Houzz Tour: Secondhand Style in the Netherlands
A creative director in the Hague gives his 1930s apartment a dose of midcentury style with well-curated vintage pieces and artwork
Incredible midcentury furniture, modern accessories, vintage cameras and personal artwork are all proudly on display in Bart Jan Verhoef's Netherlands apartment. The interactive designer and creative director has a one-of-a-kind design style, and his eye for great vintage finds is evident in his 1931 apartment in the heart of the Hague. (The neighborhood is called Bloemen en Bomenbuurt, which means "The Flower and Tree.") From the home's original stained glass windows to Verhoef's midcentury Danish furniture finds, this cheerful space is full of personality, inspiration and character.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Bart Jan Verhoef
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Size: 85 square meters (914 square feet); 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Bart Jan Verhoef
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Size: 85 square meters (914 square feet); 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Verhoef says his look is a combination of a variety of influences — from the punk rock he loved as a kid to the graphic design that he works with now. Although there's a definite mix of styles, all of Verhoef's decor is simple, functional and beautiful.
The palisander wood console in the living room is a 1950s find. Verhoef found the light-up "E" online — the piece belonged to a retired graphic designer.
The palisander wood console in the living room is a 1950s find. Verhoef found the light-up "E" online — the piece belonged to a retired graphic designer.
Vintage cameras adorn shelves and tables throughout. "I love how they look, their simplicity in comparison to modern cameras and other products and the era they represent," Verhoef says.
An Ikea wine rack takes advantage of the nonfunctional fireplace. The chalkboard wall above was an easy way to add a modern touch.
An Ikea wine rack takes advantage of the nonfunctional fireplace. The chalkboard wall above was an easy way to add a modern touch.
The yellow living room floor lamp and black and white armchair are two of Verhoef's favorite finds. "While I think it's fun to occasionally sell some stuff and replace it again, these three pieces are likely staying in my house for a very, very long time," he says.
The couch is one of the few new pieces that Verhoef bought when he moved in. The Per Weiss–designed split-back couch came with a chaise and was bought at a nearby store in the Hague.
Couch: Kikke Spulle
The couch is one of the few new pieces that Verhoef bought when he moved in. The Per Weiss–designed split-back couch came with a chaise and was bought at a nearby store in the Hague.
Couch: Kikke Spulle
The kitchen had been remodeled by the previous owner about 10 years before Verhoef moved in. The simple materials and finishes went perfectly with Verhoef's classic midcentury look, so he left the space as it was.
The table in the dining room was originally a much lighter hue. It didn't quite go with the rest of Verhoef's furniture, so he refinished it to more of a walnut color. The rug is made of tiny bits of leather.
The chairs in the dining room are a mishmash of vintage pieces from Marktplaats, the Netherlands' version of eBay. Although he doesn't know much about them, Verhoef did find out that the chair with the red seat was designed by famed Danish designer Hans Olsen.
Chairs: vintage; rug: LeefTrends
The chairs in the dining room are a mishmash of vintage pieces from Marktplaats, the Netherlands' version of eBay. Although he doesn't know much about them, Verhoef did find out that the chair with the red seat was designed by famed Danish designer Hans Olsen.
Chairs: vintage; rug: LeefTrends
The original parquet floors have seen some substantial wear since their 1931 installation. Verhoef hopes to restore the floors properly so they can last many more years. Verhoef and his girlfriend brought back the pendant lights in the dining room from a trip to Morocco.
Quite a bit of the art in the house is made by Verhoef, including the "The end" typography and papier-mâché mustache in the study.
Desk: Ikea; dresser: vintage; wall paint: custom mix; desk chair: vintage
Desk: Ikea; dresser: vintage; wall paint: custom mix; desk chair: vintage
The study, originally a bedroom, is Verhoef's favorite part of the home. It's huge, and he loves being surrounded by books and artwork that he loves while working.
A sunny balcony houses herbs and other sun-loving plants. Herbs, strawberries and radishes are just a few of the things Verhoef grows here.
A quirky wooden wolf's head, found in a secondhand shop, is a playful addition to the art in the bedroom. Verhoef doesn't necessarily hunt for new pieces; he simply purchases pieces that he finds, loves and can afford.
Although he'd love for the bedroom to be bigger, the mint green color reflects light and makes the room feel more spacious. Verhoef had the wall color custom mixed for the bedroom and study.
Pendant light: Ikea
Pendant light: Ikea
The bathroom was remodeled before Verhoef moved in, so he didn't have to make any changes. A large frosted window lets in plenty of natural light.
The 1931 apartment is still outfitted with its original parquet floors and stained glass windows. The open layout is a more modern addition but suits the light-filled space.
Coffee table: Marktplaats.nl; floor lamp: Hegra, FunkyLiving; armchairs: vintage