Rebecca Wernberg is passionate about historical buildings and furniture, an interest that prompted her to study architecture in her native Denmark. From there, she moved to London, where she worked as an architect and interior designer for five years before heading back home in 2011 to renovate and refurbish castles and other landmarked structures for the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces.
Then, in 2016, she decided to strike out on her own and launch Gallery Wernberg, which specializes in mid-century modern design. “I source, restore and sell furniture and decorative pieces, and I also provide interior design services,” Wernberg says.
Take a look around Wernberg’s 19th-century house in Copenhagen, and it’s evident that she has a profound knowledge of architecture and design. She carefully curated every table, chair, sofa, cabinet, light fixture and ornamental piece. “I love trying new combinations,” Wernberg explains. “I am always on the lookout for beautifully crafted pieces, original items, prototypes or specially designed furniture for certain buildings.”
Wernberg’s motto is straightforward: “Include quality design in your interior, and surround yourself with things that you love.” And that’s exactly what she did in her home.
“In the living room, I created a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere, combining textures and subtle colors with exquisitely designed pieces,” Wernberg says.
A Palle Suenson sofa from the 1950s, reupholstered in blue velvet, is situated on a Märta Måås-Fjetterström rug, where it is flanked by a pair of Alvar Aalto A808 floor lamps. A Kaare Klint and Edvard Kindt-Larsen Mix chair in original Niger leather and a Carl-Axel Acking daybed (topped with art books and a teak bowl by Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen) complete the look.
In the corner, a Vilhelm Lauritzen and Frits Schlegel table lamp and Tapio Wirkkala silver candlesticks are arranged on an Estrid Ericson chest in hand-painted parchment. Pierre Forsell brass candleholders adorn one of the walls. Photo by Maria Vous / Bo Bedre
“In the living room, I created a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere, combining textures and subtle colors with exquisitely designed pieces,” Wernberg says.
A Palle Suenson sofa from the 1950s, reupholstered in blue velvet, is situated on a Märta Måås-Fjetterström rug, where it is flanked by a pair of Alvar Aalto A808 floor lamps. A Kaare Klint and Edvard Kindt-Larsen Mix chair in original Niger leather and a Carl-Axel Acking daybed (topped with art books and a teak bowl by Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen) complete the look.
In the corner, a Vilhelm Lauritzen and Frits Schlegel table lamp and Tapio Wirkkala silver candlesticks are arranged on an Estrid Ericson chest in hand-painted parchment. Pierre Forsell brass candleholders adorn one of the walls. Photo by Maria Vous / Bo Bedre
“This is a reinterpretation of the classic country dining room, with practical mid-century modern cafeteria chairs by Palle Suenson and PH 3/3 copper pendants by Poul Henningsen,” Wernberg says. Photo by Maria Vous / Bo Bedre
“This is a reinterpretation of the classic country dining room, with practical mid-century modern cafeteria chairs by Palle Suenson and PH 3/3 copper pendants by Poul Henningsen,” Wernberg says. Photo by Maria Vous / Bo Bedre
“Inspired by a classic country kitchen, I added Swedish mid-century modern wall lamps — one by Erik Gunnar Asplund and the other by Carl-Axel Acking — to create the perfect lighting scheme for both cooking and eating,” she explains. “In this room, practicality and aesthetics go hand in hand.” Photo by Kvänum Kitchen
“Inspired by a classic country kitchen, I added Swedish mid-century modern wall lamps — one by Erik Gunnar Asplund and the other by Carl-Axel Acking — to create the perfect lighting scheme for both cooking and eating,” she explains. “In this room, practicality and aesthetics go hand in hand.” Photo by Kvänum Kitchen
“The library is filled with pieces of design from different eras, and earthy hues set the tone,” Wernberg says. “Here, Arts and Craft designer William Morris meets the father of Danish modern design, Kaare Klint.”
Poul Kjærholm’s streamlined PK91 stool contrasts with the rest of the furniture, as do the modern artworks on the wall. Photo by Maria Vous / Bo Bedre
“The library is filled with pieces of design from different eras, and earthy hues set the tone,” Wernberg says. “Here, Arts and Craft designer William Morris meets the father of Danish modern design, Kaare Klint.”
Poul Kjærholm’s streamlined PK91 stool contrasts with the rest of the furniture, as do the modern artworks on the wall. Photo by Maria Vous / Bo Bedre
“The bedroom is a bright, fresh space with green and blue accents,” says Wernberg. “My source of inspiration was the watercolor drawing.”
The space includes an Estrid Ericson mirror with ivy and gilded detailing, a 1930s Poul Henningsen copper lamp and Niels Vodder side tables topped with antique Delft tiles. Photo by Peter Nielsen
“The bedroom is a bright, fresh space with green and blue accents,” says Wernberg. “My source of inspiration was the watercolor drawing.”
The space includes an Estrid Ericson mirror with ivy and gilded detailing, a 1930s Poul Henningsen copper lamp and Niels Vodder side tables topped with antique Delft tiles. Photo by Peter Nielsen
“The bathroom is a luxurious space where relaxation and calm are the most important things,” Wernberg says. The tranquil refuge features a soaking tub, built-in shower and a 1940s Vilhelm Lauritzen stool. Photo by Peter Nielsen
“The bathroom is a luxurious space where relaxation and calm are the most important things,” Wernberg says. The tranquil refuge features a soaking tub, built-in shower and a 1940s Vilhelm Lauritzen stool. Photo by Peter Nielsen
“In the dressing room, which connects to the bathroom, the serene atmosphere continues,” Wernberg notes.
The space is outfitted with impeccable pieces, like a Carl-Gustav Hiort af Ornäs armchair, an Aksel Kjersgaard dressing table in rosewood and a rare Mogens Lassen stool, which was never in production and of which only five samples were made. An early Greta Magnusson-Grossman Grasshopper lamp and Tapio Wirkkala candlesticks complete the space. Photo by Peter Nielsen
“In the dressing room, which connects to the bathroom, the serene atmosphere continues,” Wernberg notes.
The space is outfitted with impeccable pieces, like a Carl-Gustav Hiort af Ornäs armchair, an Aksel Kjersgaard dressing table in rosewood and a rare Mogens Lassen stool, which was never in production and of which only five samples were made. An early Greta Magnusson-Grossman Grasshopper lamp and Tapio Wirkkala candlesticks complete the space. Photo by Peter Nielsen
