BETWEEN THE PRESENT AND THE PAST
An old flat in the exclusive Frogner neighbourhood of Oslo has been given a modern makeover that greatly respects the home’s original soul. The decor is done with a few, timeless elements such as wood and the simplest of things, daylight.
WARM WOOD, light surfaces and excellent craftsmanship characterise Aram Zarkoob Vaughan and Mark Vaughan’s timeless and completely renovated Oslo flat. The absence of doors and doorsteps allows for seamless transitions from the hall into the various spaces, while the curved wall creates a visual tension, softens the overall design and helps the light reach from one side of the flat to the other. THE ORIGINAL FIREPLACE has been preserved to uphold the original soul of the home. The integrated bench from Hamran is also made of oak and bids you a warm welcome in the unique hall.
WALLS, STUCCO AND CEILINGS are all painted in the same shade of white, so the shadows and reflections can create a colourful interplay throughout the day. The pieces of furniture are few, but carefully selected. The sofa, Mr. Big is by Says Who for Bolia, and the large Le Grand Air Loveseat armchair in white linen is from Decotique. The coffee table with the elegant arch is by Tobias Berg and goes perfectly with the decorative, arched pouf by Kristina Dam Studio. The TR37 lamp on the console by Tom Rossau is from Houz, while the round Eclipse lamp, which adorns the wall in the middle of the room, is by Tilen Sepic. The floor lamp, F Model from Anour, features as an almost sculptural element whose dark colour is picked up in the three-legged stool, Aml Stool, from Frama.
THE FEW, CURATED OBJECTS in this minimalist setting are displayed to their full advantage – such as Emmeli Hultquest’s Knute candleholder from Houz and the wood sculpture by Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng. WITH MINIMALIST FURNITURE and natural materials, Aram and Mark have managed to create a relaxing eating area where Hans J. Wegner’s CH20 chairs from Carl Hansen & Søn surround the dining table, which has followed Aram since she bought her first flat many years ago. The minimalist F Model lamp in the corner is from Anour, and the wmed rug from Bolina ties the room together. THE PALE GREY TEXTILES comprise the greater part of the decor’s subdued colour palette, creating a harmonious and relaxed atmosphere. The wide openings between the rooms play with the light and mark the transition from one room to the next. The Helle throw is by Andres Engesvik. THE LIGHT KITCHEN is from Hamran and has a stylish steel tabletop that will patinate over time. The white, discreet modules along the wall make room for the oak kitchen island, which takes centre stage. the Torii stool is by Tobias Berg and Sovei Giaever.
Arm Zarkoob Vaughn and Mark Vaughn wanted a relaxing home that would serve as a minimalist sanctuary without too many colours, furniture pieces and elements to clutter their minds.
– We both have demanding jobs, so when we get home, we just want calm and clean lines, says Aram, who is an agent for both musicians and chefs, while Mark promotes music. For this couple originally from Iran and Australia, the long, dark Norwegian winter is something of a trial. So when they bought the 200 m2 fixer-upper in Oslo last year, they felt it important to create a home that, unlike the surroundings, was both light and warm.
– I’m a big fan of the architect John Pawson, who works with how light can create and change a room. We wanted to try something similar here. We wanted to feel the Melbourne sunset and the Teheran heat here in Norway, explains Aram.
The Norwegian company Skapa Arkitekter was commissioned to change the old layout from the 1890s, therefore tearing down walls to let the light in and create an optimum connection between the rooms. The oak details tie everything together – which you notice from the moment you step into the hall, whose walls are clad in oak to create a warm and tactile welcome. Light studio ILS has designed the lighting layout with integrated downlights, concealed LED strips and sculptural lamps that engender a calm and coherent feel throughout the home.
– The balance between the modern elements and the soul of the flat was crucial, so we have restored and recreated several of the original details, such as the stucco and the fireplace, says Aram.
However, the original doors were removed to enhance the flow and provide greater openness. However, the thin moulding around the door frames has been preserved to mark the openings and define the transitions between the various zones of the flat. Practically all walls, mouldings and the ceiling are painted the same shade of white to create a subtle interplay of light and colour as the day passes.
– We started by painting one wall in various whites, and over the course of the day we would tick the colour we liked the best. The one with the most ticks won and was used throughout the flat, explains Aram, emphasising that craftsmanship and the original details were key priorities.
– It costs a bit more to invest in something timeless, but then we won’t be replacing any lamps or the sofa for the next 30-40 years. It would be great if more people would spend money on good craftsmanship instead of filling their homes with the latest trends, she underlines.
LONG, OPAQUE, TONE-ON-TONE CURTAINS and the silky wall-to-wall carpet made of a bamboo mix from Teppabo combine to create a tranquil atmosphere in the bedroom. The oak cabinet is from Hamran and integrates a TV facing the bed, thus making the space feel like an exclusive hotel room. The Sketch chair by Elding Oscarson is from Frama and the bedspread is from Bolina. THE UTTERLY UNIQUE HALL, which is clad in wood, changes appearance over the course of the day as the sun moves across the sky. The solid Dinesen fir floors have been laid throughout the flat, a both beautiful and sustainable choice that will last for generations.