Helle Moyna: ‘I spotted the stainless-steel pedestal base and fell in love’

I grew up on the west coast of Denmark and always return on our visits back home. The walks along the endless white sand beaches in all kinds of weather, a swim and lunch at a local harbour restaurant never fails to be special.

We have been to Mallorca lots of times over the years as a family and without the boys. I am going at the end of April with my sister for a few days in Palma and some sisterly R&R.

The island is a perfect size and easy to get around, the food is amazing and there is so much history, gorgeous design, stunning landscapes and nice weather.

I know it may seem biased but I do love Copenhagen for its amazing architecture, design and food. You can walk everywhere and nearly everyone speaks English — it’s the perfect place for a weekend break in May to September.

If you go, rent a Go boat for a spin around the canals and bring a picnic and your swimwear for a dip in the many harbour baths. Watch out for the cyclists or join them and explore the city and the many beautiful parks and museums, stopping for coffee and cake at the many cafés — proper hygge.

Favourite hotel

When in Copenhagen, I stay at one of the Brochner Hotels, either SP34 or Hotel Danmark. They are small, four-star, boutique hotels in great central locations where you can walk to most things. The hotels are always clean, comfortable and the interiors are very Scandinavian; simple and functional as well as being stylish and timeless. Plus, there’s a great organic breakfast and wine o’clock every day from 5pm-6pm in the hotel lobby/bar.

​Favourite shops

In Copenhagen, I always go to Mads Nørgaard på Strøget for its iconic, striped, long-sleeve T-shirts and beautiful edit of international brands. Another favourite is Stilleben, a design store with a beautiful Scandinavian edit of home interiors, and across the road are the amazing TorvehallerneKBH food halls and the most beautiful florist.

​In Stockholm, Svenskt Tenn is my absolute favourite interior shop of all time. I can spend hours here, so much history but also carefully selected new designs added to the incredible collection, and so many gorgeous colours and textures.

​In London, Liberty is a lifelong favourite. I always visit when back and love walking through the beautiful rooms browsing through all the different designs by well-known and upcoming designers.

​In Dublin, if in town, I always pop into Costume, Stable and Loulerie for a few treats for myself.

Items I’m coveting for my home

My ‘dream’ project is a new kitchen extension. I would love to reconfigure our living spaces and move the kitchen to the back of the house with direct access to the garden. However, as our house is very old and a conservation property, it has plenty of challenges. A more realistic item is the Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Stool 647 in Baranquilla Black.

Favourite museum

Louisiana, north of Copenhagen, for its beautiful grounds and buildings with amazing art and always-interesting exhibitions.

​Favourite restaurant

In Dublin, I love Etto, Uno Mas and 3 Leaves in Blackrock market. In Copenhagen, lunch at Esmée is a favourite and dinner at Kødbyens Fiskebar never disappoints.

​Favourite design era

Mid-century. I have been collecting pieces for the last 30 years which are very much part of my home to this day. The 1950-1960s design is timeless and still as relevant in today’s design as back then. We work with a number of brands that have continued to produce furniture and lighting under licence for over 100 years, such as Brdr Kruger, Louis Poulsen, Carl Hansen & Søn, Le Klint and many more. For design projects, I have often sourced pieces from Acquired and The Vintage Hub — there are so many unique pieces from that time, like record tables, beautiful mirrors, bar carts, clothes stands and decorative items that just add that little bit extra to the overall design.

Brands that inspire me

I am a big fan of Verner Panton (Verpan) and have several of his designs in my home; they are still as current today as when he designed them in the 1960s. His use of colour and textures is so clever and timeless. And Mazo, which is one of our exclusive Danish brands, a small team of designers honouring old and creating beautiful new pieces of furniture with a focus on shapes, textures and comfort. I am a collector of vintage glass, and Kosta Boda, the Swedish glass maker, continues to create new and innovative designs. I got a collection of vintage ‘Sunflower’ candle holders from The Vintage Hub last year — it was love at first sight and I light them daily. We also sell Kosta Boda in our store, both old and new designs.

Favourite movie

Chef by Jon Favreau is one we as a family have watched many times — funny and emotional, everyday life’s challenges and lots of gorgeous food.

Favourite drink

In the morning, I have normal builder’s tea, and if something stronger is required, then a Negroni cocktail or a glass of Pinot Noir with dinner.

Irish craftspeople I admire

The Stable of Ireland girls; I love their collection of textiles. And Adam Frew. His large pots are stunning. I also love West of Ireland shop Superfolk — its prints are exquisite in the detail and colour.

​The homeware item I can’t live without

I love linen napkins and have stacks in various colours and patterns, and I always have a good stash of tapered candles — I use both most days as mealtimes are important times for us to catch up and enjoy. We stock lots of gorgeous, good-quality candles in our store in a rainbow of colours. It’s a very affordable way to add some style.

Favourite purchase for my home

A vintage round dining table I found at the last Adam’s auction to be held in our shop before we took over the lease. It was covered with sheets and lots of knick-knacks. I spotted the stainless-steel pedestal base and fell in love. The teak top was in a poor condition with layers of lacquer. I got the local French polisher, Derek McCallig, to restore it and it is now placed in our bay window with eight black leather Series 7 chairs by Fritz Hansen and the Verpan Fun pendant — it gives me so much joy everyday.

​A family heirloom I’ve kept

I have a beautiful silver bracelet from my mother, which was given to her by her mother. The design is connecting oak leaves.

Design advice

Keep it simple and add over time; always leave space for something new found on travels as it will bring back memories and become part of your own personal collection. Most importantly, buy well and buy less.