Global celebration

From embroidered carpets to Chinese amulets, the Christmas decorations in this Danish villa reflect its owner’s well-travelled style

This Danish villa is festooned in trinkets and accessories from around the world

‘I’VE ALWAYS ENJOYED THE CHALLENGE OF CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN AN ELEGANT WAY THAT IS TRUE TO MY STYLE’

ELLE Decoration first visited Sara Schmidt’s modern

villa in Odense, Denmark, back in 2012, and we were delighted to be invited back for Christmas with Sara and her daughter Maria (two). Sara is the founder of interiors company Brandts Indoor and specialises in sourcing global homewares from bazaars and markets across the world. Clean lines, an open layout and a natural palette of slate, marble and teak make this house the perfect backdrop to her pieces. ‘I was excited by the idea of fusing the strong Scandinavian architecture with my eclectic global aesthetic,’ she says.

Come December, you won’t find gaudy baubles or Father Christmas references here. ‘Christmas in Denmark is all about red and white, but we don’t go for the classic look,’ says Sara. ‘I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of celebrating Christmas in an elegant and understated way that is true to my own style.’ Brightly coloured embroidered suzani rugs from Uzbekistan are layered beneath the tree, which is decorated with real candles, glass baubles in muted colours, and unique pieces that Sara has bought on her travels, including a delicate Chinese amulet. On the mantelpiece, vintage Afghan bangles are stacked together to form glimmering intricately patterned silver candleholders, and gifts are wrapped with patterned ribbons and fabrics. Colourful textiles from Uzbekistan and Turkey are used to decorate the table, and other objects found on Sara’s trips are used in equally innovative ways. Lassi cups, the metal drinks tumblers most commonly found in India, are used as tealight holders to add glamour and warmth to the table setting. Next to the sofa, on an ottoman that has been repurposed as a coffee table, more lassi cups are filled with winter hyacinths that emit a beautiful scent.

Sara’s favourite festive memory is the first Christmas that she spent with her daughter. ‘ We brought her home on 23 December. We hadn’t had time to do much Christmas preparation but all the family was there and it was a great chance for them to get to know her. It was a lovely relaxing day.’ brandtsindoor.dk ➤