Inside a Traditional yet Modern Norwegian Villa

Dating back to the 1760s, Villa Terminus is as traditionally Bergen as it gets. Located in the heart of the coastal city, this Norwegian villa (designed by Johan Joachim Reichborn) originally served as housing for families in need and has now been turned into an 18-room hotel (which is also available to book in its entirety).

The building has been carefully restored and rejuvenated by Stockholm-based Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects, who filled the villa with classic details dating from the 1900s to the present day – seamlessly marrying the building’s extensive history with modern Nordic design.

Villa Terminus Bergen, Claesson Koivisto Rune

Throughout the villa you’ll find relics of the past, harking back to the building’s origin, with high ceilings, heavy engraved doors and intricate coving throughout, as well as rustic wooden beams in the attic bedrooms. You’ll also find contemporary furniture and objects from the likes of David Chipperfield, Ilse Crawford, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec and Andreas Engesvik and Ilse Crawford, as well as vintage mid-century and early 1900s’ designs, all selected to fit seamlessly together.

Walls, typically, are kept white throughout, with the addition of pale wooden flooring creating light and airy spaces. Dark furnishings and finishes break up the neutrals and prevent the space from looking too stark; the kitchen, for example, utilises dark grey and steel; the library’s chairs are deep cherry red; and the seating in the living area is a mix of charcoal grey and rich mustard.