Reimagining Tradition with Mentze Ottenstein

Situated in the picturesque countryside of southern Jutland, Dinesen Country Home stands as a testament to the values and craftsmanship that define the Dinesen legacy. Built in 1885, this historic longhouse has been transformed over the years, most recently at the hands of design duo Mentze Ottenstein. Their approach to reimagining the home blends respect for tradition with a bold, contemporary sensibility, creating a space that feels both timeless and current.

Designing with Reverence

When tasked with updating the home in 2024, Mentze Ottenstein approached the project with a deep sense of respect for its history.

“We had stayed in the house before and felt a great sense of reverence when we took on this project,” they recall. “The house was already in great shape, but we wanted to add layers of character and perhaps a touch of the unexpected.”

Their design philosophy celebrates the home’s heritage while allowing room for evolution. They aimed to create what they describe as “a portrait of Dinesen today,” a space that reflects the brand’s DNA while remaining open to future stories and alterations.

A Layered Approach to Materiality

Mentze Ottenstein embraced the interplay of materials to create a home that feels grounded yet dynamic.

“One way we infused the house with this sense of evolution was by mixing the refined simplicity of John Pawson’s Douglas fir furniture with slightly imperfect, characterful antiques,” the duo explains. “This dialogue between the old and the new gives the house a sense of life and continuity.”

The Role of Color

The use of color plays a significant role in the transformation. Mentze Ottenstein moved beyond the previous all-white palette, introducing a gradient of hues that transitions from light, airy tones to darker, moodier spaces.

“We wanted the rooms to unfold like chapters in a story. The kitchen, painted in a soft green inspired by classic rural homes, feels rooted in its surroundings, while the upstairs chambers, painted in warm golden ochre, evoke the intimacy of traditional alcoves. In contrast, the library’s dark walls create a cosy, almost cocoon-like atmosphere.” 

Honoring Overby’s Restoration

The duo’s work builds upon the foundation laid by architect Jørgen Overby, who restored the home in 2004. His intervention preserved the structure’s integrity, reinstating its historical proportions and rescuing architectural details such as doors and frames sourced from other period houses.

“Overby’s restoration is a beautiful example of how modernised, damaged farmhouses can be brought back to life,” says Mentze Ottenstein. “The house was already a sum of fragments, and we wanted to continue that narrative by layering new elements and perspectives without erasing what came before.” 

Creating a Home, Not a Showroom

Central to Mentze Ottenstein’s vision was the idea of making the space feel like a genuine home rather than a showroom. “We wanted it to tell the story of Dinesen’s collaborations while retaining the warmth and authenticity of a family home,” they explain.

This philosophy is evident in details like the bespoke cabinetry and furniture crafted in collaboration with local artisans, and the hand-turned walnut and pear bowls that nod to Orbi, Dinesen’s creative hub. Even the small upstairs chambers, with their hidden doors and cosy proportions, speak to a design approach that is as personal as it is refined.