After navigating the challenges of a divorce, artist Simone Polk sought a place that would provide her and her daughter, Ava, with comfort and stability. They settled into a bright apartment in Copenhagen, a space that not only welcomed them but also became a backdrop for her creative endeavors. Although they have since moved on, this apartment played a crucial role in their transition, offering solace and a sense of community.
Living room: A calm retreat
The living room features walls painted in Pointing by Farrow & Ball, perfectly complementing Simone’s vibrant artwork. Her paintings adorn the walls, creating a gallery-like atmosphere that reflects her personal style. Initially, Simone felt the sting of loneliness after the end of a 14-year relationship. However, a chance encounter with an old friend introduced her to a supportive network of divorced women who shared similar experiences.
Finding community
“They advised me to structure custody arrangements for ‘even’ weeks without Ava, allowing me to focus on myself,” Simone explains. This shared understanding among the women fostered a sense of camaraderie that offered her comfort during a time of change.
In her living space, the sofa is a vintage Ikea Färlöv, now dressed in a calming sage linen cover by Bemz. The blend of flea market finds, including a bench and stools, adds character to the room. “Some might label my home as ‘beige,’ but I prefer warm, buttery tones that evoke nostalgia, much like the golden lighting of the 1980s,” she reflects.
Dining room: A blend of creativity and nostalgia
The dining area is painted in the soft hue of 4524 from Flügger, with a mix of vintage furnishings that tell a story of their own. The dining chairs, originally designed by Kai Kristiansen, were discovered two decades ago, showcasing Simone’s penchant for unique finds. “My childhood was filled with drawing, inspired by my father, an artist himself, who believed I would follow in his footsteps,” she recalls.
Pursuing passion
After years in the television industry, Simone decided to embrace her artistic side once more. She began as an interior stylist, creating paintings for set designs that eventually caught the attention of buyers. “Transitioning from selling my work independently to collaborating with galleries was enlightening, but I soon returned to a direct selling approach, allowing my clients to connect more personally with my art,” she says.
Her dining space also features a vintage pendant light and curtains that pool elegantly on the floor—both elements acquired as a gift to herself post-divorce. “I cherish the moments spent reading in my favorite chair while Ava enjoyed her noisy sitcoms in the other room,” she adds.
Kitchen and bedroom: Personal touches
In the kitchen, a vintage plate from Notre Nóm hangs on the wall, accompanied by a Hario kettle. The table and candlestick are both flea market discoveries, embodying her love for eclectic décor. “Artistic inspiration often strikes in unexpected places,” Simone notes, reflecting on her favorite art museum in Copenhagen, Ordrupgaard, which showcases the home of renowned furniture designer Finn Juhl.
Moving into the bedroom, the bed and bedding from Zara Home create a serene environment. One memorable incident occurred when Ava, while playfully jumping on the bed, accidentally kicked through a canvas hanging nearby. This moment of mischief sparked creativity, leading to the development of Simone’s popular series called Patches.
The marble table and family heirloom stool in the room serve as reminders of her roots and the journey she has taken. “As the youngest of five, I ended up with this little foldable stool that carries sentimental value,” she reminisces.
The living room features walls painted in Pointing by Farrow & Ball, perfectly complementing Simone’s vibrant artwork. Her paintings adorn the walls, creating a gallery-like atmosphere that reflects her personal style. Initially, Simone felt the sting of loneliness after the end of a 14-year relationship. However, a chance encounter with an old friend introduced her to a supportive network of divorced women who shared similar experiences.0