Historic yet modern charm at Gränsö Castle

Gränsö Slott – a family-owned Swedish castle – aimed to create quiet luxury, honouring its historic soul while meeting modern hospitality standards. “The architect's brief was to create an elegant, timeless and warm atmosphere,” says the hotel team. “It needed to harmonise with the historic character of the castle, but also meet today’s standards for comfort, design and sustainability.”

Balancing heritage and innovation

The defining quality of the renovation was striking the right balance between cultural heritage and modern design. “Bringing in a new collection of wood flooring into such a historic environment required a delicate touch,” they explain.

Furnishing a castle comes with its own set of unique challenges, especially with regard to flooring. The team was careful to avoid choices that would feel out of place. “It’s critical that flooring and furnishings don’t feel trendy or mismatched in a space like this,” says the team. “We aim to enhance the feeling of the castle – not compete with it.”

That respect for context extended to the choice of colour palette, materials and textures –especially the flooring, which would serve as both a design anchor and a practical foundation for guest comfort.

Sustainability was key

Eco-consciousness played a central role throughout the project. The team sought out materials that aligned with both their design goals and their environmental values. “Sustainability was a top priority,” they confirm. “We actively work with sustainability in both big and small ways. Choosing an eco-friendly, durable floor that’s also made in Sweden felt absolutely right for us.”

The hotel chose a floor from the Contrast Collection in the Ivory shade. “We were drawn to the light, soft tone. It added exactly the elegance we were looking for,” they explain. “Hardened wood gave us the durability we needed for a hotel setting while maintaining the visual appeal.”

No regrets – and a few pleasant surprises

Even as other elements of the room evolved during the renovation process, the flooring choice remained constant. “We made some changes to the colour scheme and furniture along the way, but the floor remained. In fact, the further we got into the project, the more it stood out as the right choice,” they recall. “It held up well to moisture and dirt. When we cleaned the rooms for the first guests, the floors looked fresh immediately. That wasn’t something we could’ve predicted – but it became clear over time.”

When asked what they were ultimately seeking in a floor, the team emphasises the blend of form and function. “We wanted a floor that would visually and emotionally fit the space. Appearance and feel were key, but durability was just as important.”

Even the installation process went smoothly. “Our installer appreciated the click system. It made the installation fast and hassle-free. You can tell a lot about quality by how easy something is to work with.”

The final result

Months after completion, the team – and their guests – are positive about the outcome. “We’re very pleased with the result. It turned out just as beautiful, inviting and harmonious as we hoped,” they say. “Guests often comment on the feeling in the rooms – and the floor is definitely part of that overall experience.”