Edgar’s grandpa had worked at Dutch technology company Philips for 43 years when he finally retired. It felt like a whimsical coincidence for him to be living in one of the so-called “Austrian (Philips) houses” some time later. These houses were bought by Philips back in the 1950s to accommodate their employees in an era of housing shortage. Imported from Austria, these wooden houses were paid for—believe it or not—in Philips radios and potatoes!

After his grandpa’s passing, Edgar bought the wooden house that we would slowly make into our own with lots and lots of help from his sweet and handy parents. Truth be told, it would never have come this far without them, since they did the bulk of the work. Being over 60 years old, the house was quite the fixer-upper. But in the end it has become a lovely place to live, with lots of charm and natural light.

While it’s a short bike ride from busy Eindhoven center, this house feels like a holiday home with its large garden surrounded by old trees. It’s actually where we got married. Back then the garage didn’t have a proper roof yet, but having two levels, the ground floor was already shaded by the floor on top. It’s where our guests could grab drinks and food. The weather was great, so everyone could sit outside. All in all it was such a fun and memorable day, making this home extra special for it.

Edgar and I have very strong opinions about interior design, so we were relieved to find out we’re on the same page most of the time. For starters, we like to keep things minimal. Which is a blessing in our case, since literally each item in the house has been carefully considered by the both of us. Can you imagine how much time it would take to decorate our home had we been maximalists?! The home renovation took quite a while and was taxing at times, but the upside is that we had ample time to really grow into our surroundings as well as our personal taste. I feel that we now truly know what we want and what works for us.

Our Style: Minimalism with color and wooden accents.

Inspiration: Magazines, blogs, Pinterest, art, movies. Sometimes we’re watching a movie and we’ll pause just to get a better look at a chair that caught our attention.

Favorite Element: The dining set. Also known as “his table and my chairs.”

Biggest Challenge: Due to various personal circumstances the renovations seemed perpetual. I found the clutter particularly taxing.

What Friends Say: They like it, but feel the need to add more stuff (haha).

Biggest Embarrassment: Mmm, can’t really think of anything. I guess we don’t get embarrassed easily.

Proudest DIY: We installed the underfloor heating on the ground floor ourselves, together with Edgar’s parents. It was one of the biggest undertakings in our home. And we’re obviously super grateful to Edgar’s parents who’ve done the bulk of all renovations!

Biggest Indulgence: Pretty accessories that tend to be overpriced. Though the quality is good, so most should last a lifetime.

Best Advice: If possible, take your time to orientate. Regularly, we had to deviate from our original idea after giving it some time to sink in. Also, having the luxury of time means you can wait for good bargains.

Dream Sources: Marktplaats (it’s the Dutch Craigslist), where we bought most of our vintage furniture. Mjölk in Toronto: I’ve only seen it online, but their showroom looks so good I’d move right in.

ENTRY
Stool — IKEA
Art prints — Nanami Cowdroy

LIVING ROOM
Sofa with matching armchairs — Vintage via Marktplaats
Coffee table — Milan Direct
Orient pendant lights — Vintage, bought in Denmark (new models available at Republic of Fritz Hansen)
Round green tray table — IKEA
Table lamp with aluminum base — Karwei (with a lamp shade from Praxis)
Steel candle holders — Blomus
Wooden candle holders — Vintage
Green glass tea light holders — Iittala
Round wooden tea light holder — Fab
Wooden planter stand with ceramic pot — Conceptmodern
Black and white artwork — Gifted by Stefan van Dinther
Wooden owl — Menu
Art print with nudes “She Entwined” — Audrey Kawasaki
Credenza — Made by Edgar’s parents using IKEA kitchen doors
Art print “Hope” — Colwyn Thomas

DINING ROOM
Dining table — Vintage via Marktplaats
Dining chairs — Vintage via Marktplaats
White pendant lights — Gifted by friends (new models availabe at GUBI)
Photographs of sea creatures — David Liittschwager
Teak “Surfboard” tray by Dansk — Vintage via Etsy
Coffee pot and milk jug — Rosenthal, gifted by Edgar’s parents
Tiny wooden vase with matching jar — JanTheSpinner
Wooden vase — Vintage via Etsy
Small plum glass vase — Iittala

KITCHEN
Cabinets, countertop and exhaust hood — IKEA
Cooktop and oven — ATAG

BATHROOM
Cabinets — Made by Edgar’s parents using IKEA kitchen drawers
Wooden sculpture — Vintage
Wooden tray — Dille & Kamille
Ceramic bathroom set (soap dish, soap dispenser etc.) — Zara Home

MASTER BEDROOM
Bed — Made by Edgar’s parents
Bedspread — IKEA
Nightstand lamps — Artemide
Nightstands and chests of drawers — IKEA
Wooden lounge chair — Interior Addict
Rhino magazine rack — Fab
Curtains — Leen Bakker
Coat stand — Woodman
Flowerpot table lamp — &tradition
Sumo skittles — Muji
Wooden sculpture — Vintage via Etsy
Art print — By Ruben Ireland via Society6

WINKIE’S WORKSPACE
Shelves — IKEA
Curtains — Made by Edgar’s mom using Michael Miller fabric
Checkered bag — IKEA
Lego heads — Kruidvat
Wooden trees — home24
Wooden vase — Vintage via Etsy
Rug — H&M Home
Art print — by Miggy Borja via Society6
Wall magazine racks — IKEA
Office chair — Milan Direct

EDGAR’S WORKSPACE
White wardrobes — IKEA
Curtains — Leenbakker
Office chair — Milan Direct
Rug — H&M Home
Wooden drawers — Lundia
Table lamp — Artemide

LOUNGE
Sofa — Vintage via eBay
Mirror — IKEA
Cabinet — home24
Speakers — Secondhand via Marktplaats
Wooden trees — home24
Wooden monkey — Designshops
Rug — IKEA, gifted by Edgar’s parents
G-Plan coffee table — Vintage via Marktplaats
Wooden planters — Etsy
Plum cushions — Westwing
Black cushion with face — H&M Home
Dotted bedspread — HAY via Flinders

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