Inspired by the architecture of the house, Elisabeth and Roar’s decor is a modern interpretation of the 1970sstyle. Located in Eidsvoll, Norway, the residence has been gradually transformed into a home where the past and the present blend together harmoniously.
Residents:
Elisabeth Ønseth, Roar Aarnes and their three cats. The house is located in Eidsvoll, 70 km north-east from Oslo, Norway, and has 384 square meters. The architect-designed house was built in 1969.
WHEN ELISABETH ØNSETH and her partner Roar Aarnes moved into the detached house from 1969 in Eidsvoll, Norway, a few years ago, they had a clear starting point for their renovation: time.
“Over the years I have learned that it takes time to settle in a new home. With this house, we have been in no hurry with it. This way the home becomes a more well-rounded whole than if you buy everything new and right away,”Elisabeth says.
The couple shares the 384-square-meter home with their three cats - a bit of a challenge considering that the couple chose to install carpeting in the living room. Scratch marks and cat hairs are a daily nuisance, but Elisabeth does not mind.
“Over the years I have learned that it takes time to settle in a new home.”
“We have to vacuum often and may also need to replace the carpet in a few years. But, regardless, I think would like to have carpeting in the bedroom as well. I am not so fond of consistent flooring, I like textures and playfulness - using different materials to create separate areas in the home.”
As the owner and founder of her interior styling company Studio Ønseth, Elisabeth works with interiors on a daily basis, and also in her own home, every detail seems planned. When the couple moved in, they took down several walls to get a more open floor plan. Two previously separate rooms were transformed into a big kitchen area and the wall between the dining room and the kitchen was knocked down.
In order to preserve some of the original soul of the house, some details, like the decorative teak wall and sliding doors, were preserved. Vintage ceramics on shelves and tables also act as connectors between the past and the present.
”I love vintage and flea market finds, things that give a home some character.”
“I love vintage and flea market finds, things that give a home some character. I am also concerned about sustainability and therefore we have, among other things, chosen a kitchen in bamboo.”
Elisabeth is also fond of colors. ’70s-inspired rusty colors and muddy shades are among her favorites, colors that also fit the house's architecture. The idea is, at some point, to paint all white walls with another color.
A relaxing spa feeling has been created in the bathroom by using darker colors.
“I find darker colors calming,” says Elisabeth. This is also reflected in the house’s newly-built bathroom: with black walls and a sand-colored micro-cement floor and shower, the objective has been to induce a relaxing spa feeling in the bathroom.
Elisabeth is very pleased with the result. Now, the only thing left is the attic.
“We have a big attic that we want to renovate. Itwill be our next project. The plan is to build four bedrooms there.”
Get inspired
Production: House of Pictures Text: Linn Carin Dirdal Photos: Filippa Tredal Translation: Emmi Ratilainen
You might also like
Harmony and balance – Johanna Gullichsen’s home is decorated with confident taste
Known for her timeless home textiles, Johanna Gullichsen’s home reflects its resident’s style. The uncomplicated and personal outcome is, however, the result of numerous sketches and long discussions. Take a peek inside with us! Read more
Sanna and Kai’s home is both retro and modern at the same time
In this Oulu-based apartment, the 2020s meet the 1970s in style. The apartment was renovated in a way that honors the past to bring out the best it has to offer and help everyday life run smoothly. Read more
Architecture guided Joanna Amemori’s home renovation – the end result is enchanting and timeless
Interior architect Joanna Amemori and specialist dentist Masamitsu Amemori’s home exudes the original atmosphere of the 1950s building. In this family home in Helsinki, the present and the past intertwine and engage in an intriguing dialogue. Read more
Objects of love – Johanna Bruun’s Helsinki home is a playground of different eras
In a home crafted within an old printing house, there’s a vast, open space bathed in light from large windows. Interior designer and stylist Johanna Bruun’s approach is nonchalantly Parisian:the line between a curated arrangement and charming disarray is finely drawn. Read more
Art and design blend harmoniously in this unique home in Helsinki
1960s architecture meets warm interior decoration in a home that combines old and new seamlessly. Michelle Planting and Thomas Zambra decided to make their home a place where friends and family love to get together. Read more
Most popular
Kartell’s Componibili combines practicality and playful design
Designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, the Componibili storage unit is a design classic that finds its place in every area of the home. Behind its sleek sliding doors, everything from eyeglasses and socks to soaps can easily be tucked away. Read more
Architecture guided Joanna Amemori’s home renovation – the end result is enchanting and timeless
Interior architect Joanna Amemori and specialist dentist Masamitsu Amemori’s home exudes the original atmosphere of the 1950s building. In this family home in Helsinki, the present and the past intertwine and engage in an intriguing dialogue. Read more
The building blocks of storage: TAF Studio’s Relief collection joins the String family
TAF Studio’s Gabriella Lenke and Mattias Ståhlbom designed the minimalist and versatile Relief storage system for the Swedish brand String Furniture. The design duo aimed to create a foundational piece as versatile and essential as a white T-shirt – always practical, always combinable. Read more
Art and design blend harmoniously in this unique home in Helsinki
1960s architecture meets warm interior decoration in a home that combines old and new seamlessly. Michelle Planting and Thomas Zambra decided to make their home a place where friends and family love to get together. Read more
Dive into the world of &Tradition, where Danish design heritage and innovative modern pieces merge beautifully. Discover the story and favorite products of &Tradition with us – and remember to visit the brand’s showroom next time you’re in Copenhagen! Read more
Seasonal
Happy International Day of Happiness!
Finland is the happiest country in the world for the seventh time in a row, and also the other Nordic countries rank in the top ten of the World Happiness Report 2024. As we celebrate the UN’s International Day of Happiness, it’s worth taking a closer look at the relationship between Finnish design and happiness. Read more
It’s the perfect time to start daydreaming of summer and get your outdoor oasis ready for the upcoming season! Carl Hansen & Søn’sEmbrace collection infusesterraces, yards, and gardens with a warmth that lingers even after the sun has already set. Read more
Spring into action: 6 + 1 tips for repotting your houseplants
Spring brings a chance to rejuvenate our indoor gardens, focusing on the essentials of plant care. Dusting, pruning, soil changing, and proper watering are key steps to awaken our green friends from their winter slumber. See our tips for repottingand nurturing your botanical buddies! Read more
Women’s rights are human rights! Join us in supporting UN Women’s work for equality
Perhaps the most beautiful way to celebrate International Women’s Day is by reaching out to those in need. In an interview with Design Stories, Emma Winiecki, the Head of Communications at UN Women Finland, shares why sustained efforts towards gender equality are crucial for peace and democracy. Read more and join us in donating! Read more
Artichoke lasagna: A taste journey to springtime Italy
This delightful artichoke lasagna brings to mind sunny days and springtime in Italy. Save the recipe for spinach and artichoke lasagna and cook it for your family or friends this weekend! Read more