After going via a divorce, artist Simone Polk says she wanted a “gentle touchdown.” She discovered a light-filled condo 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 area that took Simone via a troublesome transition, welcomed new mates, 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 Then I bumped into an outdated buddy at a celebration, and he or she launched me to a bunch of divorced girls. The very first thing they informed me was, ‘Kind out custody so you could have the ‘even’ weeks to your self and the ‘odd’ weeks together with your daughter.’ All the ladies had the identical custody schedule. Now, once we don’t have our children, we spend time collectively.”
Couch: outdated Ikea ‘Färlöv’ wearing a sage linen cowl by Bemz. Flooring 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 Mates — I cover all of the muddle within the closets! This condo has a very huge walk-in, and if you happen to opened it, all the pieces would fall out.”
Chair: Togo Hearth chair. Espresso desk: Classic from Eliaselias. Portray: Simone Polk. Flooring 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 if you have a look at images from the eighties they usually have that golden mild.”
Bookcase: Flea market discover. Lamp: Helle Thygesen. Portray: Simone Polk.
“As soon as, once I was about 12, I found a e-book in my father’s bookcase that was crammed with photos of all these lovely rooms. I bear in mind considering, Ought to I reside on this room or that room? I acquired 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 acquired the largest 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, comparable. Curtains: &Drape.
“Rising up, I drew on a regular basis. My dad, an artist, was fairly pleased with me and stated I’d 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 cherished. I began as an inside stylist, and I’d make work to deliver to set. Then folks started asking if they might purchase the work.”
“First, I bought my work myself, then I labored with a gallery, which takes a 50% reduce, after which I made a decision to return to promoting my work instantly. For just a few years now, I’ve been photographing my artwork at house. It’s been a sport changer to permit shoppers and collectors to see a portray this fashion versus in a white-walled gallery area.”
Cupboard and journal rack: classic.
“I’m fairly a romantic individual, and I like curtains that pool on the ground. The curtains on this condo have been a post-divorce present 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 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 at all times price a visit outdoors the town, and the road Bredgade within the heart of Copenhagen has lots of nice galleries.”
BEDROOM
Mattress: Zara Dwelling. Bedding: Zara Dwelling. Work: Simone Polk.
“As soon as, when she was youthful, Ava was leaping up and down on the mattress and kicked her foot via 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, once 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 lovely 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 little one. 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 supplied it to me once 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 reside right here.”
Thanks a lot for sharing your private home with us, Simone!
P.S. Many extra house excursions, and this reader’s husband constructed her an introvert nook.
(Images by Nana Hagel.)
