Helena’s home truths

I live... with my son, Viggo (5), next door to where my parents live. We’re
high on a mountain above a lake, so it feels like we’re on top of the world.
Our home is... an old wooden house that I restored with my 73-year-old father.
It’s traditional, but with a modern twist. In many ways it tells our history. The timber we used to refurbish it is from trees my father planted 60 years ago.
In another life... I would probably be a nomad. Part of me wishes that our
home was a boat and that I could sail the Atlantic like I did in my twenties. But
this felt like the right place to settle.
Let in the light... It’s a kind of mantra for me. I’m a photographer – as well as a cook and restaurateur – so I’m obsessed with light.
For us, food is... everything! I love the creative cycle of nourishing
your body to stay healthy and strong.

A traditional family kitchen with a twist

Helena planned her IKEA kitchen to complement the traditional character of the house, but with modern functions. ‘I was inspired by restaurant kitchens,’ she says. ‘Most of the storage is below waist-level, so you get a good overview of the space and I chose drawers instead of cabinets because they’re easier for finding things. During the summer, I run a restaurant on my parents’ campsite – I’ve been doing it every year since I was 13.’

Create a retreat for one or more

With a few comfy chairs, a rug and some throws, Helena made a cosy upstairs sanctuary. ‘Guests love it,’ she says. ‘But I also spend a few moments here every day. My work and life at home keep me very busy, so I sometimes forget to take care of myself. But on a recent trip to Bali, I learned a few rituals for giving myself space. I love to sit here and contemplate the view. It keeps me connected to nature and the world outside.’

Decorate with textiles for a soothing bedroom

Helena likes to keep her bedroom simple and uncluttered, without many objects or clothes on show. ‘I think of my bedroom primarily as a place to rest and recharge,’ she says. ‘So the bed is the only real focal point. Just layering a few favourite textiles on top is enough, and I added the canopy to make it more cosy. As I have no headboard, I created one with wallpaper.’ Hanging a length of your favourite fabric or using wall stickers to decorate behind the bed will have the same effect.

Make a feel-good dressing area

Mix old and new storage and display solutions to create a personal walk-in wardrobe.
‘I wanted my dressing room to feel like a little vintage store in Montmartre,’ says Helena. ‘So that you come in and feel like you want to explore. I made the rail myself. I have hundreds of outfits because I used to be a wedding photographer, and I had to look
the part. I loved it! Now every person who comes to the house changes the outfit on the mannequin, and kids like to come in here and dress up. For me, clothes are an opportunity to be creative and have fun.’

Celebrate organic style

Make a feature of worn, vintage items and invite nature inside with plants. ‘Authenticity is important,’ says Helena. ‘I prefer materials like wood and I try not to change things too much. If a table is old, let it be – celebrate the beauty of imperfection.’

A home for family and friends

‘This place would feel big for us if it was just Viggo and I,’ says Helena. ‘But there are often people staying over, like my artist friend Anja. We like to throw parties and this is a great place to have them!’

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by

Photography Dan Duchars

Styling Carl Braganza