Hotels
The designer brothers reveal the secrets of Villa Copenhagen
Brothers Mads and Mikkel have not only designed jewellery for global superstars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Karl Lagerfel and Jay-Z, they're also responsible for the interior design at Villa Copenhagen, the former telegraph building in Copenhagen.
What do men's jewellery and gemstones have to do with a hotel?
More than you might think, and perhaps more than you notice. Join us for a tour of the interior of the 5-star hotel Villa Copenhagen, guided by the Kornerup brothers.
"Luxury doesn't necessarily need to scream glamour, fireworks, and glittering diamonds. It can be understated, deliberate, and subtle instead," says designer Mikkel.
Together with his brother, Mads Kornerup, he is the designer behind the jewellery brand Shamballa Jewels.
Their diamonds and stones have been seen on none other than Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio, designer Karl Lagerfeld, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, and of course, music mogul Jay-Z.
Not to mention the man on the street who just likes personally designed everyday luxury.
But the Copenhagen natives can do so much more than create jewellery.
They have also used Buddhist symbols in combination with wild luxury and have put their personal touch on the hotel Villa Copenhagen, which was formerly the main post and telegraph office in the city.
Check in and find inner peace
"Originally, Shamballa Jewels was inspired by ancient scriptures telling us about a mythical kingdom hidden in a valley in the Himalayas," Mads tells us.
A harmonious place populated by enlightened and compassionate people. Directly translated, the kingdom of Shamballa means 'place of peace and tranquillity'. And this is what Mads and Mikkel, together with architect and interior designer Olga Krukovskaya, want to achieve at Villa Copenhagen. Along with a good dose of luxury.
"We want people to find their own inner Shamballa, as our jewellery inspires us to focus on wisdom and that which is inside us. And with the project at Villa Copenhagen, we hope that guests will explore this universe of ours and embark on their own personal journey," the brothers explain.
Courtyard Bar for Toasting and Socialising
Perhaps, you are entering a meditative space as you walk through the doors of the hotel, without you even noticing it.
"For us, Shamballa Jewels is more than just gold, diamonds, and beautiful jewellery – it's a feeling and a universe in itself."
"We believe that the value of jewellery lies not just in the materials used, but in the feelings they evoke and represent," Mikkel adds.
Strawberry meets Mads and Mikkel at the Courtyard Bar at Villa Copenhagen, one of several spaces they have left their mark on. Hanging from the ceiling is the lamp called The Ananta Lamp, in the style of the iconic, woven Shamballa® bracelet.
The spherical pendants reflect the eternal, the infinite. The railing framing the room has ornamental elements, the details of which are rooted in Eastern philosophy, providing a magical and sophisticated atmosphere.
Light pours in from the glass roof, and the room is furnished with sofa groups and large, green plants. It's the perfect room for having a drink, a good conversation, or sharing a light meal.
There is also Luxury in Preservation
The old and preserved elements are at least as well thought out as those that are new. The brothers and interior designer Olga approached the project with great respect for the building's history and tradition.
"That's why we left the façade almost untouched. The placement of the bar and adjoining café area is meant to unite the courtyard with the brasserie on the side of the building facing Vesterbro," says Mads.
On the opposite side is the wine bar, which has an urban feel and relaxing seating areas. The inner courtyard has a café area with chandeliers, seating groups, and large plants as a beautiful centrepiece. When guests arrive, they walk through the original entrance from Tietgensgade and are greeted by art.
"Guests then move so that they get a glimpse of the bar, then the café, then walk past the garden with a centrepiece, and finally the reception," Mads explains.
Villa Copenhagen was formerly the main post office and telegraph centre in Denmark. The building's history dates back to 1912. The hotel has a restaurant, wine and cocktail bar, its own bakery, rooftop terrace, and a heated 25-metre rooftop pool.
Hidden Jewels in the Suite
Most guests check into one of the hotel's 390 rooms. But those who want to treat themselves to something really special can book the mysterious Shamballa Master Suite. Here, there are 129 square metres of spiritual luxury. Living room, bedroom, bathroom, office, and jewellery — it's like stepping into a real Shamballa universe.
"The Shamballa suite is designed with an intersection of rough and refined materials, creating a luxurious and very strong first impression. Guests should get the same feeling of intimacy as one gets in a mysterious temple, i.e., a calm atmosphere, but also with a contrast between the dark and delicate.
And if you have an eye for it, you can spot some well-hidden jewels. For example, there is a ruby and a sapphire that mark hot and cold water respectively on the bathroom fixtures, and the floor is adorned with a mandala. On the wall hangs an exclusive Shamballa jewel in a gold frame. Guests staying in the suite can borrow it, upon request, naturally.
So, luxury still involves a bit of bang, fireworks, and glittering diamonds, no matter where you've slept, swam, eaten or stayed at Villa Copenhagen.
