“The Sommerhus Collection is inspired by the Danish tradition of retreating to the sea and forest for a brief season and living simply and quietly,” says Julie Pointer Adams. First-hand experience came from the six summer weeks Julie and her husband and creative partner, Ryan Adams, and their two young sons spent in a seaside village in Denmark.
Beyond a retail space, their newly opened shop in Carpinteria, California, just 12 miles down the coast from Santa Barbara, is a showcase for their approach to design and the many ways they apply it. In addition to being the author of three popular design books, including Wabi Sabi Welcome, Julie is a photographer and creative director who loves helping others feel at home. As a final art school project, Julie staged a meal for 60 in which every element, down to the carved wooden forks, was created by her or a fellow maker. “It was not clear how to turn that into a career,” she says, but then she went on to become Kinfolk’s first employee, orchestrating the brand’s signature community dinners near and far and contributing to Kinfolk’s books.
Together with Ryan she now specializes in creating community in myriad ways, including turning their studio, Atelier Sunhouse, into a store. They also work as design consultants: “What we do falls beyond the realm of interior design and decorating, and more along the lines of coaching for creating the home (and feelings of home) our clients dream of,” explains Julie who is currently finishing her next book, Spirited Spaces, out this spring from Artisan Books. Join us for a look at their new clubhouse.
Photography by Julie Pointer Adams, unless noted, all courtesy of The Sommerhus Collection by Atelier Sunhouse (@ateliersunhouse).
The white linen dress is by local fashion designer Kate McMahon. The Frama Chair 01 was “inspired by seating commonly found in Nordic auditoriums and churches since the 1800s”—and is stackable. Photograph by Oliver Adams.
The Farmhouse Trestle Table is by Frama. Julie made the benches in grad school: “I’ve been toting them around with me for the last 15 years.”
The striped robes on offer in adult and kid’s sizes are by Danish brand Bongusta, making their US debut in the shop. Terry robes, explains Julie, are what Danes wear to and from the beach; no coverups or towels needed, bathing suits optional.
For more inspiration, explore the Remodelista summer house archive, including:
- Seaside Scandi: A 1970s Cabin Makeover on the Danish Riviera
- The Pine House 1970: A Modern Danish Summer House in Liseleje
- In Harmoni: A Low-Impact Summer House in Rural Vollerup, Denmark
- New England Practical: The Case for Painted Wood Floors in the Summer Cottage
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