When their eldest son was born, Mia-Louise Mailund Smith and her husband Mark Smith yearned for a spacious family home.
After an extensive four-year search for spaces that fit their budget, they did what most young couples do in such a situation: they moved out of the city and into the suburbs. They soon found themselves missing downtown Copenhagen, however. “It became a little too residential too quickly,” says Mia-Louise. The quiet neighbourhoods and standalone homes of suburbia were simply not in tune with their family lifestyle. “I should probably just admit that I am an apartment person,” says Mia-Louise. “I actually really like it when I can hear my upstairs neighbour listening to music or rummaging around in the evenings. The intimacy of people who live around me is hugely reassuring.” Scroll through the gallery below (Photography: Martin Sølyst | Living Inside) to experience the tranquil interiors:
Even so, the couple did like the big, open garden where their son Herbert could play. So for their second home, they searched for a home that would combine the best of both worlds.
Mia-Louise Mailund Smith
So for their second home, they searched for a home that would combine the best of both worlds. And they found it, in Hellerup, a well-heeled town north of Copenhagen. Their new home, an elegant apartment, has a lively city vibe, but is within walking distance of a sandy beach, as well as being within easy reach of a lush forest.
The interiors of the apartment are open and breezy – exactly what the owners wanted in order to maximise family interaction.
“I love the fact that everything is connected. I can see all the way through our two lounges when I stand in the kitchen,” says Mia-Louise, who is now the proud mother of two young boys. “It is not just convenient, but we also feel closer to each other.”
Shabby-chic items contrast nicely with more modern pieces.
Mia-Louise combines furniture from various sources.
With two rambunctious sons in the home, Mia-Louise prioritises safety above all. “Our home must be able to withstand use. Our furniture must function in everyday life and not just be put on exhibition,” she says. “For example, we have upholstered our dining room chairs, so they are extra soft and well-suited for long evenings of conversation around the dining table.”
Mia-Louise has also added to the sense of cosiness and comfort by adorning the neutral-toned walls with her artwork, which she creates from her home studio. The black and white Misse Mai illustrations bring a dose of fun and whimsy into the mix of contemporary and vintage that characterises this home. “As an illustrator, I have a natural calling to tell stories and I myself love adventures," she says.
Nowadays, the mother-of-two’s sense of adventure comes through her collection of books, which she proudly displays in a floor-to-ceiling shelving system.
The couple's bedroom is set in slate grey tones; the painted walls highlight the home's classic mouldings.
Mia-Louise started collecting books when she was a student in London, and her constantly growing library has followed her throughout her many moves, finally merging with her husband’s collection. When combined, their collection of tomes covers everything from design and art to psychology.
Mia-Louise also finds a sense of fun in redesigning her home on a whim. “We are not so afraid of change,” she says. “Last year when it was a terribly long winter, we painted the living room yellow.” Now, the soft, sand-toned walls capture a warming glow, providing the perfect backdrop for the pretty Misse Mai illustrations. This happy family home is not just a place to work, but also a place to play and create.
