Norwegian Houzz: A Joyous Home Born Out of Creativity and Intuition
A graphic designer with a knack for decorating creates this happy, light-filled cottage
It won’t take long looking through the photos of Jeanette Lunde’s home to realise the lady has an amazing eye for decorating. No wonder: with years spent teaching and practising graphic design, she has perfected the art of the composition. She recently decided to quit her full-time job in the field and, in her words, “follow [her] intuition and creative heart.” That meant concentrating instead on her popular blog, FRYD + DESIGN and e-magazine byFRYD instead. The Norwegian word ‘fryd’ translates to ‘joy’. Much like her work, the happy cottage Lunde shares with her family seems to effortlessly encompass the sentiment as well.
A print from Swedish artist Camilla Engman is nestled in among vintage pieces and natural elements.
The double doors off the dining room open out to the terrace and garden, making it airy and cool in summer. A mix of chairs around the dining table feels pulled together when done in the same shade of white.
If you’ve been contemplating white floors, Lunde says to “go for it!” Hers are actually light grey, but in the sunlight it’s hard to tell.
More: To Paint or Not to Paint? That Is the Floorboard Question
More: To Paint or Not to Paint? That Is the Floorboard Question
“We have wood floors so it gets bumps and dents, but I think it adds to the charm,” says Lunde. “The white floors aren’t any harder to keep clean – though I never tried anything else – and it really brightens up the room.”
The dining room is Lunde’s favourite in the house. “It’s where we eat, do homework, play games or have deep conversations over a glass of wine,” she says.
An open shelf under the table offers a great place to stash said homework when it’s time to eat.
View more beautiful dining rooms
An open shelf under the table offers a great place to stash said homework when it’s time to eat.
View more beautiful dining rooms
It’s also where the family spends the majority of their time, thanks in no small part to how cosy the fireplace makes it when a full fire’s going.
A wood-burning stove is a must-have during cold Norwegian winters.
The kitchen is currently under renovation, but expect photos of the finished room on Lunde’s blog in the months to come. Until then, here’s a little corner of the space pre-reno.
The top of the cottage houses Lunde’s home office. Decorative paper is stored in a wooden crate. The vintage-style radio is from Tivoli.
Browse our photo gallery of home offices for more inspiration
Browse our photo gallery of home offices for more inspiration
Glass jars and antique wooden boxes hold Lunde’s supplies and keep the desk organised.
A botanical print decorates the wall at the entrance to the bedroom.
In keeping with her style mix, Lunde finds many pieces for the home at flea markets and op shops. She also tries to shop local to support the artisans in her hometown. Otherwise, she looks to IKEA for storage and organisation items.
Find out more reasons to scour the op shops
Find out more reasons to scour the op shops
Lunde made the darling bunting in daughter Alma's room with wallpaper scraps. She ran hers through the sewing machine to string them together, but you could also use string and glue for the same effect.
Vintage fabric becomes wall art when stretched and stapled over a canvas form.
Aren’t Lunde’s photos dreamy? She has a natural gift for composing shots, obviously, but her other trick is to only use natural light. In these white-filled rooms sunlight bounces all over the place and makes everything look airy and bright.
An antique wood headboard provides an heirloom touch to Mathea's room.
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