This 130-Year-Old Dutch Home’s Reno Is Industrial Boho Chic

Name: Marieke Rijksen, husband and two children (11 and 6)
Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Size: 2,400 square feet
Years lived in: 4 months, owned

Our home was built about 130 years ago on the canals of Haarlem. It features gorgeous ornate original high ceilings and many of the historical features have been preserved. When we bought it late 2017, it needed a bit of love and some extra space. The kitchen was tiny and the second floor was not very practical with a pitched roof. We added a massive live-in kitchen extension and dormers in an industrial style to contrast the classical build of the original house. We are Australian expats (with roots in The Netherlands) and moved from Sydney to The Netherlands with our two young children. We rented before we moved into our home after four months of renovating every single room in the house.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room must be the live-in kitchen. The natural light flooding in from the pyramid-shaped skylight and four-meter high harmonica sliding doors is simply amazing. We added the amazing brick wall from salvaged brick that sets the tone for the space that is characterized by the use of natural materials (oak, concrete, marble and brick). And as a plus, it is on the other side of the house from our main living room, which gives us some peace and quiet from the kids sometimes!

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Industrial Chic Boho.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? Every space in the house was touched by us and made exactly to our specs. There’s nothing I would have done differently. However if I had a magic wand I would transform the garden instantly. It could use a little TLC!

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last item I bought was just the other day—a gorgeous vintage wooden bench. It’s beyond adorable and I have styled it with plants and draperies in our dining space.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Pick a style and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away with all the beautiful things out there. But combining too many ideas will make your house end up looking like a dog’s breakfast. And ensure of at least one wow factor in every space.

Thanks, Marieke!

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