Inside Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's Hidden Los Angeles Home | Open Door | Architectural Digest

Summary

In this tour of his home, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau shares the story behind his unique space, emphasizing the blend of Scandinavian simplicity and California comfort. From the custom-designed furniture to the serene garden with a pool, the house reflects his and his family's style, including influences from Denmark and Greenland. He discusses personal artifacts, like a gift from his wife, and the significance of certain elements, such as the fern in the bedroom. The overall atmosphere is one of warmth, natural beauty, and cozy hygge vibes, making this a space for family connection and relaxation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nikolaj Coster-Waldau gives a tour of his house, emphasizing comfort and simplicity in the design.
• 😀 The house was transformed with the help of interior designers Lonnie Castle and Birgitta, with the goal of creating a welcoming space for his family.
• 😀 The house's main attraction is the large windows that offer beautiful views of the surrounding greenery and Los Angeles.
• 😀 A piece of fan-made art from Game of Thrones, representing Brienne of Tarth, is displayed in the house.
• 😀 The house features several personal items, including a craft from Greenland and a painting by artist Victor Delfin.
• 😀 The master bedroom is simple yet filled with good energy, and features a comfortable bed and meaningful family photographs.
• 😀 The kids' rooms are minimalistic, and the bathroom underwent a renovation, removing colorful wallpaper to make it more serene.
• 😀 The kitchen was remodeled from brown tiles and cabinets to a more modern and open design that blends into the dining area.
• 😀 The dining room doubles as an office space, with a table designed by Birgitta and crafted by a local carpenter in LA.
• 😀 The house includes a pool, which, despite initial skepticism from friends, is an essential feature for life in California.
• 😀 The garden is full of greenery, with a special area for sunbathing designed by his daughters, and a citrus tree that adds to the beauty of the space.

Q & A

What motivated Nikolaj Coster-Waldau to purchase this house?

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau decided to buy the house after working in Los Angeles for 15-20 years. He felt it was a good time to find a place, and although he was unsure whether his wife would like it, he fell in love with it and hoped she would agree.

How did the interior design of the house come together?

Nikolaj's friends, Lonnie Castle and Birgitta, who are interior designers, helped furnish the house. They worked together to select furniture and set up the space, aiming for a simple and comfortable design that complemented the views and greenery.

What is the significance of the piece made by Victor Delfin in the house?

The piece made by Victor Delfin, a Peruvian artist, is a bird symbolizing creativity. It was created for Nikolaj, and he describes it as a brain exploding with paintbrushes, which he finds meaningful and amusing.

What was the purpose behind the custom signs created by Victor Delfin?

Victor Delfin created custom signs for Nikolaj and his family based on their zodiac signs. However, Nikolaj humorously reveals that he got the signs for himself and his wife right, but he didn't know his kids' star signs.

How does Nikolaj describe the aesthetic of the house?

Nikolaj describes the house's aesthetic as simple, reflecting their Scandinavian and Greenlandic roots while also embracing the California lifestyle. The design focuses on clean lines and natural elements, such as abundant windows to enjoy the greenery.

Why does Nikolaj think it's important to have a pool in California?

Nikolaj believes having a pool in California is essential, stating that it would be ridiculous to have a house in California without one. Despite some friends questioning how much time he would actually spend in the pool, he enjoys it and even humorously defends it.

What is the 'hyggeligt' feeling Nikolaj refers to?

Nikolaj mentions 'hyggeligt,' a Danish term that refers to a feeling of coziness and comfort. He describes a bench in the garden as embodying this 'hyggeligt' atmosphere, which evokes a sense of warmth and peacefulness.

What is the significance of the photograph in the master bedroom?

The photograph in the master bedroom, a gift from Nikolaj's wife Nukaka, is by Danish photographer Henrik Saxgren. It shows an enormous iceberg in Greenland, contrasting with the lush greenery of California, symbolizing the fusion of their roots with their new environment.

What did Nikolaj do with the fireplace in the house?

Nikolaj had the fireplace renovated, replacing a more complex design with a simple black fireplace and painting the surrounding area white to create a cleaner, more modern look.

What do the kids' rooms look like?

The kids' rooms are described as very basic, featuring just a bed and space for them to add personal items as they grow. The rooms are designed to be simple, focusing on functionality and comfort.