A Bright Norwegian Nest Sure To Put a Smile On Your Face
I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled to beautiful Norway myself—though was unlucky to tear a ligament in my ankle on the trip, moments after a successful (and yes, I’ll admit, typical) “I’m in Europe!” mid-jump photo. However architecturally gorgeous, the cobblestone streets weren’t fooling around that day. But not even a cast could stop me from soaking in and swooning over the history, culture and Scandinavian design and architecture. It’s a design style that’s stuck with me over the years and one that I often browse and seek out online, so when I was scrolling through my Instagram and came across @BenesNordicHome, I just had to get in touch.
Characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality, Scandinavian design has become such a popular design trend in the last few years, but what a lot of people don’t know about this movement—including myself until I experienced it firsthand—is that it’s also very much about creating a space that evokes happiness. So when I asked photographer Benedicte Thomassen what her goal was when she and husband Daniel were searching for a home and decorating, I wasn’t surprised when she came back with “My goal was a happy home!”
Built in 1887, Benedicte and Daniel’s wooden townhouse is nestled on a quiet street near the city center of Skien, a region in southern Norway. When Benedicte and Daniel first saw the home, they knew it was the right home for them, their two Chihuahuas Zoe (3 years) and Chanelle (6 months) and budgies Pipp and Papp. They instantly fell for the white-painted wood exterior, the large windows and the modernized aspects of the historic home. “There was an original timber wall in the kitchen, stairwell and wooden floor in the living room,” explains Benedicte, “The house will never be (perfect)… but that just makes it charming.” —Sabrina
Photographs by Benedicte Thomassen
Images above: Benedicte’s living room is her favorite place to hang out, whether it’s reading a book, styling her cabinet filled with beautiful trinkets, sneaking in a nap or cuddling with her dogs. Her sofa is from Muuto’s Connect Sofa System and the feline pillow is a custom print of a photo she took in loving memory of her cat.
