This pale and peaceful apartment is located in a 1734 building, and its historical elements were preserved by the designer
Looking for a peaceful dwelling in neutral shades to get inspired? I have one for you! Done entirely in soft shades of grey, the 18th century Copenhagen apartment of designer Oliver Gustav is a tranquil mix of antique and modern pieces against a classical background.
The structure, built in 1734, is listed by the government as a building of architectural significance. Danes take their historical preservation seriously; there is virtually nothing you can change about a listed building — not the sloping floors, not the tiny kitchen, not the placement of outlets or switches, nor the moldings or windows. The first thing you notice is the dramatic slant of the floor. Foundations of buildings are oak, which tend to shift over the course of hundreds of years.
Gustav painted the walls in a matte mineral paint from Germany that highlights the subtle texture of the old plaster. Many of the original windowpanes remain intact, and the wavy glass helps to diffuse the spare winter light, such a precious commodity for Danes, just look how the light softens the sharp angles of each room – it’s totally incredible!
To this historically correct backdrop Gustav has added deep sofas and chairs covered in heavy linens as well as 18th-century antiques, providing a stately backdrop for the edgier art and objects scattered throughout. The kitchen is highlighted with asphalt grey and furnished with mid-century modenr furniture and vitnage appliances. My favorite solution here is a tiny home office organized in a closet – it’s a great idea to save some space and to separate it from the rest of the apartment. The apartment leaves a lasting impression of peacefulness and beauty all over.
The living room features wooden floors, grey walls and furniture and a vintage white hearth, windows let much light in
Some artworks and furniture continue the design theme, and linen make the space even more tranquil
The original molding, floors and some other elements remained unchanged, it's a requirement of the city
The kitchen is accentuated with asphalt grey, there's vintage furniture and appliances, and lamps are mid-century modern
The closet was turned into a small home office with whitewashed walls, doors and shelves, such a cool solution
