The modernization of the villa from 1934, had left a canvas that was stripped of its original architectural qualities. This would however lead us to a whole new set of imaginations, rooted in the more modernist movements that defined the era, which seemed to complement the bare framework. Together, we transformed the space into a harmonious blend of nostalgia and modernity, ensuring it reflected the warmth and character of its owners.
Photography Mathias Frejdahl & Biensûr
Assembled Words,
Creative Direction & Styling Biensûr
The Library area is a space to draw back and indulge in books, music and conversations. A BeoGram from the 70’s provides sound to the warm framework. The family’s old Safari chairs designed by Kaare Klint and the brown Toga sofa compliments the sisal carpet and wooden elements. A lithography by Farshad Farzankia was acquired from Edition Copenhagen to pay homage to the family’s Iranian heritage. The artist was also behind the first art exhibition ever experienced by their daughter, Ellie.
Every window in the house is framed with the red hue “Tofukuji” from St. Leo and accompanied by tailored blinds by &Drape providing privacy, yet still letting in light with slight transparency. Meals are served at the Shaker table designed by Børge Mogensen.
1. “Rue Charlot” from St. Leo adorns the walls of the guest bathroom and complements the classical installments from Burlington and French ceramic accessories. The solid pine frame around the mirror, bought from a Swedish auction house provides a warm contrast. 2. A Czech mid century chest of drawers No. U-453 designed by Jiří Jiroutek for Interier Praha. 3. A snippet from the office space. Vintage Charles & Ray Eames chairs and a checkered rug from Nordic Knots.
For the kitchen, the goal was to reuse as many components as possible from the existing one. Only the fronts were exchanged and spray-painted in three different colors from St. Leo for the three different stations. New countertops were also added: brushed, stainless steel for the main station and white Carrara marble for the island.
When entering the 1st floor, you are stepping into a single unified space. It was important to the family that this space was welcoming to both children and adults. The upholstered multicolored daybed from Elias Elias makes the perfect spot for storytelling, supported by a soft ground of handwoven New Zealand wool by Matias Moellenbach.
1. Every door is painted in a grey-blue tone from St. Leo and framed in a mahogany brown coat from Farrow & Ball. The bakelite door handles installed,“Zeppelin”, were typical for the period the house was built in.
2. View from above. Perfect reading spot accompanied by the Berenice lamp manufactured by Luceplan. 3. A woven bench from Beau Marché and art piece made by Mathias Rubinowitz, a close friend of the family. 4. A daybed in Danish design reupholstered in vintage fabric made in the 1980s.
A vintage IKEA lamp provides light for an afternoon tea session, while a playful classic from Ingo Maurer provides light for bedtime stories. The solid pine units were originally found in the Swedish Royal Library in Humlegården, where they have been housed since 1877. Now, sitting as a piece of history in this Danish family villa, they are displaying toy favorites and storing children’s books. The transparent blue curtain installed by Arne Aksel makes for the perfect den in the carpentermade bed.
For the bathroom, we had a new shower cubicle installed with roughcast glass that paired well with the classical Burlington installments.