Sarah and San’s serene Utrecht apartment is a modern minimalist’s dream come true. Decorated mainly in black and whites, the space feels peaceful and uncomplicated. The apartment is located on the ground floor, so keeping the space as light as possible was very important to the couple. They decided to install white flooring that would reflect the sunlight coming in through the front and back windows. Sarah happens to be a product and food photographer, so it’s no surprise that she used a soft box technique to diffuse the light into a pleasing, soft glow throughout the house.

Sarah and San moved into the apartment a year ago and immediately set to work on an intense redesign of the space. The walls and floors were both dark in color and the house felt neglected by its previous tenant. Since Sarah was going to be living and working in this space, the couple wanted something that was professional enough to invite clients to, but also cozy enough for day to day living. The aesthetic they decided on couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s warm and inviting, but very functional. Sarah describes it as a “living gallery” where the apartment combines aspects of an art gallery with the comforts of home. We couldn’t agree more.

The couple went through a few different layouts before they settled on one that worked best. Since their bedroom is right off the kitchen, it was difficult to find a place for the table without blocking themselves in. They decided to create a little living room/dining area that divided the space with an open bookshelf.

Sarah’s summer plans revolve around the beautiful outdoor space that they have at the rear of the home. Plants will be added and a hammock will be installed to create a little oasis from the hustle and bustle of city life. With their tasteful use of plants to add a pop of color to the interior of the home, we can’t wait to see what their minimalist minds create for the exterior!

Our Style: Aesthetic and minimal

Inspiration: I love to spend hours on Pinterest, getting inspired by places abroad and by following the work of designers like Norm Architects.

Favorite Element: The high ceilings, big windows and the natural light that comes in. I love drinking coffee in the rattan chair with the morning sun shining in.

Biggest Challenge: Creating storage!

What Friends Say: A lot of our friends love our home because it feels warm, aesthetically pleasing and inviting.

Biggest Embarrassment: The mess in the wardrobe.

Proudest DIY: The grey green fresco wall.

Biggest Indulgence: Love for details.

Best Advice: Take time to find your style: follow your instinct, select inspiration that you really like and kill your darlings. Combine beautiful old things with character with new things and don’t spend too much money on designer items but try to do DIY things.

Dream Sources: Norm Architects, Kinfolk, Sight Unseen, Instagram, Pinterest, Indie home collective, Cereal magazine, Bauwerk colour, Sunday Suppers, The souks, House doctor.

PAINT & COLORS
Moonstone – Pure & Original chalk based paint
Smoked steel – Pure & Original chalk based paint
White latex – De vakman

LIVING ROOM
Sofa — Leenbakker
Cushions — Kaat Amsterdam
Rug — Karwei
Cabinet — Ikea
Anthracite cabinet – Kaufhaus, second hand
Vintage Jug – De Arm, second hand store
Candle holders – Sissy Boy
Photo frames – House doctor
Small skull – Gift from a friend
Basket – Action
Blanket – Isha traveling label
Marmer candle plate – House doctor
Candles – Xenos
Wooden stool white wash – Cottoncake
Mirrors – Sissy boy
Curtains – Ikea
Bottle – Flower vase

DINING ROOM
Table leaf – It’s actually a door, which I brought from my parents home
Buttres – Ikea
Chairs – Ikea
Wooden stool – Gewoon spruit
Lampholder – Stoermetaal
Lamp – Langerak IJzerwaren
Closet – Second hand
Plant – Albert Cuyp market
Photo of ballerinas – Made by my dad
Ginger jar – Things I like, Things I love
Cabinet – Ikea (painted them myself)
Fruit scale – Second hand
Bowls and tableware – Mix of Broste Copenhagen, Sissy Boy, House doctor & Flying Tiger
Whiskey glasses – Things for drinks
Lantern – Gift from a friend
Plant – Albert Cuyp market

KITCHEN
Shelf – Woodshop
Lamp holder – Stoermetaal
Lamp – Langerak IJzerwaren
Vintage kan – De Arm
Vintage scale – De Arm
Jars – Ikea
Waterbottle – Hutspot
Plant – Gift from a friend
Kitchen shelf – Second hand
Cactus – Albert Cuyp Market
Plant pot – House doctor
Marmer plate – Hutspot
Nail – Stoermetaal
Vintage Rattan Chair – Kaufhaus
Sheepskin – Ikea

BEDROOM
Mirror – Xenos
Closet – second hand
Hanging clothing rack – DIY
Mosquito net – Klamboe collection
Storage basket – Ikea

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