From Belgium to the Norwegian mountains: how we realized a total interior design 1,875 kilometers away
"We really don't see this happening."
A week before departure, Geert receives the phone call that keeps every project coordinator awake at night: "We're pulling out." The transporter who was supposed to transport the entire interior of a Norwegian log building had last-minute serious doubts. 1,875 kilometers through Europe, Scandinavian mountains, a truck full of design, customs checks, thousands of kilos of furniture and accessories.
Why Norway is different
For a project in Belgium, that's already complex. For a project in the mountains around Lillehammer, north of Oslo, it becomes a logistical puzzle that keeps you awake at night, literally. Most people think that a total interior design abroad is just "a little further drive." But in reality... a whole different story.
Geert, who coordinated all the logistics, can talk about it: "Norway's VAT system is extraordinarily complex. The customer must pay VAT on all goods in advance before they can enter the country. Every chair, every carpet, every bath mat — everything must receive a specific intrastat code, with exact volume and weight."
For a project in Belgium, that's already complex. For a project in the mountains around Lillehammer, north of Oslo, it becomes a logistical puzzle that keeps you awake at night, literally. Most people think that a total interior design abroad is just "a little further drive." But in reality... a whole different story.
Geert, who coordinated all the logistics, can talk about it: "Norway's VAT system is extraordinarily complex. The customer must pay VAT on all goods in advance before they can enter the country. Every chair, every carpet, every bath mat — everything must receive a specific intrastat code, with exact volume and weight."
The lists were extensive, actually endless. The Norwegian customs really don't deal with "approximately" or "an estimate," with them, everything must be correct...
And then there were the personal belongings of the customer themselves. They obviously wanted to send some things with the transport as well. "We kept them completely separate," Geert explains. "We knew from experience with our own lodges in Norway that they are strict about that. And indeed: those items were held up at customs and only arrived with the customer later."
You don't know that kind of thing in advance, you learn it by experiencing it.
By making mistakes, solving them, and knowing better next time.
25 suppliers, 1 deadline
While Geert struggled with Norwegian VAT rules, Anouk, our back-office manager, had her own challenge: coordinating 25 different suppliers who all had to deliver on time to our warehouse in Boortmeerbeek.
One piece of furniture late? Then the truck doesn't leave.
One wrong size? Then we have to go there again.
One missing code? Then it doesn't get through customs.
And yes, some deliveries were late. That can happen. But Anouk's strict follow-up and clear communication solved it. Calling every day. Checking every day. Keeping the pressure on every day.
Our warehouse: where chaos becomes structure
When everything, really everything finally stood in our warehouse. The real work began.
Each room got a sticker: living room, bedroom 1, office, bathroom, kitchen, etc. From table to bath mat, everything was labeled per room. So that our team on-site in Norway knew: this goes there, that goes yonder.
But loading a truck, that's something our men are used to. We load our van daily, for every project again. The first delivery goes in last!
So furniture that had to be first in the Norwegian house? That went into the truck last. Sounds simple, but it really makes a difference when you only have 1 day.
A completely empty Norwegian cabin
The cabin itself, located in a ski area near Lillehammer, was a beautiful new build in traditional Norwegian log or timber construction. Horizontally stacked wooden beams, mortise and tenon joints in the corners, no nails or screws. Sustainable, traditional, and timeless.
But also: completely empty.
Our customers knew exactly what they wanted, warmth and coziness. Lots of natural colors and materials. And it had to match some elements they had already chosen: artworks, bathroom tiles that differed per room.
After one introductory conversation and the first design proposals, the customer was immediately enthusiastic. That doesn't happen often so quickly. But if your vision is right, and you really listen to what someone wants, then it just clicks.
We were allowed to furnish the entire house. From the cozy living kitchen and living room to the office and all bedrooms. From table, chair, sofa, and carpet to bath mats. Everything.
Empty in the morning, a home in the evening
The day of the delivery was intense. Our team flew to Norway the day before, the truck arrived, and then the real work began: furnishing a complete house in one day.
First unloading an entire truck, unpacking everything, placing everything according to the plan our interior architect Xenia had outlined. Every sticker, every category, every load — it all matched (fortunately).
In the morning: an empty cabin with bare wooden beams.
In the evening: a warm, fully furnished house where our customers can enjoy themselves.
"That's what they found most important," Geert says. "That they were relieved of worries. That they didn't have to live between boxes and half-assembled furniture for weeks.
We came, we placed, we styled. And when they came in, it was finished."
That's what total relief means. Not only delivering the beautiful furniture but also taking away the stress. Solving the logistics, anticipating the problems.
So that the customer can just enjoy.
Considering a project abroad yourself?
Whether it's in Norway, Spain, the South of France, or elsewhere: we have the experience and network to realize total projects internationally. From interior advice and mood boards to logistics, customs, and on-site placement.
Make an appointment and discover what we can mean for your project. We tell you honestly what is possible, what is complex, and how we approach it together.
