Cover Craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials create a lasting presence in this light-filled home in Copenhagen
Craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials create a lasting presence in this light-filled home in Copenhagen
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Space Copenhagen’s ‘slow aesthetics’ philosophy sets the perfect foundation for the homeowners’ new chapter in the city
Homeowners Berit and Peter have spent 25 years residing along the northern coastline of Copenhagen, Denmark, where their children–William and Caroline–grew up in an idyllic setting surrounded by nature, water, and ample opportunities for sports.
But, as their offspring ventured into adulthood, pursuing studies abroad, the couple felt drawn to a different kind of life entirely.
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“They longed for a more outward-facing, social lifestyle–one where it would be easy to host dinners, go out with friends, enjoy the theatre, concerts and be close to the city’s vibrant restaurant scene,” share Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Signe Bindslev Henriksen, co-founders of Space Copenhagen.
“They felt it was time for something new, and part of this new phase was the decision to return to the city,” they add.
Above Ample light in the lounge-style living room through the bow windows
Above Furniture pieces in a soft, warm palettes for a cosy atmosphere
Ample light in the lounge-style living room through the bow windows
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Together with their beloved dog Vera, Berit and Peter’s new chapter begins in a beautiful, classic apartment in Store Kongensgade, nestled in one of Copenhagen’s most charming, green, and historic districts just five minutes’ walk from the vibrant heart of the old town centre.
Spanning 3,000 sq ft, properties in this old part of the city often feature traditional layouts with many separate rooms–gracious front-facing reception rooms near the entrance, and kitchens and bedrooms tucked away at the back.
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“While charming, this arrangement doesn’t always align with the rhythm of modern urban life,” the designers note. “Therefore, part of the renovation focused on reimagining the home’s flow–creating open, generous areas that reflect their current lifestyle but also anticipate future adventures, remaining adaptable and ready to welcome new layers and experiences to be added over the coming years.”
Above Earthy and subdued colours connect to the home’s Danish heritage
Above Natural stone chosen based on principles of simplicity and utility
Earthy and subdued colours connect to the home’s Danish heritage
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To achieve a calm, bright and soothing home that supports a more social way of living for hosting and socialising, but equally serves as a retreat for rest and reflection, the layout has been reconfigured with a lounge-style living room that forms the heart of the residence.
It has direct access to the large kitchen and dining area on one end, and to the study and library on the other.
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Above Ornate ceilings and door frames preserved for their inherent soul and charm
Above Seamless access between the living room and the kitchen and dining areas
Ornate ceilings and door frames preserved for their inherent soul and charm
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Separate from the common areas are two spacious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, alongside a separate guest bedroom.
Natural light permeates these rooms through the classical bow windows, illuminating the ornate ceilings and door frames that were preserved for their classical character and inherent soul and charm.
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The calm and bright dining area supports the homeowners’ love of hosting and socialising
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The design philosophy underpinning this project reflects Space Copenhagen’s commitment to ‘slow aesthetics’–an approach that prioritises quality, longevity, and thoughtful consideration of every element.
“We move at a deliberate, thoughtful pace, ensuring that every decision is grounded in intention,” Rützou and Henriksen explain. “By celebrating craftsmanship and the natural beauty of materials, we aim to create work with a lasting presence.”
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Above A minimalist design that is aligned with the rhythm of modern urban life
Above Natural stone and wood–a celebration of craftsmanship with a lasting presence
A minimalist design that is aligned with the rhythm of modern urban life
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Often earthy and subdued colours and materials–such as wood, natural stone, and tiles–pay respect to the inherent qualities of each element, chosen based on principles of simplicity and utility, creating harmony and connecting the residence to its Danish heritage.
“In honouring the home’s original architectural details and ornate historic character, we carefully paired these elements with thoughtfully selected furniture pieces and a soft, warm material palette to create a contemporary yet cosy and inviting atmosphere,” the designers elaborate.
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Above Malte Gormsen’s handcrafted desk perfectly proportioned for two in the study room
Malte Gormsen’s handcrafted desk perfectly proportioned for two in the study room
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One area that takes precedence as their favourite in embodying ‘slow aesthetics’ is the study with large doors opening onto the surrounding areas.
Here, Space Copenhagen collaborated with carpenter Malte Gormsen, who crafted an exquisite centrepiece desk–perfectly proportioned for two people to sit and work side by side.
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Meanwhile, the light, built-in shelves await inspiring books and literature from around the world.
“It’s a space that invites long hours of reflection, reading, working and studying–a true sanctuary for thought and creativity,” they continue.
Above The private quarters serve as a retreat for rest and reflection
Above Natural light illuminates each intentional element in the room
The private quarters serve as a retreat for rest and reflection
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Having completed the project, thus shaping the atmosphere and setting the tone for everything that happens next, Space Copenhagen has created a home that offers the flexibility to evolve and support the couple’s new way of living, as life begins to unfold within it.
“We truly admired [the homeowners’] openness to change and saw it as our studio’s role to create a foundation for this next chapter,” Rützou and Henriksen conclude.
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Credits
Photography: Joachim Wichmann
As senior writer at Tatler Homes, Celeste Goh covers architecture, interior design, luxury homes and emerging design trends. She also serves as digital content manager for Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the brand’s digital editorial strategy and social media presence across its platforms.
