After going by a divorce, artist Simone Polk says she wanted a “gentle touchdown.” She discovered a light-filled residence 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 a tricky transition, welcomed new associates, and served as a backdrop for her work…
LIVING ROOM
Wall shade: 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 previous buddy at a celebration, and he or she launched me to a gaggle of divorced ladies. The very first thing they advised me was, ‘Type out custody so you have got the ‘even’ weeks to your self and the ‘odd’ weeks together with your daughter.’ All the ladies had the identical custody schedule. Now, after we don’t have our youngsters, we spend time collectively.”
Couch: previous 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 gentle: Akari 21A.
“My home may be very calm, however I’m like Monica from Buddies — I disguise all of the litter within the closets! This residence has a extremely massive walk-in, and if you happen to opened it, all the things would fall out.”
Chair: Togo Fireside chair. Espresso desk: Classic from Eliaselias. Portray: Simone Polk. Ground lamp: Akari 20N.
“Some folks have described my house as ‘beige,’ which is usually a shorthand for bland. However I like heat, buttery tones. Like while you have a look at images from the eighties and so they have that golden gentle.”
Bookcase: Flea market discover. Lamp: Helle Thygesen. Portray: Simone Polk.
“As soon as, after I was about 12, I found a e book in my father’s bookcase that was full of photos of all these stunning rooms. I bear in mind pondering, Ought to I stay on this room or that room? I acquired carried away imagining it. An area you like can carry 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 acquired the most important tree we might discover. We might barely carry it house.”
DINING ROOM
Wall shade: 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, similar. 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 an extended 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 cherished. I began as an inside stylist, and I’d make work to carry to set. Then folks started asking if they may purchase the work.”
“First, I offered my work myself, then I labored with a gallery, which takes a 50% minimize, after which I made a decision to return to promoting my work straight. 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 manner 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 residence have been a post-divorce reward to myself.”
“I cherished 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 authentic 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 middle of Copenhagen has quite a lot of nice galleries.”
BEDROOM
Mattress: Zara Home. Bedding: Zara Home. Work: Simone Polk.
“As soon as, when she was youthful, Ava was leaping up and down on the mattress and kicked her foot by a canvas hanging above it. I used to be devastated, and he or she 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 turned the beginning of Patches, my hottest sequence.”
Marble desk: flea market discover.
“I like the French author Valérie Perrin. Fresh Water for Flowers was probably 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 youngster. My older brother inherited a designer chair from my dad that’s price some huge cash, and I ended up with that little foldable searching 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 might have my studio in my house, and that made extra sense. However I felt so fortunate to get to stay right here.”
Thanks a lot for sharing your house with us, Simone!
P.S. Many more home tours, and this reader’s husband built her an introvert nook.
(Images by Nana Hagel.)
