When it comes to Scandinavian design, Thomas Schlosser knows more than most. As the CEO of Klassik Copenhagen (one of the world’s largest dealers of 20th century Scandinavian design), design brand Klassik Studio, and retailer Casa Shop, he is a key player in the region’s creative scene. Recently, Thomas turned his keen eye for design to his own home in the Danish town of Skagen. The residence once belonged to the impressionist painter Carl Locher, and Thomas transformed it into an ode to the design classics he is so passionate about.

Thomas grew up in Jerup, North Jutland, and spent his summer holidays in Skagen. In 2016, on his way to the beach with friends, he drove past the run-down home that originally belonged to the renowned painter. “It was empty and in miserable condition,” he recalls. “There was a container in the driveway, and I remember thinking that some lucky tyke had got hold of a gem of a house, and was faced with a big, but very exciting renovation project.”

As luck would have it, Thomas saw the house advertised for sale later that day in the window of a local estate agent. He jumped at the chance to purchase the home, and the very next day he was the “lucky tyke” with a major reno on his hands.

JH 3 dining chairs are by architect Jørgen Høj for Klassik Studio, the brand run by Thomas. Above the table are rare vintage Christiansborg chandeliers by Vilhelm Lauritzen. " layout="" credit="Photo by Anders Hviid" photoUserId=""/>

The home dates back to 1910, and it was designed by Locher’s friend, architect Ulrik Plesner. One of its defining features is an enormous sea-facing studio window that allowed the artist to capture his most famous subject—the ocean—on canvas. When Thomas took over the residence, he wanted to restore it to its former glory whilst making subtle changes that would suit his lifestyle.

He transformed the studio into a living room, and turned a corner building that originally housed a fireplace, tiny kitchen, and toilet into a small extension that houses an indoor pool. Thomas also introduced four new bathrooms and reconfigured the bedrooms to provide enough space to host up to 12 guests.

Thomas wanted to share the property with friends and family, so there are enough bedrooms to comfortably sleep up to 12 friends and/or family members. One of the guest bedrooms features a gallery wall of small framed artworks that Thomas inherited from his grandmother. " layout="" credit="Photo by Anders Hviid" photoUserId=""/>

As the home is officially designated as “worthy of preservation,” everything on the outside has been retained and restored in line with the craft traditions of Skagen—from the red roof tiles painted with white lace, to the green ribbed doors and the iconic yellow color that characterizes houses in the area.

Inside, Thomas paid careful attention to preserve the original details in the paneling, ceilings, windows, and chimney. “The house was a ruin when I took it over, so it’s been like building a brand new house according to old traditions, and with the incredibly high standard of craftsmanship that characterized the original home,” says Thomas. “It’s been renovated from top to bottom, but fortunately it doesn’t look like a new house!”

While Thomas doesn’t have a favorite part of the home, the fireplace holds special significance. “It means an incredible amount to me that my father, who is a bricklayer, built the beautiful open fireplace that looks like it was born with the house,” he says. In the corner is an early version of the Flag Halyard chair by Hans J. Wegner." layout="" credit="Photo by Anders Hviid" photoUserId=""/>

Of course, given Thomas’ role as CEO of some of Denmark’s most celebrated design retail destinations, furnishings and accessories were always going to play a big role. Throughout, iconic 20th century pieces add a layer of contemporary sophistication to the historic home—think vintage Papa Bear chairs, a sculptural Valet chair by Hans J. Wegner, and classic Christiansborg chandeliers by Vilhelm Lauritze.

by Finn Juhl for Bovirke in one of the bedrooms. " layout="" credit="Photo by Anders Hviid" photoUserId=""/>by P. Fabricius & J. Kastholm for Lange Production and is accessorized with a Louis Poulsen PH glass table lamp. " layout="" credit="Photo by Anders Hviid" photoUserId=""/>

After five years spent renovating the home, Thomas is finally able to enjoy the fruits of his labors. “It’s been so satisfying,” he says. “I have preserved as much of the original house and the architect’s intentions as possible, while giving it a modern and personal expression that I am very pleased with.”

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Project Credits:

Interior Designer: Thomas Schlosser / @thomasklassik

Kitchen & Bathrooms: Vipp / @vipp

Photographer: Anders Hviid / @andershviid

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A Design CEO Breathes New Life Into the Home of a Renowned Danish Artist