Hidden Gem

This one-of-a-kind city monument in The Hague is a real gem. We knew from the start that we wanted to preserve the old soul of this characteristic building and its historical context. As soon as you walk into the house, you immediately imagine yourself in another world. The French flair is carried through to the dashing curtains, classical elements and charming nooks. It’s like you’re not in The Hague, but in an idyllic spot somewhere near the Côte d’Azur.

The wabi-sabi philosophy, which embraces imperfection and impermanence, plays an important role in the design. We considered which original features we could bring back to their former glory, while giving the newer elements a worn-in appearance. The naturally aged wooden beams, authentic window frames and pre-existing ornamental moldings have been skillfully restored. We applied custom wooden flooring that gives the impression that it’s always been there. The freestanding bathtub has been refurbished and is prominently positioned as an object in the middle of the master bedroom. The imperfections are clearly visible, without compromising on comfort.

The house exudes a sense of security and comfort, offering a nurturing cocoon-like environment for family life. The imperfections of the interior, combined with a neutral palette and natural stones, create a serene ambiance. The ground floor has a fairly open-plan layout, but still feels warm and welcoming. By partially extending the existing alcove with vertically placed wooden panels, a subtle partition was created which brings intimacy to the living room. The warm wood tone of the bespoke furniture, which also features in several other areas of the house, was custom made for the client.