Rakel Hatz lives north of Stockholm with her husband and two children. After living in renovated houses and apartments, they dreamed of building their own house, based on their wishes and choices. The result: a detached house with genuine 60s charm and a focus on sustainability and socialising.

"I have always loved architecture and beautiful things, so to create something from scratch together with an architect and then go from drawings to a house was a fantastic experience."

When working on the house, Rakel wanted her love for 60s Hollywood villas to shine through, even though the house is new

But she was careful to ensure that the interior would not just be a neat collection of 60s bits and pieces; this is a family home, with two children who also need to explore and play. The aim was a robust, charming and pleasant home.

"It's quite a challenge to "cosy up" a light new house with windows from floor to ceiling. It's easier with an old house, but we try!"

 A contemporary house with a patio and well-maintained lawn, providing a serene outdoor space.

And the ambition was also to create a sustainable house that could contain more than one lifestyle

Throughout the building process, they have consistently used environmentally-friendly material, from eco-fibre insulation to ecologically sound, plastic-free paint on the walls.

"I love the fact that even after 60 years, our home will still feel fresh and exciting. And that it is so easy to combine modern and more classic styles in the interiors here; that really extends its lifetime."

A cozy living room with a comfortable couch, a stylish coffee table, and elegant bookshelves.

The family starts every morning in the open part of the house with the kitchen, dining room and lounge

The day also concludes here, often together with friends. Rakel describes it as a versatile and inviting place and she likes the way it works for everyone - whether it's the children drawing and building Lego or the adults serving cocktails. It is also here that she likes to enjoy her morning coffee.

"What I appreciate most is my morning coffee. I love to get up before the family and enjoy my first cup alone in this room. Then I can start my working day in the best way possible."

Contemporary kitchen and dining space featuring a stylish chandelier.

In Sweden, that extended coffee break is an important way to socialise. It is just as social an activity as drinks, and Rakel loves to meet her friends for coffee, preferable a cappuccino with a balanced flavour and creamy foam. She thinks the best coffee corner is one with windows and beautiful light. There should be a table too, to put your newspaper or book on. Making the coffee yourself should be really easy.

A woman engrossed in a book while sitting on a couch.

“My Siemens espresso machine is extremely easy to use and for somone like me, who loves cappuccino, having high quality frothy milk is important. It is also very practical to be able to put the milk container in the fridge”

Cosy settings and grand views - discover the inspiring homes and coffee corners of design and coffee lovers from around the world

A woman in a kitchen, preparing coffee with a coffee maker.