Gijs was at a loss for words when he was invited to clients’ homes for interior design advice. “I was so impressed that I really wondered out loud for a moment what I had come to do,” he says.

Only quality
Gijs: “The house was built under architecture with a first floor that consists of one long space in which TV room, sitting room, hall and kitchen are connected. Floors flow into walls with large windows that give a view of the garden. They are fitted with blinds creating a special play of light and shadow.’ The residents go for quality, and the sofa was also proof of their good taste. Unfortunately, it turned out to be not as comfortable as expected. Gijs: “Their search for a new piece of seating set the stage for an approach to the entire atmosphere.

From light to dark
‘We agreed that the furnishings should remain sober and nuanced. Purely to underscore the architectural beauty with beautiful materials and some classics. Too much color could overpower those. Because the space is already so ethereal, we substituted light elements for darker ones.’ First, the sofa. It had to be beautiful but also super comfortable this time. Gijs came up with something special: he combined sofas from Montis and Gelderland into one model and had them upholstered in the same fabric. ‘Here again I pulled through the theme of ‘connection,’ he says. ‘The seating group makes connection with TV room and fireplace.’

Tip from Gus
‘In the middle of the room came an eight-meter-long rug made of sheepskin. A beautiful product with natural hues. My advice when dressing a long room is: avoid putting everything against the walls. Placing the furniture loose in this house created an island that merges the different living functions and provides balance.’ Gijs thought it was a fantastic assignment. The residents are as happy with the result as he is. ‘They both have a social job. After a long working day, they like to unwind in this atmosphere. Now indeed fortunately also on a nice couch.’

Photography: Denise Hiddink