Maria & Eric’s Creative, Comfortable Home in Amsterdam

Name: Maria and Eric
Location: Jordaan — Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Size: 200 square meters
Years lived in: 5 years; Owned

Welcome to Maria and Eric’s historical Amsterdam home with a modern twist. The two purchased this four-story abode five years ago and renovated the whole structure from top to bottom. Maria put it lightly when she said that renovating is “not an easy task in a foreign country.” But they’ve managed to see the house through every inch of that transformation — and what an amazing result! Each floor features modern interiors, layered with classic vintage elements and art that add depth, texture and plenty of interest.

The floor plans are incredibly clean and simple, but Maria and Eric’s selection of unique art and bold colors adds unexpected nuances and character. Their approach has created some very striking spaces, mixing retro chairs with eye grabbing art and decorative accessories. The highlights are clear: the spacious kitchen with a particularly crafty chandelier by Ingo Maurer; the stunning bathroom with a massive shower, handcrafted sink, vintage medicine chest and cozy chair, connecting to the simple and delicate master bedroom — an excellent place to rest after a long day. It’s hard not to love how Maria and Eric address each layer of their home. They’ve combined modern and vibrant accents with fun and playful pieces like the cupboard by Piet Hein Eek, toro art by Alvaro Sotomayer, and beanbag by Mes textiles.

It’s a beautiful home, where Maria and Eric have managed to honor their modern design aesthetic while still creating a cozy and welcoming space. Thanks for the lovely tour!

My Style: A mix of modern and vintage.

Inspiration: Local Dutch design, Scandinavian design, great vintage pieces we found on the street while living in NYC.

Favorite Element:

We have a few favorites!

1. Our house is very bright and open, which is a rare thing in Amsterdam. We have big windows on both sides of the house, so light streams in when the sun is out. Even when it’s grey and overcast, we still get beautiful natural light. Our house is spread over four stories and has a lot of open space: the kitchen/dining area and living room each occupy an entire floor. Our kids love it — there’s plenty of room for them to run around.

2. The Ingo Maurer paper chandelier in our kitchen/dining room is also a favorite. We replaced the lamp’s pre-designed paper notes with blank sheets that have been designed by our creative friends. It’s like a constantly evolving piece of art.

3. Our collection of art that we’ve picked up at local shows and galleries, from amazing artist and friend Alvaro Sotomayor, and from our favorite gallery in Wellfleet, Mass.

Biggest Challenge: When we bought our house, it had been completely stripped and gutted. There were no doors, no floorboards, no kitchen, bathrooms, closets, nothing. We renovated the entire thing from the bottom up. Not an easy task in a foreign country!

What Friends Say: Our friends always have a great time at our house. I think that says something!

Proudest DIY: Our terrace, which is right off the kitchen on our first floor. It’s a jungle of roses, lavender, jasmine, and fresh herbs.

Biggest Indulgence: A custom made cupboard by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. Eric might say his road bike, which hangs like art in our living room!

Best Advice: Do it slowly. It took us a year before we hung anything on our walls! We’ve acquired new pieces here and there over the years, adding touches that have made it feel like a real home.

Dream Sources: Remodelista, Dezeen, Dwell magazine, Amsterdam shops like De Weldaad and Harvest & Co., the street, my mom’s house, friends’ places. We’re always looking!

• Brand: Pure Paint

• French antique table converted to vanity
• Vintage medicine chest from van Weerde antiques

• Couch by Verzelloni
• Beanbag by Mes textiles
• Cupboard by Piet Hein Eek
• Desk from Chelsea flea market, NYC
• Vintage globe bought from Etsy
• Red chair found on street in NYC
• Bike rack by Saw and Knife
• Desk chair by Eames
• Artwork by Alvaro Sotomayor, Para, Leonard Baskin
• Lamp by Twiggy
• Pillows by Gewoon

• Chairs by Eames
• Lamp by Ingo Maurer
• Art by Roa, Alvaro Sotomayor, Laser, Leonard Baskin
• Mirror by Ligne Roset

• Lighting my Mooi
• Oven and stovetop by Smeg
• Kitchen custom built by house
• Collection of white vases and pitchers collected from shops and flea markets
• Solid oak vintage drawers were a hand me down from my mom, stripped down and refinished by Eric
• Flowers by Prinselijk Gebonden (florist Frank)

• Vintage orange chair found on street in NYC
• Bed from Cocomat, linens from Bed Habits
• Skin rugs from Noordermarkt

Thanks, Maria and Eric!

(Images: Breanne Johnsen)

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