A Curated Apartment Turned Showroom in Copenhagen

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

The author shares insights gained from a trip to Copenhagen and Stockholm, exploring the core principles and aesthetics of Scandinavian interior design. Beyond common perceptions like IKEA's modernism, the author highlights the unexpected warmth found in Scandinavian spaces, emphasizing a blend of old and new, and intentional design choices. The article delves into the concept of "intentional design," where functionality and well-being are paramount. Scandinavian interiors are not merely minimalist but thoughtfully curated to enhance daily life, creating comfortable and efficient spaces without excessive ornamentation. This approach is exemplified by cultural practices like the Swedish "fika," where every element, from the cup to the seating, contributes to a holistic experience of comfort. A key observation is the prevalent use of gallery walls, which, contrary to a sparse aesthetic, are integrated with purpose. The art in these displays often shares a unifying theme or narrative, reflecting personal stories or local culture, rather than being a random collection. The article suggests that consistency in elements like frame color or material can help achieve a harmonious look, even with diverse media like typography, posters, and paintings. The vibrant use of color, especially in Copenhagen, challenges the stereotype of dull, cold Scandinavian interiors. Buildings and interiors often feature bold hues, which are applied intentionally to a foundation of more minimal, natural tones. This allows for playful accents that can be easily updated seasonally, such as graphic patterns in textiles or brightly colored throws, without overwhelming the space. Lighting is identified as a crucial element in creating the cozy atmosphere associated with "hygge." Scandinavian design prioritizes layered lighting, using pendants, sconces, table lamps, and candles to create a soft, inviting glow, rather than harsh overhead lights. The emphasis is on utilizing natural light as much as possible and then strategically adding artificial sources to enhance mood and ambiance. The article advises against architectural can lights and encourages the use of dimmers to control the intensity of light. Another significant aspect is the value placed on "negative space." This refers to the conscious decision of what *not* to include in an interior, leading to spaces that feel calming and uncluttered. Furniture and accessories are selected for their functional purpose, eliminating excess. The article suggests unconventional arrangements for wall art, like off-center placement, and encouraging sculptural furniture shapes that allow light and air to flow through, creating a sense of openness. Finally, the integration of natural elements is highlighted as contributing to the sense of wellness in Scandinavian design. This includes the use of materials like natural woods, cottons, linens, and even biomorphic shapes in man-made objects. Bringing the outdoors in, through elements like sheepskin throws on furniture or carefully placed greenery, adds texture and a calming effect. The article stresses that these natural additions, like all other design choices, are made with intentionality to enhance well-being within the space. #ScandinavianDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Hygge #IntentionalDesign #Copenhagen #Stockholm #GalleryWalls #LayeredLighting #NaturalElements

Architects Dylan Baker-Rice and his wife, both originally from the US, transformed their 1,700 sq ft, three-bedroom Jardine's Lookout apartment in Hong Kong into a living showcase of their design philosophy and personal style. Having moved to Hong Kong in 2010, the couple embarked on a renovation project that allowed them to meticulously plan an interior space tailored to their needs and possessions, including a significant piece of art. Baker-Rice, whose first job out of university was as an assistant to artist Roxy Paine, brought with him a cherished polyurethane sculpture named 'Scumak.' This black, heavy, and somewhat grotesque piece, created by Paine's assembly-line machine, became a focal point in their design considerations, prompting them to create a designated space for its display within their new home. The apartment's design reflects a blend of practicality and artistic expression, moving beyond conventional Hong Kong interior aesthetics. The couple’s architectural background enabled them to approach the renovation with a deep understanding of spatial dynamics and material use. Their design choices were not merely about aesthetics but also about crafting an environment that resonated with their personal history and professional expertise. This bespoke approach allowed them to experiment with unconventional ideas and materials, turning their apartment into a unique demonstration of their capabilities. The process involved a complete overhaul, ensuring that every element, from the layout to the finishes, served a purpose, either functional or artistic. Beyond accommodating specific art pieces, the renovation aimed to create a comfortable and inspiring living space that defied the typical constraints of urban dwelling. Their design likely incorporates elements that maximize light and space, common challenges in Hong Kong's dense environment, while also reflecting a global perspective influenced by their experiences in London and the US. The transformation of their apartment illustrates how professional designers can leverage their own homes as laboratories for innovative ideas, showcasing how architectural principles can be applied to create a highly personalized and functional domestic environment. The project serves as a practical example of integrating art, personal history, and design expertise into a cohesive living space. #ArchitectCouple #HongKongLiving #InteriorDesign #ApartmentRenovation #SculptureDisplay #BespokeDesign #SpatialDynamics #ArtIntegration