A Long-Time Love Affair with a 1930s Dutch Home

updated Apr 30, 2019

A Long-Time Love Affair with a 1930s Dutch Home

updated Apr 30, 2019
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Bedrooms
Square feet
1614
Sq ft
1614

Name: Irene and Rob Burg
Location: Eindhoven, the Netherlands
Size: 1,614 square feet
Years lived in: 19 years, owned

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As a girl, when Irene would visit her grandpa, she would always pass this quaint house built in 1934 and think to herself: “One could be so lucky to live in this home.” Years later she and her husband Rob moved into this very home — and it felt like a dream come true. They’ve been living here for the past nineteen years and up to this day they are still very much in love with it. When the couple bought the house they were delighted to see the previous occupants had left many of the original elements intact. In the years that followed they preserved the authentic atmosphere and the classic details, like the marble mantelpieces and the terrazzo floors in the entryway and kitchen.

Irene has a preference for the bright and clean Scandinavian look, but has also developed a strong liking for global features. She and her family have spent many holidays on the island of Ibiza (Spain) and the relaxed boho vibes have become a source of inspiration. “Ibiza might be known for its party culture, but it’s a beautiful island with gorgeous nature. It’s a great place for long walks, something we’ve done quite a lot.”

When asked about her go-to pieces, Irene favors natural items like wooden furniture and cuddly fabrics, supplemented by geometric prints. Paired with several antiques, like the mirror in the living room, this laid-back and slightly unpolished style is a great fit for their home’s personality.

Recently, their backyard has been enriched with a veranda. Spacious and comfy, it’s like bringing home a piece of Ibiza. Especially with the huge wooden sofa embellished with soft cushions. It’s the perfect spot for those long summer days, accompanied by fine wine and good conversation.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Scandinavian, natural, eclectic, urban, Moroccan.

Inspiration: Magazines, Instagram, vintage stores, furniture store.

Favorite Element: Wood, cuddly fabrics, art/prints.

Biggest Challenge: Composition. It’s all in the details; finding a good match for materials, colors and fabrics.

What Friends Say: It depends on the person: some friends are very enthusiastic, other friends are just not that interested in interiors or design.

Biggest Embarrassment: The bathroom — it’s outdated.

Proudest DIY: The living room, especially the painted wainscoting with the wall prints.

Biggest Indulgence: Enjoying those moments when the sun is shining inside and everything looks better.

Best Advice: Less is more. Keep things serene.

Dream Sources: The island of Ibiza.

Resources:

ENTRY
Mirror – vintage
English (school) clock – Melenhorst Antiek

LIVING ROOM
Coffee Table – Linteloo by Henk Vos
Couch – Mistral
Wall paint – Flexa Marmer
Wall prints – Desenio
Armchair – Harvink
Rug – Karwei

DINING ROOM
Pendant light – Secto Design
Dining chairs – Olly Tango by Phillipe Stark
Wooden floor – Oak with white wash
Tablet stand (used here to display a print) – IKEA

KITCHEN
Lights – Karwei

MASTER BEDROOM

Moroccan lamp – 1000 en 1 nacht
Tie-dye bedspread used as wall decor – Xenos
Mirror – Xenos

GUEST ROOM
Plaid used as wall decor – Xenos
Bed – IKEA

STUDY ROOM

Desk – IKEA
Most other items – vintage

ATTIC FLOOR
Pendant light (dandelion form) – IKEA
Bamboo pendant light – IKEA

VERANDA
Lounge sofa – Wehkamp

Thanks, Irene!


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