At Home With - Eunhye Grace Kim

PC: Hi Eunhye, thank you for letting Paper Collective into your beautiful home. To start, can you tell me about where you live what makes your neighbourhood so special?

EGK: Seoul has a high density of space and a fast pace of change, so it's heavily influenced by social trends. I think this dynamic nature is both the charm and identity that represents Seoul.The Yongsan area where I live is at the heart of Seoul. Like many capitals of various cities, it's international, diverse, and filled with charming places.Among those, I especially love Yongsan for being surrounded by the Han River, mountains, and islands. You can find a mix of old streets and new buildings, as well as scenic train tracks, outdoor cafes (and great food spots), and even international fireworks festivals—all within this small city.

PC:What are some must-see spots for anyone visiting Seoul for the first time?

EGK: Without a doubt, it's Seoul. Seoul is a complex city where mountains, rivers, and urban landscapes come together. Because the city centre coexists with nature, history, and the present, it's a thoroughly charming and comfortable place to live. If Hannam-dong and Samcheong-dong are the meccas of art, then I recommend Cheongdam-dong for getting a sense of high-end fashion trends. Major international galleries are gathered here, and the area is filled with various design shops, which contribute to its luxurious atmosphere that I really enjoy.

PC: Can you tell me about your background and how you came to live with and promote Scandinavian design?

EGK: I studied fashion design and started out designing for an international textile company. Eventually, I launched my own lifestyle brand, and people really dug it. I've been in the game for over a decade, even got a shoutout as a rising star in 'FashionBiz' magazine. When it comes to fashion, I'm all about pushing the envelope and breaking the rules. I love shaking things up.Instead of just chasing trends, I've always been more into the deeper meaning behind them. That goes for interior design too. I'm big on bringing natural elements like wood into the home. Totally hooked on soft minimalism—it's all about ultimate cosiness for me.

PC: We can see a big connection between the style and design approach of South Korea and Denmark, why do you think these two countries share so many similarities in style?

EGK: I've only been into home decor for about a year, but even way before that, Nordic interior design was all the rage in Korea. There are probably lots of reasons why Koreans dig the Nordic style, but one thing's for sure: we're really into natural materials. The clean, minimal designs using real wood, that really resonates here. Plus, Seoul's pretty packed; over 70% of the population crammed into one place, so most of us are dealing with smaller living spaces. The cool thing about Nordic furniture is how minimal yet practical it is. I feel like that really resonates with what people in Seoul are after in their lifestyle. It's not just about being functional; it's got aesthetic chops too. Those little details that pop make it pretty popular around here, at least that's how I see it.

PC: Can you tell me about the artworks from Paper Collective that you have within your space, why you chose these pieces and what they bring to your home?

EGK: I own multiple Paper Collective art prints, and I absolutely love each and every one of them! I'm really into simple, everyday spaces and objects. I strive to discover the hidden value in things that are unremarkable and familiar. When I look at each piece I've chosen from Paper Collective, it almost feels like each artwork acts like a window, softly connecting the outside scenery to my personal inner space. For me, home is a private space that protects us from the outside world. But it's when it engages with the outside, rather than being isolated from it, that I think you can truly feel the perfect sense of cosiness.

PC: What do you look for when adding new furniture, lighting or artwork into your home?

EGK: I think the key is finding the right balance, you know? Going overboard with design is, in my opinion, its own worst enemy. The best mix of furniture and home decor for my place is something only I can figure out. It's about creating a comfortable space and avoiding any unnecessary frills. Another biggie for me is cohesion. Everything—from the molding and walls to the furniture and lighting—has to gel. There should be a sense of flow from one room to another. I don't just focus on what's trendy; I think about how the new stuff will blend in with what I already have, in terms of materials and silhouettes.

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