My Houzz: Colourful Art and Vintage Finds Transform a Simple Flat
From homemade ceramics to a glass display case from a jewellery store, everything in this family flat has a backstory
Kasper Iversen
28 April 2018
Camilla Valsten’s home is a masterclass in warm family living. She describes the apartment she shares with her wife, Siri Eneström, and their two sons, Villum and Sander, as creative, relaxed, child-friendly and full of heirlooms and personality.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Camilla Valsten, 43, who’s studying to be a nurse, Siri Eneström, 58, who works in a nursery school, and their two sons, Villum, 11, and Sander, 6
Location Frederiksberg, Denmark
Property An apartment in a housing cooperative
Size Three bedrooms and one bathroom (about 116 sq m)
“We really treasure most of the things we have at home,” Valsten says of this family apartment. “We have many heirlooms and other things that were hard to get. For us, it’s important to surround ourselves with things we like, that we can use and that don’t get damaged with use.”
Who lives here Camilla Valsten, 43, who’s studying to be a nurse, Siri Eneström, 58, who works in a nursery school, and their two sons, Villum, 11, and Sander, 6
Location Frederiksberg, Denmark
Property An apartment in a housing cooperative
Size Three bedrooms and one bathroom (about 116 sq m)
“We really treasure most of the things we have at home,” Valsten says of this family apartment. “We have many heirlooms and other things that were hard to get. For us, it’s important to surround ourselves with things we like, that we can use and that don’t get damaged with use.”
On the other hand, expensive designer furniture and branded products are not a priority. “It’s something I don’t care about,” Valsten says. “If we have designer furniture, it’s most likely something I’ve inherited from my grandmother or something we’ve kept because we think it’s beautiful and has a story. But I don’t know very much about brand-name products. So if something is from a special or expensive brand, I actually get a little stressed out, because then you have to be extra-careful with it.”
Valsten and Eneström find some pieces at flea markets and others, such as the picture with the red frame in the image above, in second-hand stores. The housing cooperative’s refuse area has also proved to be a good source for décor.
“Sometimes when we bring the rubbish down, we find stuff that fits very well into our home. It’s funny that when visiting one of the neighbours, we might suddenly find ourselves drinking from our old glasses, which we had left in the refuse room, or vice versa,” Valsten laughs.
“Sometimes when we bring the rubbish down, we find stuff that fits very well into our home. It’s funny that when visiting one of the neighbours, we might suddenly find ourselves drinking from our old glasses, which we had left in the refuse room, or vice versa,” Valsten laughs.
Not much in the apartment is new. “I’m not really into new things. Of course, a sofa can be new, but I don’t like buying new things, at least not furniture. I just like it when it’s old – that way it has some patina,” Valsten says.
Eneström inherited a holiday home on the northern coast of her native Sweden. That’s where the round coffee table came from.
“The table was already in the house when her parents bought the holiday house 45 years ago. When we took it over, I varnished the table and shortened its legs because we thought it was too high. Then we brought it home to Frederiksberg,” Valsten says.
User- and child-friendliness are also crucial. “We want furniture that doesn’t get damaged with use. We make much of the fact that it’s also a home for our children. The mattress next to the sofa in the living room is a comfy spot where you can just lie and read books. It’s important that it’s a home for all of us. Everything is mixed together. My things, Siri’s things and the children’s things are in every room,” she says.
Eneström inherited a holiday home on the northern coast of her native Sweden. That’s where the round coffee table came from.
“The table was already in the house when her parents bought the holiday house 45 years ago. When we took it over, I varnished the table and shortened its legs because we thought it was too high. Then we brought it home to Frederiksberg,” Valsten says.
User- and child-friendliness are also crucial. “We want furniture that doesn’t get damaged with use. We make much of the fact that it’s also a home for our children. The mattress next to the sofa in the living room is a comfy spot where you can just lie and read books. It’s important that it’s a home for all of us. Everything is mixed together. My things, Siri’s things and the children’s things are in every room,” she says.
As a rule, the couple don’t spend much money on the décor because, as Valsten points out, “At flea markets, things are rarely very expensive.” She says she almost always ends up getting an even better price, because she’s good at haggling.
On the other hand, they are both willing to spend a lot more on handmade crafts than on furniture when they have the opportunity. “It doesn’t have to be a special artist, but I like it when artwork has a story and a personality. When you just don’t have the money, you obviously have to make it yourself,” she says.
Eneström made the black piece with the star motif when she was 14 years old, while Villum created the book with the folded pages and Valsten made the multi-coloured ceramic dots.
On the other hand, they are both willing to spend a lot more on handmade crafts than on furniture when they have the opportunity. “It doesn’t have to be a special artist, but I like it when artwork has a story and a personality. When you just don’t have the money, you obviously have to make it yourself,” she says.
Eneström made the black piece with the star motif when she was 14 years old, while Villum created the book with the folded pages and Valsten made the multi-coloured ceramic dots.
“I started doing ceramics 10 years ago with the local mothers’ group, for fun and because it was cosy, but I got caught up in it and actually started making things I thought were nice. Now it’s grown into a pretty big interest of mine, and I just need to go to pottery class once a week,” Valsten says.
It’s mainly Valsten who’s in charge of the décor, but Eneström always gets an opportunity to weigh in.
“I’m the one who’s interested in finding things and putting them together, but I always ask Siri. She usually agrees, and if she doesn’t, she says she’ll just get used to it. And then she almost always ends up thinking the result is cool,” Valsten says.
How to style your console table beautifully
“I’m the one who’s interested in finding things and putting them together, but I always ask Siri. She usually agrees, and if she doesn’t, she says she’ll just get used to it. And then she almost always ends up thinking the result is cool,” Valsten says.
How to style your console table beautifully
The family mostly use the dining table, which Valsten inherited from her grandmother, when there are guests over. It’s quite practical, because extra leaves can be added to make it “crazy big”.
The boxy lamp on the windowsill came from Valsten’s grandparents. “If you plug it in, [the lightbulbs] spin and light up. We call it the ‘disco lamp’. My grandfather brought it home 50 years ago. When I was a child and went to see them, I always asked to turn it on because of its fun light. I’m so glad I’ve got it. We turn it on when we have people over,” Valsten says.
The boxy lamp on the windowsill came from Valsten’s grandparents. “If you plug it in, [the lightbulbs] spin and light up. We call it the ‘disco lamp’. My grandfather brought it home 50 years ago. When I was a child and went to see them, I always asked to turn it on because of its fun light. I’m so glad I’ve got it. We turn it on when we have people over,” Valsten says.
The home is very tidy despite all the mismatched items, the mixture of styles, and the emphasis on lived-in, child-friendly spaces.
“Both Siri and I like that it’s neat. When you have so many things in the home, it can soon look messy, so it’s extra-important to stay organised,” she says.
“Both Siri and I like that it’s neat. When you have so many things in the home, it can soon look messy, so it’s extra-important to stay organised,” she says.
In addition to the ceramic dots on the wall, Valsten has also made a lot of bowls for the kitchen and filled an old display case in the dining room with her creations.
They found the display case as they were driving in their big old Volvo when Villum was little. Suddenly, Valsten caught sight of some men dragging the case from a jewellery store towards a container. She shouted, “Pull the car over, now!” Valsten insisted she needed to have it, despite Eneström’s objections that there was nowhere to stop the car. “We stopped and talked to the men, who told us we could take it, as it was being thrown away.”
This story is part of the reason the display case is so dear to them today. “It’s just so great with a big car! All you have to do is pull the rear seats down and put it in the back,” Valsten says.
Check out a huge range of display cabinets in the Houzz Shop
They found the display case as they were driving in their big old Volvo when Villum was little. Suddenly, Valsten caught sight of some men dragging the case from a jewellery store towards a container. She shouted, “Pull the car over, now!” Valsten insisted she needed to have it, despite Eneström’s objections that there was nowhere to stop the car. “We stopped and talked to the men, who told us we could take it, as it was being thrown away.”
This story is part of the reason the display case is so dear to them today. “It’s just so great with a big car! All you have to do is pull the rear seats down and put it in the back,” Valsten says.
Check out a huge range of display cabinets in the Houzz Shop
Valsten and Eneström have decorated their bedroom the same way as their two living rooms.
“I like having something that not everyone has, so we kept the rack that was in the corner when we moved in. The lady who lived here previously used to do exercises on it, but I painted it and now hang my clothes on it,” Valsten says.
How to sneakily pack more storage into your flat
“I like having something that not everyone has, so we kept the rack that was in the corner when we moved in. The lady who lived here previously used to do exercises on it, but I painted it and now hang my clothes on it,” Valsten says.
How to sneakily pack more storage into your flat
“The bed is quite small, but we think it’s nice to have floor space,” Valsten says.
The big painting over the bed is by artist Joanna Hanne Wermund, Valsten’s father’s girlfriend.
A friend and neighbour painted the picture next to the window. “Once, I went downstairs to see her and I saw the picture and said, ‘God, it looks like me.’ She told me that she hadn’t intended that, but still she may have had me in mind when she painted it. In any case, she gave it to me later, and I was very pleased,” she says.
The big painting over the bed is by artist Joanna Hanne Wermund, Valsten’s father’s girlfriend.
A friend and neighbour painted the picture next to the window. “Once, I went downstairs to see her and I saw the picture and said, ‘God, it looks like me.’ She told me that she hadn’t intended that, but still she may have had me in mind when she painted it. In any case, she gave it to me later, and I was very pleased,” she says.
A long, narrow hallway divides the apartment lengthways. The two living rooms and master bedroom are on one side and the kitchen, bathroom and two children’s rooms are on the other.
“The kitchen is quite small, so a lot of other people in the building have merged their kitchens with the little adjacent room. But Sander was on the way when we started considering this, so we needed that child’s room. We like it in here, it’s actually a pretty cosy room,” Valsten says.
The kitchen is full of stuff, which Valsten says adds charm. “There are also things that are not necessarily nice, and we have kept some things in here that the children made, because they were made by them. There are new things, old things and there”s room for everything.”
The kitchen is full of stuff, which Valsten says adds charm. “There are also things that are not necessarily nice, and we have kept some things in here that the children made, because they were made by them. There are new things, old things and there”s room for everything.”
The sign reads ‘licorice pipes allowed’ in response to Villum’s love of pipes.
The two boys’ rooms are at either end of the apartment. 11-year-old Villum’s room (pictured here) faces Valsten and Eneström’s bedroom, while six-year-old Sander’s room is opposite the living room.
Like the rest of the home, the boys’ rooms demonstrate the family’s interest in old things, good stories and creativity.
“They are both really fond of flea markets, just like me. For example, Villum is really into pipes. When he finds pipes at flea markets, he buys them, and he also makes pipes himself. He actually thinks it’s a bit silly to make pipes since he’s not allowed to smoke them, but he still sits there polishing them anyway,” Valsten laughs.
Like the rest of the home, the boys’ rooms demonstrate the family’s interest in old things, good stories and creativity.
“They are both really fond of flea markets, just like me. For example, Villum is really into pipes. When he finds pipes at flea markets, he buys them, and he also makes pipes himself. He actually thinks it’s a bit silly to make pipes since he’s not allowed to smoke them, but he still sits there polishing them anyway,” Valsten laughs.
Villum is also passionate about acting and magic, which is reflected in the room. “I think it’s great that they like such creative things. Villum takes art classes and drew the framed pictures in the room himself,” Valsten says.
Six-year-old Sander’s room.
From magic and pipes to bones and skeletons… Sander’s room has more than a few pieces of scientific décor.
“I honestly can’t remember how it started, but Sander is very interested in where bones and other such things originate, and he wants to be an archaeologist,” Valsten says, adding that some of the different bones were gifts, while others were found outdoors by Sander himself.
“I honestly can’t remember how it started, but Sander is very interested in where bones and other such things originate, and he wants to be an archaeologist,” Valsten says, adding that some of the different bones were gifts, while others were found outdoors by Sander himself.
Just as the home is full of old furniture and decorative items with sentimental value, Valsten has always lived in old apartments and buildings. It’s hard for her to imagine moving into a newer structure.
“Of course, it’s a little annoying that the floors creak, but it also has its charm. I like old apartments and the style that comes with them. It’s also nice to think about how the previous residents lived here,” she says.
Tell us…
What do you think of this creative apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
“Of course, it’s a little annoying that the floors creak, but it also has its charm. I like old apartments and the style that comes with them. It’s also nice to think about how the previous residents lived here,” she says.
Tell us…
What do you think of this creative apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Related Stories
House Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Room Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Bare Roof Terrace Becomes a Pretty, Sociable Space
By Kate Burt
A retired couple got help transforming their large rooftop into a gorgeous, welcoming, multi-functional retreat
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Smart Layout and Genius Storage in a Victorian Home
Flipping the standard layout and carving out excellent storage have turned this tired house into a brilliant family home
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Victorian House Brought Impressively Up to Date
By Jo Simmons
A cohesive layout and warm colours combined with energy-efficiency measures thoroughly modernise this terraced home
Full Story
Kitchen Tours
Kitchen Tour: An Open, Airy Space Made for Entertaining
Combining two separate rooms has improved flow and created a sociable open-plan kitchen, dining and seating space
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Family Home Inspired by its Seaside Location
Coastal colours and practical design combine to create a house that will adapt as the family grows
Full Story
Kitchens
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: An Airy, Scandi Finish for a Tall Victorian House
By Kate Burt
From a tricky inherited bath to a sticky-out staircase, on-site problem-solving led to a seamless update for an old home
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A 17th Century Cottage Gains Warmth and Character
The clever use of colour and pattern has revived this old building while creating a 21st century family home
Full Story
What a gorgeous house - it just goes to show what you can do with quite basic bones. Imagine each of those rooms without the vibrant pictures and wall hangings, and without the arrangement of accessories ... it would still be nice, but far less spectacular.
Love those ceramic dots