This “Narrow, Empty Shell” Turned into the Loveliest Small Home of All Time
This “Narrow, Empty Shell” Turned into the Loveliest Small Home of All Time
Marijn Kruikemeier and Liya Yang had a big task ahead of them when they bought this 517-square-foot flat in Amsterdam’s Jordaan area in 2020: The original floor plan of the space was lacking in rooms and walls!
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It was one big open space, long and narrow. They had the “complete freedom to come up with a new layout,” but that was the challenge, too.
The idea was to add in specific rooms but not block any precious daylight. The solution they came up with is a cozy dining nook at the front of the narrow space, a corridor with the kitchen, bathroom, and living area in the middle, and then a cozy bedroom space at the back.
A small extension at the back of the home (with the help of a contractor, they admit) has French doors that lead out into a garden, expanding the living space of their small home.
The thing that really makes their home incredible is all the customization of the furniture, cabinetry, and joinery, all done designed and made by Marijn in his workshop located in Amsterdam.
“The curved slatted oak wall is the central element of the apartment and plays a key role in the overall design,” Marijn explains. “It seamlessly conceals both bathroom and kitchen (appliances and storage), creating a unified aesthetic.”
Resources
DINING ROOM
- Table and Bench — MI Studio
KITCHEN
- Kitchen — MI Studio
- Lighting — MADE
- Tap — Quooker
BEDROOM
- Bed — Swiss Sense
- Wardrobe — MI Studio
- Lighting — IKEA
Thanks, Marijn and Liya!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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