What makes a home with Monica Steffensen
Monica, captured in her kitchen a moment of calm amidst the rhythm of daily life.
Monica Steffensen, a visionary photographer and multidisciplinary creative, resides in Copenhagen alongside her partner and daughter.She explores the nuances of everyday routines and the markers of quality of life.
How did your journey with photography and writing begin?
My interest in photography probably started thanks to my dad's love for documenting our childhood through photography and videography. Growing up with cameras always around me, I developed an interest in and appreciation for the art of visual storytelling; how moments frozen in time could evoke emotions, memories, and moods.
It shaped my passion for capturing moments and atmospheres through the lens of a camera. Through writing, I found another channel for self-expression and exploration. It evolved into a tool for introspection and storytelling that allowed me to connect with myself and others. And I’ve always loved working holistically, exploring storytelling across mediums.
Integrated into Monica and her family’s daily rituals, the Noel Chair takes part in elevating their everyday.
Details of light in Monica’s living room.
At home, how do you elevate your everyday?
To me, elevating everyday life is all about finding that sweet spot between beauty and functionality, especially when living in a small space like we do. It’s essential to me to create and maintain an environment that not only makes sense practically but also brings joy and peace to each member of the family.
I need to surround myself with beautiful things for that sense of calm and tranquility–I’m quite sensitive to my surroundings and attuned to how a given environment impacts my well-being. I think our surroundings have a significant influence on our mood and mindset.
Tiny living is exciting in that it keeps us on our toes, both in terms of keeping things tidy, putting things back in their places, but also constantly rethinking creative solutions as our needs change or some become more acute. While my partner works with something very different from what I do (he works in the state), he appreciates an aesthetically compelling home, and we’re never far off when deciding on interior solutions and furniture for our shared home. That’s definitely an important aspect for me in terms of elevating my/our everyday life. Also, our home is very much a portfolio, many pieces are designs by clients I’ve worked with, sometimes friends, which adds stories to each space.
Through my work, I’m constantly exposed to various approaches to furniture design, and I value things that are crafted with a rich materiality and tactility; things that remain aesthetically timeless and durable
As part of Monica and her family’s daily life, the Noel chair is able to fit into any context - enhancing their everyday moments.
Built to withstand the chaos of childhood, the Noel chair effortlessly blends into the fabric Monica and her family’s experiences - whether it be messy meals or playful gatherings.
What is your signifier for quality of life?
Quality of life lies in the balance. I need my breaks, and to appreciate my breaks, I need to feel like I’m contributing something. At home and at work. But the moments to myself in between the beautiful chaos of life is something I treasure.
To you, what makes a home?
Home is where I see myself, my partner, and our daughter in all the little details and interior solutions we’ve perfected over the past two years. It’s in the warm hues of the colours on walls, textiles, and artwork. In the artifacts and objects full of stories brought home by my partner from his time in Africa, from our travels together, from our respective pasts.
In our fast-paced everyday life, having a sanctuary to retreat to is truly special—offering comfort, security, and a sense of belonging. As we continue to evolve and grow, so does our home–always adapting to meet our changing needs while remaining rooted in comfort and love.
Crafted for the rigors of everyday life, the Noel chair stands the test of time - offering peace of mind amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday family adventures.
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