One designer’s interior design principles
The designer and architect Bruno Jakobsen always works according to three fundamental design principles, whatever the project. Get the designer’s interior design tips, and be inspired by his distinctive design.
It can be quite a lot to take on when, as a new or future homeowner, you are faced with the prospect of designing a dream home that needs to exude character and function for many years. Here, the designer and architect Bruno Jakobsen shares three design principles that he always applies – both in collaboration with clients and in his own home.
#1 Let aesthetics lead the way
“Clients often spend a lot of time thinking in terms of practicalities. My appeal is that aesthetics should come first. It’s the biggest investment of your life. If you allow aesthetics to steer your decision-making, the result will be much more appealing,” says Bruno Jakobsen about his first tip.
#2 Use materials that create hygge
“All my projects are imbued with warmth and hygge because of the materials we work with. For me, this is primarily wood and wood-based products which create a sense of warmth and homeliness,” explains Bruno Jakobsen.
#3 Be consistent
“In my work, the mix of materials is one of the key ingredients for a successful result. Choose three or four materials, and be consistent. You achieve an aesthetic look by being consistent and selective. Personally, I work a lot with natural stone, wood, Troldtekt cement-bonded wood wool as well as smooth, white materials – for example plaster – which can highlight the other elements,” says Bruno Jakobsen about his third design principle.
Three Bruno Jakobsen projects
Here, you can see examples from Bruno Jakobsen’s portfolio as well as from his own impressive home, The Nordic Barnhouse Project. Troldtekt acoustic solutions have been used in all the projects.
Summerhouse at Begtrup Vig
“The clients dreamed of a longhouse as a holiday home with room for guests, and they had seen my other projects where I’ve also used black-painted Troldtekt. On an undeveloped scenic plot like theirs, they can enjoy the same views throughout the house thanks to the transverse windows. It’s quite an art trying to meet every wish – also with regard to the length, width and height of the house, as it all needs to balance. However, I think it’s worked out very well.
The summerhouse Villa Ydyn in Ebeltoft
“The clients wanted an extension to the old A-frame house on the site, and I think we’ve succeeded in creating a connection between the new and the existing buildings, where the atmosphere has been preserved. The two elements are linked by a ‘tunnel’, where Troldtekt has been chosen for the ceiling. Outside, the patio, sauna and integrated alcove and seating have a unifying effect. The A-frame house is used by guests, while the family has moved into the extension.
The Nordic Barnhouse Project
Bruno Jakobsen lives and works from his new and exclusively built new Nordic longhouse where the forest floor extends right up to the patio – and which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding woods.
“Back when we designed our summerhouse, we discovered that black-painted Troldtekt panels produce a special ambience – they create an inviting atmosphere by tying everything together. Often, it can take ages to create a sense of hygge, but the colour black actually contributes to a homely feel. Consequently, I nearly always incorporate black acoustic ceilings in my solutions for clients, because the ceiling is such an important element in the overall project,” says Bruno Jakobsen, adding:
“For us, being surrounded by nature means everything, and the orangery is our best investment ever. However, on a daily basis it’s the Troldtekt ceiling we appreciate the most. The acoustic ceiling ensures an air of calm throughout the 37-metre-long house. Everyone who visits notices the quietness. Instead of indoor racket, it’s the sounds of nature we hear.”