When Rum4 design carpentry company owner Kristian Lillelund first bought his summer cottage in Vejby, Denmark, he had no intention of keeping it. Instead, he was going to renovate the 55m2 charmer then sell it to make a profit.
Unfortunately, the financial crisis hit, and Kristian found himself in a market with no interested holiday home buyers. Therefore, he decided to renovate it again to suit his unique tastes and keep it. The results were spectacular.
The 1960s summer cottage is akin to those in home and garden magazines. Kristian used inspiration from reputable designers such as Charles Eames, Verner Panton, and George Nelson – all who love bringing a burst of color into a neutral space. So, that’s what he did. Much of the home features striking shades of blue coupled with stark white for contrast.
The kitchen and dining areas have painted white wooden floors which partner beautifully with teal cabinetry and wood hanging boxes to double as shelves. The full kitchen also sits adjacent to a spacious living area with an eclectic mix of furniture ranging from Rum4 original pieces to flea market finds. There are also touches of elegance with a George Nelson white lamp, Wegner sofa and a turquoise armchair from Charles Eames.
Blue, black, and white make this cottage pop, with touches of character and contemporary throughout.
The kitchen has room for dining and cooking, with views to the outdoors as well.
The storage boxes are both a design element and a form of shelving.
Small touches and flea market finds ensure this cottage is a market stand-out.
The wood fire burning in the background even adds a touch of ambiance, should you require it on a cool summer’s evening.
Breaking up the burst of color is the bedroom annex which has veneer sheets to make the area appear as if it were a cozy wooden box. The décor and accessories carry on the teal vibrancy from the living quarters, but you also get hints of class from the House Doctor bedside lamp, as well as functionality thanks to the desk and chair sitting unobtrusively in a corner.
There is even plenty of space for a work area and storage in the bedroom.
The outdoor area ties this beautiful summer Danish delight together. A terraced area opens out from the annex, connecting the house to the deck area and small buildings around it.
The extension of the terrace also adds more of a footprint to the property – helping it to seem larger than it is.
Photo: Christina Onsgaard Kayser
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