Stepping into Linn Eklund’s Stockholm home feels a bit like stepping into her mind – refined yet relaxed, bold yet effortless. Every corner carries intention, but never perfectionism. Linn, Head of House of Bolon (currently on maternity leave), has long inspired with her distinct sense of style – seamlessly blending fashion, interiors, and art into a universe entirely her own.
We sat down with Linn at home to talk about her approach to style, design, and what truly makes a home come alive.
Do you think style is something you’re born with, something you learn, or something you build over time?
I believe it comes 100% from interest – and of course, from the influences around you. I had zero interest in design or fashion until I was about 16 or 17. Up until then, all I cared about were my horses and which competition to sign up for next, despite growing up in a family where floors and design were part of every dinner conversation. It wasn’t until I moved to Paris for my studies that a new curiosity started to grow. Being in a new environment, meeting new people, and getting to know myself in a different context opened my eyes to both fashion and design in a completely new way. So, I definitely think it’s a mix of interest and something you build over time.
How has your personal style evolved throughout the years — is it ever-changing, or do you feel it has settled into something that feels like home?
Oh, it has definitely evolved – both in fashion and interiors. My husband jokes that there’s “young Linn” and “old Linn.” Young Linn was fearless, mixing every color and pattern under the sun – there was no limit to that buffet! That was a fun and bold version of myself where I experimented wildly, often doing first and thinking later. Today, I’d say my style is more pared-down and mature, which I think comes with both age and the realization that too many “impressions” in my personal surroundings actually block my creativity at work. I need a calm atmosphere at home and in what I wear, so that I can let the craziness out in my job instead. It may sound like a strange equation, but I’ve discovered that’s how I function.
A mix of all of the above, absolutely. But there are three people whose work I admire deeply: Jonathan Anderson for Loewe, Simon Porte Jacquemus, and Wannasiri Kongman, founder of Boyy. The universes they’ve created around their brands are nothing short of brilliant – from full campaigns to product design to color palettes. It’s that holistic vision that really inspires me.
I’d say the thread is anything with an extra twist or a touch of humor – that’s what always makes my heart skip a beat. Life’s too short to be boring, whether it’s in what you wear or where you live.
How would you describe your home in three words?
If you ask my husband: too much stuff.
If you ask me: eclectic but calm.
Do you feel your home reflects your personality — and if so, how?
Absolutely. I’d say my home is like any of my outfits: a clean base with accessories that are either eye-catching or eyebrow-raising. We’ve kept the foundation pared down and minimal, but chosen a few statement pieces of furniture with a lot of personality.
Is there one piece in your home that feels like the essence of you?
Yes – my zebra sofa. A classic design with a wild cover.
I treasure my vase from Sophie Bille Brahe. I got it the summer Felix and I got married, and it has the same design as my wedding ring. It will always be a piece I’ll keep forever.
Would you say your and your husband’s styles are similar when it comes to interiors, or do you complement each other?
Haha, I’d say we’re on opposite ends of the scale. I always go design before function, and he always goes function before design ;) That said, I think we push each other in both directions – I get him to think outside the box, and he tones me down in a very satisfying way.
Felix once suggested a pink fluffy carpet on the staircase. Let’s just say… I drew the line there. The compromise? He got an entirely pink home office instead. Win–win (kind of).
We wanted to make our incredible flooring available to everyone – not just B2B. The idea was to create a brand that feels like a younger, cooler version of the mothership.
What was your vision for the brand when you first imagined it?
A universe where flooring is the foundation and creativity flows without limits. My vision was for House of Bolon to make wall-to-wall carpets feel just as sexy in private homes as they already do in the B2B world.
I love S.2 – it’s a reimagined take on traditional Italian floor tiles, but with a playful twist. It’s incredibly eye-catching and gives me so much energy every time I see it.
I think our very first launch dinner at my mom Annica Eklund’s private apartment. There were smoke machines, shots, a wheel of fortune, and only people we truly felt inspired by. It really set the tone for the entire House of Bolon universe.
Our five-week-old baby has slept well through the night, I get coffee in bed while my husband makes pancakes downstairs. Then we take a walk around Södermalm where we live, stop for a coffee at Stockholm Stadshotell, and continue on to meet friends at 800 Grader for a slice of pizza and a beer. After that, we head home, fill up a bowl of candy, and watch a classic old movie. Sundays in our family are all about recharging and spending time with friends – and I love it.
If you had to move tomorrow, what three objects would you take with you first?
My Sophie Bille Brahe vase, the yellow De Sede sofa, and the Källemo chair I inherited from my mom – her very first design piece.
I’m very excited to take House of Bolon further internationally and explore all the creative ways we can showcase our products in new contexts. On a personal note, I’d love to push my husband to design more furniture – he’s brilliant at it.