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My Houzz: Soothing Charm Near a Netherlands Nature Reserve
Whites, grays and cheerful colors in gently mixed old and new furnishings appeal in a Dutch family's new-construction home
Hello! I am a contributor for Houzz, writer and interior stylist based in the Netherlands. Always in search of beauty in all forms, I founded my lifestyle blog Avenue to satisfy my thirst for design and lifestyle inspiration. I am the loving mother of a beautiful little girl called Lola, and the adoring fiancé of a handsome Dutchman.
Hello! I am a contributor for Houzz, writer and interior stylist based... More »
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This Dutch family home embraces each facet of its owners' lives. Wendy and Peter den Ouden spent two years building it from the ground up, patiently creating a thoughtful and welcoming home and decorating it with a beautiful mix of old and new. The home office suite for Wendy's business, charming children's rooms, open living spaces and backyard garden perfectly balance the den Ouden's work and family life.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Wendy and Peter den Ouden and their children, Mees and Marit
Location: At the edge of a nature reserve in Maasland, the Netherlands
Size: 300 square meters (3,229 square feet); 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, home office suite
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Wendy and Peter den Ouden and their children, Mees and Marit
Location: At the edge of a nature reserve in Maasland, the Netherlands
Size: 300 square meters (3,229 square feet); 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, home office suite
by Holly Marder
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The home's exterior features dark brick and a gabled roof, with easy-to-maintain landscaping — particularly in the cooler months.
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| This is a new residential area, and the views from the kitchen, living room and bedroom remain unobstructed. "The garden is located on the edge of a nature reserve," Wendy den Ouden says. "Each season brings with it a different view." |
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Wendy runs her mediation and coaching business from a home office that has oak herringbone parquet flooring, treasured antiques and a contrasting modern dining table.
"Since our previous home was laden with historical details, we wanted to carry that warm and timeless look to our new house," she says. "The mix of new and old is very beautiful."
Table, chairs: Cartel Living
"Since our previous home was laden with historical details, we wanted to carry that warm and timeless look to our new house," she says. "The mix of new and old is very beautiful."
Table, chairs: Cartel Living
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by Holly Marder
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| Wendy bought the antique cabinet and dresser in her office about 20 years ago. "They were my biggest purchases at the time," she says, "but I was crazy about them — and I still am." The cabinet displays the couple's most precious objects, including antique crockery inherited from Wendy's grandmother and a silver teapot that used to belong to Peter’s grandmother. |
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| The couple wanted the office to accommodate Wendy's clients comfortably, so they built a separate entrance and powder room just beyond this door. A built-in shelving nook serves as a coffee station, while an additional door to the left leads to the rest of the home. |
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| The main living room space echos family life and maintains a classic country aesthetic against a contemporary backdrop. "It’s lovely when we all get together in front of the fireplace during colder months," says Wendy. The antique mirror above the stone fireplace also hung above the fireplace in the family's previous home. Wendy found the mirror over 10 years ago at an antiques shop in East Netherlands. Sofas: Ektorp, Ikea |
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| "Having lots of living space means we can enjoy our home as a family, but everyone has space to do their own thing without getting in each other’s way," Wendy says. Steel-framed sliding doors lead from the living space into the kitchen and dining room. |
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The color palette flows through the kitchen via soft gray cabinetry and Caesarstone countertops.
An island block and a window above the sink allow the family to admire views of the nature reserve outside. Storage cupboards flank the sink, keeping everything neatly tucked away.
Kitchen: Keukenhuys De Tweede Kamer; step stool: Nu Interieur | Ontwerp
An island block and a window above the sink allow the family to admire views of the nature reserve outside. Storage cupboards flank the sink, keeping everything neatly tucked away.
Kitchen: Keukenhuys De Tweede Kamer; step stool: Nu Interieur | Ontwerp
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| The family enjoys gatherings around the dinner table with views of their backyard garden and the nature reserve. |
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A farmhouse-style wood table and plush Cartel Living dining chairs help maintain a cozy feel in the dining room, surrounded by glass.
Pendant lamp: Tierelantijn
Pendant lamp: Tierelantijn
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Set behind a partition wall just off the living room, this small TV lounge makes a great family gathering place.
Sofa, chair: Cartel Living
Sofa, chair: Cartel Living
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| A modern pendant lamp by It's About Romi hangs above the home's main entry. |
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Marit's pink and white bedroom is fit for a princess. A dividing wall between the wardrobe and the bed gives the room an additional cozy dimension while making practical use of the large space.
Wardrobe: Valentine, Maisons du Monde
Wardrobe: Valentine, Maisons du Monde
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by Holly Marder
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| Floral wallpaper by Eijffinger and charming French furniture by Maisons du Monde complete this pretty picture. Simple bedding in fuchsia lets the wallpaper take center stage. Headboard, bedside table: Valentine, Maisons du Monde; wallpaper: Un Bisou, Eijffinger |
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| A long custom desk gives Marit plenty of room to spread out her arts and crafts projects and schoolwork. When homework is all done, she can stretch out on the adjoining sofa/storage console with a good book. |
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| Mees has an equally impressive bedroom. A custom wardrobe and shelving unit exaggerate its unique layout. Wardrobe: Bopita |
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Mees enjoys playing with friends in this comfortable sitting area under the eaves. Oversize galvanized tins keep toys tucked away.
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| Geometric eaves and a bunk bed give Mees' bedroom a loft-like feel. A stash of his favorite books and a special stuffed toy are within reach, propped up on the ledge of his bed. |
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This built-in wall unit, built by local carpenters at T&K Timmerwerk, has ample space for clothes, toys and books. "A lot of attention has gone into the layout of the different rooms throughout the house, including some surprising niches and nooks that keep the rooms interesting," says Wendy.
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| The children share this very clean-lined and modern bathroom — each child has a separate sink and mirror. |
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Wendy has traveled a lot internationally and wanted the master suite to re-create the look and feel of some of her favorite hotels. The bedroom was initially three different spaces; the couple made them into a single room.
Bed: Cartel Living
Bed: Cartel Living
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| Peter purchased this antique Chinese wedding cabinet about 15 years ago. "When we moved in together, he brought the cabinet with him, and it was mainly used as a wardrobe in our baby nursery," says Wendy. |
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| Belgian bluestone tiles extend up the side of the bath and a shower nook, in the couple's luxurious bathroom. On the other side of the wall, a separate area of the bathroom has a vanity and storage. |
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Twin basins and a custom built-in storage unit complete the bathroom, which opens to the bedroom.
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Ideabook published on Nov. 7, 2012.
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Anyway - the herringbone floors are beautiful and I love the limited color palette. No wonder: ours is similar, only with a splash of red here and there.
Built-ins also make a huge difference. They are expensive, but make a home look complete. All in all a very nice and soothing house!