Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Single Painting Births a Home's Whole Palette
The colors in this Netherlands home are picture perfect, with paint, furnishings and accessories to match a beloved piece of art
Netherlands interior designer Sonia van der Zwaan-Barrigas and her husband loved a painting by Portuguese artist Mario Rita so much, they chose their color palette and furnishings to complement this one beloved piece.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sonia van der Zwaan-Barrigas, her husband and 2 children
Location: Eemnes, Netherlands, 15 miles from Amsterdam.
Size: 140 square meters (1,500 square feet); 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sonia van der Zwaan-Barrigas, her husband and 2 children
Location: Eemnes, Netherlands, 15 miles from Amsterdam.
Size: 140 square meters (1,500 square feet); 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
The kitchen, living room and dining room make up the great room on the main floor, one of three levels in the house. Van der Zwaan-Barrigas loves opening up the doors to the garden and enjoying the fresh air.
Backsplash: glass mosaic tiles, Trend Vitreo; range/hood: Bosch; stool: Ikea
Backsplash: glass mosaic tiles, Trend Vitreo; range/hood: Bosch; stool: Ikea
The couple replaced an exterior wall on the main floor with glass windows and doors, resulting in an open layout that allows for constant natural light. "I wanted a bright Scandinavian look, but I also wanted it to be stylish and cozy," says van der Zwaan-Barrigas.
Countertops: Silestone; cabinetry: Eggerman
Countertops: Silestone; cabinetry: Eggerman
The home has an eclectic mix of classic and playful pieces. Big standout pieces — like the Eames chairs and red lamps — blend with more textural furniture. A rusted locker cabinet, cushions made out of recycled blankets and other knickknacks add patina to the room. "Mix and match is my motto," says van der Zwaan-Barrigas.
Metal lockers: Het Kabinet
Metal lockers: Het Kabinet
True to her roots, she plays off Scandinavian design elements, mixing in various colors and styles. Many of her accessories come from her store, Gosto Design & Lifestyle, but she opted for more classic furniture throughout the house.
Coffee table: Het Kabinet; couches: Crack by Machalke (discontinued); pillows: H&M and Fine Little Day; console: Ikea; poster: Studio Velvet; candelabra: Muuto; storage house: Ferm Living
Coffee table: Het Kabinet; couches: Crack by Machalke (discontinued); pillows: H&M and Fine Little Day; console: Ikea; poster: Studio Velvet; candelabra: Muuto; storage house: Ferm Living
Van der Zwaan-Barrigas painted one of the walls in both the living room and the bedroom to add visual depth. Using the same color helps tie the home together. "It's a simple trick with a great effect," she says.
Wall color: Klei, Histor; bed frame, side table: Ikea; pillow: Donna Wilson; lamp: Muuto
Wall color: Klei, Histor; bed frame, side table: Ikea; pillow: Donna Wilson; lamp: Muuto
The renovated attic is now a combined guest room and home office. Van der Zwaan-Barrigas covered the walls in the same Cole & Sons wallpaper that's in the entrance.
Van der Zwaan-Barrigas and her husband made this children's desk out of metal pipes, clamping fixtures and a simple pine countertop.
She and her husband designed and built this boyish children's wardrobe.
The couple chose durable porcelain tile flooring in this traffic-heavy part of the home. A glossy taupe paint on the stairs is in line with the neutral color palette.
Pendant light: Norm 03, Normann Copenhagen
Pendant light: Norm 03, Normann Copenhagen
The kitchen and the bathroom were both tiled in the same glass tile — in different shades — to connect the spaces.
Tile: Glass mosaic, Trend Vitreo collection; flooring: porcelain, Cotto d'Este
Tile: Glass mosaic, Trend Vitreo collection; flooring: porcelain, Cotto d'Este
Table: Kubus, Het Kabinet; tablecloth: plastic from local shop; lighting: Muuto; gold sequined pillow: H&M