A beautiful home in Amsterdam, the charming capital of the Netherlands renowned for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene and breathtaking architecture, has been designed as a reflection of its surroundings. Nestled in a grand building at a prime location overlooking the bustling wharf on one side and the old town on the other, this expansive apartment is a haven of elegance and refinement. The interiors embrace Dutch vernacular design and modern aesthetics in a way that is both harmonious and outstanding.

The designers at Studio Piet Boon devised a logical and functional plan for the home that offers plenty of room for not just living but work and play, with an evident emphasis on the spaciousness of its 2,500 square feet, a luxury in the city. The décor is a masterclass in understated elegance, with a neutral colour palette, clean lines and an emphasis on natural light.

As you step inside the apartment, you are immediately struck by the sleek modernism that pervades every aspect of the living space. The entrance welcomes you with a majestic floral vase on a centre table surrounded by contemporary artwork. Spotlights trained on the painting and a central pendant light give the feeling of entering an art gallery instead of a home. This expansive gallery hall affords a clear separation between quarters for living and sleeping.

The capacious open-plan living area is flooded with natural light, pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows to create a feeling of bright airiness that is nothing short of breathtaking. The palette of the walls and upholstery is kept rather monotone, allowing the colour-rich artwork to pop out by contrast. The owners boast a large art collection that can be spied on almost every wall and encompasses an eclectic mix of abstract work, figure drawing, silhouettes and sculptures, hinting at their diverse tastes.

Connecting doors from the hall are crafted from glass to encourage the entry of optimum light for an open and congenial living experience. As the banks of windows stretch right across the hall and living area, views of the cityscape are mesmerising. The colour story in the main lounge is shades of grey, giving the space a restful solemnity.

At one end, facing a TV wall, a large leather sectional sofa sits on a plush grey carpet, with two grey cube-shaped minimalist coffee tables placed in the middle like enormous dice. On the other side, facing the windows, two commodious recliners are paired with a large wooden coffee table formed of two overlapping discs, allowing for moments of contemplation while enjoying morning coffee.

The windows extend into a bright kitchen, where cooking is a delight set against the city vista. The area is dominated by a dappled-marble central island equipped with a smart cooking hob, while its functionality is enhanced by an enclosed pantry and ample storage space within the minimal lines of cabinets above the sink.

Adjacent to the pantry is the entrance to the study. Like every area of the flat, this is a pleasingly spacious and minimally furnished space. The lack of visual clutter here serves to curtail potential distractions from work – though gorgeous views of the city and the water may easily grab the eye and occupy the mind. The adjoining balcony, set with a pair of casual chairs, is an enchanting spot to take a breather from a busy schedule and reflect on the tranquillity found in this wholesome, well-balanced home, even in the midst of a bustling metropolitan city.

The master bedroom is a serene retreat offering the perfect blend of comfort and style, with plush rugs and elegant artwork. Vertical hardwood panels flank the soft white headboard wall in a play of tones and textures. Spectacular clusters of pendant lights dangle low from the ceiling on both sides of the bed. Matching the disparate designs of the living-room coffee tables, a rectangular side table appears on one side of bed and two round ones on the other; indeed, this interplay of contrasting shapes can be seen across the apartment.

Photos: Studio Piet Boon