For over a decade, Tina Seidenfaden Busck worked for Sotheby’s, bouncing between Denmark and the U.K. to advise clients on buying art and furniture. But the Danish gallery owner struggled to show off pieces, realizing there was no good place to exhibit them. She took matters into her own hands, going back to school before opening the Apartment in 2011, a shoppable home and maximalist world tucked away in Copenhagen.

With a lively passion for color and pattern, Busck transformed an 18th-century building in the canal-dominated Christianshavn neighborhood into a haven for Scandinavian home design and furniture. “My style is often described as eclectic, but I don’t aim for a certain look and instead operate with a gut feeling and love for craftsmanship and color and mixing new with old,” she says. “I don’t go by any rules. If I like it, I go for it.”

Today, Busck lives in a small seaside town outside Copenhagen with her husband, Mathias, and their three children. And her creative world keeps expanding: this fall, she opened the Apartment’s newly transformed fourth floor to the public as a rentable living space. Here, she shares a guide to the city she calls home.

Alida Marstrand Chokolade

When I was a child, my father would often bring home their chocolate and marzipan in beautiful golden boxes wrapped in colorful, glittering paper. This little shop’s boxes are still as lovely as the taste of their homemade chocolate. Today, it’s run by the sixth generation since its founder, Alida Marstrand, first opened its doors in 1930. (marstrandchokolade.dk)

Tage Andersen

This florist is a true artist. Stepping into Tage Andersen’s store feels like entering another world. In addition to his spectacular floral arrangements, he creates the most beautiful iron and glass objects. It’s my go-to for buying any kind of bouquet, whether for myself or as a gift. (tageandersen.com)

Rosenborg Castle

This fairy-tale 17th-century castle in the King’s Garden will make you feel spellbound. My favorite rooms are the Mirror Cabinet, with its floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass panels; the Glass Cabinet, showcasing the castle’s vast collection of glass, gifted to King Frederic IV during a visit to Venice in 1709; and Christian IV’s private toilet, adorned with walls covered in Delft tiles. (denkongeligesamling.dk)

Griegst

Founded by the artist and goldsmith Arje Griegst, Griegst is an enchanting, jewelry-filled world. Today, Arje’s legacy is carried forward by his brilliant son Noam and Noam’s wife, Amalie. Their boutique is like Aladdin’s Cave. Its dreamy and seductive style makes it one of my all-time favorite jewelers. (griegst.com)

Andersen’s Contemporary

After 10 years at Sotheby’s in London and Copenhagen, and before starting the Apartment, I worked with my friend Claus Andersen in his gallery. Andersen’s Contemporary is one of the leading galleries in Scandinavia, with a roster of artists spanning from Kevin Francis Grey and Esben Weile Kjær to Philippe Parreno Tomás Sarcaceno. (andersenscontemporary.dk)

David’s Collection

David’s Collection is a gem of a museum overlooking the King’s Garden. Not only does it hold an exquisite collection of paintings by Vilhelm Hammershøi, known for his interiors and landscapes rendered in a muted color palette, but it also houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world. I was introduced to the world of Islamic art in the early 2000, when I was asked to catalogue a very important collection in the field. (davidmus.dk)

Apollo Bar

Within a year of opening his first restaurant (Atelier September), my friend Frederik Bille-Brahe ran a pop-up restaurant at the Apartment, while Ilse Crawford created an installation during a residency he did with us. I love the way Frederik focuses on fresh, local ingredients. And he’s an exceptional and charming host. (apollobar.dk)

La Bagatelle

La Bagatelle is the world of the talented Malene Malling. Her clothes reflect not only a deep knowledge of fashion, but also a love for beautiful and vintage fabrics, which we share. The pencil skirt named after Jane Birkin is my favorite. (labagatelle.dk)

Frilandsmuseet

This vast museum, also known as the Open Air Museum, is right outside Copenhagen. It’s my favorite place to find inspiration for colors and interiors. I always discover new details when I go. (frilandsmuseet.dk)

Time’s Up Vintage

Time’s Up Vintage is an antique clothing and accessories shop founded a decade ago by Jesper Richardy. It’s a treasure trove, thanks to an owner who really knows how to source. I have found some of my best vintage pieces from Yves Saint Laurent and Hermès there. Don’t forget to ask for the special ones in the back room. (timesupshop.com)

SK12

Claus Christensen, a chef known as “Røde Claus,” is a legend in Danish gastronomy. His new small restaurant is a hidden gem on St. Kongensgade, close to the King’s Square. It can be difficult to find if you don’t know to look for its red glossy door. Try his baked turbot, which is one of his signature dishes. (sk12.dk)

Ordrupgaard

This is another of my favorite museums. It’s slightly outside the city center, but completely worth the trip. The museum has an important collection of French Impressionist pieces, as well as one of the world’s largest collections of Hammershøi’s work. Outside, a wonderful sculpture garden features works by international contemporary artists, and visitors are also granted access to the nearby home of Danish architect and furniture designer Finn Juhl. (ordrupgaard.dk)

You can explore our complete, constantly-updated guide to Copenhagen here