The Nordic Nomad

Nordic tastemakers

My Nordics, as told by designer Charlotte Storm

The Nordics • Insider guides • My Nordics, as told by designer Charlotte Storm

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Charlotte Storm

On a recent trip to Bornholm, we stepped into the world of Charlotte Storm and her inspiring space, Storms Rum, where we were met with what might be the Danish islands’ biggest smile. Set in a restored wing of Knarregård, her husband’s ancestral farm, Storms Rum is a meeting place where craftsmanship, design and human connection come together. Open year-round, it hosts coffee salons, food events and inspiring talks, all set against a backdrop of raw iron lamps, curated interiors and a six-and-a-half-metre handmade plank table where conversation flows as naturally as the light.

At the heart of it all is Storm, a designer, entrepreneur and lighting specialist. Originally from Copenhagen, she moved to Bornholm in the 1980s and founded Storms Rum in 2015. She designs raw iron lamps with Danish lighting architect Asger Bay Christiansen, pioneering what she calls human light – a concept explored in their book, Human Belysning – Solskinslys på en Gråvejrsdag.

Here, she shares her favourite Nordic escapes, cultural spots and the places that fuel her creativity.

“That’s where I find peace … ”

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

… Denmark, especially the islands. That’s where I find peace and the inspiration to grow both personally and professionally.

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

… Copenhagen. My work with lighting design and lamp sales often takes me there, but more importantly, it’s where my daughters and young grandchildren live. They always have new places for us to explore, making every visit an opportunity to experience something fresh. It’s a huge gift for me.

Photography courtesy of Storms Rum

“With only around 100 residents and no cars, [Christiansø] feels beautifully untouched.”

For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …

… Christiansø, a small, rugged island just off Bornholm. Sailing there from Bornholm in our boat is a true escape. The island feels wonderfully remote, and on a calm day, the journey takes about an hour – just the open sea, the sun on your face and a deep sense of tranquillity.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

… Christiansø Gæstgiveri, a small inn with a restaurant and outdoor seating. Time slows down here, making it the perfect place to unwind. With only around 100 residents and no cars, the island feels beautifully untouched. As a former fortress, Christiansø has a unique atmosphere that, in some ways, reminds me of the incredible trips I’ve taken around Italy.

Photography courtesy of Stefan Asp and Destination Bornholm

“ … for a unique evening, SK12 is the place, with Røde Claus behind the stove.”

For a great meal, I go to …

… Aarsdale Røgeri & Bistro on Bornholm – without a doubt my top pick, run by Claus and Otto. In Copenhagen, I often eat at Hotel Nimb, where I enjoy their fantastic brunch and a coffee or drink in the bar on the first floor. For lunch, I go to Bistro Boheme or Restaurant Møntergade. And for a unique evening, SK12 is the place. In Store Kongensgade, behind the red door, you’ll find Claus ‘Røde’ Christensen, one of the country’s legendary chefs and formerly of Gammel Mønt and Salon. His food is classic, well-prepared and full of flavour – the best.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… Gæsten in Allinge on Bornholm. It’s an outdoor venue with food and accommodation, offering a great summer atmosphere. In July and August, it hosts outdoor concerts with some of Denmark’s biggest names.

Photography courtesy of Bistro Boheme

“[Tage Andersen] is my biggest source of inspiration as a florist and interior artist.”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …

… Tage Andersen’s store in Ny Adelgade in central Copenhagen. He is my biggest source of inspiration as a florist and interior artist.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… Louisiana in Humlebæk, north of Copenhagen. It’s always rewarding, both for its stunning location by the Øresund and its beautiful park, as well as the unique atmosphere inside, preserved from the time it was built. The museum shop is always an inspiring visit.

Photography courtesy of Tage Andersen

“Both [Bornholm and Christiansø] are incredible natural gems, full of magic – if you take the time to slow down and truly see it.”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… taking a walk through the beautifully designed Kongens Have around Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen. In one corner, slightly tucked away, you’ll find Herkules Pavilion, a café serving high-quality pastries, lunch, ice cream, and coffee. It’s open outdoors in summer and only in December for a cosy Christmas lunch indoors – every detail here is carefully considered. Another favourite is Sinne Gas Bageri on Ryesgade in Østerbro. It’s a one-man bakery where everything is made by hand, with a polite self-service and payment system. Both the sweet and savoury bakes are fantastic.

For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …

… of course, Bornholm, which my family fondly calls Ønskeøen (the Wish Island), closely followed by Christiansø. Both islands are incredible natural gems, full of magic – if you take the time to slow down and truly see it.

Photography courtesy of Rosenborg Castle and Sinne Gas Bageri