Dutch architectural firm Studio Space has completed an extensive renovation of a 1930s house in Amsterdam Zuid, transforming the time-worn property into a sophisticated family home that evokes the luxury feel of a high-end hotel. The project, led by studio founder Maike Borst, was commissioned by a female couple of entrepreneurs with two young children who had recently moved back to the city from the countryside.
The 275-square-meter interior had not been renovated for many years, requiring an extensive modernization project that brought the home up to contemporary standards while carefully preserving original architectural features. These included the distinctive bay window, original stained glass elements, and graceful arched doorways that define the home's 1930s character.
"I have always admired 1930s architecture for its craftsmanship, detailing and simple geometric shapes, and this house is a beautiful example," Borst explained. "Just like the owners, I fell in love immediately with the iconic spiral staircase that connects the floors and defines the character of the home. I knew from the start that I wanted to honor and highlight the original details while designing an interior that respected the home's heritage."
The renovation required significant structural work to accommodate the family's contemporary lifestyle needs, including the addition of a gym, sauna, two bathrooms, four bedrooms, a walk-in closet, and a dedicated play and TV room. To create space for these amenities, Studio Space connected the main house to a garage and small shed at the rear of the property, which also provided an internal entrance to the garage area.
The home's original spiral staircase was extended to reach the newly converted attic level, where a dormer window was added to accommodate the gym and sauna facilities. This architectural intervention maintained the staircase's role as the central focal point while expanding its functional capacity throughout the home.
The interior design scheme drew inspiration from the clients' passion for travel, particularly their frequent visits to high-end hotels in the south of France where they enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. This influence is evident throughout the home's sophisticated material palette and luxurious finishes.
"Rich, tactile materials such as aged brass, warm wood and expressive natural stone were combined with custom and contemporary pieces," Borst noted. "The result is a deeply personal interior that is bold yet intimate, sophisticated yet effortless."
The kitchen, designed in collaboration with Amsterdam-based firm Eginstill, serves as a stunning centerpiece featuring a central island with a lacquered relief pedestal and a richly patterned quartzite countertop that anchors the space. The adjacent dining area creates a cozy atmosphere with upholstered bar stools, velour-clad chairs, and a curved bench, complemented by ambient lighting and a dedicated bar area with a mirrored back panel.
The principal bedroom was specifically designed to evoke the ambiance of a luxury hotel suite, featuring natural woven wall coverings and an adjoining walk-in wardrobe crafted from aged wood paneling. The en-suite bathroom continues this luxurious theme with natural, tactile surfaces including an onyx countertop and slatted timber detailing, enhanced by aged brass fixtures and art deco-style lighting elements.
The children's bedroom demonstrates thoughtful design through its combination of soft materials and layered textures to create a cozy, playful environment. A custom-built bunk bed features a whimsical hideaway space and was crafted from sculptural wooden relief panels inspired by the home's original teak garage doors, creating a unique connection between old and new elements.
The completed renovation represents a masterful balance between honoring the home's 1930s architectural heritage and creating a thoroughly modern family residence that meets contemporary lifestyle demands. Photography of the project was captured by Danielle Siobhán, showcasing the sophisticated interplay between original period features and contemporary luxury finishes throughout the transformed Amsterdam home.
