Designer, painter and artist Heidi Zilmer is much in demand for renovation projects.
Heidi Zilmer is many things: an artisan specialising in decorative painting techniques, a designer, an artist, and an educator. She is the specialist called in by Danish architects and interior designers when historic interiors need careful restoration, when privately owned castles call out for an update, and when you need a custom wallpaper or decorative flourish in any style from past to present. So who better to meet up with for a chat about recent trends in renovation approaches?
‘From where I’m sitting, I think we’ve become more aware of treasuring what’s already there,’ says Heidi. ‘In recent years, people have become less prone to simply rip out everything and putting in the latest look. While I often work on buildings that are listed, meaning that the owners are obligated by law to preserve many or all of its elements intact, I also see that more and more people are voluntarily seeking out ways to honour their property’s history and the materials and techniques used when it was first made. We’ve become increasingly interested in safeguarding what’s there and in spending time, effort and money on restoring rather than replacing.’
‘From where I’m sitting, I think we’ve become more aware of treasuring what’s already there,’ says Heidi
In Denmark, the trend towards greater veneration for the history and originality of buildings from all eras has also manifested itself in mainstream media. ‘For example, the Danish Broadcasting Corporation has launched a TV series called “Huse med Hemmeligheder”, literally “Houses with Secrets”, which focus on owners discovering and reinstating original features of their properties,’ Heidi relates. ‘Full disclosure: I was involved in the very first episode, where I advised a couple on how to renovate their home, the former home of a Russian Tsar! That particular project involved researching the paint schemes that would have been found in the house back in the 1880s, making decisions on how to treat the original benches in a lovely little conservatory, and reintroducing gilt elements on the original mouldings – the past wasn’t as all-white as Danish interiors have since veered towards becoming!’
Heidi was involved in the very first episode, where she advised a couple on how to renovate the former home of a Russian Tsar!
Since then, the series has been renewed for a second season, and it exemplifies how the general trend towards respecting original interiors encompasses all styles and periods: “I have watched, with great interest, episodes devoted entirely to reinstating a 1960s interior – and, very aptly, to the renewed interest in vintage kitchens. A particular design known as the Tectum kitchen – done in a classic mid-century style – was very popular in Denmark in the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, countless fitted kitchens of this design have been replaced as fashions have changed, but now they’ve become coveted again, not just due to their design but also their quality. For example, the wooden veneer is thick enough to be sanded down and revarnished, returning them to pristine perfection! Very impressive for elements that were originally designed as an affordable alternative.
All this means that people are now renovating those kitchens instead of throwing them out, and there’s a roaring trade in elements reclaimed from demolition sites and the like. I think that’s a great example of how there’s beauty to be found in virtually any style period, particularly if you stay true to the original design and don’t try to turn it into something it’s not,’ says Heidi, adding that: ‘The TV series as a whole is very interesting as a manifestation of a general trend: Interior design is no longer necessarily about transforming everything to reflect the latest trend. Rather, people are returning the bones of their building to their original state and then playing around with the furniture and accessories to bring the overall feel of the space up to date.’
“I have watched, with great interest, episodes devoted entirely to the renewed interest in vintage kitchens. A particular design known as the Tectum kitchen.”
The 1960s Tectum kitchen has become great sought after by design enthusiasts.
Turning to Heidi Zilmer’s own particular field of expertise – decorative painting, customised wall coverings and art – she is eager to point out how traditional skill sets can be used not only in renovations, but to create striking modern interiors, too.
Zilmer recreated a wallpaper originally created for PH’s home.
‘Being trained in classical decorative and trompe-l’oeil painting essentially means that you can make any surface look like anything else,’ she explains. ‘And that gives you free rein to create all the drama you want, including in newbuilds! Of course, knowing the old tricks is also tremendously useful when mending damaged areas in old buildings or restoring a period property to its original state. For example, I had a really fun assignment a little while back: recreating a wallpaper originally used in the private home of the trailblazing Danish architect and lamp designer Poul Henningsen [1894–1967], whom all Danes simply call PH. His own house in Gentofte was being returned to its original appearance – a perfect example of what we’re discussing here – and along the way we found that the bedroom and a hallway had originally been covered in a repeat pattern consisting of ladies lounging and cavorting in the nude! The design was probably deemed too racy by subsequent owners; at any rate it had been covered. Working from the remnants we found, we were able to recreate the full pattern, so the nymphs are once again gracing the great architect’s former home!’
Since then, interest in the wallpaper design has prompted the creation of limited-edition art posters – and a major player on the Danish hospitality scene is now exploring the possibility of using it in a very high-profile location: ‘I’d love that to happen!’ exclaims Heidi. ‘It’s great when rediscovered designs get a new lease of life, and here in Denmark we’re increasingly aware that mid-century homes weren’t white boxes; they were full of colour and pattern. In fact, several of the leading architects and designers of the Danish Design movement created surprisingly detailed wallpaper patterns that are due for a revival.’
I had a really fun assignment a little while back: recreating a wallpaper originally used in the private home of the trailblazing Danish architect and lamp designer Poul Henningsen [1894–1967], whom all Danes simply call PH.
Hotel Ottilia in Copenhagen embraces the cocooning effect of dark colours in its repurposing of former Carlsberg buildings
Looking at the growing awareness of the value of gentle restoration, one question springs to mind: is that too all just a fad, a passion fashion? ‘I think it’s a combination of things,’ says Heidi. ‘You said “fashion”, and if we look to the world of clothes, we’ve certainly seen a major shift away from fast fashion in favour of second-hand and ‘vintage’ pieces. Second-hand shops are now favourite haunts of young people in Denmark, and I expect the same holds true elsewhere. Similar sentiments are now making themselves felt in interior designs, where there’s a greater appreciation for the beauty of past periods and greater attention towards ensuring that your designs stand the test of time. There’s a deliberate choice going on here, associated with preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainability, that goes beyond the merely “trendy”. Original interiors have lasting power – and if they’ve been damaged or altered over the years by less far-sighted owners, there are ways of bringing them back.’
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