Studio &Space Transforms 1930s Amsterdam Home into a Sophisticated Family Haven
Dutch design firm Studio &Space has breathed new life into a timeworn 1930s Amsterdam house, turning it into a luxurious family home adorned with bespoke furnishings and refined finishes reminiscent of a high-end hotel.
The homeowners, a female entrepreneurial couple with two young children, commissioned Studio &Space founder Maike Borst to modernize the property in Amsterdam Zuid after returning to the city from the countryside.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing Modern Comforts
The 275-square-metre interior had not been renovated for decades. Studio &Space undertook an extensive renovation that brought the home up to date while preserving its original charm—bay windows, stained glass, and elegant arched doorways remain central to the design.
“I have always admired 1930s architecture for its craftsmanship, detailing, and simple geometric forms. This house is a beautiful example,” Borst told Dezeen.
One of the home’s standout features is its iconic spiral staircase, which Borst extended to the attic level. “I fell in love immediately with the staircase—it defines the character of the home. From the start, I wanted to honor the original details while designing an interior that respects the home’s heritage.”
Family Living Meets Luxury Hotel Aesthetics
The renovation balances original details with contemporary family needs. The home now includes a gym, sauna, two bathrooms, four bedrooms, a walk-in closet, and a play/TV room. To accommodate these additions, the main house was connected to a garage and a rear shed, creating a seamless internal entrance.
The attic-level gym and sauna were added alongside a dormer window, ensuring functionality without compromising the home’s architectural integrity.
The interior palette draws inspiration from the clients’ travels, particularly to the south of France, where they enjoy staying in luxurious hotels. Rich, tactile materials—aged brass, warm wood, and natural stone—blend with custom and contemporary furnishings, creating a space that feels personal, bold, and intimate.
A Kitchen to Impress
The kitchen, designed in collaboration with Amsterdam-based Eginstill, features a central island with a lacquered relief pedestal and a patterned quartzite countertop that anchors the room. Upholstered bar stools, velour-clad chairs, and a curved dining bench create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, complemented by ambient lighting and a mirrored-back bar.
Bedrooms That Feel Like a Getaway
The principal bedroom evokes a luxury hotel experience, with natural woven wall coverings and a walk-in wardrobe crafted from aged wood. The bathrooms feature tactile materials like onyx countertops, slatted timber accents, art deco-inspired lighting, and aged brass fixtures, balancing sophistication with comfort.
The children’s bedroom is a layered, tactile space featuring a custom-built bunk bed with a playful hideaway, crafted from sculptural wooden panels inspired by the home’s original teak garage doors.
A Thoughtful, Cohesive Renovation
Studio &Space’s renovation honors the home’s 1930s heritage while embracing contemporary needs and family life. The result is a home that feels luxurious yet approachable, sophisticated yet lived-in, and utterly unique—a testament to thoughtful design that bridges past and present.
Other Amsterdam homes recently featured on Dezeen include an apartment in a former sugar refinery and a renovated 1920s Amsterdam School-style house, showcasing the city’s rich architectural diversity.