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The Timeless Elegance of Mads Kruse’s Home

Step into the home of Mads Kruse, founder of Tapis Noir, where antique textiles, personal mementos, and a refined aesthetic create a serene and captivating living space.

Antiques and Sentimental Stories

For Mads Kruse, beauty is not a fleeting concept but a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of his life. As the founder of Tapis Noir, celebrated for its silk scarves inspired by antique textiles, and with a background as an art director, Mads approaches his home in much the same way as his work: with an unwavering dedication to aesthetics.

“My home reflects my love for beautiful things,” Mads shares. “I’m not interested in trends or creating bold contrasts; I simply want to be surrounded by beauty.” His countryside home, a 17th-century farmhouse, perfectly embodies this philosophy.

Though filled with carefully selected antiques, it is the deeply personal items in Mads’s home that resonate most strongly. Among the treasures are a portrait of his great-grandfather painted by his great-grandmother, and a Victorian glass display case filled with taxidermy hummingbirds—the very first gift from his husband, given 16 years ago.

These objects are more than decorative; they are pieces of a story, imbued with history and sentiment. “We move things around often, but these pieces are constants - they’ll never leave our home,” he says.

Antiques and Sentimental Stories

Mads’s love for antique textiles began long before Tapis Noir came to life. His home showcases this passion, with richly detailed curtains, upholstered furniture, and custom lampshades, many sourced from Tapet Café. The textures and patterns of these pieces bring a tactile warmth to the interiors, reflecting his belief that design should be both elegant and welcoming.

After years of living in Copenhagen, where their home was filled with ornate rococo and Louis XVI furnishings, Mads and his husband embraced a new chapter in the countryside. Their 1680s farmhouse demanded a lighter, more relaxed approach to interiors.

Much of Mads’s home has been furnished with finds from auction houses, antique shops, and The Apartment, a Copenhagen-based interiors gallery. For textiles, curtains, and lampshades, Tapet Café remains his trusted source.

Here, time becomes fluid: the home could easily belong to the 1880s, 1950s, or the present day. Inspired by English cottage style, the interiors blend a sense of timelessness with a deliberate effort to conceal modern elements. “I’m still looking for the perfect antique corner cabinet to hide the TV,” he admits.

Antiques and Sentimental Stories

Mads believes that building a home filled with antiques and art is all about following one’s instincts. “If you see something you love, buy it,” he advises. “Don’t hesitate. With antiques, you can’t order another if someone else gets there first.”

This philosophy has served him well. While he has never regretted a purchase, he does remember the pieces he missed out on. For Mads, a home is not just a place to live but a reflection of passions and personality, layered with objects that bring lasting joy.

When asked how he balances practicality with aesthetics, Mads laughs. “Functionality? That’s not a priority for us. Of course, a home should be liveable, but decisions are always made with beauty in mind."

This singular focus on creating an aesthetically harmonious environment defines his approach to interiors, resulting in a home that feels both elegant and deeply personal.