How others live ...

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We are in the midst of planning a trip to Iceland, and I'm consumed with "all things Icelandic", reading everything I can get my hands on. I've learned so much about the culture, which appeals to me greatly (outdoorsy, cat-friendly, feminist, progressive), and in reading the online news from the area, I came across this article on a home for sale in the capitol of Reykjavik and thought I'd share it here. While it appears the home may have actually been sold at this point, I think it's interesting to see the pics. It is obvious that Houzz has a global audience, as evidenced by a number of posters from around the world who have so generously shared their spaces here. One thing is for certain -- no matter where people live, there's always a deep desire to "feather one's nest" and make home a lovely place to be.

Despite Iceland's long, brutally cold winters, the homes are known to be very warm. So warm, in fact, that it's quite common to see windows cracked open on even the coldest days to let some of that Arctic air in to refresh the indoor spaces. Reykjavik tends to have a somewhat bohemian vibe, which comes through loud and clear in this home. I think it's wonderful (I'd be comfortable here), and fascinating (to me) to have a glimpse into the way that others live elsewhere.

Please - share photos or links or simply a description of a place you've traveled where you found something wonderfully unique to the region. I think knowing how others live around the world helps those of us in North America especially to expand our perspective, which sometimes influences the choices we make for our own homes.

Reykjavik Home

Featured Answer

2pups4me

8 years ago

aok - beds are made using individual duvets that are typically folded lengthwise on each side. Most likely there are two twin size beds pushed together to make a larger bed. At least that’s been my experience in Finland, Sweden and Norway - have not been to Iceland...yet.

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Comments (7)

Bonnie
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Last summer at this time we were in Europe: Austria, Poland, Prague and London, staying in AirBnB's throughout our trip. My favorite place was in Vienna, a large 5 bedroom apartment with a very comfortable feel. Here are some of the rooms:

Foyer:

Wonderful fully equipped kitchen with French doors that opened to a balcony overlooking a park:

Master bedroom:

My favorite room: library, music room

This was in an owner occupied building. The owner was a very gracious woman who was delightful to deal with. This apartment was perfect for 5 of us. We could walk to the local park and to the neighborhood restaurants, where we got to interact with the locals. Just all around perfect! What was unique about Vienna was the emphasis on music. This flat is frequently rented by musician groups, according to the owner. Being in a neighborhood we really got the flavor of local life.
User
Original Author
8 years ago
Bonnie, that place is gorgeous! Definitely has an old world, European vibe about it. I like how it's not overly decorated, but you can still tell there was tremendous attention given to detail to make it comfortable and inviting. Sounds like a delightful holiday!
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User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I spent part of my honeymoon in Vienna. I was a classical trained pianist and wanted to see the various places that composers had lived. In Vienna it's ALWAYS about the music. Vienna has always been my most favorite city and I have been lucky enough to have visited quite a few.

The bed in the master bedroom looks exactly like the one we had when we were there, with everything folded on the bottom.

Thank you for sharing this.
functionthenlook
8 years ago
My BIL and SIL was stationed in Iceland for many years. They loved living their and kept on re-upping to stay in Iceland. Most homes in Iceland are heated with geothermal energy from the many hot spring. It is cheap to heat their homes.
aok27502
8 years ago
In the link in the OP, there is a picture near the bottom of a gray covered bed. Can someone explain to me the big depression in it?
Allison0704
8 years ago
DH often jokes that me spending 3 weeks traveling in Europe (Italy, Switzerland, a bit of Germany, England and France) was expense, because when I got home my style had changed. I already had antiques, but started adding European etchings and paintings, along with repainting. It influenced our last home that we built as well.

A friend and her family traveled to Iceland a few years ago. Such a good time, they went back the next year. Have a great trip!
User thanked Allison0704