Milieu is a series that explores the unique ways in which we breathe life into our homes. From coastal towns to city living, our homes are a celebration of small, simple moments. They’re a reflection of our lives. Our stories. Our milieu.
Our next feature brings us to the Danish countryside to visit Sarah Bojesen . Sarah lives in Denmark with her husband and children in a 1930’s red brick house that is captivating from the inside out. From her warm, minimalist interior to her beloved outdoor workshop, full to the brim with gardening tools and accoutrements, it’s impossible to not wish to tap your heels together three times and transport yourself to her doorstep.
We were thrilled to collaborate with her on our Autumn ’22 collection and even more thrilled to invite you inside to see more of her beautiful milieu!
Please, introduce yourself 🙂
My name is Sarah Bojesen and I live with my partner Fred and our two children in a little countryside village in Denmark. I’ve been working with design and styling for the past 12 years, most of them in the fashion industry yet the latest in the lifestyle and interior industries.
Whereabouts are you located?
We live in a tiny village in the Danish countryside surrounded by beautiful nature.
Can you tell us a bit about the home you live in and its history?
Our home is a traditional Danish brick house from 1930, a classic and timeless architectural style I enjoy and appreciate every day. Most windows are original – a feature I absolutely love; we try to see ourselves as custodians of this house in order to take good care of all original features.
I’ve been informed by locals that our house used to serve as a bakery in the village and that our guest bedroom with terrazzo flooring was the shop floor. I find that history quite charming.
You have such a wonderful outdoor space. Have you always loved gardening and tending to the outdoors?
Ohh, thank you so much. That makes me so happy and somewhat proud to hear that you think so. Our garden and outdoor space is actually rather small, so we’ve tried to optimize every square inch to squeeze in all the features we wanted for this place, without making it feel crowded.
It’s also my very first garden, so there has been a lot of learning by doing, but that’s actually one of the things I enjoy most about gardening; you try something, and if it doesn’t work – it’s so tangible to change. You don’t have to overthink it; you just have to go for it.
In my childhood, my lovely mum was always a keen gardener (she still is!), but I have to admit that I didn’t enjoy or fully understand the wonderful world of gardening until I got one myself. It definitely opened my eyes to a new hobby and today I wouldn’t be without my garden. It’s truly a place I enjoy spending my time.
What is one of your favourite things about Denmark in October?
When all the leaves change colour, the air turns freshly crisp and it’s possible to layer up in chunky knitwear again. Three things I appreciate very much. Of course every season has its own charm, but I do love Autumn and always have. For me, it’s a time to reflect and ponder.
Speaking of October, does this month hold significance for you? (With the handle @octoberdetails , couldn’t help but wonder!)
October 1st is my birthday, and so it always feels like the beginning of a new chapter in October. When I started my Instagram account a few years back, I remember a growing urge to photograph all sorts of details around the house. I simply loved the original details and features, as well as I, wanted to explore interiors and capture moods, thus I created @octoberdetails as a creative outlet…
Similarly to us here in the Canadian Prairies, the Danish fall and winter must be quite a long / dark time. How do you prepare to enjoy the season ahead?
Yes indeed, Autumn-Winter can be quite long here in Denmark too. The older I get, the more I notice these darker times. So I try my best to make our home feel warm and comfy for the whole family; fluffy slippers, warm woolly blankets, fire in the fireplace as well as cups of coffee and hot chocolate.
Also, I’m a big fan of Christmas, and sometimes I slowly start decorating in the end of November… both the kids and I find that to be such a mood booster. That way the Danish hygge finds its way to our home through the last and darker months of year.
Do you have any favourite autumnal recipes that you can’t wait to dive into this season?
I enjoy making quiche – especially with different types of mushrooms, onions and lots of spinach. In general, I prefer super easy and super simple dishes that can be styled beautifully. A beautifully served plate makes half the dish in my opinion.
When it comes to adorning your interior space, do you consider yourself a minimalist?
Excellent question – to a certain extent I do consider myself a minimalist, as I consciously seek simplicity. I find much beauty in simplicity. However, I also find myself drawn to other interior styles than minimalism; English cottage style, mixes of patterns and colours, wallpapers and modern rustic also end up in my various inspiration folders over and over. But at the end of the day, I prefer to dress my own home in a quiet palette where less is more.
Recently my sister came across an article on ‘warm minimalism’ as a subject that she forwarded to me and said “That’s you and your home.” She’s usually right, and if the shoe fits…
Do you have a favourite viewpoint or corner of your house that you gravitate to?
My favourite viewpoint in the house has always been looking through the dining room into the garden. The old windows let in so much beautiful daylight and during the Summer we almost always leave the door open into the garden. That way the patio feels like an extra seasonal room.
I remember visiting the house for the first time and feeling at home in the dining room. It has such a simply, lovely vibe, and to this very day, I still enjoy sitting there enjoying my meals and my coffee with that same view all year round.
What sparked your love of design?
That would probably be my childhood room, as I always loved moving my furniture and things around. Coming up with new solutions and ideas for the same items gave me such a rush of inspiration. It definitely got me into a ‘design way’ of thinking and I had so much fun doing it.
As a child, I actually wanted to work in interior design, but as I got older that dream slowly changed into fashion design. However, for most of my life aesthetics have been the focal point in pretty much everything I’ve pursued.
Most unique interior item (big, small, old, new) in your home?
That would probably be a wavy floor lamp I found second-hand a couple of years ago. My partner, Fred, kindly picked it up for me, yet he still awaits the day when it moves out of the house again. I love the sculptural design, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find the designer of the lamp.
Biggest design inspiration?
Ohh, that’s a tough one! I find inspiration in so many places. However, I’m a forever fan of talented John Pawson’s minimal approach to design. I find his designs – they’re strikingly powerful yet so tranquil and serene. Also, Tamsin Johnson’s eclectic approach to design really inspires me. I love the way she so effortlessly mixes materials and colours in a subtle way.
If you’re feeling inspired to seek more of Sarah’s warm minimalism, you can find her on Instagram . Her presence on the app always breathes a breath of fresh, calming air into our feed.
Browse Sarah's Favourite Pieces
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