Inside Scoop: Monochrome Calm in a Netherlands High Rise

Dropping in to share another interior with you today, this time the home of graphic designer and co-owner of Paqhuis, Karlijn De Jong. I photographed her space for my Houzz column recently, and was instantly amazed at her home’s disciplined colour scheme. A palette of black, white, grey and the odd pastel hue rules in the high rise Tilburg apartment that she shares with her husband and baby boy. Take a peek at the full scoop of images, and if you’re keen to know more about their story and all of their furnishings, be sure to drop by Houzz. Let’s get this party started in the bedroom, shall we? Loving that tiny hint of blush pink.

With just 6 weeks to go before the birth of their son, Finn, Karlijn and her hubby had almost no time at all to get settled into their new apartment. The y replaced the floors, painted walls, and then started decorating in their minimalistic sense of style against a backdrop of fresh white. “I just love white. It’s clean, it’s crisp, and in a country with not a lot of natural light it can lift the mood of a space.”

Graphic elements and neutral hues led the way when it came to decorating, which is largely due to Karlijn’s work as a graphic designer.

“I work with colour all day long, so when I come home I like to unwind in a calm, subtle environment,” she says. Monochrome tones of black, white and grey with strong Scandinavian influences make for a no-fuss family retreat.

“I am very drawn to the Scandinavian style that relies mostly on light and subtlety,” Karlijn says. “White, grey with wood accents form the style that I am most drawn to.” Several of her favourite brands are also Scandinavian, including House Doctor, Muuto and HK Living. Karlijn’s home may be cool, calm and collected, but a generous scattering of pillows, candles and throws ensure the place is cosy too.

Karlijn’s carefully curated space was born as much out of a need for functionality as beauty, and the two seamlessly overlap throughout. But what struck me most about this home was the lack of clutter and objects that don’t work with the entire look and feel of the space.

“I tidy the house often and edit the space regularly to create a calm space. If I don’t like something, I get rid of it,” she says. “I also use a lot of storage to stash away unsightly things to keep them out of sight.”

I wish I had some of Karlijn’s discipline when it comes to my own home! Many of us hold on to stuff because they feel that they should or are concerned about their home looking too sparse, but I do believe that editing your space regularly makes way for the things that really will look and feel great in your home. Thanks so much Karlijn for inviting me into your lovely home. It was a joy meeting you and your beautiful boy. I am glad I got to squeeze in a few cuddles in between shots!

Read the full story HERE and keep an eye out for the lovely home of Karlijn’s business partner, Femke, very soon.

Holly x

Photography by Holly Marder for Houzz

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