RUGGED LUXURY

Hans Kuijten designs a powerful and beautiful interior for a farmhouse.

"CHIC AND ROBUST. OPEN YET INTIMATE. EARTHLY TONES AND BIG GESTURES. IN AN OLD FARMHOUSE THAT TURNED INTO A DISASTERED STABLE, DESIGNER HANS KUIJTEN CREATED AN IMPRESSIVE HOME ENTIRELY IN LINE WITH THE CLIENT'S WISHES. A STRIKING DETAIL: HANS DIDN'T USE ANY DOORS. "THE RESIDENTS WANTED TO EXPERIENCE THE FREEDOM OFFERED BY THE NATURE BEHIND THE FARMHOUSE IN THEIR OWN.

The first encounter with the interior is overwhelming. From the floor, we see the modernized trusses in the eight-meter-high roof of the building, we see the impressive kitchen at the back of the house, and we see robust and rugged materials and earthy tones that blend together beautifully. "When you open the front door, you immediately get to know the entire house. At a glance, you can read the complete story," says Hans, who deliberately opted for grand gestures. "There's no room for fussiness in this interior. It calls for a large and robust table, a generously sized kitchen, and substantial fireplaces. Not visible, but contributing to the comfort in the open-plan living space, is the acoustic ceiling."

With justifiable pride and enthusiasm, Hans Kuijten points out the most striking features in the luxurious farmhouse. “The enormous wall at the end of the house is covered with leather by Alphenberg Leather and creates a spectacular and warm effect in the room, especially when the fireplace integrated into the wall is lit. In the center of the house, we placed a room divider that provides intimacy in the open space. A television is integrated on one side, and on the other side we see a custom-made drinks cabinet. Behind each door you'll find a beautifully illuminated bottle of spirits. The steel shelves on the sides are ideal for displaying accessories and works of art,” says Hans, who has now arrived in the custom-made kitchen during his tour. “The kitchen island is clad in wood by Wonderwall Studios and features a stunning brown marble countertop. The beautiful lighting completes the picture.”

The mezzanine houses the residents' private quarters and, like the other spaces in the house, is made of honest and natural materials. The bedroom and bathroom above are reached via the beautifully lit oak staircase. "Isn't it great?" says the enthusiastic designer as we look out over the interior from the mezzanine. "I could look at this all day."

Door: excellentmagazine.nl

TEKST: SANDER LEMMENS FOTOGRAFIE: PETER BAAS