construction
company and arranged for several internal walls to be removed,
creating the massive new open-plan kitchen/dining area. Boreal living95