How Hanne Stormoen creates serenity in her Norwegian home

Hanne Stormoen’s beautiful apartment shows how to turn a space into a calming retreat

Located in Halden near the border with Sweden, the Empire-style apartment was built in the mid-1800s and now converted into an airy open-plan space. It exudes a restful elegance, emphasised by it’s large windows flooding the interior with light and antique chandeliers which hang from the high ceilings.

Hanne creates this feeling of serenity by using a limited colour palette of neutrals. Pale walls – including plaster wall mouldings and decorative ceiling roses, and tongue-and-groove panelling – contrast with dark vintage furniture, wrought-iron candlesticks and antique oil portraits.

Her look is also uncluttered, where each piece has been carefully chosen to enhance the home. ‘The space around the furniture is just as important as the furniture, in my world,’ she explains. ‘I would rather have one beautiful thing that catches the eye than lots of stuff on a shelf.’

As winters are harsh in Norway, the cosy hygge factor is key too for a restful interior. This includes plenty of flickering candles in the evening, cushions and snuggly throws in soft textiles and sheepskin – all in her complementary neutral tones. ‘Comfy knit throws are a must – this is a cold country!’ Hanne laughs.

You can see more of Hanne’s home in issue 97 of Reclaim, available now in print (single issue), digital or via subscription.