Dutch architecture firm Studio Space has completed an extensive renovation of a 1930s home in Amsterdam Zuid, transforming the time-worn property into a sophisticated family residence that evokes the luxury atmosphere of a high-end hotel. The project was commissioned by a female entrepreneurial couple with two young children who had recently moved back to the city from the countryside.
Studio founder Maike Borst led the comprehensive renovation of the 275-square-meter interior, which had not been updated for many years. The design team carefully preserved original architectural features including the bay window, stained glass panels, and arched doorways while bringing the home up to contemporary standards. "I have always admired 1930s architecture for its craftsmanship, detailing and simple geometric shapes, and this house is a beautiful example," Borst explained.
The home's most striking feature is its original spiral staircase, which served as the centerpiece of the renovation design. "Just like the owners, I fell in love immediately with the iconic spiral staircase that connects the floors and defines the character of the home," Borst noted. "I knew from the start that I wanted to honor and highlight the original details while designing an interior that respected the home's heritage."
To accommodate the family's modern lifestyle needs, Studio Space expanded the property by connecting the main house to a garage and small shed at the rear. This expansion allowed for the inclusion of contemporary amenities including a gym, sauna, two bathrooms, four bedrooms, a walk-in closet, and a play and TV room. The original spiral staircase was extended to reach the newly created attic level, and a dormer window was added to provide natural light for the upper-level gym and sauna.
The interior design concept drew inspiration from the clients' love of travel, particularly their frequent visits to luxury hotels in the south of France. "Rich, tactile materials such as aged brass, warm wood and expressive natural stone were combined with custom and contemporary pieces," Borst described. "The result is a deeply personal interior that is bold yet intimate, sophisticated yet effortless."
The kitchen, designed in collaboration with Amsterdam-based firm Eginstill, features a central island with a lacquered relief pedestal and a richly patterned quartzite countertop that serves as the room's focal point. The adjacent dining area combines upholstered bar stools with velour-clad chairs and a curved bench to create an intimate atmosphere. Ambient lighting and a dedicated bar area with a mirrored back panel further enhance the elevated hotel-like ambiance.
The master bedroom was specifically designed to replicate the feel of a luxury hotel suite, featuring natural woven wall coverings and a walk-in wardrobe crafted from aged wood. The accompanying bathroom showcases natural, tactile surfaces including an onyx countertop and slatted timber detailing, complemented by aged brass fixtures and art deco-style lighting that add opulent finishing touches.
The children's bedroom demonstrates thoughtful family-focused design, combining soft materials and layered textures to create a cozy environment. A custom-built bunk bed with an integrated playful hideaway space was constructed using sculptural wooden relief panels inspired by the home's original teak garage doors, creating a unique play area that reflects the property's architectural heritage.
This renovation joins a growing portfolio of notable Amsterdam residential projects that have gained international attention, including recent conversions of historic properties and renovations of Amsterdam School-style homes from the 1920s. The project photography was captured by Danielle Siobhán, documenting the successful transformation of this 1930s property into a contemporary family home that honors its architectural past while embracing modern luxury living.
