Colour therapy

When Lene Kesselhahn moved into this city apartment, she instantly painted every wall white. Since then, she’s been unable to resist adding bolder hues that make her happy…

Dining room

Lene chose a wall colour that works with the bare wood flooring. ‘It’s important to consider a home’s existing features when choosing your palette, and the floor can be a deciding factor,’ she says.

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When Lene Kesselhahn moved into her garishly painted lavender blue apartment 15 years ago, she did what we all do – she hastily bought some white emulsion and painted every room. ‘I probably wouldn’t do that now,’ she says. ‘I’ve become much bolder and more adventurous in my colour choices. Today, I would probably keep some of that lavender blue – it could have been beautiful with the right colours.’

Walking through Lene’s single-level apartment now, you’ll discover a joyous mix of colours, from soft grey-green and duck-egg, to cheery grass green and denim blue. ‘There was no grand plan,’ says Lene, ‘and I didn’t paint the apartment all at once. It has developed slowly, and the walls have had many different shades on them over the years. It started as a single wall here and there, then a whole room, until, gradually, colour took over the whole apartment! I go for colours that feel good and create the right mood for both body and soul.'

Despite the spectrum of colours she has used, however, Lene has a clear favourite. ‘I love indigo,’ she says. ‘Each time I see something in that shade, I have to bring it home, whether it’s a teapot, a lamp, or the tiles I’ve used on my desk. But, in principle, all colours are welcome here!