In the town of Gentofte, a few kilometers north of Copenhagen, Ulrikke Toft Simonsen and her partner Brian moved into a house this year with their children Norma, almost 3 years old, and Billy, almost 1 year old. For MilK, they lift the veil on their family life.
Ulrikke Toft Simonsen grew up between the sea and the forest. No wonder then that after the birth of Billy, her second child, she decided, with her partner, to leave Copenhagen for a life more focused on nature. “ Since moving to the suburbs six months ago, many of our family projects have involved tending to the garden. The kids love it. Whether we clean up fallen apples from the tree or plant seeds, it makes us all happy.» The presence of the nearby lake and its fascinating wildlife only reinforces their feeling of being here where they belong.
Especially since a major project awaits the one who stopped modeling a few years ago to resume studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture and Design. His big house is just waiting to be transformed. “ Shape, textures and colors have always interested me and since I was little, I have expressed myself through creation. Today I’m looking at how form meets function, and how culture influences our use of spaces.»
A reconversion that she began after meeting Brian, a music producer, 8 years ago. “ We were already friends and we fell in love quickly. Shortly after we started dating, I spent three months in Cape Town and chatting mostly on Facetime seemed both crazy and very poetic. Three years later, he proposed to me in front of the studio where we met.»
When they moved in at the start of 2024, the couple chose to focus on the interior design. “ We redid the floors and painted the entire house. We haven’t really taken the time to do the front of the house or the garden yet.» For Ulrikke, it is also important not to distort the spirit of the building. “ We redid the bathroom but kept the terrazzo that was under the red vinyl covering. We considered ourselves lucky on the day of the discovery!» Likewise in the kitchen, the original wooden cabinets now coexist with Reflect steel elements by Reform. “ The result is really warm and contrasting: it’s probably one of my favorite things in the house.»
When it comes to furnishing, Ulrikke lets her intuition guide her. “ I really like mixing things up and moving things around: if you come back in a week, there should have been some changes!“. The architecture student also happily lets inspiration flow by browsing her Instagram feed and saved posts.
If she only had to choose one piece of furniture? Its “Auping Noble” bed, designed by Johan Van Hengel, which features a remarkable headboard and integrated side tables. “ I also have a great passion for bedding, and particularly Kvadrat sheets.»
With only 22 months apart, Norma and Billy are currently sharing a room. “ I painted a starry sky on their ceiling… in the same colors as the print on my Louis Vuitton bag. For the rest, this room is both fun and messy, just like a child’s bedroom is supposed to be! »
Because now that the youngest son is about to walk, the siblings are starting to be able to play together. “ Norma is such a tornado! She is strong-willed and very intelligent. We have real discussions with her, which is a lot of fun. Billy is more sensitive and observant, with the same charming smile as his father.» And seeing how the whole family is beaming, the youngest’s smile seems to be contagious.
