A Scandinavian Cottage by the Sea
We live in an age of information and access — with just a few clicks, you can find endless amounts of artists and homes to inspire. Here at Design*Sponge, I talk to homeowners from an average of three different continents every day and it’s almost baffling how seamless our ability to connect has become. With that ease of communication, you would think we’d have seen every corner of our wonderful world by now, but that’s definitely not the case. There are still so many more gems to uncover and things to learn and when I came across Lohne’s home in Norway, I definitely learned a thing or two.
Our peek inside this cottage is not only a case study in how to decorate with a muted palette, but a bit of a geography lesson as well. This quaint house that Lohne, her boyfriend and three daughters call home is on the island of Jøa. Only accessible by ferry and 21 square miles small, the island is only home to a few hundred people. Sweeping panoramas of the sea are visible from almost any point on the island and this cozy home was originally owned by Lohne’s grandmother. Lohne recalls it being a childhood haven for her, a “…safe place, quiet and peaceful place.” Fast forward to 2011 and her dream was realized when the home finally went up for sale. There aren’t many homes available on Jøa so Lohne knew she had to go for it. With both Lohne, a nursing-home attendant, and her boyfriend, a carpenter, working hard to provide for their three children, it was important that their family’s home be a place where they could comfortably unwind and enjoy one another after a long day. It is not a huge space, so the family was very careful when making design decisions that left no part of the space wasted. Each room was designed with a specific use in mind. A dining area with pillows so guests feel comfortable enough to lounge and catch up, a living room that brings the family together for games, and a dream kitchen that lets Lohne’s love of cooking blossom. Custom-made design surprises and unique touches make this home feel like the perfect place to gather with friends and family on a cold winter day like today. —Garrett
All photos by Lohne Strøm
