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2025-01-28
Nestled near the iconic Nyborg Castle in Denmark is a charming villa from the early 1900s that has been given a new lease on life. Through thoughtful renovation, interior consultant Vivi Bang has created a home where history and modern comfort come together seamlessly. And while the entire house is stunning, it’s the bathroom that steals the show.
“We fell in love with the house right away—the location by the castle and moat is something truly special,” Vivi Bang recalls. She and her partner immediately began renovations, a journey that stretched over two years. “We did all the interior work ourselves. The garden, which was just stone slabs when we moved in, is still a work in progress,” she adds with a smile.
The 1900-built home has been lovingly renovated.
After living with bold colors in their previous home, the couple took a different approach this time around. “With small kids and busy careers, we wanted a space that felt calm and relaxing,” Vivi explains. The result? A home that embraces muted tones, where dark woods and soft textures create a sense of warmth and tranquility.
The dining room and hallway feature subdued tones and understated elegance. Classic door decor Z131 frames the doorways.
A Bathroom That’s an Oasis
Among all the beautiful spaces in the house, the bathroom is the undisputed star. Inspired by the concept of “silent luxury,” Vivi wanted to design a space that felt like a boutique hotel escape—a quiet retreat from the everyday hustle.
“I chose marble for the bathroom because we’d already used it in the kitchen, and I love how it adds elegance. I wanted the materials to shine without any distractions,” Vivi shares. “It’s the only room on the ground floor where we skipped the gray door frames and doors. Everything here is tone-on-tone, so there are no jarring contrasts. It’s all about extending the calm and cohesion from the rest of the house, and I think that creates a lovely harmony.”
Marble is the hero of this luxurious spa-like bathroom.
The bathroom is thoughtfully designed to meet the family’s needs, with a clever layout that feels spacious and includes a discreetly screened toilet. But what really turns heads is the addition of stucco details. “I wanted the bathroom to reflect the house’s original character, so I searched for stucco and mouldings that matched its early 1900s style,” Vivi says.
“Stucco isn’t a typical Danish feature in bathrooms, so it felt like a bold choice. People were skeptical, saying it might feel over-the-top, but now it’s the one feature everyone talks about when they visit.”
Wall mouldings (Z344 and Z357) and door decor (Z132) elevate the bathroom’s elegance.
Balancing History and Modern Living
Vivi’s number one piece of advice for renovators? Respect the soul and the integrity of the house. “You need to create a space that works for your life, but it’s so important to honor the home’s original character,” she says. With years of experience renovating, Vivi has seen how easily things can go wrong when this balance isn’t struck. “For example, adding ornate stucco to a very modern house often feels out of place. It’s about finding harmony—designing a home that works for your family while staying true to the building’s history.”
A Home That Feels Like “Hygge”
Today, the historic villa by Nyborg Castle has become a welcoming family sanctuary. It’s a place where vintage charm meets modern comforts, and every detail has been carefully considered. “When I see the way visitors react when they step into our home, I know it was worth following our vision,” Vivi says with a smile.
Follow Vivi on Instagram @_vivibang_.