A Conversation with Studio Skogsö: On Interiors and Art

We recently spoke with Ellinor Brenninkmeijer of Studio Skogsö, whose work we’ve long admired for its calm yet expressive approach to interiors.

With a thoughtful balance between Scandinavian restraint and a more layered, tactile sensibility, her spaces feel both intentional and lived-in. We asked her about her process, and in particular, how she works with art to shape a home.

What is Art?

Art is often reduced to what hangs on the wall, but in reality, it can be so much more. Ellinor: Art is any form of expression that communicates, evokes, questions, or makes us feel something. It can be a painting, a sculpture, a textile, or even a single object placed just right.

“At its core, art is simply what makes you feel something.”

Working with Vintage Art

Ellinor: I’m often drawn to vintage art because it brings a depth that newer pieces can sometimes lack. It carries history, irregularity, and a sense of having lived a life before entering a new space. When placing art, I always listen to what the room is asking for. Often, it’s about contrast — a minimal space might call for something older and more expressive. At other times, it’s about harmony, deepening the mood by continuing a colour or feeling already present. Placement matters just as much. I like to use art in slightly unexpected ways, like placing a painting above a door frame to draw the eye upward and subtly change how the space feels. Those small decisions are what makes the room more interesting, and complete.

“It’s often about contrast and a bit of friction.”

Mixing Styles and Periods

Ellinor: Mixing old and new is at the core of how I approach design. It’s where a space starts to feel truly alive. I’m less interested in creating something stylistically “clean”, and more in building a sense of balance — pairing architectural elements with pieces that carry history, texture, and irregularity. It’s about creating a dialogue between elements rather than competition. When it works, it feels effortless, even though it’s actually very considered.

See Studio Skogsö's favorite pieces from Vintage works

On Placement and Impact

Ellinor: I tend to use art in most rooms, but always with intention. It doesn’t always have to be a statement. Sometimes it anchors the space, and other times it adds something quieter. What matters is how it relates to the room — its scale, placement, and how it connects to the architecture, light, and materials around it. I’ve seen many spaces transform through art alone. It’s often that final layer that takes a space from feeling finished to feeling truly personal.

“It’s often that final layer that makes a space feel complete.”

From a Client Perspective

Ellinor: Every client is different. Some come with a blank slate, while others already have a strong point of view. What often surprises me is how open people become when it comes to art. Even those who start cautiously tend to lean into bolder choices once they understand the impact.

One of my favourite moments is that shift: when a client takes that step, goes a bit braver than they expected, and then sees how it all comes together.

Sourcing and Advice

Ellinor: I source art quite intuitively, from a wide range of places — vintage shops, markets, and online platforms. From local vintage shops and markets, to online auctions like Auctionet and Bukowskis, or broader platforms like Tradera or Etsy. When I’m looking for something more curated, I love working with trusted vintage art dealers such as Vintage Works, Schiller Duvfa, and a few UK-based sources I return to often. When choosing art, I’m less focused on it “matching” and more on how it will live in the space. Think about scale, mood, and how it adds either contrast or harmony.