So many of us are grappling with the challenges of working from home lately. And that means that space, or lack of, is becoming more and more of an issue. It’s not so new for me, as I’ve been doing this for many years now, but I do sympathise with families where both partners are jostling for the desk in the spare bedroom, or even the kitchen table! So, how about this lofty space, with acres of parquet flooring and dazzling white walls as the ultimate live and work space?
Take a Look
The substantial volume of this former industrial building has been transformed by Studio Modijefsky into the home and studio of two artists. Cleverly divided into two levels, there is an office and workshop on the ground floor, with a gallery and home on the first floor. Just imagine a morning commute that involves nothing more than walking downstairs!
The completely white walls of the first floor unify the space without hiding the structural grid and the original function of the building. Finishes throughout have been kept to a minimum and consist on the whole of white paint, warm oak, and brass. Three holes in the ceiling (previously chimneys), have been replaced with glass portholes turning the openings into skylights and flooding the space with even more light.
During art shows and presentations, this grand gallery space is served by the totally customised and unconventional open kitchen which is part of the living quarters. A central island, has been carefully designed and crafted entirely in brass. It has cabinets on each of the four sides, and is covered by a beautiful stainless-steel top. Two ‘specials’ complement the elegant design – custom made bronze handles and pull-out wooden shelves. The back of the kitchen is a system of open white shelves against the transparent glass box of the main entrance.
A big oak table and a set of vintage chairs provide a place to dine and no doubt also serve as a conference table as well as a buffet table for art shows. Above it, a self-built kayak has been hung upside down and converted for lights along the entire length of the table.
Behind the kitchen is the living room which is a much more intimate space with a comfortable sofa facing a wood-burning stove.
Through the hallway, a sliding door reveals the guest bedroom, walk-in closet, bathroom and toilets. At the end of this space the ceiling almost doubles in height and here the owners have their master bedroom. This spacious room and the natural light that floods it, provides the perfect setting for a ‘forest’ of different plants.
And the height of the ceiling allows for a mezzanine to overlook the room. Here a balcony-like space hosts a free-standing tub with a ceiling window which allows for stargazing from the bath, whilst also being surrounded by numerous plants.
The white herringbone floor tiles of toilet and bathroom complement both the oak parquet flooring and white marble of the cabinets. While high mirrors above the sinks enhance the ceiling height. Bronze light fixtures, designed and crafted by the client’s atelier, can be found throughout the space as small pleasant surprises.
And did you notice the minimalistic white shutters that allows the couple to regulate the amount of light throughout the day in all areas of the studio? Genius.
Design: Studio Modijefsky in collaboration with Studio Molen.
Photography: Maarten Willemstein.
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