Following her divorce, artist Simone Polk mentioned she required a “soft landing.” She discovered a sunlit apartment in Copenhagen to share with her 12-year-old daughter, Ava. Although they have since moved on, here’s a glimpse into the sanctuary that assisted Simone through a challenging period, welcomed new acquaintances, and acted as a backdrop for her artwork…
LIVING ROOM
Wall color: Pointing by Farrow & Ball. Paintings: Simone Polk.
“I was with my ex for 14 years, initially feeling profoundly lonely. Then, at a gathering, I reconnected with an old friend who introduced me to a community of divorced women. They advised me right away, ‘Arrange custody so that you have the ‘even’ weeks free for yourself and the ‘odd’ weeks with your daughter.’ They all followed the same custody pattern. Now, during the times we don’t have our kids, we hang out together.”
Wall color: Pointing by Farrow & Ball. Paintings: primarily by Simone Polk. Sofa: vintage Ikea ‘Färlöv’ covered in a sage linen slipcover from Bemz. Floor lamps: Gubi and Akari 20N. Bench and stools: sourced from flea markets. Coffee table: vintage from Eliaselias. Curtains: &Drape. Rug: Nordic Knots. Chairs: left small armchair is a vintage 1940s find from Finland via Eliaselias; the right one is a Togo Fireside chair. Pendant light: Akari 21A.
“My home is very calming, but I’m like Monica from Friends — I stash all the mess in the closets! This apartment has a large walk-in, and if you opened it, everything would spill out.”
Chair: Togo Fireside chair. Coffee table: Vintage from Eliaselias. Painting: Simone Polk. Rug: Nordic Knots. Curtains: &Drape. Floor lamp: Akari 20N.
“Some have called my place ‘beige,’ which can signify dullness. But I adore warm, buttery shades. It’s reminiscent of old photographs from the eighties that exhibit that golden glow.”
Bookshelf: Flea market discovery. Lamp: Helle Thygesen. Painting: Simone Polk.
“When I was around 12, I stumbled upon a book in my father’s library showcasing various stunning rooms. I recall pondering, Should I inhabit this room or that one? I got lost in my imagination. A beloved space can bring immense joy.”
“We celebrated our first Christmas here, just my daughter and I. With such high ceilings, we opted for the largest tree we could find. It was a struggle just to carry it home.”
DINING ROOM
Wall color: 4524 from Flügger. Table: vintage. Dining chairs: “Old Kai Kristiansen chairs I discovered 20 years ago at a vintage store.” Paintings: Simone Polk. Hutch: vintage. Pendant: vintage, similar. Standing lamp: the base is from Snowdrops Copenhagen, similar shade. Upholstered chair: “Old Ikea model ‘Färlöv,’ dressed in Bemz linen cover.” Curtains: &Drape.
“As a child, I was always drawing. My father, an artist, was quite proud of me and believed I would become an artist as well. Then I lost sight of it, having a lengthy career in television. When the channel I worked for shut down, I resolved to turn my passion into a profession. I began as an interior stylist, creating paintings for the set. Eventually, people expressed interest in purchasing my art.”
“Initially, I sold my paintings independently, then collaborated with a gallery that took a 50% commission, and afterward I reverted to selling directly. For several years, I have been photographing my work at home. It has been transformative, allowing clients and collectors to view a painting in a homely context rather than a stark gallery setting. This also meant that upon moving, I needed to unpack and organize my home swiftly.”
Cabinet and magazine holder: vintage.
“I possess a romantic spirit and relish curtains that pool on the floor. The curtains in this apartment were a post-divorce gift to myself.”
“I enjoyed sitting in this chair to read while Ava was engrossed in loud sitcoms in the living room.”
KITCHEN
Plate on wall: vintage from Notre nóm. Kettle: Hario.
Table: flea market discovery, similar. Candlestick: flea market find, similar.
“This original watercolor is the work of Danish artist Jens Uffe Rasmussen. My favorite art museum in Copenhagen is Ordrupgaard, which also includes the residence of renowned furniture designer Finn Juhl, and I relish being within his home just as he left it. Louisiana is always a worthwhile excursion outside the city, and Bredgade in central Copenhagen has many appealing galleries.”
BEDROOM
Bed: Zara Home. Bedding: Zara Home. Paintings: Simone Polk.
“Once, when Ava was younger, she was bouncing on the bed and accidentally kicked her foot through a canvas hanging above it. I was heartbroken, and she was upset as well. Then I recalled a technique I had used before becoming an artist, when I was simply crafting pieces for my home by layering paper onto a canvas. That unfortunate incident led to the creation of Patches, my most successful series.”
Marble table: flea market find.
“I’m an admirer of French author Valérie Perrin. Fresh Water for Flowers was the most stunning novel I have ever read. I envy anyone who has yet to experience her works.”
Curtains: &Drape. Stool: family keepsake.
“I’m the fifth child. My older brother received a high-value designer chair from my dad, while I was given this small foldable hunting stool. My father offered it to me when I left the family home, and I’ve cherished it ever since.”
“We didn’t remain here long. I found a place that allowed me to have my studio at home, which made more sense. However, I felt incredibly fortunate to have lived here.”
Thank you for letting us glimpse your beautiful home, Simone!
P.S. Discover many more home tours, including one where this reader’s husband and friend crafted her an introvert nook.
(Photos by Nana Hagel.)
Title: Designing a Chic and Calm Post-Divorce Apartment in Copenhagen
Navigating life after divorce can be a daunting experience, yet it also presents a chance for transformation and self-discovery. A crucial aspect of this process is creating a fresh living environment that embodies your identity and offers a sense of tranquility and comfort. In the vibrant city of Copenhagen, renowned for its design-centric philosophy and hygge lifestyle, transforming an apartment into a chic and calm retreat is simultaneously an art and a science.
**Adopting Scandinavian Design Elements**
Copenhagen, a hub of Scandinavian design, offers an ideal backdrop for developing a post-divorce apartment that is both stylish and serene. Scandinavian design is defined by its simplicity, functionality, and inherent connection to nature. These principles can be harmoniously incorporated into your new home to foster an atmosphere of peace and wellness.
1. **Subdued Color Palette**: Begin with a subdued color palette that cultivates a calming environment. Soft whites, gentle grays, and natural hues can lend the space an open and airy feel, providing a canvas for personalization.
2. **Natural Illumination**: Harness natural illumination to uplift the apartment’s atmosphere. Expansive windows, sheer drapes, and carefully positioned mirrors can reflect light and craft a bright, welcoming environment.
3. **Minimalistic Furniture**: Choose minimalist furniture that merges form with function. Pieces with clean profiles and straightforward designs help maintain a clutter-free space, essential for mental clarity and relaxation.
4. **Organic Materials**: Integrate organic materials such as wood, leather, and wool to infuse warmth and texture. These components bridge the indoor aesthetic with the natural world, encouraging a sense of security and comfort.
**Personal Elements for Emotional Wellness**
While Scandinavian design establishes the groundwork, personal elements are vital for truly making the apartment your own. These additions should express your identity and support your emotional wellness.
1. **Art and Accents**: Curate art and accents that resonate with you. Whether it’s a creation from a local Copenhagen artist or a treasured object from your past, these additions can trigger positive memories and inspire fresh starts.
2. **Greenery and Flora**: Add plants and greenery to introduce vitality into the space. These not only enhance air quality but also provide a soothing influence and can elevate your mood.
3. **Comfortable Textiles**: Layer comfortable textiles such as throws, cushions, and rugs to foster a sense of warmth and comfort. These aspects encourage relaxation and transform the apartment into a genuine sanctuary.
4. **Personal Retreat**: Designate a section or room as your personal retreat—a space for mindfulness, reading, or simply unwinding. Fill it with elements that bring you joy and serenity, like candles, books, or a cozy chair.
**Cultivating a Life of Tranquility**
Beyond the physical space, adopting a lifestyle of tranquility is crucial in your post-divorce journey. Copenhagen’s focus on hygge—a Danish concept representing coziness and satisfaction—can guide you in nurturing a fulfilling and balanced life.
1. **Conscious Living**: Embrace conscious living by savoring the present and appreciating life’s simple joys. Whether it’s relishing a cup of coffee by your window or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the city, mindfulness can enhance your overall well-being.
2. **Community Engagement**: Connect with the local community to forge new friendships and support systems. Copenhagen is rich in opportunities for social interaction, from cultural events to community meetups.
3. **Self-Care Practices**: Create self-care practices that nurture both body and mind. This could encompass yoga, journaling, or exploring wellness options available in Copenhagen, such as spas and wellness centers.
4. **Discovery and Adventure**: Seize the chance to explore and engage in new passions. Copenhagen’s diverse cultural offerings, including its museums, galleries, and culinary experiences, provide endless possibilities for adventure and personal development.
In conclusion, designing a chic and calm post-divorce apartment in Copenhagen transcends mere aesthetics; it’s about establishing a space that supports your emotional journey and encourages a lifestyle of peace and fulfillment. By merging Scandinavian design principles with personal elements and embracing the hygge lifestyle, you can evolve your apartment into a refuge that signifies your new chapter.
