Generator, Stockholm, Sweden

Right on schedule, the Generator brand has landed in Stockholm. In many ways, the arrival of the casually hip hostel in the Swedish capital is long overdue, especially since Generator’s CEO Fredrik Korallus is, himself, a Swede.

The gamble is not a particularly difficult one to make – it’s almost inconceivable that the new generation of digital nomads will not take to will take to the Generator’s location in the Torsgatan technology hub, nor its tried and tested formula of attractive room rates, pleasingly spare interiors, and plenty of lively communal lounge and working spaces in which to work, meet and greet, and exchange travel tips. 

Sandwiched between the Klarastrandsleden railtrack and the edge of a park and graceful period architecture, the 11-storey building hold nearly 800 beds in 233 rooms. 

In terms of furnishings, the Toronto-based DesignAgency hasn’t strayed far from the MO of spare, almost monastic interiors (more so in the shared rooms) of unadorned timber floors, functional furniture, a graphic print wall panel, and plain drapes. Instead, the visual-pops are unleashed in the public spaces, where high windows draw in the streetscape and natural light to set off swathes of bold patterned wallpaper, polished concrete, juiced up work tables, glossy pendant lamps, and dark brown trim.