HOME NOTES
WHO LIVES HERE? Interior stylist and French language teacher Mariska Oldenburg and her boyfriend Ricardo.
THE PROPERTY A two-bedroom townhouse, built in 1910 in central Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Dining room
Sitting one level above the kitchen area, the dining room looks onto double-height windows. Mariska's striking vintage lighting draws the eye to the ceiling's height.
BUY THE KEY PIECES Concrete table, price on request, Bymaezdezign. Rattan dining chairs, approx £399 each, Aime Te Studio
Dining room
The slender, black lines of the shelf unit make a bold contrast against an off-white wall. Items on display range from handmade ceramics to African and Asian sculptures.
BUY THE KEY PIECES Black shelf unit with extension, approx £1,900, Furnified
A house move was not on the agenda for Mariska Oldenburg and her boyfriend Ricardo but everything changed when they spotted this elegant period property in the heart of their hometown of Rotterdam and fell instantly in love with it.
'When we first walked in, the sun was shining through the windows and highlighting all the beautiful, original features,' says Mariska. 'We weren't really looking for a new home, but it felt as if the house had found us. We knew this was our dream property."
The house is over 100 years old, and its high ceilings, decorative plasterwork, stained glass windows and black marble fireplaces enchanted the pair. It also held a hidden gem despite its city location, it has a large, secluded garden.
Living room
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Maximise Outdoor Dining Space - If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have
If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have. We asked a host of garden experts to share their top tips on making the most of a small space, whether you're hosting friends and family for a special occasion, relaxing at the end of the day or enjoying your morning coffee.
hometruths
KELVIN AND LIZ FLETCHER GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THEIR HOME
Fresh & delicious
Chicken traybake with garlic & cherry tomatoes
NATURAL habitat
KERRY HARRIS' EAST LONDON HOME IS A LESSON IN BLURRING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT
"WE AREN'T traditional"
RACHAEL AND ALEX'S RELAXED FUNCTIONAL HOME IS A BLEND OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE, MID-CENTURY MODERN AND PALM SPRINGS SHADES
GROWING up
ARCHITECT ROB AND WIFE EMMA HAVE TRANSFORMED A 1970S HOUSE, GIVING.THEM MORE SPACE FOR THEIR FAMILY
The shortlist PARASOLS
Create a cool spot with these dazzling sunshades
Weekend decorator
CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
The shortlist PICNICWARE
Everything you need for the perfect spread
PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN BY CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR RELAXATION, SAY OUR EXPERTS
