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Breathing New Life into Historical Spaces
Freja Bak Josias and her husband Magnus embarked on a significant transformation of their family’s new home in Frederiksberg, a charming area in the heart of Copenhagen. As new parents, they stepped into their abode, a turn-of-the-19th-century structure initially built as workers’ apartments, with anticipation and vision. What sets their journey apart is Freja's deep specialization in historic preservation—a field that emphasizes maintaining the essence of old buildings while innovating for modern needs.
“In preservation work, you aim to do as little as necessary to keep the character intact,” Freja explains. However, this project called for an inventive reconfiguration to create a contemporary living space. Within a brisk two-month period, she led a renovation that saw ceilings removed and walls restructured, illuminating dark corners and uniting cramped areas into an airy double-height living room framed by large windows.”
A Fusion of Art and Design
This architectural overhaul didn’t just aim for openness; it also created a canvas for their curated collection of contemporary Danish art and furniture. As Freja mentioned during her tour of the home, their collection serves to bring a vibrancy reflective of their growing family. “Collecting art has always been our passion,” she shares. From limited-edition prints to unique gifts exchanged during family milestones, every piece has a story. The couple often browses local galleries for new additions—taking home something beautiful that speaks to their family’s narrative.
Their commitment to sustainability shines through, not just in art choices but in the materials they opted for during the remodel. Freja ensured the new installations matched the original character of the home, prioritizing the use of handcrafted elements that resonate with the building’s history. It's a calculated balance of the new and the old, making their family hideaway both modern and timeless.
Creating a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The home of Freja and Magnus is a successful blend of aesthetics and practicality, essential for any growing household. Maximizing functionality was a significant part of their design philosophy, especially with a young child in tow. The couple chose furnishings that are not just beautiful but also durable and adaptable for family life. Vintage treasures mingle with modern Scandinavian design, showcasing that elegance can coexist with the realities of parenthood.
Freja explained how they integrated quality over quantity: “We prefer pieces that will last us a lifetime, goods that aren’t just for show but can withstand the chaos a family brings. It’s important that our home is not just a space to live, but a place where we can enjoy aesthetics and functionality simultaneously.” They achieved this harmony through careful selection of each element, from wooden flooring treatments to fixtures in the kitchen—ensuring everything tells a cohesive story.
The Joy of Home Renovation
For homeowners contemplating a renovation, Freja’s journey offers valuable insights into the world of transformative interior design. One crucial piece of advice is to keep the original integrity of the space while having fun with modern updates. Freja's story showcases how creativity and functionality can flourish together, even in spaces laden with history.
The importance of personalization also cannot be understated. Whether it’s creating a mural in your child’s room or carefully selecting artwork that resonates with your family’s story, each home is a reflection of those who live within it. For Freja, it’s this blending of personal narrative and artistic vision that truly brings a space to life.
Final Thoughts
For those looking for inspiration in their own renovations, Freja Bak Josias’s home stands as a testament to thoughtful design born from a desire for practicality intertwined with beauty. As families continue to grow and change, their living spaces can too, inviting opportunities for creative expression while celebrating the memories that fill their walls. What started as a simple attic conversion evolved into a sanctuary that balances warmth, art, and family life.
Are you inspired to start your own renovation project? Connect with local experts today to create a space uniquely yours and discover how to bring your vision to life.
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