30
Mar

Built to Last: An Interior Designer’s Trend-Proof Apartment in Copenhagen

Not long ago, we spotted a charming Copenhagen apartment on the blog Scandinavia Standard. The home’s interior style is hard to define—it’s a compelling mix of Asian artwork, mid-century lines, rustic antiques, bohemian coziness, and, of course, Scandi sensibility—but the overall effect is balanced and appealing.

It helps that the bones of the place come with some rather noteworthy design pedigree. The villa, built in 1932, was designed by renowned Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen to be his residence. Thanks to him, the apartment has beautiful steel windows that let in an abundance of light. And its last occupant was Søren Garde, founder of Garde Hvalsøe, one of our favorite kitchen fabricators. Thanks to Garde, the home has a striking kitchen and bathroom.

“There were so many parts of the apartment that I instantly loved, like the windows and the garden, but the kitchen and bathroom are rooms that grow on me more and more over time,” current owner Susanne Rutzou, a fashion designer and interiors consultant, told Scandinavia Standard. “Now that the cabinets are nearly 20 years old, I can see how special they are; they really just get better with age!”

We couldn’t agree more. Join us for a tour of the apartment, which now features her imprint as well as the those of Lauritzen and Garde.

Photography by Freya August McOmish, courtesy of Scandinavia Standard.

Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Exterior, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: The villa is located in Østerbro in Copenhagen. Just outside Susanne’s front door is evidence of the building’s design pedigree.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Kitchen, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: The Garde Hvalsøe kitchen with floating Dinesen wood cabinets and a slate counter.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Kitchen, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: Even though the cabinets are nearly 20-years-old, they look both timeless and of-the-moment.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Living Room, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: A glimpse of the long living room, which enjoys ample natural light from the oversized steel windows.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Living Room, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: Susanne is a world traveler; her home is a showcase for all the art she’s collected along the way.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Living Room, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: A quartet of four square tables makes for a giant coffee table, over which hangs a Louis Poulsen pendant light.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Living Room, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: Built-in shelves and a desk surround the door to the bedroom.

Above: Susanne’s styling talent is evident in every nook.

Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Living Room, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: The view into the dining room. The walls are painted in RAL 7044 Silk Grey paint.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Living Room, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: Susanne fashioned the pendant lights from glass cloches. The table is a Hans Wegner that she had painted after it sustained some water damage.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Bathroom, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: Garde Hvalsøe cabinets in the bathroom.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Bathroom, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: Inset cubby shelving stores beauty products and toiletries.
Susanne Rutzou's Apartment, Closet, Photograph by Freya August McOmish Above: The closet is also by Garde Hvalsøe.

For more on Susanne’s apartment, go here.

For more on Garde Hvalsøe kitchens, see: