The Perfect Chefs’ Kitchen by Garde Hvalsøe

I may not be the world’s greatest cook, but I do appreciate a beautifully designed kitchen. And, as the go to for some of the Nordic regions most respected culinary names, if you’re a foodie looking for inspiration then there’s only one company good enough for the job, Garde Hvalsøe.

Founded in early nineties Copenhagen, and run by trained cabinetmakers, Søren Hvalsøe Garde and Søren Lundh Aagaard, Garde Hvalsøe has built a reputation on uncompromising quality and sublime craftsmanship.

With past customers including Nicolai Nørregaard, head chef and co-founder of the Michelin-starred Kadeau, as well as René Redzepi of the iconic Noma, it is their latest custom-design for restaurateur and chef Mikkel Egelund and his wife Jill Marie Zimsen that has really caught my eye.

Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Østerbro, the couple’s historic townhouse would have originally accommodated one family per floor, but now converted into a single home, it was the ground floor the couple recently sought to transform.

Looking to seamlessly combine both the kitchen, and the glass conservatory that serves as a dining area beyond, Mikkel and Jill wanted a space not just for cooking in, but for making memories in too.

With Garde Hvalsøe offering a whole host of timeless yet distinctive designs, it was the elegant ‘Minimal’ model, crafted from light ash and with a sleek stainless-steel worktop that the pair opted for.

A balance of rustic charm and modern sophistication, everyday functionality and professional practicality, the handleless floating drawers, the tall bank of storage cabinets, the suspended metal pan rack, and the striking central cooking island are all packed full of bespoke details.

And while I can only dream of having something that looks as good as this in my own home one day, what I love most about this kitchen is that by adding light blue wall tiles from File Under Pop, glass objects by Danish artist Helle Mardahl, mismatched ceramics from their travels, and their collection of framed photographs, Mikkel and Jill have made it feel truly their own.

Creating not only the perfect chef’s kitchen, but also a space that reflects their shared values of warmth, hospitality, and togetherness.