CASE STUDY CABIN FEVER

The epitome of Scandinavian simplicity, this kitchen celebrates honest materials, fine craftsmanship and warm family gatherings

- Miriam Methuen-Jones

“The inspiration for this kitchen, as with many of our designs, comes from the Nordic landscape itself – its calm, understated beauty and quiet strength,” says Jonna Karlsson of bespoke kitchen-maker Nordiska Kök.

“Our aim was to translate this essence into a kitchen that responds to both the architectural character of the cabin and the functional needs of contemporary life.”

‘Cabin’ hardly does justice to the mountain home designed by Oslo architects Vardehaugen that sits among the spruce trees in snowy Sjusjøen, a prime ski spot east of Lillehammer in Norway. “The house was made for an active family of four,” says lead architect Anna Forslöw. “Mette and Jarle, the clients, wanted to build a refuge, a place to unwind from daily life and spend time with family and friends. They are very sociable, sharing a love of food, wine and good company. The cabin was shaped around this spirit – a cross-shaped plan with four wings meeting at a centrally placed kitchen.”