2020-02-27
Meet Åsa Ingrosso who created one of Sweden's most renowned bedrooms. Take part of her hands-on tips for re-creating the style.
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Name: Åsa Ingrosso
Age: 45 years
Family: Married to Emilio, children: Anton & Lina and dearest children Benjamin, Bianca, Oliver, in addition to dogs: Lipton, Bailey and Rollo!
Lives: Mallorca and Sweden
Occupation: Interior designer, furnishing and restaurateur
Picture of Åsa / Photographer: Niklas Edeheim
Hello Åsa, for those who do not know you – who are you?
My name is Åsa Ingrosso, married to Emilio Ingrosso, mother of Anton & Lina and bonus mama (stepmother) to Bianca, Benjamin and Oliver Ingrosso. I also have three small Yorkisar and live in Mallorca where Emilio and I run La Perla restaurants. I am now gradually leaving the restaurant world so I may return to work mostly with furnishings and design.
What was the starting point for your career as an interior designer?
My interest in interior design has been around ever since I was a child. I love to change and create new ones. So honestly, I can't tell you exactly when it started. It's been with me the whole time. I've always had assignments and jobs. But, when I designed our apartment in Stockholm, it really hit me BAAM! The images from our little "hotel suite" spread on Instagram and still spin on the biggest accounts worldwide. SICKLY FUN!
What has been your biggest interior design-related challenge so far?
We bought a new restaurant last year in Mallorca. It was in a terrible condition, and very cave-like with culturally preserved rocks and material. It was definitely the hardest and most difficult thing we've ever done. It took much longer and more power than we could ever have imagined. But it turned out so nice and today we are so happy that we were able to hold on.
What drives you forward in your work?
I am a crazy energetic person, and I have always had a lot of energy for being creative. It is like something that comes from the inside and it just has to get out! I've woken up many nights to get up and draw, paint or sketch new stuff. Usually, I get an idea or need something in the interior which I can't find it, then I have to create it myself!
Do you use someone’s as taste advice when decorating?
Definitely Emilio. He is incredibly good at interior design, style and form. When we first met, we were both very used to work and decide everything ourselves. Then all of a sudden, someone else came and interfered. It wasn't always very popular; I can tell you - from both our sides. I can easily say that we are both extremely determined, and as time goes by, it has developed into something fantastic and we now see the wonderful thing in having each other to exchange everything we do. When we're sitting at home on the couch, we barely watch TV. Instead, we send inspirational interior design images to each other!
What characterizes your design style?
The glamour of a Hotel, I guess; a slight controlled "extra of everything". When I get home, I love the place to be nicer than in a hotel. I want to enjoy and feel good at home, it's incredibly important to me. Then I like metals like gold and silver, preferably mixed with beautiful woods, glass and large carpets. Extremely large mirrors are a requirement. I often do little still lifes at home. My stuff are carefully placed, which is a must in order to make sure that the place doesn't look messy!
What is the most important thing when decorating a bedroom?
The carpet! Many people use too small carpets! Keep in mind that the carpet should protrude 50 centimeters around the ENTIRE bed! And not only to furnish with a bed: there is so much more you can do to give the room a cozy impression! But also the headboard and of course the bedding with large and delightful pillows to fluff yourself into.
How did the design process go to create the renowned bedroom in Stockholm?
I was so set on bringing out the turn-of-the-century feeling there, as the house is just so old. The stucco was actually the foremost thing. Then I wanted a dull and warm gray tone with beige undertones the walls. I put the color scheme in Sweden, and then I just fed on! Beige and brown are very pleasant colors to live in. All furniture was ordered from home in Mallorca. I was a bit limited as I could only be on site in Stockholm for no more than a week at a time, therefore everything in the living room/bedroom should be fixed in three visits and three weeks, sort of. In those days, I also put and repaint all the stucco and, with a little help with painting, I actually had time for everything. Then based on my drawings and dimensions, I ordered the carpets, sofa, tables, a great deal of decoration, some dresser, and armchairs from Mallorca. Later on, I took beds, mirrors and frills in place in Sweden. We did the kitchen and bathroom a few months after! But everything goes in the same colorful and style.
What should anyone who wants to decorate their bedroom in factual Åsa Ingrosso style go for?
1. Decide on a good "greige" color: a gray tone with beige undertone is sickly nice! Also nice if the curtains go in the same color scheme.
2. Buy or design yourself a large lovely headboard that either goes ton in tone with the wall or breaks completely. If it breaks, pick up this color on pillows, pots or details elsewhere.
3. Large and oblong hotel pillows and preferably all in white or champagne colored sheets! I never ever use patterned sheets. A thick coverlet and puffy bedspread and of course a blanket tossed a little nonchalantly on top. In fact, it is laid out with great precision!
4. Stylish and preferably high, about 50-60 centimeters, bedside table lamps are a must. Dim lights so that they can be lit without spoiling the cozy lighting. Preferably a vase with cut flowers on the side. Also decorate in the window with lamps and decorate it with some books and details that you do on a table.
5. Feel free to bring in a small table or chest of drawers if it fits. A mirror over and a lamp on that fit in and a large vase with flowers or any nice pot with a plant in it.
We are curious – what do you think of D-cor?
We are currently putting up simple wall moldings in our residence in Mallorca, and I do not know how many times I have sworn that you are not here! You helped me so incredibly well both in our apartment in Stockholm, which was the first time I put the stuccos myself, and when I did Bianca's (Ingrossos). D-cor delivers top service, and the quality and prices are amazing! Please come and open a branch in Mallorca!
What happens in the near future and can one make an appointment?
I have several large interior design jobs at home in Sweden that have been booked long in advance. Some have started and some are about to start and that is a greatly fun. We have also bought a new, large office/warehouse in Mallorca that will be renovated and furnished! phew! Then I work on a variety of design projects that will also soon be launched. Plus, we're finally going to try to finish our cookbook and we're halfway through. Then the restaurants will open now after their winter break and they are quite demanding. So right now I have some work (laughter)... But anyone who is interested can always get in touch if there is time for new assignments. Sometimes I can have extra time and I can stick in between but not for too big projects. Normally, I accept most of the jobs related to furnishing and interior design. Since I work mostly remotely, I can usually pull it together.
Thanks a million to Åsa for the lovely interview, and for all the outstanding interior design tips. If you want to see more of Åsa, be inspired by her design or get in touch through her Instagram @asa_ingrosso, or email [email protected]