The Netherlands has produced renowned artists such as the likes of Vermeer, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Mondrian. It isn’t all that surprising, then, that designers also draw inspiration from the Dutch when it comes to home decor. Cosy, comfortable, and fun, a Dutch-inspired home can afford you and your guests a sense of belonging and utter relaxation. Here are a few tips to bring a touch of gezelligheid in your own home.
Bikes, Bikes, and More Bikes
Practically everyone in the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, rides a bike. Whether it’s a young couple out on a date or elderly ladies on a grocery trip, you’ll see Dutch people bicycling their way to almost everywhere. In fact, mothers carrying their babies on a carrier attached to the front of a bike is a common sight on Dutch streets. Therefore, if you want to bring a touch of the Netherlands to your home, bring in the bikes, and treat them as an integral part of the décor.
Choose the Right Furniture
Dutch design is, for lack of a better word, basic, but it’s basic in all the good ways. It’s simple, original, and innovative, especially in the use of various materials. Some of the most essential elements in Dutch design when it comes to furniture are natural materials like wood and rattan. One great example of a Dutch brand that specialises in such materials is HK Living, named after founders Emiel Hetsen and Sander Klaver. HK Living favours natural finishes, earth tones like brown and gray, and woven fabrics. Other materials that evoke a truly Dutch feel include leather and generally any element that ages well.
Leather furniture always looks wonderful and comfortable, so we always recommend if you have a sufficient budget, include some important leather furniture such and leather sofa, Leather Recliner Chair, after all, day hard working suitable leather sofa or recliner chair give you cosines.
Use Huge Brushstrokes
Large brushstrokes are very Dutch. You can easily incorporate this design element by bringing in artwork that incorporates this style and hanging them on your walls. You can also use the same inspiration on sofa fabrics or bed covers and blankets. Moreover, you can likewise treat a light wood wall with a whitewash to bring out a mid-century Dutch look—a simple technique that can elevate any space.
Keep Things Simple
By simple, it means less clutter. Try to scale back on furnishings and accessories to make your home as Scandinavian as possible. If you want to add some decorative touches, opt to bring the outside in by adding plants. Greenery can give any space more depth and make it look and feel cosier without adding clutter. Plants can also be added in every room of the house (yes, even the toilet and bathroom) without clashing with existing décor.
If You Want Florals, Go Bold
If there’s going to be something that you go all-out on, let it be the florals. Whether it’s through paintings, upholstery, or actual flowers, make a statement through colourful blooms. Veer away from pastels and instead choose something more attention-grabbing like blue or red. Don’t forget to add orange, the national colour of the Netherlands.
In addition, don’t be too meticulous in achieving the “perfect” arrangement. Just put the flowers in a pot or vase, and just let them be. If you don’t want to bring live plants inside (or if you aren’t really good at taking care of them), you can incorporate floral elements in things like throw pillows or lamp shades.
Put Colour on the Floor
If you want to add an extra punch of colour—Dutch-style—to your living space, try incorporating that on the floor and not the wall. Leaving the walls white or light-coloured makes it the perfect backdrop for the above-mentioned large-brushstroke works of art. To add a bit of depth in any space, give the floor a more striking shade while keeping the walls and ceilings simple.
Not many people might be familiar with Dutch design. Nonetheless, there’s a reason why designers love taking inspiration from its unique charm that can make any space feel more welcoming. Try to apply some of these tips to transform your home into a Dutch-inspired haven that’s extra-comfortable, fun, and congenial.
