The client's vision was to bring new life to a historic home, respecting its past while embracing modernity. The goal was to seamlessly merge a newly reconstructed interior structure with the carefully preserved original elements, capturing the authentic ambiance of the historical residence.
“We always strive to be honest with the building. This is a beautiful monumental building, and we aim to preserve as many as possible of the original valuable elements. As for the new additions, we will make sure that they belong to the current time. No imitation, no blending, clean and clear division of old and new” – says Oleksii Ananiev, the founder and lead project architect.
This interior demonstrates a harmonious fusion of classic elegance and modern sophistication. The timeless beauty of the classic shell of the house is seamlessly complemented by the sleek and contemporary infill. This balanced contrast of times, materials, and design creates a well-rounded and sophisticated aesthetic, elevating the standards of the entire renovation industry.
The house consists of six floors, each appointed with a specific function to reduce vertical communication.
The ground floor features an office located near the entrance, providing easy access for visitors while maintaining privacy from the street for the rest of the house. The kitchen and dining area, with direct access to the lush rear garden, are conveniently situated behind the office.
The grand living room, occupying the entire first floor, boasts an impressive 65 square meters of space and 3.7-meter ceilings. It offers both formal and informal living spaces and spans from the front façade with its iconic French balcony to the rear façade, offering breathtaking views of the lush garden through a spacious balcony.
The second floor is entirely dedicated to the master bedroom, featuring an open-plan design with functional zones that flow seamlessly yet are visually separated to maintain privacy.
The third floor boasts two bedrooms, each with its own en suite bathroom, while the top floor presents a small loft room with stunning views of Amsterdam from the expansive roof terrace.
During the renovation process, Storm strove to preserve and restore every original element within the house.
The most striking features are the three magnificent, original fireplaces that were crafted from a variety of marble types. They have been beautifully restored to full operation.
Unfortunately, only a few original wall panels and ceiling rosettes remain to this day. The rest of the ornamental moldings were designed to recreate the classic elegance of an early 20th century interior. The molding design varies based on the floor and room purpose, with the most grandiose décor found in the first floor living room, enhanced by the magnificent original chandelier.
Other elements, such as the floors and doors, were replaced to accommodate modern systems and meet necessary standards. The original design of these elements was meticulously scanned, analyzed, and replicated in the replacement products to ensure that the house's aesthetic was preserved.
Within the realm of interior design, the materials and finishes can be categorized into two distinctive groups: authentic and new materials. While the new materials share resemblance to the original ones, they possess a deliberate contemporary quality that sets them apart.
Marvelous marble takes center stage in the kitchen island and the shower, paying homage to its original usage in the entrance zone and fireplace portals. However, for the new elements, we have curated a captivating selection of contemporary fantasy marble, emphasizing sleek and uncluttered shapes.
The original floors feature the timeless allure of brown oak parquet, and this same warmth of wood pervades the new furniture and elements throughout. Yet, to delineate a clear distinction, we artfully utilized the richness of golden walnut for the new additions, showcasing a harmonious interplay of contrasting hues, textures, and dimensions.
The original door fittings, meticulously crafted in bronze, have been replaced with faithful replicas adorned with a layer of patina, ensuring a seamless blend with the overall design. And for the new elements that were non-existent in yesteryears, such as the water fixtures, we have artfully embraced the charm of clean copper, lending an understated opulence to these contemporary accents.
This list of exceptional materials extends, but the shared thread that ties these materials together is their exceptional quality, natural origins, and visually and tactically pleasing qualities. The result is a beautiful blend that harmonizes the old and the new.
The furniture utilized in the house is a testament to artistry and craftsmanship. A majority of the furnishings hail from renowned Italian brands, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. Notably, the modern luxury brand Poliform takes center stage, gracing the project with its impeccable designs. From plush sofas and armchairs to the well-appointed kitchen, comfortable bed, and spacious wardrobes, Poliform's presence permeates every corner of the house, exuding a sense of refined elegance. The outdoor furniture, on the other hand, is sourced from the esteemed Italian brand Minotti, known for its high-end offerings.
In addition to the branded furniture, the house boasts a selection of custom-made pieces, including bespoke vanities and sideboards. These meticulously crafted units are tailored with meticulous attention to detail and sourced from top-tier manufacturers, ensuring their exceptional quality. Each custom piece adds a unique touch to the overall design, showcasing the intersection of creativity and superior craftsmanship.
The integration of advanced smart home technology into this 19th-century residence posed an intriguing challenge. Our objective was to seamlessly incorporate automation, climate control, and security features without compromising the classic design of the walls and ceilings. To achieve this, we ensured that the switches remained simple and focused on essential functions, while more advanced features were accessible through central control panels or mobile devices.
Of particular interest are the pre-programmed lighting scenarios. Through a diverse range of functional, ambient, and directional lighting, including built-in furniture lighting, you have the freedom to select between a vibrant and active mode, a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, or even immerse yourself in darkness with captivating accent lighting by Davide Groppi.
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