Ulrikke Siva Toft Simonsen
Home Series are conversations with friends about parenthood, work-life balance and treasured items.
Ulrikke is a student at the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture and a mother of two. She and her husband recently bought their dream home near Gentofte Lake, where she was born.
MT When did you become a parent, and how was the transition to motherhood for you?
US My due date with my daughter, who is my firstborn, was on my 28th birthday, so when she finally decided to come out eight days overdue, I had just turned 28. I remember being completely shaken up emotionally from all the hormones, and also breastfeeding her was initially a challenge, so the first three months, I was really insecure about how I was doing as a new mom. But after that time, I had a feeling that everything fell into place, and I have felt natural and confident in my motherhood since then.
MT How has becoming a parent shaped your professional life?
US Having children obviously impacts all aspects of my life, but it has specifically affected my professional life as I spend fewer hours at school. Still, I am just being way more efficient while I am actually there. People at my school are generally really ambitious, so the standards for the projects we work on are set really high, which is definitely still a balance I am working on figuring out since I will soon be starting my bachelor's semester in September.
Bed Canopy Pink in the children's room
MT You recently moved into your new home. What makes it special to you?
US I think buying a house is all about gut feeling, and for us, the feeling was just right from the get-go when we first saw this house. We had already looked at another fixer-upper house in the area and had fallen completely in love with the lake and its proximity to nature, even though it's only 15 minutes from Nørreport by train. So we just bid on it right away after seeing it, and we were so lucky to actually get it because the interest was really high. We felt so grateful and almost shed tears once we found out they accepted our bid.
MT Is there a specific item in your home that holds sentimental value to you?
US I generally have so many things that I love and hold sentimental value, but this wooden vase is particularly special to me because Brian and I got it on our first-ever long trip together to Costa Rica. We rented a car and just drove around all of Costa Rica, experiencing the entire country (as it is actually relatively small). We bought this vase at a small roadside shop really high up in the mountains, and we dragged it along with us for the rest of the trip and all the way home.
MT As an architect, what advice would you give families decorating their homes?
US I really believe that all objects hold the most value when they are both functional and beautiful, so that is what I strive for when decorating our home. Or I’ll try to go a little Marie Kondo on myself and ask myself if the item sparks joy, and if it doesn’t, I’ll get rid of it.
MT How do you prioritize self-care while managing a busy family life?
US Self-care to me is all about wellness, so I try to take long, hot baths and listen to podcasts every week. I like to do facemasks, body scrubs, and all things that feel and smell good to give myself the necessary attention and relaxation.
A hammock for rest in the family garden
MT What is one piece of advice you would give to other upcoming parents?
US My advice is pretty simple: don’t Google too much. Give yourself the respect to follow your own instincts. I believe it helps build your self-esteem as a parent and reduces stress.
Published August 2024
Photography: Katrine Møbius
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