Making Space In A Small Flat

Making Space In A Small Flat
Using Every Centimetre Of Space

Heirlooms and flea-market treasures surround Jacob Orholm and Tina Hansen as they sit in their Frederiksburg apartment, just outside the city of Copenhagen in Denmark. At more than a century old, the building itself is at least twice the age of the oldest thing to be found inside, because Jacob and Tina have committed themselves to allowing nothing through the front door that dates back any further than 1950.

So how have they achieved this feat? 'Our style is a kind of unsnobbish fusion,' says Jacob, the 32-year-old owner of advertising company Galla-id and art brand Galleria. 'We do love bargains, but we've thrown in a few expensive pieces for contrast.'

It was clear that the pair needed a special type of house to show off their collection, a diverse selection of bits and pieces picked up from antiques stores and flea market stalls over a number of years. But, in their quest for an airy two-storey apartment, they nearly overlooked the building that was destined to become their home.

'It was all quite uninspiring,' says Jacob. 'But the kitchen was the worst.' At just 3 sq m, it was certainly bijou, and not at all what the couple had in mind. But by bringing down the wall that separated it from the dining room, Jacob and Tina found they had a large kitchen-dining space, leading through to a spacious living area.