Colour therapy

When Lene Kesselhahn moved into this city apartment, she instantly painted every wall white. Since then, she’s been unable to resist adding bolder hues that make her happy…

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Dining room

Lene chose a wall colour that works with the bare wood flooring. ‘It’s important to consider a home’s existing features when choosing your palette, and the floor can be a deciding factor,’ she says.

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When Lene Kesselhahn moved into her garishly painted lavender blue apartment 15 years ago, she did what we all do – she hastily bought some white emulsion and painted every room. ‘I probably wouldn’t do that now,’ she says. ‘I’ve become much bolder and more adventurous in my colour choices. Today, I would probably keep some of that lavender blue – it could have been beautiful with the right colours.’

Walking through Lene’s single-level apartment now, you’ll discover a joyous mix of colours, from soft grey-green and duck-egg, to cheery grass green and denim blue. ‘There was no grand plan,’ says Lene, ‘and I didn’t paint the apartment all at once. It has developed slowly, and the walls have had many different shades on them over the years. It started as a single wall here and there, then a whole room, until, gradually, colour took over the whole apartment! I go for colours that feel good and create the right mood for both body and soul.'

Despite the spectrum of colours she has used, however, Lene has a clear favourite. ‘I love indigo,’ she says. ‘Each time I see something in that shade, I have to bring it home, whether it’s a teapot, a lamp, or the tiles I’ve used on my desk. But, in principle, all colours are welcome here!