Ever heard of gezellig? Untranslatable to English, but so very well encompasses the heart of Dutch interior design. Similar to the Danish word ‘Hygg’, the word roughly translates to ‘cozy togetherness’, which sums up the key principles of Dutch design perfectly – welcoming, simplistic, minimalist yet tasteful.
If you look a little closer at the architectural nature of the design elements involved, it’s clear that the preparation of the shell is critical in Dutch interior design. The seemingly effortless flow is achieved by focusing on the simple functionalism – almost the Feng Shui – of the layout combined with creativity expressed through light, furniture, art and textiles.
When the shell has been executed with careful thought and attention, you can really have fun with what comes next. Much of Dutch design is characterised by opposite ends of the spectrum, as contrasting elements are what gives Dutch-inspired spaces that clean, yet unique feel. Flamboyant furniture oriented to look spacious, pops of colour against neutral tones, contrasting textures under plenty of natural light; these are all examples of the Dutch approach.
When Bonsai designs, this is often the approach we take, so it’s no wonder we are big fans of well-established interior designers and the likes of Piet Boon, Eric Kuster, Robert Kolenik, Remy Meijers, and more. Whilst some Dutch designers stay with the muted and austere look throughout, others go hard with luxurious textiles and opulence. Either way, using this concept helps any structure retain a timeless appeal, and when combined with client needs and wants, our customers have always left Bonsai smiling.
6 simple ways to ‘Dutchify’ your home:
Image supplied by: Studio Piet Boon