You can take a girl out of Denmark, but you can't take Denmark out of the girl. And this incredible apartment in London is proof! Originally from Copenhagen, Christina Thaisen lives in a former jam factory just off Bermondsey Street with her boyfriend and son. Formerly a fairly run-down industrial area, Bermondsey is a vibrant little village in London where a hip crowd mingles in cosy pubs and independent eateries. I chatted with interior designer and shop owner Christina to find out more about life in London, the inspiration behind her beautiful home and online interior shop NABO.
I moved from Copenhagen to London 5.5 years ago. I moved here to live with my Danish boyfriend, who moved to London for work. I used to think it was only for a short period of time but now we both call London home and we wanted to start a family here.
Above; "Our dining chairs are Ant Chairs by Arne Jacobsen, dating back to the 1970s and my son is now the 4th generation eating dinner on them! The Lamp over our dining table is a PH Limited edition in copper and the bar wagon is designed by Herbert Hirche. Our dining table is designed by Egon Eiermann."
I love living in Bermondsey: there are independent shops, great restaurants, cosy coffee shops and lots of different markets - basically, everything you need! Our area has a local feel to it, which makes it really homely.
The jam factory is known for being one of the most outstanding industrial conversions to be completed in London in recent years. It was converted by Ian Simpson Architects in 2002, but the building originally dates from 1902 when it was constructed as a factory by Sir William Hartley's famous jam company.
Your home is beautiful! Do you work with design?
I have an MA in Art & Visual Culture. I work with interior design through NABO but also on interior projects for private clients. I focus on creating homes where design is not a mere object for display, but a combination of quality, function and aesthetics.
What is the story behind NABO?
When I moved to the UK I was shocked at how much replica furniture I saw in firms, private homes - and even in interior design studios. I found that people focused more on getting a 'certain look' than finding furniture that functions in their daily lives, stands the test of time and reflects who they are. I started helping people by sourcing original Danish vintage furniture (both classics and less known names which are more affordable) and focusing on new designers and brands that weren't already available in the UK. This is how I came to open NABO.
Above: Christina inherited the daybed from her grandparents and the pendant is the Circle Lamp by Frama.
I love the sense of contrast in your home, can you tell us more about the colours?
The grey walls and shelves in our living room and hallway have been painted in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball. Down Pipe complements the industrial building brilliantly! The green tiles in the kitchen create a calm atmosphere for dining.
You have a beautiful mix of furniture in your home, can you tell us more about it?
The daybed is from the 1960s and is an heirloom from my Grandmother. The piece itself is teak and very minimalist - it's something we'll keep forever, I'm sure - but I've added a blue seat cushion to make it a little more unusual. In fact, I love heirlooms in general. As well as the daybed, we have lamps, dining chairs and a coffee table from our grandparents on both sides, and I love the personality that things which have been in the family for generations give to a space. Whenever I buy something new for our home, I ask myself if it's something I would want to pass on to my children.
5 quick questions!
What do you miss most about Denmark? The snow in winter time. There's something magical about it and it's very rare to see snow in London.
Favourite Danish word? 'Velbekomme' is a good word! It's used when telling someone to enjoy their meal. There isn't a word for it in English, so the English have adopted 'bon appetite' from France, I would say the Danish equivalent is just as good!
Danish open sandwich or British sarnie? Danish open sandwich. No doubt about that one!
Mid-century or modern day? Oh, that's a tough one because I love the mix! If I have to choose, I would say modern day as I think it's important to support new designers instead of putting old designs back in production again (which makes it very hard for new designers to break through).
Secret London design tip? The New Craftsmen is a design gallery showcasing unique objects that are rooted in craftsmanship. Everything in there is made by UK artisans. Definitely worth a visit!
Thank you so much for welcoming us into your home and telling us more about your life as a Dane in London Christina!
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I love the emphasis on items made with care and built to last throughout Christina's home. What a great approach, don't you think?
Is there anything that stood out to you in Christina's lovely home?
If you'd like to see more hop over to her instagram or to pick up something for your home, NABO is a wonderful shop!
There's a ton more Great Dane home tours to be found here.
Only a day left until the weekend - we're nearly there guys!
Niki
PS If you haven't already, I'd be so grateful if you could take a moment to answer my survey about a new project I'm working on, it only takes a minute and I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Photography courtesy of Christina Thaisen
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