At Home with Nicoline Steen Murphy

October 16, 25- By Ellen Erngård, Writer

Paper Collective visited the eclectic and colourful Copenhagen apartment of journalist Nicoline Steen Murphy and her musician husband Cillian. We spoke to them about their love for local music, Japan and expressive interiors.

Hi Nicoline, can you start by telling me about your home - where you are situated in Copenhagen and what you love about your part of town?

We live in a 38-square-meter apartment in Østerbro, close to Bopa Plads, Nordre Frihavnsgade, Fælledparken, and Nordhavn. I really love the calm, local vibe of the neighborhood, even though it’s in the middle of the city. Everything is within walking distance, whether it’s grocery shopping, watching football or going out for dinner. This part of town is developing really fast - especially Nordhavn - and it’s becoming more and more exciting to live here. In my humble opinion, Østerbro has some of the best bakeries, restaurant and takeaway spots, convenience stores, old-school pubs, and modern taprooms.

I know you are both lovers of local culture and music in particular. Can you tell me about some of your favourite local bands, and venues in and around Copenhagen?

It’s an ever-evolving list, really. However, the new Soleima record is really brilliant, but we have also been listening to a broad variety of artists like Solkur, Barselona, MAS and more recently the young grunge upcomers from Ashes of Billy. Also honorable mentions to acts such as NAR and Lauge Heebøll, who are part of Cillian’s music studio collective Pale Pond.

In Copenhagen we are blessed with a very solid culture for live music and gigs. We always love attending shows at VEGA’s different venues in Vesterbro, but included to the list of frequent visits is our new local venue Nordhus alongside trusted spots such as Byhaven during summer, Hotel Cecil, and even La Fontaine for live jazz and old school vibes.

I also know you were recently married in a quite unique way (Congratulations!!). Can you tell me about the unique way you both tied-the-knot?

Most certainly. We got married as part of the Golden Days festival, which meant that the author and psychologist Glenn Bech was in charge of the ceremony at the wonderful Ordrupgaard just North of the city. We had our closest friends and family join the celebrations, where we had the most beautiful Indian summer weather, two huge, colourful over-the-top wedding cakes and obviously bubbly wine for days. The party continued at our local bar Café Bopa with vinyl DJ’ing, dancing and laughter through the night. It was a magical day - full of colours, Japanese vibes, culture, music, food and drinks - just in our spirit.

Thank you for letting Paper Collective into your lovely apartment. Can you tell me about how you have styled your home and some of your most loved objects?

Our home is styled in an eclectic, bold, personal, and fun way. Every item is carefully curated either from our many travels to East Asia, by designers we love, bands we listen to, or simply because it sparks joy. My number one favourite piece in the apartment is our green sofa and matching footrest from the Danish brand Sofacompany. I love the bold, exaggerated colour combined with the simple - yet original - shape. A clash of styles which is a principle I always come back to when decorating.

Your selection of artworks and frames from Paper Collective accentuates your love of colour. Can you tell me about some of the pieces you have chosen for your space?

My two favorite pieces are Absorb Yo 04 by Lex Pott with the matching duo-tone frame and Vinyl Shop by Line Hachem in a solid oak frame. Both of the artworks match our love of colour, however in two very different ways. The lavish ombre tones in Absorb are very futuristic, and nostalgic at the same time. The vibrant colours give an Ettore Sottsass kinda vibe, and as a big fan of the 80s Memphis Milano era, I’m bound to love this kitschy piece. Vinyl Shop is completely different. Made with soft coloured pencils, the motif underlines our passion for both music and vinyl records. Somehow the artwork also reminds me of Japan. Maybe it’s the way people act. Everyone in the shop is alone. Even though they are absorbed in all the pressed pieces, they are nevertheless alone in the crowd. Very Japanese. Please watch the documentary “Dear Tomorrow” from 2025 which is about the loneliness pandemic in Japan and in the modern world in general.

Can you share any secrets with our community when it comes to creating a gallery wall within their own homes?

I really like when things are not too symmetrical or strict. That being said, I’ve learned that a gallery wall needs some aligned lines and even spacing so the overall look doesn’t get too messy. I would always recommend combining different sizes and shapes when decorating a wall. Both when it comes to the art itself and the frames. For instance, wehave incorporated everything from shelves, lamps, and ceramics to Japanese Noh masks, mirrors, and vases. It makes the wall feel more dynamic and the whole look more personal and unique. Let the wall's aesthetics both reflect your interior style and you as a person, then you won’t grow tired of it as easily.

Your selection of artworks and frames from Paper Collective accentuates your love of colour. Can you tell me about some of the pieces you have chosen for your space?