Norwegian Family’s Lakeland Home

Our discerning and stylish Norwegian family of four came to us at the very outbreak of the pandemic in early 2020.

Following an introduction through our website, we met our new clients for the first time through a Zoom conversation that took us through their ambition to purchase a truly Lakeland holiday property and make it their home from home with a good dose of Scandinavian design influence.

Our brief was to provide a comfortable, welcoming, and simple interior with which the family could grow and develop as they visit and enjoy their home over the years to come.

This was considered a first phase, an introduction to what Nielsen House could do for them with further exciting schemes to follow as our relationship continues to flourish. We understood that quality and longevity were paramount to them, their budget was considered accordingly, and the process began with that firmly in mind.

With the completion date fast approaching around Easter time, we set to work, putting their design concept together via remote presentations, with bundles of tactile finishes and fabrics being shipped over to Norway to illustrate the vision we had in mind for their project.

At that time, we were all in uncharted waters and naive to the impact of the Coronavirus on our supply chain. From all to nothing in a matter of weeks. It was all we could do to keep the client’s enthusiasm and expectation levels alive while the our international suppliers and design houses stumbled and fell amidst the unprecedented challenges they faced.

Nielsen House favour tried and tested producers of fine furnishings and upholstery that we feel resonate with our own high quality standards and will enhance the end users’ ultimate experience. We love solid natural oaks from Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK. And textured fabrics, weaves and herringbones are our signature style, mainly produced in Scottish or northern mills from both the UK and Europe.

There were many unspoken, but mutually felt, design decisions at play. There was an understanding between both the client and ourselves; all of us favouring simple, natural flooring with the addition of warmth through woven rugs. Open fires and flagstone flooring and they requested minimalist window coverings which worked perfectly as the property sits in the heart of the Lake District with incredible views over fells and mountains, high above the town. In this project, privacy was not an issue.

As always, considered lighting is key in helping to create atmosphere in the finished home. Simple drop pendants offered colour and warmth in the open dining room, whilst floor lamps and table lamp lighting set the scene and task lighting remained low.

Location and views often help the team to shape our interiors schemes. Here, the flow between the extremely beautiful Lakeland outdoors and the interior was fundamental. Calm, sophisticated and elegant but very Lakeland!

Artwork by Libby Edmondson and Fiona Clucas brought the scheme to life and their relationship to their great surrounding injected colour and fun into the neutral but calming palette.

As the pandemic showed no signs of easing, there was naturally great uncertainty as to when, or even if, we would be able to go ahead. In more than 25 years in the industry, this was a first for us. The unknown was a terrifying prospect – and it was the same too with our trusted local trades and suppliers. The approved furnishing and fit-out scheme was on hold!

Restrictions saw the client’s dates for travel also having to be kept fluid/transient to say the least. Like ships in the night, dates came and went – and quickly, with great disappointment and frustration, we all came to realise that no one was able to control their delivery processes.

However, how blessed we were to be working with the most understanding of people. Their patience and enthusiasm never waned. Eventually the anticipation of their arrival into the UK was upon us and we were able to finally present their Lakeland home to them in August 2021. And what a warm and whole-hearted endorsement from our family. “WE LOVE THE HOUSE!!!! And what you have done with it. It is truly WONDERFUL!” they told us. 

In these difficult Covid times, working with positive clients who have remained so upbeat and positive throughout the many challenges we faced, has been inspirational. We are now looking forward to our next project together.