Ingrid & Sjaak’s Colorful Dutch Abode

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Name: Ingrid & Sjaak
Location: Driewegen , The Netherlands
Size: 2,421 square feet
Years lived in: 2½ — owned

An incredibly crafty and creative gal, Ingrid has filled her historic eclectic home with lovingly-made blankets, edited furniture, and textile art. What could easily have become a visually chaotic space is actually a soothing environment with just the right amount of color, texture, and vintage details. Ingrid has certainly taken cues from traditional Dutch homes, yet infusing simple backdrops with expertly placed modern patterns and vignettes.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

The home, originally the village inn, was built in 1698 (pictured second from the left here) and in more recently existed as a bar until ten years ago. In the 1950’s, Sjaak’s father used to come here to play with his band. These days, Ingrid and Sjaak rent out a couple of the bedrooms in the summertime, turning their home into a seasonal bed and breakfast. The house has been renovated and redecorated so many times through the years, so the original character doesn’t really shine through in the interior architecture. But Ingrid more than makes up for the lack of historic details by purchasing unique vintage pieces or making furniture out of reclaimed wood. Ingrid’s male counterpart does a lot of the bigger renovation projects that involve building, but she lends her creative eye to the smaller details of the space.

Having a varied repertoire of handy craftsman skills, Ingrid has been able to frugally find pieces for her home, and revamp them to her precise vision. The red and tan footstool by her living room sofa was found at a thrift store for one Euro, but originally in an undesired 1970’s worn leather state. She simply took an old blanket and sewed together a cover that completely transformed the old poof into a nice modern ottoman.

Ingrid keeps a blog (translatable by Google Translate) where she chronicles her handmade projects and home decor adventures. It’s quite a treat for those who enjoy crafts and also appreciate vintage details and traditional Dutch design.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: You could refer to my style as random or eclectic vintage.

Inspiration: Second-hand shops, Scandinavian blogs, magazines, and DIY books from the seventies

Favorite Element: The furnishing of the home, such as the cabinet from the fifties by Louis van Teeffelen (Webe meubelen). Also, the beautiful tiles on the doors, which are from Jaap Ravelli (ceramic artist).

Biggest Challenge: I try to create a feeling of unity with all the different styles I love. And also, I try not to fill up my house too much!

What Friends Say: The house doesnt look that attractive or big on the outside, but they’re always pleasantly surprised when they realize how big the house actually is. Also the fact that there’s so much special items surprises them.

Proudest DIY: The reupholstering of the Martin Visser couch (basically I try to make everything myself at first), the origami crane lamp, and the crochet blankets.

Biggest Indulgence: I think the house itself, we live here with the two of us, and we didn’t need such a big house, but after living for years with 4 people in a very small house, we love all the space.

Best Advice: Do what you feel like, dont let the living magazines or fashion dictate your style. Combine more expensive items with second-hand finds and handmade stuff.

Dream Sources: Vintage furniture shop Neef Louis in Amsterdam as well as the flea markets in the small villages around us and in Belgium.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources of Note:

PAINT & COLORS

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

BATHROOM

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks, Ingrid & Sjaak!

Images: Ingrid

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