CRAFTY CHRISTMAS
On the other side of the world, Danish stylist Rikke Graff Juel puts a personal touch on her festive decorations
Rikke Graff Juel took the decorating lead at her family’s home in Frederiksberg, a chic Copenhagen neighbourhood famous for its welcoming vibe and expansive gardens. However, the in-demand interior stylist credits her husband Jeppe for its strokes of genius. “He was the mastermind on major changes such as removing a wall between the kitchen and dining area to have more open space and light,” she says.
Before they moved in, the 1930s house was painted yellow, with a neglected basement area and 1970s alterations. “It was a challenge I couldn’t resist,” says Rikke. Fortunately, though, the bungalow was a clear example of the Scandinavian ‘funkis’ (functional) style. “Architects from that period focused on space utilisation, so changing the floor plan wasn’t necessary,” she adds.
Beneath all the extraneous fixtures and finishes, Rikke was surprised to find that the house was in fairly good condition.
She was also delighted to discover that it had belonged to an architect whose father was a pioneer of functionalism. “I love the materials that architecture and furniture were built with during this period,” she says. “The house is robust and genuine with a durability that just speaks to me.”
After a few months of living there, the couple were confident about what had to be done. The basement kitchen/dining area was dark and austere, so making that zone comfortable and welcoming was a priority. They began by installing concrete floors and underfloor heating, a must in Copenhagen where daytime winter temperatures may not rise above freezing.
With the furnishings, Rikke opted for mid-century pieces, starting with the oak table in the entrance (it was made by Jeppe’s grandfather, also an architect). “Ninety per cent of our things are secondhand,” says Rikke. “I like to purchase them on Instagram, at auctions and when I’m travelling.” She has experimented with colour by painting walls but not the whole house; “tone-on-tone earth colours” such as sand, grey and dusty green are her favourites. Lining the walls is a mix of art and framed posters.
For Christmas, Rikke prefers simple and unobtrusive decorations that harmonise with the existing interiors, mostly handcrafted from paper, wood and leather. Her imprint is everywhere, with a variety of effortless accessories – candles, linen napkins, neutral ceramics and fun, hand-sewn leather stockings – placed artfully together for a look that’s softer than traditional ornaments. Forest-inspired flora is always present, notably eucalyptus and evergreens. “Some might call our kind of Christmas underplayed, but as a stylist I do Christmas work for many months beforehand,” she says. “Maybe that’s why it doesn’t have to be loud when it enters my home.”
There are exceptions, though, such as in daughter Olivia’s room. “She’s made it one big Christmas landscape, with homecut garlands, Santa figurines, sparkles and gold,” says Rikke.
“It’s fierce, and that’s fine with me – as long as it stays there!” To see more of Rikke’s styling work, visit rikkegraffjuel.com
“I am in charge of the decorating and details. As long as I don’t paint the whole house pink and bring in purple furniture, my husband doesn’t mind what I do” RIKKE