Following the end of her marriage, artist Simone Polk sought a nurturing environment for herself and her daughter, Ava. In the heart of Copenhagen, she discovered a sunlit apartment that became a transformative space during a challenging period. This dwelling not only reflects her personal journey but also serves as a canvas for her art, welcoming friends and creating lasting memories.
As we tour this inviting home, we uncover how Simone’s choices in decor and color palette resonate with her experiences, providing both comfort and inspiration.
Living room reflections
In the living room, the walls are adorned in a soft shade known as Pointing by Farrow & Ball. The atmosphere exudes calmness, filled with character, as seen in the colorful paintings created by Simone herself. “Initially, post-divorce, loneliness crept in, but reconnecting with an old friend opened doors to a community of divorced women,” she shares. Through this friendship, she learned practical advice about managing custody arrangements that allowed for nurturing her own self-care during her ‘even weeks’ alone.
Her furniture choices reflect a blend of vintage and modern elements: a cozy Ikea Färlöv sofa draped in a soothing sage linen cover, alongside unique finds from flea markets. The lighting is thoughtfully curated, featuring iconic designs like the Gubi floor lamp and the Akari 20N. “I aim for a serene environment, yet like Monica from that popular sitcom, I have a knack for hiding clutter behind closed doors!” she laughs.
Creating a warm ambiance
Describing her home as ‘beige’ may conjure notions of blandness for some, but for Simone, these warm hues evoke the nostalgic glow of 1980s photographs. “A space that you can cherish brings immense joy,” she reflects. Indeed, her apartment has been a backdrop for cherished memories, including a memorable Christmas where they decorated the largest tree they could find, taking advantage of their lofty ceilings.
The heart of the home: dining room
The dining area radiates warmth with walls painted in a rich hue from Flügger. Vintage pieces dominate this space, including a charming table and hutch, complemented by classic Kai Kristiansen chairs that Simone has treasured for two decades. The room is constantly alive with creativity, as it doubles as a display for her art. “Art has always been a part of my life,” she shares, reminiscing about her childhood passion for drawing, encouraged by her father, who was also an artist.
After spending years in the television industry, a career shift led her back to her artistic roots. As an interior stylist, she began creating paintings that eventually caught the eye of buyers. “Photographing my work at home has revolutionized how clients see my pieces, showcasing them in a more relatable context compared to traditional gallery settings,” she explains.
Personal touches and inspirations
Simone describes herself as a romantic at heart, reflected in her preference for curtains that elegantly pool on the floor. “After my divorce, I treated myself to these curtains, as a form of self-care,” she notes. In this dining space, she often finds herself absorbed in a book while her daughter enjoys her favorite sitcoms nearby.
The kitchen: a blend of art and utility
The kitchen is adorned with carefully selected vintage items, including a delightful plate from Notre Nóm and a practical Hario kettle. The table, also a flea market discovery, serves as a gathering spot for family meals and creative brainstorming. “My favorite Copenhagen art destination is the Ordrupgaard Museum, where I can immerse myself in the work of Danish artists,” she reveals, highlighting her passion for art beyond her own creations.
Personal sanctuary: the bedroom
In the bedroom, serenity reigns with bedding and decor from Zara Home. A memorable incident occurred when Ava accidentally damaged a canvas, which inspired Simone’s popular series, Patches. “That moment taught me to embrace imperfections and turn challenges into opportunities,” she explains, illustrating her journey as an artist.
As we tour this inviting home, we uncover how Simone’s choices in decor and color palette resonate with her experiences, providing both comfort and inspiration.0
As we tour this inviting home, we uncover how Simone’s choices in decor and color palette resonate with her experiences, providing both comfort and inspiration.1