A Wonderful Copenhagen Home Full of Soul

What a week! I feel like we've seen so many different styles - from a rustic Georgian townhouse in London to a magnificent Swedish pool villa and a cosy candlelit cabin deep in the heart of the snowy Norwegian fjords! And not to forget, my bike trip across town to capture Helen Struresson's sitting room, styled two different ways (don't miss the code for the 20% off at Bemz!). It was hard to find something to top such an inspiring week - but I might just have the ticket! Today friends, we're off to Denmark, and the home of interior designer Susanne Rutzou. 

It was love at first sight when Susanne first discovered her 1930s apartment in Østerbro. The apartment felt like a woodland clearing in the heart of Copenhagen thanks to the light pouring through the French teak-framed doors and the large windows which overlook a park - so nature is never far away. Designed by architect Vilhelm Lauritzen,  the villa was previously owned by Søren Garde, founder of Garde Hvalsøe - a Danish company making bespoke, handcrafted cabinetry - and the handcrafted elm wood kitchen, bathroom, and walk-in wardrobe remain today. Susanne has layered the home with family heirlooms, items picked up on travels, books and art - as well as some of her own designs - to give the house a warm and relaxed soul.  

I was actually meant to visit this home last year as part of an organised tour by Garde Halvsøe but unfortunately couldn't make it - I'm still gutted! Fortunately, the lovely Freya August of Scandinavian Standard, who was also part of the tour, snapped these pictures and gave me kind permission to share them today. Ready to take a peek inside? 

Simply beautiful, don't you think?

The entire home has so much soul. 

I have to say, the kitchen is incredible - I love the elm-wood finish. You can see more pictures of it here if you're curious! 

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Fancy a peek at other Copenhagen homes over the weekend? Here are a few gorgeous ones: 

A danish home full of plants and vintage treasures

Books, art and golden tones in a beautiful Copenhagen home

An elegant Copenhagen home with a touch of Christmas

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Freya August / Scandinavian Standard - shared with kind permission. 

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6 Ways To Create A Timeless Home - Scandinavian Style!

You're likely to have seen this apartment before. I first featured Karen Maj Kornum's home back in 2015, and then again in 2017 and even included it in my book The Scandinavian Home (I'll never forget the day I spent there!!). The fact is, I could probably feature this home in ten year's time, and it would still feel relevant. So, what makes Karen's living space stand the test of time, while others feel distinctly out of date after a few years? I've compiled a list of 6 'timeless' lessons to learn from her stunning Frederiksberg home! 

1. The neutral backdrop: Colours and wallpaper patterns come and go (think Laura Ashley in the 80's!), but white and off-white shades will never go out of style and serve as a perfect blank canvas with which to layer the home. 

2. The statement piece:  Look closely at the back wall and you'll see that it's a picture (or 'wallscape') rather than extra room (Karen picked it up at Bless in Berlin and feels sad that if she ever moves she won't be able to take it with her). Whether in the form of a one-off work of art, unique textiles or a piece of unusual furniture, adding something eye-catching like this will give your home its own distinct character while still maintaining its timeless vibe. 

3. Make it personal: I love the idea that a home is never 'finished'. It might seem obvious, but it's so important to remember to take your time to layer a home over the years with pieces you've collected on your travels, things your children (or ancestors) have made, photographs and favourite books. Sure, you might like to add the odd on-trend accessory, but the bulk of the look should be truly unique and personal to you. 

4. Mix it up: When I interviewed Karen about her home for my book, she said that she loves to blend styles and furniture from different eras. Look closely and you'll spot an entire blend of antiques, vintage finds and contemporary pieces - all of which help to give the interior longevity - and ensure your space doesn't lend itself to one particular era that could quickly become out of date. 

5. Invest in timeless, iconic design pieces: Furniture that has been made by a reputable designer / craftsperson and made from good, solid natural materials can be maintained over time. If you opt for pieces with a simpler design, they'll blend into any room, while still adding a magical iconic touch. 

6. Follow your heart: Sometimes this is easier said than done (trust me, I often feel blinded by trends, especially when I work in the industry!). The thing is, trends are designed to come and go - where as your natural sense of style will likely stay quite consistent over time (give or take - I mean, I wouldn't have a poster of Morten Harket (of A-Ha fame) on my wall these days - yep, clearly always been drawn to those Scandinavian men!)! 

I have to add, I love trends and I notice some wonderful on-trend pieces in Karen's home too (like the Berber rugs) but if you truly want to create an easy-to-maintain timeless home - it's important to decorate the bulk of your home with pieces that you love simply because they hit a chord. 

What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions about what makes a home timeless? If so, please do share in the comment section below! 

If you love Karen's style as much as I do,  check out her online shop (for the most beautiful rugs!) and see more of her interior styling work at Another Ballroom.

In other news, I'm excited to take you on an armchair journey to Norway tomorrow - and have some exciting news which will allow you to bring a little piece of Norway home. Intrigued? Stop by to find out! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography: Home / styling: Karen Maj Kornum. Photography: Jonas Lundberg

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On-Trend Ceilings, Art and Books Galore In A Delightful Danish Home

The biggest micro trend in Denmark right now: accented ceilings. And I have to say, I absolutely love the idea. One caveat though, I've yet to see a statement ceiling painted in a trendy hue that's not 3.5 metres high with intricate cornicing - needless to say, I won't be painting mine just yet. But can we all take a moment this sunny Wednesday, to appreciate the blue ceiling in the Danish home of interior stylist Helene Katrine? In her Aalborg sitting room, Helene has painted the area overhead in a Dusky Blue hue which works beautifully with the Space shade on the walls, giving the entire look a modern twist. In true Danish style, Helene has also created some fab gallery walls, killer wall-to-wall bookshelves and dotted the space with some of my favourite iconic design pieces. Ready for the tour? You're in for a treat! 

Another on-trend item: the deep pile rug! This one is from Jotex. The sofa is by Hay, and beside it is an Akari lamp by Isamu Noguchi. 

A Bertoia diamond chair* sits beside bookshelves filled with books, porcelain and glassware. Hang on a minute. I also spot my very own The Scandinavian Home book - I have to say, I feel honoured beyond belief! 

The shelves behind the dining table are from IKEA (I think, but I'll double check with Helene in case I'm wrong!). Thonet Era chairs* have been arranged around the table and a Flos lamp* hangs overhead. 

Can we just take a moment to admire that coat?! It's like a work of art! It's from Stand Studio - the brainchild of Nellie Kamras whose designs are inspired by feminine effortless chic, with an iconic Scandinavian simplicity. I couldn't find the coat on the website, but I did see an entire collection of other fabulous ones!

The Pond mirror is by Ferm Living and the Tribeca Chambers light* is from Menu. 

What a beautiful home. I love how Helene has created a style that embodies calm and elegance with a modern twist. 

Are there any elements that stood out to you? I love asking this question as often someone points out something I haven't spotted (or written about). 

You can see more of Helene's Aalborg home over on her inspiring Instagram feed @helenehoue.

I guess you know what's coming, right? Yep, a few other beautiful Danish homes to drool over today. I'm plumping for these delights, come and join me! 

Welcome inside the home of a Daish interior consultant

A Danish summer cottage on North Zealand

A Dreamy Copenhagen home full of books

Happy Lillördag!

Niki

Photography: Helene / @helenehoue

*Affiliate links

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Galleries Galore In A Creative Danish Home

'Copencabana' that's what everyone is calling Copenhagen right now due to a scorching summer finale! After work and school, adults and children alike are flocking to the water's edge for a cool dip in the Öresund. Further West in Fredicia, Jutland, Anne Romedahl and her family are no doubt doing the same. I featured Anne's wonderful townhouse back in 2017 - but as someone who loves to update her interior almost daily, so much has happened since then that I felt it was time to revisit! A teacher, Anne is passionate about interior design and her home is filled with flea market finds, Danish classics, art and many DIY items. She has also created an inspiring sunroom and outdoor space with which to enjoy the balmy evenings with her husband and three children. Ready to take a peek? Velkommen!

What a beautiful home! It has to be one of my favourites.

Danish style at its finest. 

I'd quite happily chill in one of those rattan chairs for the rest of the week too - how about you?! 

BTW the pretty floral cushions in the sun room are by Mette Frank (I looked them up as I thought they would be perfect for Allie's room!). Mette also sells fab liberty print eye masks laced with lavender - I spotted them in a shop in Hornbæk last week. 

Take a peek inside Anne's home back in 2017 to see what's changed - and keep an eye on her inspiring instagram feed @morrisseymmm and blog to see her latest home updates. 

Here are a few other Danish homes I love: 

A danish family's charming log cabin

Malene and Jeppe's pastel Copenhagen home

A sustainably decorated Aarhus home

Hav det godt! 

Niki

Photography: Anne Romedahl

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Take a Tour of a Danish Family's Inviting Log Cabin

Oh, have I got a lovely Danish home to share with you today. Digital creator and communications consultant Marie Eigen lives in a charming 1930s log cabin with her husband Thomas (a dentist) and young family - Ludiv (3) and Ingrid (ten months). Located in Birkerød, North Zealand, the family moved in a little over a year ago and have been busy renovating it to reflect their personal style. I caught up with Marie to find out more. Keep a look out for the family's furry friend Molly!

Tell us a little more about your lovely house? 

We live in a log house dating back to the 1930s. We totally fell in love it with the first time we saw it, even though we were looking for something completely different. It's measures around 104 m2 (1120 f2) and has three bedrooms. 

It's all about the details - and I love this Mabel Terrazzo stool from Small revolution - an independent Danish company that specialises in pieces made from 100% recycled PE-Plastic.  

How would you describe the way you have furnished your home?

Our home is a mix of old and new, vintage finds and contemporary pieces. 

If you're looking for storage inspiration, Marie's home is on the money! Look closely and you'll spot shelving from Elfa (in the corner of the dining room) and Skagerak (in the living room), a bespoke bookshelf as well as vintage chest-of-drawers and wardrobes in the bedrooms. 

How do you select furniture for your home? 

When I decorate, I choose things that somehow speak to me and I often find older pieces which I like to make my own with a lick of paint. I don't follow a particular style or trend, and that to me, is how you make a home that is truly your own. 

How would you describe your style?

I think my style is somewhat calm, feminine and fairly minimalistic - and I hope our home seems warm and embraces that special vibe of 'hygge'.

In Ludvig's bedroom, Marie has combined a Sebra bed in forest lake blue with a cute pineapple Ferm Living rug. The lift crane was sourced from Hape toys. Cute Melville wallpaper from Cole & Son adorns the back wall. 

What is the most important thing to you when it comes to decorating?

We live with small children and it's very important to us that our home reflects that. 

Ingrid's nursery has been decorated using Klöveräng wallpaper from Sandberg and furnished with a wooden edition Sebra cot. A Collage Collection 04 print by Emile Luna can be seen on the wall. 

Well, I think Marie has achieved everything she set out to do with her home and MORE, don't you?! It has the most wonderful feel and I love all the details. 

Would you like to see an example of how Marie updates her furniture? Check out this vintage wall mounted cabinet:

A flea market find, Marie first painted the cabinet in a salmon pink (paint code: S 3040-Y90R) and then later updated it with a pastel blue shade (there's no code available, since she mixed the paint herself). 

Such a great, sustainable way to update furniture if you find yourself growing a little of tired of it!  I'm going to be looking at the pieces in my home with new eyes today! Is there anything in your home that could use a make-over? 

Oh, and how many times did you spot their darling little Molly?! 

See more of Marie's beautiful home on her instagram @marieigen. 

Fancy taking a peek inside a few more Danish homes today? It would almost be rude not to, now we're on a roll!

I love this Danish cabin by the sea, a tiny Danish cabin on the beach and a photographer's inviting home on the island of Bornholm. 

Happy 'lille lørdag' friends (which translates to 'little Saturday' - giving the Danes the perfect excuse to hit the bars for a mid-week refresher - while social distancing of course!).

Niki

Photography: Marie Eigen

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