The conversation
Straight lines, space to work and a sofa in the kitchen – this is the best way to design for right now, as Piet Boon tells our editor Pip Rich
Dutch designer Piet Boon founded Studio Piet Boon 40 years ago, and honed a luxe, minimalist look that now characterises middle European aesthetics. He has also developed countless products – from furniture to tiles to kitchen cabinet handles to paint – which are a perfect place to start when decorating a pared-back home. His most recent project is the interior of the 100 apartment Rosewood Residences development, Hillsboro Beach, Miami.
PIP RICH This year feels like a cultural shift. The definition of ‘luxury’ is changing dramatically in relation to our homes. I’ve always thought of your vibe as defining luxury – how do you think people want to live right now?
LUXURY FOR ME IS IF YOU’RE HAPPY IN YOUR HOUSE AND IF YOU HAVE PRIVACY... A SPACE TO BE AT PEACE – THEY’RE TRUE LUXURIES
PIET BOON That has changed a lot. Luxury for me, right now, is if you’re happy in your house and if you have privacy. Aspace to work, a space to be at peace… they’re the true luxuries.
PR Yes, zoning is very important now – even in large open-plan layouts, which many of your projects tend to be. How do you manage to create that sense of having separate areas?
PB Privacy is what makes a good layout. Small spaces where you can leave your laptop and not have to see it when you’re not working. You know, a lot of my clients now work from their kitchen tables, and so I focus on straight lines, and not too many materials. And a sofa in the kitchen! It’s so important now. Somewhere you can sit, work, eat, watch TV, relax. Now that really is luxury.
PR I’ve always particularly adored your kitchens –they manage to be super smart and super welcoming. Iam heartened to hear you like sofas in them – if you have space for one, I believe they’re the fastest way to make that room the true heart of the home. What else do you focus on in kitchens at the moment?
PB In New York, they tend to be a show space, but in the Netherlands, people love to cook. Most of the time we skip formal dining, and if you have an island or kitchen table and good appliances then these are all the ingredients you need. The best moments of the day are the morning and evening, when everyone is hanging out in the kitchen.
PR That’s the vibe I get from your recent project in Amsterdam – it’s minimalist, for sure, especially its palette. But thanks to the clever design choices it seems like a space to hang out in – I can see a whole life playing out around those shapes and colours.
PB That’s because of the pl
