The Sol Design studio’s most recent project involved renovating and extending a century-old building in Bergen, Norway. In this restoration, Sonja Solstrand wanted to preserve the vision of architect Einar Oscar Schou. “We approached the work with great respect and humility,” says the designer.

Fløirestauranten is a fusion of history and modernity with panoramic views over the city's heart. The concept adopted for this project embraces Bergen’s roots as enduring values that the design studio endeavored to preserve. “Roots connect us to our history, culture, traditions, and food,” explains Sonja Solstrand.

For the renovation of the space, the team sought to capture the soul of the building, combining its long life with fresh, contemporary elements. “By connecting the interior to the natural surroundings of the restaurant, the space found its grounding. The choice of colors, materials, and themes unites the interior into a sensory environment where the new and old melt harmoniously together.”

The interior of Fløirestauranten was designed to bring the past and the present together in one place, where history echoes and modernity enhances the whole experience. “It had to balance elegance and warmth, inviting everyone from casual hikers and tourists to fine dining enthusiasts.” For Sonja, “the interplay of nostalgic and modern elements ensures guests feel grounded in the building’s history while experiencing comfort and design innovation.”

The beauty of nature and sustainability inspired the palette chosen for the project. From the start of the renovation, the team carried out color and material studies in each room to find out which tones and wallpapers were original to the building. “The chosen color palette is inspired by the nature surrounding Fløyen (a mountain in Bergen), featuring green tones combined with earthy hues in various shades. These calming tones create a warm atmosphere, establishing a cohesive environment that both honors the building’s history and connects it to the local landscape,” explains the designer.

The surrounding nature also influenced the choice of wallpapers. “In the lounges, the original wallpapers featured Asian-inspired motifs with trees and peacocks,” describes Sonja Solstrand. “The new wallpapers maintain the same central theme but have been reinterpreted with a more Nordic expression. In the event venues, the original wallpaper featured dense palm leaf patterns, while the new design takes on a lighter, also more Nordic feel, emphasizing the room’s airy atmosphere.”

The materials incorporated reclaimed wood elements into the flooring, and the old wood from the stairs was reused on the ground floor. The original doors were customized into new sliding doors. Brass - an essential material in the building’s first project - was revived and incorporated into new custom-made pieces. The Sol Design team collaborated with local suppliers for this project, prioritizing strong, sustainable materials that would stand the “test of time.”

The interiors of Fløirestauranten feature a selection of Nordic furniture from brands such as Fritz Hansen, Fredericia, Please Wait to Be Seated, and Mater. Some elements and accessories have been customized by the design studio, blending in perfectly with the architecture and introducing a fresh, modern touch. In the restaurant, vintage Knag chairs have been meticulously restored and upholstered in high-quality leather by Christopher Knag - the grandson of the founder of the Knag furniture factory - as a tribute to the legacy of the famous Bergen furniture maker. The antique tables have also been renovated, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and honoring the craftsmanship of the past.

By uniting iconic Scandinavian design with bespoke elements and carefully restored antique pieces, this renovation reflects the power of history, sustainability, and modern design to create a timeless and revitalized space.