A project from the archives: Emilie Frantzen and her husband Thomas Nordquist took on a leaky old villa in Valby and transformed it into a gem filled with modern design, custom-made solutions, and beautiful pastel tones.

The couple moved from an apartment to an old villa that had stood empty for 10 years, together with their two children, because they needed more space. Although they had experience renovating their apartment, they quickly agreed that a skilled contractor was needed to help them through the process.

Emilie and Thomas reached out to CAIA LEIFSDOTTER after following us on Instagram for some time. They were looking for something unique and custom-made that would suit their taste as well as the house’s distinctive framework and original details — a type of project that founder and designer Caisa is very passionate about.

“Working with old, beautiful houses requires respect and care for the many delicate details gifted to us by the home’s time capsule. Back in the 1930s, when many of these classic red-brick villas were built, the approach to construction and detailing was completely different — and something I personally love. That’s why it’s such a pleasure to meet a couple like Emilie and Thomas, who have a great eye for design and detail and aren’t afraid to think outside the box when it comes to their kitchen and bathroom — two core parts of any home.”

— Caisa Leifsdotter, founder and designer

In the kitchen, we chose to go with our **Bulky Frame** design, characterized by its rounded, chunky edges that bring a beautiful and unique architectural elegance. The chunky round handles are also custom-designed specifically for this kitchen, adding a sublime finish.
Two shelves in the same style were created to match the kitchen and contribute to an all-around cohesive look. The pastel blue color was the couple’s own wish, making this kitchen even more special — and truly theirs.
Throughout the home, there is a clear sense of symmetry, centered around two dominant pastel tones: yellow and blue — a theme that continues into the home’s two bathrooms.
The ceiling lamps consist of an opal glass dome from Flos and ceiling medallions designed by Emilie and custom-made by Rubin Stuk & Søn. The wall lamps in the kitchen are *Tip of the Tongue*, designed by Michael Anastassiades

Art, Danish design, and a unifying thread

Both couples have a strong appreciation and eye for art and design, which is evident in every corner of the home. For designer Caisa Leifsdotter, it has always been her driving force to create spaces and design kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and more that are artistic, functional, and beautifully crafted. That’s why everything comes together seamlessly here in the old 1960s villa.

The dining table features an antique oval marble tabletop in an apricot hue, purchased secondhand by the couple themselves. The tabletop rests on our Silver Root Tall in steel — a handcrafted piece designed by Caisa and produced in Italy. The Silver Root base measures 60 cm at its widest point and stands 70 cm tall, with a patented organic shape.

Above the dining table hangs an antique Murano lamp.

The first sketch of this sofa was drawn in 1970 by Caisa's father, a skilled Swedish architect. In 2018, Caisa rediscovered the drawings and redesigned the sofa in a modern style. The Wittorin Sofa is Designed by Caisa Leifsdotter for ToneArt. In each piece of the sofa, a solid wood base surrounds an ample seat, with thoughtfully designed arm and back cushions for both corner and straight configurations. The cushions can easily be moved and the wooden base used in its secondary function as a table surface for lamps, decorative objects, or drinks. The Wittorin Series is of-the-moment and yet timeless, and these statement pieces can be customized in colors and size to suit any interior.

Pastel Heaven in Valby

From Dancing to Dining