Masters of minimalism, Belgian studio TJIP bring a subtlety to the interior design of this petite apartment. Located in one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, the apartment sits in the midst of a bustling neighbourhood, filled with places to eat, drink and shop. In thoughtful counteraction, the home exudes a calming aesthetic thanks to the restrained and softly modern fitout by TJIP.
Stripped back sophistication is how we’d best describe this apartment. TJIP have maximised light and space by keeping the materials to a minimum and the palette light and bright. The open communal layout of the kitchen and living area makes for it adaptive to the residents, while refusing to compromise on the expanse of natural light provided by the full-height windows.
Just as they did so cleverly with their Belgian apartment profiled in Issue 28 of est magazine, TJIP are experts at creating space in seemingly small environments. Alongside the pared-back colour palette, they also use mirrors, full-height curtains and geometric framing to further create the illusion of space. Blending oak floorboards and skirting details with sleek modern joinery, the interior architecture unites classic and contemporary, a sentiment further explored in the furnishings.
The built-in joinery also subtly links the living and kitchen while maximising storage and display space – though in keeping in with the apartment’s sensibility, little is on display. The living display is slightly recessed to gently seperate the spaces, while the sleek white kitchen offers plenty of preparation space as the bench draws you into the pantry area, again subtly defined by a shift in material. And though much of the kitchen and living furniture has been integrated through the joinery, the standalone pieces – a midcentury style dining set, striking pendant lamp, rustic cabinet and bench – all work to add personality and dynamic to the home, lending a faint idea of the resident’s distinct identity.
While this interior may look simple at first glance, look closer and it’s anything but basic – an aesthetic reprieve from the hustle and bustle outside.