Passionate 60s style

The same criteria apply when it comes to the decor in the functionalist house that Haakon’s maternal grandmother and grandfather had architect Thorvald Solheim design in 1956. When you walk through the original teak door, it is like being in one of the early James Bond movies like Casino Royale or Diamonds Are Forever.

The teak panelling on the walls in the entrance hall and the cloakroom niche form an original backdrop for masculine decor with a focus on Scandinavian design classics in teak, walnut and rosewood with colours inspired by the 60s and 70s.

When Haakon took over the house in 2011, it was clearly marked by renovations from the 70s and later. To create flow with large, open spaces, Haakon thoroughly renovated and updated the house, all while respecting the original building style. Many of the original details have been preserved, but the space has been transformed, with a number of small rooms being combined. After the renovation, the house is functional while retaining its originality with a recreated 60s feel, and Haakon loves the sense of light and being able to see all the way through the house from the front door.

From the dining table designed by Hans J. Wegner, Haakon has a view of the sea on one side and uno form’s Classic kitchen design, designed by Arne Munch in 1968, on the other.

“Arne Munch’s kitchen ideas were as simple as they were ingenious. I’ve always appreciated that which is timeless. Timeless design is an investment, and a classic will never be unfashionable,” says Haakon Laastad.

The walnut craftsman kitchen is masculinely appointed in pure Mad Men style with a teak spice carousel from the 1960s as a wall feature. The spice carousel was designed by Danish Digsmed Design, and it caught Haakon’s eye in an episode of the American TV series.

All over the house, design classics provide an exclusive and timeless feel. Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm and Louis Poulsen are among Haakon’s favourite designers, and the classics are mixed with things that have been in the house since his grandparents’ time and hand-picked items from flea markets.

The original architectural drawings of the house hang framed on the mint green wall of the library – alongside black and white portraits of Haakon’s grandparents and flanked by Poul Kjærholm’s PK 61 coffee table.

A model of the Bahama Gold Range Rover sits on the black Montana bookcase in the library. And as if that weren’t enough, Haakon has free view of the garage, with the large window framing the car, almost as if it were a work of art.

There is a wealth of art in Haakon’s home. His grandmother was an artist, and on the wall of the dining room hangs a 1973 oil painting painted by Norwegian painter Erling Hodne.

It hangs in exactly the same place as it hung when Haakon was a boy and came to visit his grandparents. Haakon is pleased that it continues to hang there — now as part of an inspiring mix including works by newer Norwegian artists and a flea market find. An unpretentious mix that dresses the rosewood sideboard designed by Norwegian furniture designer Fredrik A. Kayser.