Category Archives: See how others live

See how others live and let them know what YOU think!

Living large in small spaces


My stylish and fabulous friends at Apartment Therapy (who have yet to meet me and decide to let me do their PR in the Netherlands but will, one day) areon their annual quest for the coolest small homes around the globe. Pretty much an American party but the contest does allow international submissions. 

If your house is 1200 square feet or less. You can submit 5 pictures and a floor plan. There are 5 categories: teeny-tiny, tiny, little, small and international.  You can bring out your votes too.

1200 square meters is a whopping 111 m2 by the way, which is another great example of the fact that everything is bigger in the US, even small apartments… 111m2 is considered pretty big for an Amsterdam pad. Mineis 140m2 and makes quite a few people green with envy.

Below a few examples of current entries.

Mobius' 295 square feet (27m2) NYC studio

Mobius' 295 square feet (27m2) NYC studio

Antony's 300 square feet (28m2) Brooklyn 1 bedroom flat

Antony's 300 square feet (28m2) Brooklyn 1 bedroom flat

Rajiv's Bangalore (India) 500 square feet (45m2) 1 bedroom flat

Rajiv's Bangalore (India) 500 square feet (45m2) 1 bedroom flat

My new secretary writing desk!


My best friend and her husband have decided to stop renting in Amsterdam and move to Spain more or less permanently. She was tired of renting out her flat, stashing her furniture in either her mums garage, a rented storage unit or her flat occupied by sub tenants. Between her stuff was this amazing little secretary/writing desk that I had always been a bit jealous of. For my last birthday, my 35th, she surprisedme with a gift wrapped desk  in my living room when I returned from a luscious morning massage ands lunch my hubs treated me on.

I decided to put in in the corner by the French balcony in our dining area. On the 2nd picture collage in the article about my home, you can see that spot was originally reserved for an antique little chest. It looked great there, but it also looks great next to the sofa in the sitting room.

And more importantly, my secretary was made for that spot as the picture below shows.

Not sure why the picture is a bit out of focus...

Not sure why the picture is a bit out of focus...

 

FlexibleLove, the green and endless seat


FlexibleLove™

FlexibleLove™

FlexibleLove is a seat designed by Taiwanese designer Chishen Chiu. He created a patent-pending accordian-like honeycomb structure which allows the single seat to be stretched to seat up to 16 people! The seat is made from recycled paper and wood and is manufactured using existing production processes to reduce the impact for the environment.

Check the video below for the endless uses of the seat.

Unique Amsterdam property for sale


In the Eastern part of the old center of Amsterdam, in the Kadijken, one can still find many old warehouses and docks and ports where in the old days the hustle and bustle of trade would be a constant companion of those living there. As this bit of Amsterdam’s port was closed in with the building of the Central Station and with that closing in the water ways, the warehouses became derelict, turning the area into a grim and very unpopular part of town.

Entrepotdok

Entrepotdok

In the last couple of decades of the 20th century however, the local government made a point of turning this part of the city into what is now considered one of the nicest. With the main shopping districts, popular attractions and public transport within a stone’s throw, real estate is often priced in the higher regions and only affordable for the lucky few. One of the most desirable addresses here is the Entrepotdok.

At number 1 Entrpotdok, almost in the water, the old guards house is for sale. This is a truly unique property as it is pretty much detached.

Entrepotdok 1

Entrepotdok 1

The second floor was put up in the 1990’s, creating a lot of extra square meters bringing the total to about 115m2. There is no official garden or outside space but the owners have always used the bit of space directly on the water just outside the front door which is granted and a privilege not likely taken away anymore. Towards the front it overlooks a small square which is actually the former courtyard of the dock, with the gate still intact.

Once inside the main floor features a living room with spectacular views of the canals, and a bedroom with the same view and a separate bathroom with shower and toilet. Wraught iron small stairs lead to the lower floor with an eat-in kitchen and storage room. The new 2nd floor is now in use as a large study / guest room with its own bathroom with bath, shower, sink and a 2nd toilet. This floor can easily be converted into two rooms.

 

The courtyard

The courtyard

View from the living room

View from the living room

Multifunctional room upstairs

Multifunctional room upstairs

 

The agent selling this property speaks of a ‘one time opportunity’ which it really is. Whoever sweeps up this gem will likely live there for quite a few years to come.  It’s on the market for € 699.000.