Interior design new build villa near Amsterdam: why starting before construction changes every decision that follows
In 2014, Choc Studio completed the interior design of a new build villa near Amsterdam, in Amstelveen. Involvement started before construction: by connecting the interior plan to the build process from the beginning, the floor plans could be used to their full potential, and every choice for colour, materials and furnishing was made as part of a single plan.
The brief: how do you make good interior decisions for a home that doesn’t exist yet?
Once the purchase went through after a four-year search, the owners were ready to move fast. But how do you make good decisions about an interior that doesn’t exist yet? Shortly after the project started, Petra had to leave for work abroad for six months. Most of the choices would be made remotely, from floor plans and fabric samples. The question wasn’t just what to choose, but how to be sure the choices would actually work together.
The approach: starting with a lighting plan before any furniture or materials are discussed
Choc Studio started with a lighting plan, before any furniture or materials were discussed. Eric was surprised by this at first. The reasoning: light is one of the few things in a new build you can barely undo if you get it wrong early on. Recessed spotlights by Modular were installed throughout the villa, with Marset pendant lights above the dining table and lighting by Meridiani and Stout Verlichting in the sitting area. Every light point is dimmable.
To support decision-making from a distance, Choc Studio used 3D presentations throughout. These made it possible to evaluate proposals properly, without needing to hold a sample in your hand.
The style is modern chic: a wide-plank whitewash floor, and a study opening onto the living room as a contemporary kamer-en-suite. The sitting area is anchored by a custom-built fireplace wall, with a corner sofa and chaise longue by Meridiani in shades of grey and a Kymo wool rug. The coffee table, side tables, desk and fitted cabinets are all made to order by Choc Studio. The dining table is by Van Rossum in dark oak; chairs by Pure Choc in Zinc Textile. The kitchen was sprayed in a metal colour, with Meridiani bar stools at the white island. Paint throughout by Little Greene, fabrics by Casamance and Romo.
The result: completed ahead of schedule, with the interior ready to move into from day one
The house was ready several months ahead of schedule. Because everything had been ordered well in advance, Choc Studio was able to furnish the interior at handover.
Petra:”Wow, it was even more beautiful than I’d imagined. This house has nothing but good vibes, we love coming home to it every day.”
This project was published in Stijlvol Wonen (Summer 2014). Photography: Denise Zwijnen.
Starting a new build project and wondering what a difference early involvement makes? Get in touch with Choc Studio for a no-obligation introductory conversation.