Interiors

Home tour | A converted stable block in Copenhagen

April 15, 2019April 11, 2019

I’m always drawn to spaces which have been adapted to suit modern living without losing any of their original character, and the subject of my latest home-tour post certainly fits the bill. One of central Copenhagen’s few preserved villas, it was built in 1878 and was once a stable block for the horses that carried water from the city’s lakes. The elegant 19th-century facade has been protected, but inside the building is now a stunning private residence.

The interiors are the work of Copenhagen-based Frama Studio (known for its beautiful furniture, lighting and apothecary ranges) and reflect its signature style, with lots of natural materials, clean lines and geometric shapes. Throughout, crisp white walls and swathes of grey concrete-like paint sit alongside warmly hued wood, creating a look that’s minimalist yet inviting. There are also wood-framed internal windows, half sections of wall and built-in wooden screens, providing cosy corners while preserving the space’s airy, open feel.

The lines of the screens and window frames are reflected in the furniture, which includes Frama’s own ‘KR180’ daybed in the living area and its modular ‘Shelf Library’ system for the display units and open wardrobe. They’re also echoed in the custom-made bed, which has a striking grooved headboard carved from solid Douglas fir.

Brass provides another common thread, appearing on mobiles, door handles and lighting. It also features in the bathroom, where it sparkles against terrazzo floors and walls and a bespoke terrazzo sink.

What appeals to me most about this project, though, is the way it incorporates clever little details designed to make everyday living as easy and enjoyable as possible. There are pivoting shutters in brass and textured glass that can be angled to balance light and privacy (especially important given the house is overlooked by an apartment block), and understated semi-sheer curtains to pull across the internal windows when needed. The lighting has also been carefully thought through, with a mix of wall-mounted lamps, low-hanging pendants and table lamps creating soft pools of light that ‘zone’ the open-plan space.