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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
