We Just Closed! A New Chapter Begins in Our Danish House
As an interior designer living in Asheville, North Carolina, I’ve spent years helping clients shape their homes into spaces that reflect who they are. But today—May 1st, 2025—my work took on a deeply personal dimension: my husband and I just closed on an old house in Denmark, the country where I spent my childhood.
This isn’t just about real estate. It’s about returning to my roots, reconnecting with a landscape and culture that has lived in my memory for decades. And it’s about taking everything I’ve learned as a designer and applying it to a space of our own, with all the quirks, beauty, and inevitable challenges that come with renovating a historic European home.
Why Denmark? Why Now?
The idea had been simmering for years. I have Danish citizenship and had always dreamed of owning a home in the countryside where I once played under the trees and rode bikes down quiet lanes. The timing finally aligned—personally and professionally—and now here we are.
The process of buying a home in Denmark as a Danish citizen living abroad was manageable. Because I had lived in Denmark for more than five years (albeit during childhood), I didn’t need special permission to buy property. That said, navigating the legal, financial, and bureaucratic systems still required patience, research, and the help of a few wonderful local professionals.
Meet Our House
We found the house—a timeworn gem in the heart of Funen. It has great bones, original details, and a quiet dignity that spoke to me immediately. My husband and I saw its potential: a place to gather, to create, and to slow down.
Like many old Danish homes, it needs work. Updating plumbing and electrical systems, insulating for harsh winters, preserving original features and integrating modern comforts without compromising its charm—these are the challenges we’re embracing with excitement.
The Designer’s Dream
This project is a dream come true. It allows me to blend Scandinavian simplicity with the layered, eclectic style I’ve cultivated through Studio O Interiors. We’ll be mixing vintage Danish pieces with American finds, keeping the palette soft and nature-inspired, and sourcing as much as we can from local artisans and markets.
I’m documenting every step—from layout changes to material selections, from unexpected surprises to small wins. This journey isn’t just for us; it’s a story I want to share with clients, fellow creatives, and anyone curious about what it means to build a life across cultures.
What’s Next
The renovation officially begins now—and no doubt the house will reveal its secrets along the way. But we are excited to make this old house feel like our home.
If you're dreaming about buying abroad, reclaiming a piece of your heritage, or simply want to follow along as we transform this house into something personal and timeless, stay tuned. There’s so much more to come.
