Yesterday I was wondering around a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) store in search of a tool and I found myself mulling over how good Scandinavians tend to be at fixing things around the home - and how this has inspired me over the years. The truth is, a lot of things that require attention are relatively simple to fix - and it can feel really empowering to get out a tool box - saving yourself time and money in the process.
But architect Mette Kirk (@kirkarkitektur)and her husband Henrik Balle - a carpenter at Silkeborg Byg go design, have taken DIY to a whole new level. The talented pair have renovated their 1935 house in Aarhus entirely by themselves - even creating the kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage and other units from scratch. Ready to feel inspired?
The entirely unique kitchen cabinets in white and wood were designed by Mette to capitalise on space.
Wall units like this wooden one designed by Mette and built by Henrik have become increasingly popular in Denmark lately. My Copenhagen-based friend Caroline Bahrenscheer recently launched a beautiful version for cups, available here.
The dining space is filled with fab Danish design pieces including wishbone chairs, BT001 pendant lamp, and a Formikami table lamp.
A beautiful parquet floor from Hørning Parket has been laid throughout the house.
This style of built-in cabinetry (made by Henrik) is ideal for small bedrooms as it makes use of every inch.
I love the built-in bedside table nook - such a clever addition! The lamp is the Louis Poulsen Ring Crown.
Henrik also built the wooden bathroom cabinets (look at the detail!) - which add a wonderful warmth to the space as well as gallons of open and closed storage space! The loo is from Ifö and the floor was found at Flisegalleriet.
What an inspiring home.
It would be so useful to be able to whip up incredible cabinets and storage units at whim, don't you think? And of course, Mette's eye for design is simply wonderful too!
Do you have enough storage in your home, or has Mette and Henrik's house inspired you to add more?
Perhaps more importantly, how much do DIY do you do? Are you the type to get out a toolbox if something needs fixing or do you prefer to call a handyman? I've learnt to dabble (although Per does the majority!) - but we're on nowhere near the level of building incredible units like the ones in this home!
Would you like to feel inspired by other architect's homes today? Here are some lovely ones:
Have a great start to the week friends!
Niki
Photography: Mette Kirk, shared with kind permission
I love everything about this place. Literally everything. They have not done a single wrong thing in my eyes. The type of wood chosen for all of their cabinetry is really beautiful (I mean the colour of it). Goes with everything and adds such warmth. Now I am looking at my kitchen....
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of the beautiful wood cabinetry. Sigh. Our house is on the smaller side and storage is key to living well in our space--but to have such beautiful storage! What a sunny, happy place to live.
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