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Sedsel's Serene Oasis In The Heart of Copenhagen

Tjena! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! The weather broke here after weeks and weeks of sunshine which was a real blessing in disguise as it meant we finally got around to doing a few things at home - phew! I promise to share our bedroom make-over soon! In the meantime, across the Öresund strait, Sedsel Roug and her family have just returned to their apartment in Copenhagen after a few weeks in the Danish countryside. You might recognise her serene apartment from a feature in 2019 - when it was a sea of light green. Today, the flat has been undergone an off-white transformation resulting in a calm oasis in the heart of the city. I caught up with Sedsel (who I've had the pleasure of meeting before), to find out more about the colour palette, how to work with contrast, shapes and scale to add interest - and her passion for all things vintage. 

Can you tell us more about your apartment and why you fell in love with it?
The building was built in 1863 and is located next to eat French street Værnedamsvej in Frederiksberg, where you can find lots of cosy shops and cafes. I lived in Brussels and New York and just fell in love with the international vibe of the neighbourhood. 

Since I last featured your home, the colour palette has changed from sea green to a serene off-white. What was the thought behind this? 
I felt the need to create a calmness and wanted the art and vintage finds to stand out. So, I recently repainted the entire apartment in the same colour: 4311 from Flügger

Speaking of which, I absolutely love that your home is full of interesting pieces. Can you tell us more about your decorating ethos?
When it comes to decor, I always love an eclectic mix of vintage and found objects, which are collected over time and tell stories of their past. Decorating a home should be like a book - where you enjoy the journey rather than the end. 

What are the important elements to you, when decorating a home? 
I love working with scale, shape and placement. Decorating a home is a feeling and an intuition. I seek intrigue and curiosity with every element I add. I also love working with contrast - using a calm wall colour and then placing art and ceramics in dark colours in front. Somehow, the contrast creates thyme balance I am constantly searching for. 

Do you like to follow the latest trends? 
My home doesn't reflect a certain trend or style - it's a mix of things that move with me and items that tell a story. It's this blend that magically creates an interesting balance and calmness. 

Do you have a favourite piece of furniture? 
I have a big passion for wooden vintage objects. The little eight stool in the shape of an 'eight' (see above) is a big favourite (I found it on Etsy). Wood only becomes more beautiful with time. it brings so much warmth and tranquillity to a room. One should never be afraid of mixing different wood. 

What do you love most about your home?
Our home tells a story and I love to embrace the very fact that our table has stains from glasses, or that our floors are worn from our children running around. I guess I search the beauty in imperfection. Life isn't perfect and stains and patina don't ruin your living space but show someone is living here. 

Beautiful, and so inspiring, don't you think?

I love her quote: ''Decorating a home should be like a book - where you enjoy the journey rather than the end". This is exactly how I feel about my own home. It will never be 'finished'. 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Sedsel's home and / or words? 

You can see more snapshots of her living space over on her beautiful instagram @sedselroug

Fancy peeking inside a few other Copenhagen homes to kick off the week in style? here are a few of my favourites:


Have a great start to the week!

Niki

PS I'm still on summertime over here (despite the not very summery weather!) and posting Monday, Wednesday and Friday until a return to my daily posts once the girls are back at school. Thank you for your patience! 

Photography: Sidsel Roug, shared with kind permission. 

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A Beautiful, Elegant Copenhagen Home Revisited!

A beautiful day in the Öresund region calls for a beautiful home tour. And what better than the Copenhagen home of Simone Polk Dahl. I've been following Simone on instagram (@polkenstudio) ever since I featured her home in 2019, and I am always excited to see her latest home updates. While you'll recognise the statement bookshelves and the fabulous daybed, the Danish artist and interior stylist has added some fabulous touches to her apartment including a Ligne Roset Togo chair and Hay Mags sofa  - as well as made some calming colour updates in the bedroom. I love her ever-changing display of art too (keep an eye out for latest editions to her gallery on IG). Enjoy the tour! 

Second-hand table, rug from Jotex, Gubi 9602 lamp. The art is Simone's own work. 

The bookshelves are from Trævarefabrikernes. In front, a daybed has been covered in simple linen fabric from HM Home

Classic vintage tables and chairs, Ferm Living Arum floor lamp* and bespoke shelving from Borg & Berg

A lounge chair from Sofa Company rests on an old rug from Ellos. A Hay pendant hangs overhead. The wardrobe was handmade by a local carpenter. 

So beautiful! 

If you love Simone's home as much as I do, you might also like to check out her dreamy Danish summer cottage. I love how it has a slightly different feel. 

You can also get your fill of beautiful Danish design in this danish home tour archive (if this pops up first, just hop on over). 

Before I head off to enjoy the sunshine with my girls (who are standing beside me in their swimming costumes!)... I have a couple of things to say: 

Firstly, thank you SO much for all your helpful comments on which doors to get for our summer cabin. Not only was it SUPER helpful, but it also filled me with joy to see so many people joining the discussion! 

And secondly, as per every summer, I'm winding down to blogging three days week to spend time a little time with swimming costume-clad family. After all, on a slight a twist in the words of Ferris Bueller: The Swedish summer moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it! 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography: Simone Polk Dahl, shared with kind permission.

*this post contains affiliate links. 

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An Endearing Danish Summer Cabin on an Allotment

It's only a couple of days until midsummer, and Scandinavians are gearing up to the big event. The atmosphere in the city is slowly changing as folk load up the boot of their cars, ready to ride out to the countryside. Danish family Nicolai, Sofia and their three-year-old child will no doubt be exchanging their urban apartment to enjoy the long weekend at their charming little kolonihave (allotment house). The small wooden cabin is located in Åbyhøj, a quiet suburb of Aarhus known for Northside festival - a popular 3-day music event. The cosy pared-back abode has everything the small family need to enjoy the summer holidays - including a kitchen, dining area, sitting room which doubles up as a bedroom, and a loft bed. On warm days, life spills out onto the newly built terrace and lush garden. Kom indenfor! 

I love the relaxed summer vibe, mixed furniture and touches of green and blue - a perfect little escape! 

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

Scandinavian allotment houses are really special. I've explained the history behind them here. If you feel like taking peek inside a few more, click on any of the links below:


So lovely! I hope you're feeling inspired too! 

Niki

Photography:
1, 2, 3, 5, and 9: Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg & Mikkel Dahlstroem / Another Studio
4, 6, 7, and 8: @sofiaganer

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A Peek Behind the Facade of 'Hyggelig' Hellerup Manor, Denmark

MSH Partnership*
Last week I paid a very exciting visit to Hellerup Manor on Funen, Denmark. The very fact that I was leaving the country at all was cause for major excitement, but to be headed to this historical gem was a true honour. Once the home of prominent Danish noblemen, the beautiful Neo-classic manor dates back to 1670 and is the home of Knud Erik Hansen, the CEO and grandson of the founder of Carl Hansen & Søn. I was there to record a film with Knud Erik about The Danish Concept of Hygge for our live session at the Carl Hansen & Søn digital Open House event next week (sign up here if you're curious - I promise it'll be fun, insightful and it's open to all!). 

When Knud Erik and his wife Inger acquired the L-shaped building, it required extensive renovation. They employed the help of conservation architects Bue Beck and later Thomas Hillerup - who peeled back the layers and helped preserve the manor to its former glory.  Standing in front of the 40-room manor, I was eager to discover if a home of this size could contain the famous 'hygge' (cosy, comfortable and feeling of general contentment) that Danes are so famous for. Ready to take a peek?

I felt immediately at ease with Knud Erik Hansen. He was a true gentleman and I delighted in his stories about the manor and the objects within, as well as his numerous encounters with some of world's most highly revered designers. 


The conservation architects scraped back the paint on the walls in search of the original colour. In the library (seen above and below) the walls feature a warm orange-yellow tone, reminiscent of the 'golden hour' - that magical hour after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset where the sun emits a delightful glow. 

The homely tone set the scene for a room that could be considered the epitome of 'hygge' - from the circle of handcrafted CH25 Lounge Chairs, arranged beside a traditional masonry tiled oven and the vast library of well-thumbed books to the cosy array of blankets, sheepskins and rugs. After dark, the room is lit with a warm, soft glow from a PH lamp and an array of candles. 

The library is also dotted with playful elements such as the famous wooden apes (also seen in many other places around the home) and colourful song birds by Kay Bojesen as well as a vintage abacus - giving the sense that everyone's welcome - young or old! 

The great big windows slip in an abundance of natural light and the surrounding nature, while the deep windowsills provide a perfect spot for treasures collected during Knud Erik's time working abroad. Elsewhere in the room, a vase bought in Morocco on a wedding anniversary, a Korean medical cabinet and silk embroidery from Vietnam help to create a relaxed, eclectic vibe - while the muted, earth colours and natural materials help to bring the entire look together. 

Above: a Colonial Chair by Olle Wanscher, designed in 1959 awaits, blanket at the ready! 


Stately homes often lend themselves to large floral displays, so I was immediately intrigued (and delighted) by the understated floral arrangements. Rosemary, apple blossom, lilac and wisteria from the garden had been placed on every surface, helping to harness the relaxing power nature while ensuring a  homely, lived-in vibe. 

Knud Erik represents the third generation of the family-owned furniture company, and the manor is the perfect backdrop for many fine examples of exclusive Danish designer furniture, much of it original or an early prototype from the Carl Hansen & Søn collection (such as the Wing Chair above). The carefully edited selection bear all the hallmarks of great Danish design: simplicity, aesthetics, and functionality, skilfully made from the highest quality natural materials. Such iconic, sought after pieces, could well belong in a museum, but Knud Erik is adamant that they remain a functional part of the house - and guests are invited to enjoy them as if they would any other piece of furniture. After all, they are designed to be used as well as handcrafted to withstand the test of time! 

The rooms are connected by long hallways which run the length of the L-shaped manor. The incredible original wood floor squeaks affectionately underfoot and lean, along with the walls towards the rooms, pulled by the weight of immense chimneys. The stairs also bear evidence of centuries of use! 

The attic has been converted to form a vast L-shaped room, where the magnificent, original axe-cut beams take centre stage. Although Knud Erik also has an office elsewhere in the house, he likes to sit here in the quiet of the attic on an iconic Red Chair designed by Kaare Klint. An animal skin has been casually draped over it for warmth. The magnificent desk has been decorated with treasured pieces including an engraved cigar box, a gift from former Carl Hansen & Søn employee. 

"I love the atmosphere of the 500-square-metre attic room. It's cosy and welcoming and one of my favourite places to spend time."
Knud Erik Hansen.

A pair of Propeller Stools by Kaare Klint have been placed to one side in case of extra guests - and a blanket is ready to unfurl on colder days. 

A social area beside the guest kitchen features a pair of Colonial Chairs and the popular classic KK47000 Safari Chair opposite an Addition Sofa. I love how you can see the patina on the leather - it's a material that ages so gracefully over time! 

A guest bedroom lies at the far end of the attic. Formerly the maids quarters (imagine how cold it must have been several centuries ago!), it's the only room in the house with windows looking out over the graveyard. Today a pair of dragons have been placed on the windowsill to ward off evil spirits. Knud Erik joked that when the dragons disappear, it's your cue to leave! 

Knud Erik, Inger and their young German Shepard spend most of their time in the kitchen - a warm and inviting room with a door out to the garden. I enjoyed some delicious Smørrebrød (open sandwiches) and Danish pastries during my time at their house - but most of all I loved the warm and inviting atmosphere and all the wonderful stories that Knud Erik had to tell! 

I hope you've enjoyed this peek behind the scenes of Hellerup Manor! 

If you'd like to see more of the manor and hear about The Danish Concept of Hygge (including tips and tricks on how to bring a hyggelig vibe to your home), come and join our online Live Session at the digital Open House event on 2nd June at 7pm GMT+1. There are plenty of other inspiring talks taking place over the two days too. I can't wait to show the film during the session too! Sign-up here

Wishing you all a great day! 

Niki

*This blog post is part of a paid partnership with Carl Hansen & Søn. All words and pictures are my own and I only ever work with brands that I love and think you will too. 

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Warm Tones and Texture In An Elegant Copenhagen Apartment

Hej (pronounced 'hi' in Danish) friends! It's a crazy world we live in when we can see a country across the water, but not able to visit! I was contemplating this over my coffee this morning while sitting by the sea looking out over Copenhagen. It's one of my favourite cities - one that buzzes with creativity and oozes a relaxed, boho vibe. If you've never been, it's definitely one for the bucket list! In the meantime, I hope you'll join me on a virtual visit today. Ellen Dixdotter and her family reside in the danish capital for much of the year, and head to their rural retreat in Southern Sweden in summertime (I showed their dreamy country kitchen a couple of weeks back). You might recognise Ellen's home from a post back in 2019, but so much has happened since then, I felt it was time to re-visit. 

Ellen is CEO of the fabulous Danish brand Malene Birger (after years of pronouncing it 'Birger' - like 'burger', I recently learnt from my Danish neighbour that it's actually pronounced 'be-or'! Never knew!) and has a natural eye for design and the latest trends. Her home is full of beautiful, sculpted shapes and raw textures as well as a fabulous collection of designer pieces as well as rugs from her own handmade rug brand Cappelen Dimyr

Above: A Pacha Lounge Chair by Gubi and an Arctander chair from Paustian have been placed either side of the door. 

The incredible sofa was bought at auction. Sofas with a bulbous form are making huge waves in the interior world right now -with the Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa from B&B Italia being the most popular (I love it in Classic Boucle - pearl). A classic Zettel' Z lamp hangs overhead. 

It's always interesting to see what sources of inspiration people enjoy. From this picture, I gather Ellen is an avid reader of The World Of Interiors and Milk - although, I'm sure she reads countless other great magazines too (both decor and fashion!) as part of her work.

A large no.6 rug from Cappelen Dimyr hangs on the wall in the hallway - adding drama (and sound proofing) to an otherwise white space. 

The children's room is made up of furniture from Studio Mini, Oliver furniture and Solhem Inredning

Beautiful! I particularly love the curved shapes and soft, earthy tones. 

I'd love to see the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom too (does that make me sound really nosey? - I guess you know me by now!) - hopefully they'll pop on Ellen's instagram feed soon! 

And just how incredible are the handmade rugs? Cappelen Dimyr is a new favourite of mine. 

Fancy seeing a few other Copenhagen homes today? Check out: 


Tomorrow I'm planning on sharing one of my latest DIY projects from home. It's just a simple hallway solution, but I thought it might inspire anyone with a narrow hallway or landing I hope you're going to like it! 

Have a lovely day!

Niki

All photography by Ellen Dixdotter except 4. & 6. by Mike Karlsson Lundgren  

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