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Architecture & InteriorsIssue — Pastel Palette

A Hellerup Villa, Reworked from the Structure Up by Sarah Fitzgerald

April 10, 2026

We first came across this project through Dinesen, the Danish heritage brand specializing in exceptionally wide-plank wooden flooring, who supplied the timber for a comprehensive renovation of a villa in Hellerup, just north of Copenhagen. The house, home to model Cecilie Haugaard and musician Christopher Nissen and their children, was reworked entirely by designer Sarah Fitzgerald, who acted as both designer and contractor through her studio, Sarah Fitzgerald ApS.

Across 237 square meters, the eight-room house underwent a full structural transformation, including a complete reconfiguration of the plan and the excavation of a substantial basement level. Working cohesively across architecture and interiors, Fitzgerald introduced concealed steel beams to open the layout, alongside a considered material palette, built-in furnishings, and custom-designed pieces for the space. Here’s a closer look.

Photography courtesy of Dinesen.

the walls were painted in file under pop dream cream. the dining chairs are the 17
Above: The walls were painted in File Under Pop Dream Cream. The dining chairs are the In Between Chair from &Tradition in Smoked Oiled Oak. The floor lamp is the Morning Glory Floor Lamp from Aqua Creations.
the cabinetry was designed custom by sarah fitzgerald for the space. the ceilin 18
Above: The cabinetry was designed custom by Sarah Fitzgerald for the space. The ceiling lights are also from Aqua Creations, the Stand By Pendant Light.
lining the kitchen walls are gubi bestlite bl wall lamps. the countertops are m 19
Above: Lining the kitchen walls are Gubi Bestlite BL Wall Lamps. The countertops are marble and the patinated brass faucet is a Quooker.
the kitchen island is kitted with rattan barstools from ellos home. 20
Above: The kitchen island is kitted with rattan Barstools from Ellos Home.
the downstairs powder room is designed with unlacquered brass faucet and edward 21
Above: The downstairs powder room is designed with unlacquered brass faucet and Edwardian console sink.
in contrast to the rich cream colored walls, the central stairwell is painted s 22
Above: In contrast to the rich cream colored walls, the central stairwell is painted stark white.
a quiet living space on the second floor is home to the family&#8\2\17;s up 23
Above: A quiet living space on the second floor is home to the family’s upright piano.
a bedroom with a custom built in bed designed to maximize storage. a gubi wall 24
Above: A bedroom with a custom built-in bed designed to maximize storage. A Gubi Wall Lamp, exposed beam, and vintage Michael Thonet armchair are bedside.
a wicker chair in the children&#8\2\17;s&#8\2\17; room, kitted with lib 25
Above: A wicker chair in the children’s’ room, kitted with liberty prints. The flooring throughout the villa is the Dinesen Douglas Natural/Classic Mix, finished with lye and white soap.
the attic level, too, was fully renovated. the circular window was an original 26
Above: The attic level, too, was fully renovated. The circular window was an original feature the designers chose to preserve. Beneath it is the Vadehavet Daybed. Above is the Risbyn/Havsdjup Pendant Lamp designed by Atelier Lisa Hilland for Ikea.

For more Copenhagen-area interiors, see our posts:

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