during the dark and dreary days of the Icelandic winter, when a bit of up-lifting color was welcomed,” says Rut with a smile. With a preference for muted, neutral tones, Rut loves to mix modern design with more classical, often ethnic, finds. “I love ethnic things; things that are a bit naive. And books are a necessity on tables or piled up on the floor. I’m constantly grabbing a book, and leafing through its pages. They give me so much inspiration.”
OPPOSITE: In the foyer, Rut´s passion for mixing ethnic things with the clean lines of modern design is evident. The painting above the console table is by Lisbet Sveinsdottir. TOP LEFT: Kristinn´s home office is located next to the foyer. The Tolomeo lamp from Artemide, an icon of modern Italian design, is a favorite of Rut’s. The table top is a Carrara marble, the legs from Ikea. Lights installed into the thick shelves add a nice ambience to the workspace. TOP RIGHT: A wall in the bedroom hallway on the ground floor is lined with family portraits and pictures which have a special place in the hearts of the family members.