Pernille — Very personal and a reflection of my experiences and travels.

Richy — Home for me has always been a feeling and location, rather than a particular building. Since moving away from my hometown of Newcastle at a fairly young age, I’ve always spoke of ‘gannin hyem’ when I return. I guess it’s a feeling of belonging, of identity, of pride, and where I expect to find my family. It can be a very powerful and emotive idea.

Pernille — I have two artworks from a Danish artist, painted in the 1970s, which my father bought. They hung on either side of our fireplace. Since my dad passed away 17 years ago, I have kept them with me, displaying them in every home I have lived in since.

I also found handwritten recipes from my grandmother, dating back to the 1940s. I framed nine of them in walnut frames with a linen backing, and they now hang in our kitchen. 

Pernille — My family home was very eclectic and layered. The interior was filled with objects my dad had picked up through work travels, mixed with Scandinavian furniture pieces. My mother also contributed with lots of Thai antiques, wall tapestries, Buddha statues and embroidered cushions.

I actually didn’t like our home for many years, I felt it was too cluttered and not as curated and light as my friend’s homes. When you’re a kid I guess you want to fit in. Mostly it was in my head and I don’t think my friends or others had as strong an opinion about the interiors as I did.

Richy — I’ve always been fascinated by and conscious of the industrial heritage of the region in which I grew up. The rhythmic Victorian structures of the railway provide huge inspiration, as does ship building and coal mining, major industries that existed until only a generation ago, and still cast a shadow over the landscape.

As I child I spent my school holidays earning pocket money at my parent’s fabrication business, so my affinity with metalwork feels blood deep, as does a very functional and structurally sound approach to design.

Pernille — Most certainly. But of course, good design is subjective, and it’s important not only to do what we believe looks good, but also to listen to our clients and understand the functions they need.

For me, designing a good home means creating comfortable spaces, using calming colours, and incorporating natural materials to provide a balanced sensory experience.

Richy — Absolutely. We all have a very intimate relationship with our homes. Improving that relationship will almost always improve one’s life, and it’s often our role as interior and furniture designers to facilitate this.

Pernille — Relaxed and at ease.

Richy — Welcomed, calm, inspired.