© Irene Sandved Lunde
‘Money does not buy life’s real pleasures’, is an adage and one rings very true when you step into this lovely home in Skien, Norway. The transformation that now presents it as a coy home, started with a detached stable. And the designer, Tonje Isaksen cannot be any happier. The results are stunning, and more so when you learn that this transformation did cost unimaginable small amounts of money.Â
Imagine stepping into the floor and all you feel is the supple softness on a fresh flower. Well, that is the exact same feeling you get when you step on the thick, luxurious rug on the floor of the living room. This lovely space features a coffee table made out of rustic wood as well as sofa and table bought from Home and Cottage. The rustic nature of the coffee table creates a beautiful effect especially if you consider the delicate contrast it has with the wall made of moody panels.
The design of the living room adopts very bold tones, which the colorful fabrics and the distinct green of the table, tone down so well to cut down any possible monotony. The designer further lightens the mood with extensive use of craft. Patent ribbons, fancy fabrics and the lamp design for instance, create a unique artistic feel all so easily.
The designer’s love for DIY rather than bought home fixtures is rather apparent. Take the old cabinet for instance, an inheritance from her grandmother, decorative platters on the wall and lamps you mostly would find in thrift stores or flea markets. All of them depict DIY add-ons that include crude painting. These nonetheless, end up with some rustic beauty that only such kind of DIY processes can conjure.
You can spot Tonje’s love for art and her great eye for detail throughout the house. All the still life pieces that dot the house including the many pieces that use both plants and branches, are a true evidence of this love.
© Irene Sandved Lunde 
© Irene Sandved Lunde 
© Irene Sandved Lunde 
© Irene Sandved Lunde 
© Irene Sandved Lunde
The simplicity of the design used here extends to the kitchen. This space features a dining table that sits eight, surrounded by college cafeteria-style seats that have artfully done wooden legs. Like most artsy fixtures here, these also are from Home and Cottage. You will love the kitchen, more so because the rest of it plays home to cozy furnishing from Ikea.
Though the kitchen is delightful, the bedroom is of utmost beauty. Everything in this space works out to create a magical ambiance. The colors, the walls and the ample bed all invite you to have a relaxing time here.
© Irene Sandved Lunde 
© Irene Sandved Lunde 
© Irene Sandved Lunde 
© Irene Sandved Lunde
The keen eye for detail shown in this house has mesmerizing effects. It traverses the entire house, including the children’s room. The result is a great living are that everyone would wish her or she owned.
Via BOLIG
