A Stylishly Re-envisioned 480-Square-Foot Amsterdam Apartment

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Project by: Deirdre Renniers Interior Design
Location: De Pijp — Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sleek European minimalism abounds in this hip renovation by Deirdre Renniers. After rethinking the layout to maximize the space and get rid of the more outdated elements, the apartment was furnished with sharp, space-saving pieces to make the most of every inch (or more appropriately, centimeter).

From Deirdre Renniers: The project was the complete renovation and interior design of a derelict 45-square-meter (484-square-foot) apartment in the trendy Amsterdam neighbourhood of De Pijp. The apartment was formerly a typical worker’s apartment and had remained unrenovated and unfinished for 30 years. The layout included a small bedroom and living area and a kitchen, with an enclosed toilet in the kitchen area. The owner had utilised the ceiling space as a bathroom loft. The apartment was derelict and in need of a complete renovation.

The entire interior space was gutted, including floors and wall plaster. A new staircase to the loft, formerly used as the bathroom, is a feature in the small apartment. A galley kitchen links the dining and living room. The living room can be closed off by a sliding timber panel to create a guest bedroom. The upstairs loft ceiling has been opened up to create a spacious bedroom leading onto a terrace. The original kitchen was converted into a modern bathroom with large windows facing the inner neighbourhood gardens.

Gray oak is the predominant finish accented by white walls, stair balustrades, and counter tops. Solid oak wide plank flooring in a gray oiled finish is used throughout the apartment.

Because of the small size of the apartment, the furniture was carefully selected as not to overcrowd the apartment. The sofa folds into a comfortable bed, creating a guest sleeping area in the living room. The dining room table is a foldable retro table found at a local concept store, Sissy Boy. The dining and desk chairs are Hal Wood chairs by Vitra.

In the dining area, the wall is adorned with a life drawing by Hanien Conradie, and accentuated by an Arco Modern floor lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. A framed Japanese kimono screen-printing template and antique Japanese stools are accessories in the living room.

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