After going by a divorce, artist Simone Polk says she wanted a “comfortable touchdown.” She discovered a light-filled house 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 by a troublesome transition, welcomed new pals, 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 good friend at a celebration, and she or he launched me to a gaggle of divorced ladies. The very first thing they instructed me was, ‘Kind out custody so you’ve 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. Flooring 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 cover all of the muddle within the closets! This house has a extremely huge walk-in, and for those who opened it, every little thing would fall out.”
Chair: Togo Hearth chair. Espresso desk: Classic from Eliaselias. Portray: Simone Polk. Flooring lamp: Akari 20N.
“Some individuals have described my house as ‘beige,’ which could be a shorthand for bland. However I like heat, buttery tones. Like once you take a look at images from the eighties they usually have that golden gentle.”
Bookcase: Flea market discover. Lamp: Helle Thygesen. Portray: Simone Polk.
“As soon as, once I was about 12, I found a guide in my father’s bookcase that was full of photos of all these lovely rooms. I keep in mind considering, Ought to I reside on this room or that room? I acquired carried away imagining it. An area you’re keen on 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 may discover. We may barely carry it house.”
DINING ROOM
Wall colour: 4524 from Flügger. Desk, hutch, and ground 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 Eating chairs: “Outdated Kai Kristiansen chairs I discovered 20 years in the past in a classic store.”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 happy with me and mentioned 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 beloved. I began as an inside stylist, and I’d make work to carry to set. Then individuals started asking if they might purchase the work.”
“First, I offered 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 straight. For just a few years now, I’ve been photographing my artwork at house. It’s been a recreation changer to permit purchasers 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 particular person, and I like curtains that pool on the ground. The curtains on this house have been a post-divorce present to myself.”
“I beloved 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 value a visit exterior the town, and the road Bredgade within the heart of Copenhagen has loads 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 by a canvas hanging above it. I used to be devastated, and she or he was, too. Then I remembered a method 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 turned the beginning of Patches, my hottest collection.”
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 baby. My older brother inherited a designer chair from my dad that’s value some huge cash, and I ended up with that little foldable searching stool. My dad provided 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 may 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.
(Photographs by Nana Hagel.)
