Old Dutch Forester Cottage

Nestled amidst a verdant enclave of trees, wildlife, and grand estates stands a quaint old Dutch forester cottage, the cherished home of Annemarie. Dating back to 1920, this historical gem has been lovingly rebuilt by Annemarie and her partner, carefully preserving its rich heritage while infusing it with modern sensibilities. Inside, the decor strikes a delicate balance between the rustic, grounded essence of cottage style and a more sophisticated approach focused on design and form, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary elegance.

In their bedroom, Annemarie sought to evoke the serene and opulent atmosphere of a luxury Italian hotel during summer. The walls and built-in wardrobes are painted a uniform sand color, setting off the brass handles with a striking contrast. The headboard, adorned with a green ticking stripe, complements a vintage Italian ceiling lamp, enhancing the room's elegant aesthetic.

Storage is cleverly integrated under the sloped ceilings with wardrobes on either side which houses clothing, a chest of drawers, and laundry appliances. Adding a personal touch, the curtains, crafted by her mother for Annemarie's first student room and once gracing a rental in Rotterdam, now bring a sense of history and continuity to their current home.

Annemarie envisioned her bathroom as embodying the freshness of the first day of spring, striving for an environment that was anything but dull yet avoided becoming overdone. To achieve this, a choice was made for the most basic (and most economical) wall tiles, accentuated by a classic trim at the top. The floor tiles were selected in neutral colours but arranged in an eye-catching diamond pattern to add subtle interest. The bathtub, while neutral in color, features a distinctive textured surface, enhancing the tactile experience. Complementing these choices, the shower curtain is crafted from fine white linen, personalised with unique embroidery, lending a bespoke touch to the space.

Given the northern exposure and its single window, Annemarie aimed to infuse warmth through color, ultimately choosing a light orange hue reminiscent of peach yogurt. This color choice draws inspiration from the curtains and is a lighter iteration of the terracotta tones found in the guestroom and study.

To further unify the space, both a small cabinet and a desk have been painted in a darker shade matching the window frame, creating a cohesive look. A round table stands at the room's center, serving as a practical workspace for laying out drawings and samples during the design process, while another desk remains tidy, reserved for computer work. This setup not only maximises the functionality of the space but also maintains its aesthetic harmony.