Walk through the aptly named Neutral House in the Netherlands by Studio Niels, where family living takes a pared-down turn.
Studio Niels is a boutique design firm led by interior architect Niels Maier, based in the medieval city of Maastricht. The studio pride themselves on honouring craftsmanship; an honour and respect that runs deep in their heritage restorations.
Capturing the studio’s ethos is their Neutral House, located in Amsterdam South and home to a young professional couple with two young kids and a busy lifestyle. In a city where Niels Maier says the overall design language leans towards bombastic, the designer has created interiors that beautifully reveal the exact opposite sentiment.
According to Niels the brief was exceptionally clear; the studio needed to open up the structure and its living areas, so the clients could enjoy family life together. Across all levels, Niels has created space for a kitchen, kitchenette, cinema room, home office, guest bedroom and bathroom, master bedroom and ensuite, and two kids bedrooms connected to a ‘junior’ bathroom.
“We opened up all of the levels, adding a slim black extension with sliding doors to connect inside and outside,” Niels said. “To create calm, we hid certain elements that you can literally open up if you want to use them; the tv cabinet is an example of this.”
What is particularly pertinent in Niels’ work is the way gentle light interacts with each space, playing with the material palette. “The need for a soft, calm, pared down and natural atmosphere was key to the project,” Niels said.
The designer selected materials based on a neutral palette, including bleached rough oak, soft greys, honed marble, white architectural finishes and concrete in the bathrooms and on the kitchen floor. “The steel glass doors were made in a soft grey tone to heighten the softness of the space,” Niels said.
The consistency of Studio Niels’ design language creates a cohesive atmosphere for the family within. As Niels describes, all spaces merge seamlessly for a soft and naturally luxurious home.
My oh my – this is a winner. Design thru execution is spot on. Lucky clients
uncomplicated living with plenty of light – and that you can actually open doors is a bonus
Absolutely gorgeous! Could you please let me know the designer and style of the chairs with the woven back at the round table? Many thanks.
I would love to know the brand of the wooden dining chairs
Could you let me know the place to go for the two wood pieces coffee table? Thx
Beautiful House. Very relaxing atmosphere.
The wood benches / table are designed by Vincent Van Duysen.
All the best,
team est
Can you let me know the brand of the wooden dining chairs?
Hi Joohee,
Thank you for your interest in the dining chairs in the Neutral House. We recommend getting in touch with Studio Niels to specify this product for you. For more dining chair inspiration, please visit the est Product Library.
Kindest,
the est team