No.4

Shimmer & SHINE

Statement vintage lighting, glass and metallics have delivered extra sparkle to Mariska Oldenburg’s elegant townhouse

DINING ROOM

The unusual concrete table was custom-made for Mariska. Teaming it with mid-century-inspired teak dining chairs creates an eclectic look. Table, ByMaesDezign.

Chairs, Aime Té Studio. Shelf unit, Furnified

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Atownhouse built in 1910

ROOMS Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ seating area, office, two bedrooms, bathroom

LOCATION Rotterdam

SITTING ROOM

The modular sofa (right) adds an element of flexibility, and its boucle-style fabric adds a warm, textural layer to the neutral colour scheme. Model 03 sofa, Swyft, is similar. For similar artwork (opposite), try Desenio

A house move was not on the agenda for Mariska Oldenburg and her boyfriend Ricardo, but everything changed when they spotted an elegant period property in the heart of their hometown of Rotterdam and fell instantly in love with it. ‘When we walked in, the sun was shining through the windows, 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. 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 bustling city-centre location, it has a large, secluded garden. ‘Out in the garden, you wouldn’t know you’re in the middle of the city,’ says Mariska. ‘All you can hear is birdsong.’

Mariska runs her own design business and Ricardo shares her passion for all things interiors. While they were determined to preserve the property’s beautiful, early 20th-century features, the couple also wanted to improve flow, modernise the interior and put their own individual style into the rooms.

The work included kitchen and bathroom refits, new flooring and complete redecoration. ‘The only thing we’ve kept from the previous owners is the tall, black doors between the sitting and dining rooms,’ says Mariska. ‘We have a lot of mid-century modern pieces, and the doors work well with that pared-back feel.’

The first floor now comprises the main bedroom, guest bedroom, a bathroom and office. On the split-level ground floor, the sitting room occupies the front of the house, and there’s a roomy dining area at the back. From there, steps lead down to the kitchen and a light-flooded seating area, with a sofa and French windows opening to the patio and garden. ‘This sofa is my favourite spot in the whole house,’ says Mariska. ‘It’s especially lovely in the morning, when the sun’s lighting everything up.’