Archive: Nordic Beauty

In the dining room, the large Dutch table is lit by an 18th century chandelier. A collection of antique mercury glass candlesticks add sparkle to late night suppers. A mirror and framed artwork are ranged along a white-lacquered wood shelf running the length of the back wall, providing a simple and easily-changed display area. On the right, two Fortuny lamps add a decorative touch.



A view through the music room to the living area. In the foreground, a Nagato tabouret by Christian Liaigre is a stylish perch for CDs. French doors open onto the garden behind the low wenge table, also by Liaigre, that serves as a focal point for comfortable linen-covered seating and a Louis XVI chair recovered in a fabric by Carolyn Quartermaine.



The kitchen is separated from the dining area by a low counter, while open shelves serve as a display area as well as for storage. Simple white-lacquered cupboards are set off by a natural wood countertop, and antique silver frames add a note of luxury. The whole space is lit by plastic hanging lamps from the 1950s.



Top left: the bathroom floor and tub surround are in grey marble. Top right: The salon is warmed by a traditional Swedish ceramic stove. A copper half circle protects the floor from the heat of the stove. Bottom: In the bedroom, a long shelf runs along the length of the wall (interrupted by the bed) and serves as bedside storage. A large mirror by Christian Liaigre sits beside a photo-montage by Balder Olrik and antique candlesticks converted into lamps. Under the shelf are antique Chinese marriage chests.



The light-filled office overlooks the garden. A table and chairs by Christian Liaigre stand on coconut matting.


The serene home of Marlene Juhl Jorgensen and her husband Peter gazes out over a garden that runs down to the sea. The Copenhagen-based jewelry designer has kept the interior of her home simple, preferring to emphasize the light and the lovely outside view. A predominantly black and white palette is warmed by wood, grass matting, natural linen, and the glow of 18th century lighting and gilded mirrors. Calm and beautiful, it's a home of both elegance and comfort. Scanned from an early 2000-ish copy of Marie Claire Maison (sorry -- can't find a photographer credit).