HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
A pair of childhood sweethearts has brought joy to their cosy Dutch cottage. Could things get any cuter in this winter wonderland?
After eyeing it off for years, a Dutch couple has given an idyllic snow-covered cottage a seasonal makeover
Sweethearts since the age of 16, Mariëlla and Tunno used to take childhood bike rides past the house they now live in. “It used to be the smallest house in Berlikum,” says interior designer Mariëlla. “Even in our teens we loved it; we thought it was adorable and we imagined ourselves living there. And now we actually do!”
Their dream came true when they moved into the small house three years ago – although, having been renovated in 2002, it was no longer quite so small. It’s set in the countryside, surrounded by farmland and animals, with expansive views and a large pond at the back of the house.
While no structural changes were needed, Mariëlla and Tunno wanted to stamp their own style on the house. “We wanted to add a lighter and more friendly atmosphere and at the same time create a more spacious look,” says Mariëlla, of the then-dark house. Their first step was to repaint all the walls and woodwork in fresh grey and white tones, and to lay new pale-toned timber floors throughout.
The interior of the home features painted timber, furniture and textiles in shades of white, pale grey and blush pink. Cosy texture abounds, with knitted throws made by Mariëlla, natural
hides and textured cushions establishing a warm and inviting space. “Our styles and tastes are very similar,” says Mariëlla. “Tunno likes sturdy, industrial items while I’m the one who creates the cosy atmosphere. We don’t have many arguments about interior decoration!”
The garden provided another unexpected project, when an old shed on the property turned out to be rotten. “Tunno designed and built a zone so we would have an outside area we can enjoy in all seasons,” says Mariëlla. “We reorganised the garden at the same time – the design and layout was my project and we worked on the construction together.”
The couple’s seasonal decorations include many pieces made by Mariëlla from natural materials that she finds while walking through the countryside. A small tree twinkles with fairy lights, and candles glow on every spare surface to create an inviting atmosphere and more than a little bit of magic at this special time of the year. Even the simplest outdoor displays, like the sweet wreath twisted from a tree branch, look extra special with a sprinkling of fresh snow.
“My favourite room in the house is the living room,” says Mariëlla. “We spend a lot of time together here, cuddled up next to each other on our comfy corner sofa. Christmas for us is a true family affair, as we always spend it together with our family. Decorating the house in the weeks before the festivities is almost as much fun as Christmas itself.”