COLOURFUL TRANSFORMATION
In this Oslo flat, no expense has been spared – not even on the colours. All the rooms – including the art and the eye-catching design in each of them – have been compellingly decorated in monochrome colours for a tone-on-tone effect that creates a spectacular experience every day.
IN THIS COMPLETELY REFURBISHED FLAT from 1890, the former living room has been converted into a kitchen, but without losing the living room feel. The Tetris-like kitchen layout is designed by architect Andreas Nygaard from Snøhetta. Besides hiding all major appliances, the cabinets appear at different depths and in delicate, tone-on-tone shades of rose that render them a sculptural element in the room. The brass and green marble kitchen island makes the sense of pure luxury complete. Above the dining table purchased at auction in Denmark hangs a chandelier from the beginning of the 1900s. The chairs are from Lammhults.
“The one thing I knew when we started plastering the walls was that we needed colours,” explains Oslo-based event manager and gallery owner of the modern contemporary art gallery TM51, Einar Jone Rønning. It has been two years since he moved into the now completely refurbished flat from 1890 together with his wife Siv Eline and their four-year old son. All rooms in the 200 m2 flat are painted in matching shades – each room monochromatically – meaning that walls, ceilings, light switches and stucco are all in the same colour. “A monochromatic colour scheme brings the colours into focus, and the structural elements become secondary. It creates a sense of calm in the rooms. These old flats used to have colours, as revealed by the many layers of colour and wallpaper we found during the demolition process. And research shows that colours have a positive effect on us – they add something extra. A finding we can feel in our everyday lives.” For the conversion, Einar was assisted by Snøhetta architects Heidi Pettersvold and Andreas Nygaard, who helped devise the colour palette and a new layout. The actual reconstruction took two and a half years. “The process has been uncompromising. If I made mistakes, I covered my eyes and said, “Tear it down.” “This happened several times,” says Einar.
However, the home has become modern and functional while still preserving its soul. The original windows and doors have been retained and restored, while the walls have been moved to make room for integrated storage solutions. The kitchen is essentially a living room with integrated appliances and no fewer than two dishwashers to make it easy to keep things tidy. The bathroom offers a complete spa feeling with a high-technology spa from Dornbracht and a large bathtub. The bathroom also features the Boulder sculpture by Aleksander Stav, one of the artists represented by Einar’s gallery. “The walls have integrated gallery rails allowing me to change the artwork. The idea is to hold closed previews and gallery events at home.” Besides inspiring with art, Einar has helped develop several of Oslo’s most popular bars and restaurants. The experience he has gained during the refurbishment of his flat has sparked a desire to refurbish private homes as well. “I believe that people are in search of experiences when they are out on the town or travel to big cities, spas or wellness destinations. But why not bring that feeling home?”
TWO FINNISH DESIGN SOFAS from the 1960s have been placed opposite each other in the centre of the room, which creates a sense of spaciousness which is further enhanced by the open balcony doors. The coffee tables of black mirror glass are designed and made by Siv Eline and Einar and reinforce the Tetris principle of the kitchen design in the adjoining room. The Panthella lamp is designed by Verner Panton and is produced by Louis Poulsen, while the cabinet is a vintage hotel minibar from the 1960s.
KEEPING THE SOUL OF THE HOUSE was a key focal point of the renovation, the original balcony doors being among the details retained. The artwork on the wall is by art duo Lello Arnell, while the bronze sculpture from 1920 next to it is by Louise Moreau. The open double doors and en-suite living rooms allow you to fully appreciate the multiplicity of colours. All doors are original and together with the stucco and fireplace from 1890, they testify to the life of the flat before its refurbishment. The Fjord chair in the living room is designed by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso.
NOT ONLY IS THE BLUE in the bedroom conducive to sleep, but in this case it also matches the artwork by Liv Tandrevold Eriksen titled Studie XIII. The Blue Parrot sculpture by Aleksander Stav stands in the corner. THE BEDROOM WARDROBE is concealed behind a mirror wall that makes the room seem extra big and bright. The old merchant desk is a find from finn.no. ARTIST Lars Ramberg has created an artwork for the flat, inspired by the blue of the wall. The installation is titled Zwielicht, meaning the blue hour in German. The chandelier is by Hans-agne Jakobsson and the Triplex lamp is designed by Johan Petter Johansson in the 1940-50s, while the bedspread is from H&M Home.
THE BATHROOM is covered in valchromat – coloursaturated MDF boards that are water resistant. To get into the bathtub, you first go up one level – a solution that elegantly separates the spa zone from the toilet and sink. From the bathtub, you can enjoy the view of Aleksander Stav’s Boulder sculpture. The brushed brass tap unit is from Dornbracht. A WINDOW between the toilet and spa zone ties the rooms together, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow. The toilet is from Villeroy & Boch, the sink from Alape and the tap unit from Dornbracht. The lamp has been bought at the interior-design shop Eske. THE SHOWER, Sensory Sky from Dornbracht, is computer controlled from the ceiling, thus producing the desired temperatures, and has integrated aroma therapy with various aromas and light therapy.