In general, I associate the word "collector" with "hoarder." I don't imagine people who stockpile their action figures or No. 2 pencils to have the most stylish or well-kept homes. But there's a couple in Malmö, Sweden, who are totally going against the grain of my imagined stereotype. Jenny Hedén and Martin Widén collect plastic hockey figures, vinyl records, kinderägg pieces (the little Read more

Last week we were surprised there was a Swedish law against a man refusing to wear a condom after a woman asks him to, dubbed "sex by surprise." Reports swirled, saying WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was not wanted for rape in Sweden, but just a count, or two, of surprise sex that was nothing more than a fineable offense. Today we learn that the sex-by-surprise story was spun by Assange's Read more

Believe it or not, sex by surprise is actually not an euphemism for rape. It is sex without a condom after a woman requests it — even if the sex is consensual — and it's fine-able in Sweden by 5,000 kronor (about $715). This is what WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, is actually accused of, and not rape. Though the rape charges were dropped in August, accusations of rape have been popping up Read more

You've probably seen the Millennium Trilogy in bookstores, our must-read list, or the number-one slot on the New York Times bestseller list, but did you know it has a rabid following in Europe rivaling Twilight? And now the movies are coming. The thrillers, which feature a disgraced journalist and a 22-year-old woman who grew up with an ex-Soviet spy for a father, were originally written in Read more

The word "neutral" lives in danger of bringing to mind "plain," but Danish fashion designer Malene Birger has managed to create a magical home for herself using nearly all achromatic hues like black, white, and beige. Artwork, candles, silver, accessories, flea market finds, texture, and plenty of textiles play an important role in bringing liveliness to her home, while the calm palette offers a Read more

With pale pastel walls throughout, an unusual mix of artwork and photographs, and statement-making light fixtures, this Stockholm home is captivating yet calm. But its form follows function; the home is filled with smart, convenient furnishings like plush sofas, task lighting, and an old mechanics tool cabinet storing art essentials that just make life easier. In each room, you'll find something Read more

I stumbled upon this house in Landskrona, Sweden, designed by Swedish architect Elding Oscarson and instantly fell in love. Obviously, sandwiched between two very similar homes, it's really hard to ignore. While its modern form certainly stands out from the crowd, it has a poetic elegance that's respectful of the surrounding houses. The interior space has a relaxing flow, with three floors Read more

If I had my druthers, I probably wouldn't choose to live in a studio. But if I had to, I cannot imagine a more perfect space than this studio loft in Lägenhet, Stockholm (which is for sale). With tall ceilings, a bed and extra storage are tucked up high, making for a true living room. The apartment's bright white walls and beautiful natural light expand the space, while a select few gorgeously Read more