TRUE BLUE MUSE

Influenced by different styles and eras, this home showcases through the lens of colour, shape and pattern heritage architecture

-  eva-marie wilken & laura barry

LOCATED WITHIN A HERITAGE BUILDING dating back to 1919, the apartment of Danish stylist Eva-Marie Wilken is a unique fusion of historical charm and contemporary style, but it wasn't always such a delightful space. When Eva-Marie purchased the property two years ago, it was run-down, dated and required a restoration, a transformation that was carefully monitored by local heritage authorities.

MIXED MEDIUM Original features such as the cream tiles in the bathroom and kitchen, terrazzo flooring, staircase, stucco and decorative architectural features were maintained, while Eva-Marie introduced a candy-hued colour palette, patterned wallpaper, contemporary furnishings and statement lighting. "Decorating such an old apartment with elements from modern life is both fun and a big challenge. I wish to retain an authentic atmosphere, but I also want functionality and aesthetics to be a top priority," says Eva-Marie.

HISTORY LESSON The spacious main living, dining and working quarters of Eva-Marie's home are located towards the street-facing front of the property, and have lovely wall panels and beautiful bay windows, the glazing of which was replaced with sound-proof glass to reduce outside noise. The rear of the apartment includes a compact kitchen and smaller rooms - such as the bedroom and bathroom - which once functioned as servants' quarters. "I really enjoy the way old and new come together in an apartment like this. It's wonderful to run down the old and worn stairs and think of how life here once was," says Eva-Marie.