Ditte Reffstrup, creative director of Danish fashion brand Ganni, has made it her mission to challenge the notion that Scandinavian design must be limited to minimalism and monochrome colors. Both in her home and her fashion collections, she prioritizes contrasts, joy, and personality above all else. Her family residence in Copenhagen's Østerbro neighborhood showcases an eclectic mix of unexpected elements that reflect her creative vision.
In March, Ganni unveiled its fall-winter 2025-2026 collection in Paris with a fashion show held within the walls of Hotel Pozzo di Borgo, a historic mansion in the 7th arrondissement where fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld once lived. The ornate salons with their precious wood paneling revealed silhouettes featuring maximalist combinations of patterns and materials: floral tapestries, enveloping drapes, checks, and rich fabrics resembling curtains. The collection embodied the charm and opulence of interiors from bygone eras.
"The collection is inspired by the home and cocooning," explains Ditte Reffstrup. "It's a wardrobe that envelops and protects while offering space for personal expression. It's an invitation to rediscover those places where we feel fully ourselves." This philosophy of creating a personal sanctuary extends directly to how she has designed her own living space.
Ditte and her husband Nicolaj Reffstrup have transformed their home into a space for rejuvenation, creativity, and connection. "Nicolaj and I have always had an open house, welcoming family, friends, and loved ones," she explains. "When Ganni was just starting, we organized parties after fashion shows, inviting buyers, journalists, and friends. It was wine in the kitchen and dancing on tables! What started as intimate gatherings quickly became larger, and eventually we had to stop the house parties to stay on good terms with our neighbors. But I still love hosting dinners – there's something truly special about opening your most personal space to others and creating new connections."
In 2018, the Reffstrups acquired this 1865 mansion built in the historicist style, located in the residential Østerbro district, known for its charm, tranquility, and green spaces. "It's a hidden little corner of Copenhagen, close to downtown – only 10 minutes by bike – but incredibly peaceful," Ditte recalls. "I don't remember the architect's name, but in many ways, it's a classic villa of the era, built with durable materials and filled with thoughtful details. We fell in love with it immediately and wanted to preserve its original character while adapting it to our needs."
The renovation process took eighteen months to create their dream home. "With three children, we needed a place that could accommodate friends, guests, and various activities," explains the homeowner. "We excavated the basement to add an additional level, which became the children's zone – playroom, dance room, ping-pong, everything is there. The ground floor remained faithful to the original plan, but we opened up the hallway to create a welcoming space from the entrance. We kept small rooms instead of opening up the entire space – I love having different corners where I can retreat."
The upper floor renovation involved creative use of space and dimensions. "We played with heights and dimensions, opening the roof to give a sense of space," Ditte continues. "We also added a conservatory to the kitchen, where our dining table designed by Børge Mogensen is located – it has become the centerpiece of the house. It's my favorite spot, almost an extension of the garden." The dining room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, with Italian terracotta tiles covering the floor and an eclectic mix of vintage chairs from Thonet, Hans J. Wegner, and Hay surrounding the Børge Mogensen table. Vilhelm Lauritzen pendant lights complete the space.
To realize this project, the couple surrounded themselves with talented friends and collaborators. Interior architecture firm Stamuli, which also works on Ganni stores, designed several elements including the chrome kitchen cabinet. Tina Seidenfaden Busck, founder of Danish gallery The Apartment and a close friend, advised Ditte and Nicolaj on fabric and color choices. "Like most beautiful things at Ganni, it was a collaborative process," emphasizes Ditte, who describes her interior as eclectic.
The home features a custom-designed kitchen made of lacquered mahogany and stainless steel, which serves as the heart of the house. The main bathroom boasts terrazzo flooring, hand-painted Italian tiles, and blue porcelain sinks. Throughout the house, Ditte has mixed vintage treasures found at flea markets, auctions, and during travels with contemporary pieces created by close friends and collaborators.
"My environment constantly inspires me, and this is reflected in my work," she notes. "We have many memories here from collaborations with the brand over the years, pieces created by friends like Ana Kraš, Jessica Hans, and Nina Nørgaard. I love how these objects tell our story. Our home, like Ganni, thrives on contrasts, unexpected details, and a mixture of influences." A drawing on the wall is a gift from longtime friend Ana Kraš, while a wooden chair was designed by Magniberg. The transom window is a creation by glass artist Nina Nørgaard.
In terms of furniture, Ditte particularly appreciates pieces by great Danish designers like Børge Mogensen, Kaare Klint, and Hans J. Wegner. "Regarding textiles, I have a weakness for Swedish designer Josef Frank," she adds. Over the years, the creative director has also built a small collection of antique art from flea markets in northern Denmark, the region where she originates. "This area is known for its incredible light and sea views. I like to surround myself with pieces that remind me of that place," she confides.
Ditte created an English-style boot room in the basement, filled with jackets from various Ganni-Barbour collaborations. The living room features Dedar striped curtains and custom Espe sofas. The master bedroom showcases a bed and headboard covered in Dedar striped fabric, with a vintage blanket sourced from the United States and Le Klint wall sconces. Chanel and Ganni shoes complete the personal touches throughout the space. The custom kitchen was created in collaboration with cabinetmakers, featuring Italian marble countertops and backsplash, with cabinet handles crafted by Nina Nørgaard and an upper cabinet with iridescent doors designed by Stamuli Studio.
