STOCK DUTCH DESIGN SEAMLESSLY MIXES
HERITAGE WITH FUTURE PROOF
For the interview with Stock Dutch Design, I drove to the city center of Haarlem first,
where Leonie Hendrikse and Jeroen Stock have been working with their team in a beautiful
historic building since 2015. In long gone times, this city palace was the residence of textile merchant
Sir Willem Philip Barnaart, who announced a grand renovation in order to give it even more grandeur.
This news travelled fast and even reached none other than Napoleon, who eventually spent a night there,
which gave this location an extra piece of history. It is the ultimate backdrop for Stock Dutch Design,
whose second nature is to seamlessly mixes heritage and future proof design. And for me to visit them!
From Barnaart residence to Stock residence
I am a bit early when I arrive at Barnaart Residence. The team is still in a meeting, which gives me time to just wander around in the beautifully decorated rooms of this building. The environment creates a clear picture of the clientele of Stock Dutch Design. Moments later, however, Leonie and Jeroen indicate that, although this all seems pretty genteel, most of their interiors are quite livable and practical. “A number of our clients indeed live in monumental buildings where our style comes into its own. At the same time, we are also able to provide modern interiors with an authentic atmosphere. It is our strength to create the perfect synergy between old and new in all our designs.” I experience that myself afterwards, during the tour in and around their own home, which is located a few kilometers outside the city center.
Connecting the present with the past
Since the start of the company 16 years ago, Stock Dutch Design has been giving homes a soul with their creations. Based on a custom-made combination of colors, structures and materials, supplemented with personal properties, they transform the residences of their clients into cozy environments that fit like a warm jacket and where you immediately feel at home. This is no different with their own home. Leonie: “When I was a child, in my home everything was stored. And if something broke, skilled craftsmen fixed it. So I was given a love for authenticity and craftsmanship. Now I have a family of my own, with three children and a dog, which makes me look at things in a practical and functional way as well. So for me it is normal to connect the present with the past, without losing sight of functionality.
From average to special
Last year, Leonie and Jeroen bought a somewhat lumpy, boring 1950s building, which they completely transformed in only two months time. Jeroen: “During the viewing we saw the enormous potential of this building and we immediately knew we could create a wonderful family home here.”
Already upon entering the hall you notice the typical Stock Dutch Design signature. Unnecessary obstacles were removed to make way for light and space. Colorless walls were given special wallpapers by renowned English and French brands and average floors were replaced by warm wood strips and luxurious, yet functional tiles. Leonie: “In the hall we placed an antique cupboard that belonged to my grandmother. We restored it, covered it on the inside with a weather-resistant fabric and provided it with photo frames from family members.”
Funky combinations and eyecatching details
From out the hall I entered the open kitchen with a spacious cooking island, equipped with a ceramic marble worktop. Striking are the special handles that embellish the drawers and cupboard doors, like jewelry pieces. And as a contrast, there is this sleek steel element on the ceiling, which conceals the extractor hood in a very stylish way.
In the dining there is a table of Piet Hein Eek; a nice tribute to contemporary Dutch Design. The pantry with the old Delft Blue dinner service winks at the rich Dutch past. Leonie gave it a personal touch by painting the vintage coffee table in a funky deep red color and placing an old piano, which is often used by the children. A workplace has also been set up for them in the space behind the kitchen. The customized desk is completely future-proof; it has integrated USB ports.
Practical yet elegant
The master suite is situated on the first floor and has a great view over the garden. The wide balcony is accessible through a large sliding door, which is equipped with deep blue shutters to be able to filter daylight in an attractive way. Here, the ‘average’ has been replaced by ‘special’ as well. In the bathroom they used a combination of modern marble and classic wallpaper and a freestanding bath tub. Practical yet extremely elegant.
Outside, the family has access to a wonderful garden and a spacious terrace with lovely outdoor furniture, where again there is harmony in old and new. The existing trees and slopes in the garden blend seamlessly into the modern, yet cozy look of the seating area.
What a beautiful day! Not only Leonie and Jeroen told me their story; their interiors also tell stories. Beautiful and personal stories that I will undoubtedly tell more about in the future.
