Inside Fredrik Bull’s Oslo home: A space made to be lived in
Interior architect Fredrik Bull is part of a new generation of Norwegian designers shaping a more fluid way of working.
FREDRIK BULL is a man of many crafts: interior architect, product designer, and artist. Rather than fitting neatly into one box, he embraces a fluid way of working – a mindset shared by a new generation of Norwegian designers.
A deep love for art, craftsmanship, and materials runs through both his professional and personal life. As an interior architect, Fredrik manages projects with meticulous attention to detail, but outside of work, he welcomes life’s unpredictability.
“I’m in total control at work, but once I leave the office, I just let go,” he says. “I might be late for a dinner date, but I collect new experiences and impressions as I go. Oslo is filled with all these incredible spaces and nooks that nobody knows about. I encourage everyone to skip the map app from time to time.”
Fredrik Bull began his career at Peter Opsvik’s studio – Opsvik is best known for the Variable kneeling chair, designed for Varier.
At the beginning of his career, Fredrik interned at Peter Opsvik’s studio, where he explored ergonomics and art while sorting through press clippings and attending weekly jazz sessions.
“Both Peter Opsvik and Terje Ekstrøm represent a certain period in Norwegian design, which was very forward-thinking, and very experimental and expressive.”
Today, he sees a more open and collaborative design culture taking shape. This feeling of connection and support is something he values.
“We’re making our way in that direction again. In Oslo, there is a strong sense of community. Creatives from different fields collaborate to a much larger extent, and the lines between different crafts are less rigid than they used to be. It’s a great time to be part of it.”
Fredrik thrives in this environment, embracing a variety of roles. “I want it all. I’m very greedy. I say yes to everything that I think will be fun. It’s a little bit of a life hack at the moment.”
Fredrik’s home in Oslo reflects his love for art, craftsmanship, and materials, seen in the many details that bring the space to life.
He shares the apartment with his husband, Fredrik – together, they have made the apartment their home over the years.
Fredrik lives on the top floor of a charming yellow building in Bislett with his husband, Fredrik, in a space they have called home for the past six years. They instantly fell for the apartment's unique floors, which have been steam-bent to follow the curve of the living room wall.
“It must have been quite the challenge, but it’s a detail that makes the apartment truly special. The previous owner is a bit of a hero for making it happen.”
Aside from a few small adjustments, much of the space remains unchanged since they first moved in, reflecting the thoughtful choices made by the previous owner.
“Everything here has been carefully considered, from the appliances to the kitchen details. Thanks to the investments that have been made in terms of quality, we’ve been able to make only minor changes and upgrades. We view ourselves as custodians – we are looking after the space and caring for it, until it is time to pass it on. We want to leave it in as good condition as possible.”
For both Fredriks, their home is an ever-evolving space, constantly changing with the people, moments, and objects that pass through it.
Fredrik Bull sees collecting as about owning pieces of artistry rather than investing for future profit.
Each artwork is a small connection to the people Fredrik respects. “It means a lot to me to own something created by someone I deeply admire. That way, I have a small piece of their world with me,” he tells.
Fredrik’s approach to selecting objects for his home is driven by instinct.
“Both Fredrik and I see our home as a living, evolving space. We’re always changing things around, and there’s always someone staying with us. Togetherness and community mean a lot to us, and our home reflects that.”
“I don’t plan my purchases. If something resonates with me, I’ll go for it. My husband is a calm anchor who makes me think things through. But if something feels truly important, then we’ll go for it right away.”
Fredrik had admired Varier’s Ekstrem chair for years and dreamed of one of his own.
Now part of everyday life, the Ekstrem chair moves easily between quiet moments and lively gatherings.
After years of searching for the right color, the Ekstrem chair he had been waiting for is finally part of their home.
Fredrik’s relationship with Varier’s Ekstrem chair goes way back.
“I’ve always been a furniture nerd, and Ekstrem is a piece I’ve admired and dreamt of owning for as long as I can remember. Now that it’s here, I feel thrilled and proud to have it in our home. It’s a piece of Norwegian design I truly admire.”
The chair has already become a central part of their home. “Children climb on it, my sisters lounge on it with their phones. It effortlessly accommodates both quiet, introverted moments and lively, extroverted ones. It’s a piece we’ll grow old with, something that will outlast us. It feels like the chair has arrived where it belongs.”
See also:
• All products by Varier >
• Read also: Introducing: Varier >
Published on 26 Mar, 2026
