After going by means of a divorce, artist Simone Polk says she wanted a “tender touchdown.” She discovered a light-filled house in Copenhagen to share along with her 12-year-old daughter, Ava. They’ve since moved on, however right here’s a tour of the house that took Simone by means of a tricky transition, welcomed new associates, and served as a backdrop for her work…
LIVING ROOM
Wall coloration: Pointing by Farrow & Ball. Work: Simone Polk.
“I used to be with my ex for 14 years, so at first, I felt actually lonely. Then I bumped into an outdated pal at a celebration, and she or he launched me to a bunch of divorced ladies. The very first thing they informed me was, ‘Type out custody so you’ve the ‘even’ weeks to your self and the ‘odd’ weeks along with your daughter.’ All the ladies had the identical custody schedule. Now, after we don’t have our youngsters, we spend time collectively.”
Couch: outdated Ikea ‘Färlöv’ wearing a sage linen cowl by Bemz. Ground lamps: Gubi and Akari 20N. Bench and stools: flea market finds. Curtains: &Drape. Rug: Nordic Knots. Pendant mild: Akari 21A.
“My home may be very calm, however I’m like Monica from Pals — I cover all of the muddle within the closets! This house has a extremely large walk-in, and for those who opened it, all the things would fall out.”
Chair: Togo Hearth chair. Espresso desk: Classic from Eliaselias. Portray: Simone Polk. Ground lamp: Akari 20N.
“Some individuals have described my house as ‘beige,’ which could be a shorthand for bland. However I like heat, buttery tones. Like once you take a look at photographs from the eighties and so they have that golden mild.”
Bookcase: Flea market discover. Lamp: Helle Thygesen. Portray: Simone Polk.
“As soon as, after I was about 12, I found a guide in my father’s bookcase that was full of photos of all these stunning rooms. I keep in mind considering, Ought to I dwell on this room or that room? I bought carried away imagining it. An area you like can deliver a lot pleasure.”
“”We had our first Christmas right here, simply my daughter and me. As a result of the ceiling is so excessive, we bought the most important tree we may discover. We may barely carry it house.”
DINING ROOM
Wall coloration: 4524 from Flügger. Desk, hutch, and ground lamp: classic. Eating chairs: “Previous Kai Kristiansen chairs I discovered 20 years in the past in a classic store.” Work: Simone Polk. Pendant: classic, comparable. Curtains: &Drape.
“Rising up, I drew on a regular basis. My dad, an artist, was fairly happy with me and stated I might be an artist, too. Then I forgot all about it, and I had a protracted profession in tv. When the channel I labored for closed down, I made a decision to attempt to make work out of one thing I beloved. I began as an inside stylist, and I’d make work to deliver to set. Then individuals started asking if they might purchase the work.”
“First, I bought my work myself, then I labored with a gallery, which takes a 50% lower, after which I made a decision to return to promoting my work instantly. For a couple of years now, I’ve been photographing my artwork at house. It’s been a recreation changer to permit shoppers and collectors to see a portray this fashion versus in a white-walled gallery house.”
Cupboard and journal rack: classic.
“I’m fairly a romantic particular person, and I like curtains that pool on the ground. The curtains on this house had been a post-divorce present to myself.”
“I beloved sitting on this chair to learn when Ava was watching noisy sitcoms in the lounge.”
KITCHEN
Plate on wall: classic from Notre Nóm. Kettle: Hario.
Desk: flea market discover. Candlestick: flea market discover.
“This unique watercolor is by Danish artist Jens Uffe Rasmussen. My favourite Copenhagen artwork museum is Ordrupgaard, which incorporates the home of legendary furnishings designer Finn Juhl, and I like being in his house simply as he left it. Louisiana is all the time price a visit outdoors town, and the road Bredgade within the heart of Copenhagen has a whole lot of nice galleries.”
BEDROOM
Mattress: Zara House. Bedding: Zara House. Work: Simone Polk.
“As soon as, when she was youthful, Ava was leaping up and down on the mattress and kicked her foot by means of a canvas hanging above it. I used to be devastated, and she or he was, too. Then I remembered a way I’d used earlier than I used to be an artist, after I was simply making items for my house, the place I’d layer items of paper onto a canvas. That jumping-on-the-bed accident grew to become the beginning of Patches, my hottest sequence.”
Marble desk: flea market discover.
“I like the French author Valérie Perrin. Recent Water for Flowers was essentially the most stunning novel I’ve ever learn. I’m jealous of anybody who hasn’t but learn her work but.”
Curtains: &Drape. Stool: household heirloom.
“I’m the fifth baby. My older brother inherited a designer chair from my dad that’s price some huge cash, and I ended up with that little foldable looking stool. My dad provided it to me after I moved out of the household house, and I’ve had it ever since.”
“We didn’t find yourself staying right here lengthy. I discovered a spot the place I may have my studio in my house, and that made extra sense. However I felt so fortunate to get to dwell right here.”
Thanks a lot for sharing your property with us, Simone!
P.S. Many extra house excursions, and this reader’s husband constructed her an introvert nook.
(Images by Nana Hagel.)