After going by way of a divorce, artist Simone Polk says she wanted a “mushy touchdown.” She discovered a light-filled residence in Copenhagen to share together 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 way of a tricky transition, welcomed new associates, and served as a backdrop for her work…
LIVING ROOM
Wall colour: 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 pal at a celebration, and he or she launched me to a gaggle of divorced ladies. The very first thing they informed me was, ‘Kind out custody so you have got the ‘even’ weeks to your self and the ‘odd’ weeks along with your daughter.’ All the ladies had the identical custody schedule. Now, once we don’t have our children, we spend time collectively.”
Couch: previous 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 gentle: Akari 21A.
“My home could be very calm, however I’m like Monica from Pals — I disguise all of the muddle within the closets! This residence has a very massive walk-in, and for those who opened it, all the pieces would fall out.”
Chair: Togo Fireplace chair. Espresso desk: Classic from Eliaselias. Portray: Simone Polk. Flooring lamp: Akari 20N.
“Some folks have described my dwelling as ‘beige,’ which could be a shorthand for bland. However I really like heat, buttery tones. Like once you take 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 lovely rooms. I keep in mind pondering, Ought to I stay on this room or that room? I obtained carried away imagining it. An area you like can convey 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 obtained the largest tree we may discover. We may barely carry it dwelling.”
DINING ROOM
Wall colour: 4524 from Flügger. Desk, hutch, and flooring lamp: classic. Eating chairs: “Outdated Kai Kristiansen chairs I discovered 20 years in the past in a classic store.”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 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 liked. I began as an inside stylist, and I’d make work to convey to set. Then folks started asking if they may purchase the work.”
“First, I bought 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 immediately. For a number of years now, I’ve been photographing my artwork at dwelling. It’s been a recreation changer to permit purchasers 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 individual, and I really like curtains that pool on the ground. The curtains on this residence had been a post-divorce reward to myself.”
“I liked 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 really like being in his dwelling simply as he left it. Louisiana is at all times value a visit outdoors the town, and the road Bredgade within the heart of Copenhagen has quite a 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 way of a canvas hanging above it. I used to be devastated, and he or she was, too. Then I remembered a method I’d used earlier than I used to be an artist, after I was simply making items for my dwelling, the place I’d layer items of paper onto a canvas. That jumping-on-the-bed accident turned the beginning of Patches, my hottest collection.”
Marble desk: flea market discover.
“I really like the French author Valérie Perrin. Recent Water for Flowers was probably 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 value some huge cash, and I ended up with that little foldable looking stool. My dad supplied it to me after I moved out of the household dwelling, 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 dwelling, and that made extra sense. However I felt so fortunate to get to stay right here.”
Thanks a lot for sharing your own home with us, Simone!
P.S. Many extra dwelling excursions, and this reader’s husband constructed her an introvert nook.
(Pictures by Nana Hagel.)
