In the fifth episode, Enskede – Husdrömmar, we follow Jonas and Frida. They bought their house sitting on a beach in Thailand, with a drink in hand. Their impulsive decision resulted in a 1930s house in Enskedefältet, a charming residential area known for its simple detached homes.
Once back in Sweden, however, it became clear that the house wasn’t just a dream – it was also a major challenge. With a disclaimer and a condition far worse than expected, the project became a test of their patience, creativity and ability to deal with unexpected setbacks.
Table of contents
From dream to reality: project challenges
At first glance, the house looked like a disaster. Rotten sheet piling, damaged load-bearing structures and worn surfaces were just the beginning of their problems. It was clear that everything, from foundation to roof, needed to be renovated or replaced.
Despite this, Jonas and Frida decided to take on the project with full force. With Frida’s background as a construction production manager and Jonas’ technical skills, they took on both logistical and practical challenges. An extension would give the family more space and a more modern layout, but even this part of the project was fraught with unforeseen events, such as custom-made windows of the wrong size.
The plan for the renovation and extension
To revive the original 1930s character of the house, an architect was hired to design a carefully planned conversion and extension. The extension included a more spacious entrance, an office and a living room on the ground floor, while upstairs a new bedroom and a family room were added.
The choice of materials was characterized by a mixture of building conservation and modern solutions:
- Herringbone parquet was laid throughout the house to reflect the elegance of the 1930s.
- The windows kept the bars to harmonize with the style of the house.
- The old functional kitchen was replaced by a modern kitchen in the 1930s style.
The garden also received a thoughtful update, with plans for lilac bushes, an orangery and even a small chicken coop to create a rural feel in the middle of the big city.
A journey through details and conservation
The renovation offered many lessons, not least about building maintenance. Frida and Jonas chose to use linseed oil paint for painting the moldings and linings – a choice that turned out to be both time-consuming and demanding. When the paint didn’t dry, they realized that the groundwork had failed.
Despite the setbacks, they continued with their project, giving every detail the care it deserved. Frida spent countless hours sanding, painting and finishing parts of the house, while Jonas solved technical problems and kept the budget and schedule on track.
The end result: A 1930s dream for the future
When the project was finally completed, almost nine months after it started, Jonas and Frida had transformed the dilapidated house into a home that combines the charm of the 1930s with modern conveniences. The light green facade color they chose gives the house a gentle and inviting character, and the many windows let daylight flood into every room.
Gert Wingårdh, who initially questioned their bold decision, was impressed on his last visit. “It’s a microcosm of the good,” he said.
Facts about the house
Location: Enskedefältet, Stockholm
Purchase price: SEK 4.8 million
Total budget: SEK 8.1 million
Living space: 150 sqm
Timetable: 8-9 months
Architect: Lars-Göran Sönnerbo
Closure
Jonas and Frida’s journey shows that even the most daring decisions can be successful with the right attitude and dedication. At Stiligt, we are passionate about inspiring you to realize your house dreams, whether it’s a renovation, extension or new build.
