Haakon Laastad, the third generation in the family business Laastad & Co., lives in the functionalist house in Haugesund. He is also the mastermind behind Laastad Classics, where design and originality are crucial when hand-picking cars for the exclusive collection.

These include cars with a strong design from Bertone and Pininfarina, among others, that are representative of different eras. And that often have direct associations with classic films and series such as James Bond, Back to the Future and Miami Vice.

Haakon Laastad on his way to work in his Range Rover
A man and his classic car
Laastad Classics

The same criteria apply when it comes to the decor in the functionalist house that Haakon’s maternal grandmother and grandfather had architect Thorvald Solheim design in 1956. When you walk through the original teak door, it is like being in one of the early James Bond movies like Casino Royale or Diamonds Are Forever.

The teak panelling on the walls in the entrance hall and the cloakroom niche form an original backdrop for masculine decor with a focus on Scandinavian design classics in teak, walnut and rosewood with colours inspired by the 60s and 70s.

The original teak panels on the walls in the entrance hall and wardrobe niche form an original backdrop for a masculine interior with a focus on Scandinavian design classics in teak, walnut and rosewood
Haakon Laastad
From the entrance, the original staircase from 1956 leads downstairs to the house's private section with bedrooms and bathroom

Classic upgrade

When Haakon took over the house in 2011, it was clearly marked by renovations from the 70s and later. To create flow with large, open spaces, Haakon thoroughly renovated and updated the house, all while respecting the original building style. Many of the original details have been preserved, but the space has been transformed, with a number of small rooms being combined. After the renovation, the house is functional while retaining its originality with a recreated 60s feel, and Haakon loves the sense of light and being able to see all the way through the house from the front door.

From the dining table designed by Hans J. Wegner, Haakon has a view of the sea on one side and uno form’s Classic kitchen design, designed by Arne Munch in 1968, on the other.

“Arne Munch’s kitchen ideas were as simple as they were ingenious. I’ve always appreciated that which is timeless. Timeless design is an investment, and a classic will never be unfashionable,” says Haakon Laastad.

The walnut craftsman kitchen is masculinely appointed in pure Mad Men style with a teak spice carousel from the 1960s as a wall feature. The spice carousel was designed by Danish Digsmed Design, and it caught Haakon’s eye in an episode of the American TV series.

Living room and dining room with the Hans J. Wegner dining table and Eames chairs
Haakon Laastad has always liked to rest his eyes on what is timeless. Timeless design is an investment and a classic will never go out of style
From the dining table designed by Hans J. Wegner, Haakon has a view of uno form's classic kitchen design, designed by Arne Munch in 1968
“Timeless design is an investment, and a classic will never be unfashionable”
Haakon Laastad
On the wall in the dining room hangs an oil painting from 1973 painted by the Norwegian painter Erling Hodne, together with works by recent Norwegian artists and a single flea find. An unpretentious mix that dresses the sideboard in rosewood designed by the Norwegian furniture designer Fredrik A. Kayser.

Maximalism

All over the house, design classics provide an exclusive and timeless feel. Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm and Louis Poulsen are among Haakon’s favourite designers, and the classics are mixed with things that have been in the house since his grandparents’ time and hand-picked items from flea markets.

The original architectural drawings of the house hang framed on the mint green wall of the library – alongside black and white portraits of Haakon’s grandparents and flanked by Poul Kjærholm’s PK 61 coffee table.

From the library, Haakon has a clear view of the garage, where the large window frames the car, almost like a work of art
“Scandinavian design has lines and materials that appeal to me. I am far from a minimalist and believe that objects give atmosphere and a sense of warmth. When I lived in Oslo in the 90s, I loved homes where you could go on a journey of discovery through
Haakon Laastad

Art in the blood

A model of the Bahama Gold Range Rover sits on the black Montana bookcase in the library. And as if that weren’t enough, Haakon has free view of the garage, with the large window framing the car, almost as if it were a work of art.

There is a wealth of art in Haakon’s home. His grandmother was an artist, and on the wall of the dining room hangs a 1973 oil painting painted by Norwegian painter Erling Hodne.

It hangs in exactly the same place as it hung when Haakon was a boy and came to visit his grandparents. Haakon is pleased that it continues to hang there — now as part of an inspiring mix including works by newer Norwegian artists and a flea market find. An unpretentious mix that dresses the rosewood sideboard designed by Norwegian furniture designer Fredrik A. Kayser.

Art generally takes up a lot of space in Haakon Laastad's home

James Bond fan

From the entrance, the original 1956 staircase leads downstairs to the house’s private area with bedrooms and a bathroom. The bathroom is furnished with uno form’s original Classic design in walnut and emerald-green mosaic tiles to match the Trouville vintage poster. The Trouville poster reminds Haakon of Haraldshallen, the iconic swimming pool in Haugesund with ochre yellow, turquoise, light blue, pink and light grey colours designed by Norwegian architect David Sandved in the late 1960s.

Bathroom in walnut with masculine details
Haakon Laastad with his two Siberian Husky dogs
Masculine bathroom in walnut
Haakon Laastad with the two Siberian Huskies Orion and Cooper at Kvalsvik

About this kitchen



Who

Haakon Laastad

Where

Haugesund, Norway