Before & After | Dinesen at Maison Ferndale
To create Maison Ferndale, the family beach home of fashion designer, Ulla Johnson, Studio Zung collaborated with Dinesen, a family-owned Danish company that has been producing high-quality wooden flooring for over a century. Our paths crossed many years ago when Tommy discovered Dinesen on his yearly trip to Copenhagen, prior to them having any established headquarters. Deeply moved by their consideration of the tree and the forest and finding common ground with their holistic approach ingrained in their practice, we saw the need to introduce our own clients and projects in the US to this Danish lineage, bridging the gap between European and American living styles.
Dinesen captured by Tommy Zung on his visit in 2018
The kitchen at Maison Ferndale with Calacatta Vagli countertops and white stained oak cabinetry
The history of Dinesen dates back to 1898, when the company was founded by the Dinesen family in Jutland, Denmark. At that time, the company produced rough planks for use in barns and stables. As demand for high-quality wooden flooring increased, Dinesen adapted and began producing top-quality oak, ash, and Douglas fir planks for use in homes and public spaces.
Today, Dinesen is run by the fourth generation of the Dinesen family and continues to be one of the most respected wooden flooring manufacturers in the world. The company is rooted in their deep respect for the environment and only sources wood from sustainable forests in Europe. Dinesen prides themselves on the quality of their products, which are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
At Maison Ferndale, it was important to us and our client to select the right wood that would align with the needs of their family of five while speaking directly to the landscape and environment of the project’s location: Montauk, NY. Context is crucial in creating a mindful holistic design; we considered the location of Maison Ferndale, the desired indoor-outdoor lifestyle of the family during the summer, and the maintenance/up-keep that may be needed. Ultimately, Dinesen Ash White was chosen for its color tone, longevity, and durability. The light, discrete and uniform White Ash was the perfect choice and compliment to Maison Ferndale’s color palette.
With old, tired flooring and an outdated staircase that did not reflect the modern aesthetic of the home, nor rightfully encapsulate our client’s taste of living, the house was in need of a revitalizing update. The flooring was completely redone in Dinesen Ash, adding a warm and natural feel to the interior, while upholding the incredible lineage of Danish living. Wide planks, solid wood, a living finish, and a lifetime of longevity are authentic hallmarks of this lineage.
The transformation of the staircase is equally impressive, with a solid Dinesen Ash structure and custom handrail that provide a touch of elegance and sophistication to the interior. The metal balusters, powder-coated to match the stair railing, showcase our studio’s elevated interpretation of a classic structural element.
The custom Dinesen White Ash built-in window seating is also a mindfully designed feature, providing a space to rest, recharge and take in the breathtaking cascade of greenery and the Atlantic Ocean Montauk has to offer.
Beyond the visual transformation, the emotional impact of Maison Ferndale is palpable. The warmth and natural beauty of Dinesen's wooden flooring unapologetically honors our client’s quintessential artistry of living, setting a timeless foundation for all future life cycles of the home. The reformed warmth, breadth, and simplicity stems from the synergy between Dinesen’s sustainability sourced, high quality wood and our Studio’s emotive design that reimagines the grounding elements of Maison Ferndale. Our collaboration with Dinesen is a testament to the beauty and versatility of wooden flooring and traditional craftsmanship. The result is a luxuriously sustainable, yet welcoming, beach house that showcases the best of bespoke modern design and European heritage, fostering a celebration of natural materials in every corner of the home
Dinesen Ash flooring and staircase with custom handrail at Maison Ferndale by Studio Zung
Architecture & Interior Architecture by Studio Zung
Interior Design by Alexis Brown
Photos by Adrian Gaut and Jonathan Hökklo
