VINTAGE twist
Classic patterns and contemporary furnishings create the perfect balance of warmth and calm in Ruth Van de Louw and Marc Lochs’ home
From the moment Ruth Van de Louw and Marc Lochs walked into their 1930s Dutch townhouse, it felt like home. ‘I fell in love immediately, especially with the hall’s original tiles and high ceilings,’ recalls Ruth. ‘We viewed other houses, but this one was so charming, we couldn’t get it out of our heads.’
Ruth, a psychologist, and Marc, a copywriter, had outgrown their previous apartment and were looking to start a family. So, eight years ago, they purchased this townhouse and began to put their own stamp on the interior. Luckily, the property was in a good state of repair when they moved in. ‘We only painted some rooms and added new wallpaper,’ says Ruth. Her artistic eye and a passion for design and vintage have led her to fill the house with her unique style. ‘I’ve always loved decorating and I wanted a vintage-meets-modern look for our home,’ she says.
Once their two children Jonah, now 8, and Holly, 5, arrived, the couple wanted to create a happy home for them to grow up in, without compromising on style. ‘I look for furnishings that are both practical and stylish, but I mix them with a few beautiful items that are just for decoration,’ says Ruth. She experiments with new design ideas and
finds inspiration in second-hand shops and flea markets. ‘Sometimes I’ll see a particular colour combination and it inspires me to change things around at home,’ she explains. Mixing salvaged and retro furnishings with classic Scandi pieces has created a sense of peace, and adding pattern, including vintage embroidery and 1960s-style wallpaper make the rooms feel playful and warm. ‘I love my handmade embroidered cushion covers and collection of ceramics,’ says Ruth.
A few years after they moved in, Marc and Ruth renovated their kitchen and the result is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ look. They used their talent for giving old things a new lease of life by reusing the original tiles and repainting a pre-owned dresser. Salvaged wood was used for the unit doors that were made by a local carpenter. Last year, they renovated the oak floor in the sitting/dining room and repolished the natural wood.
In the dining area, the original stained glass windows are a beautiful feature. ‘ When the sun shines on the glass, it creates such a lovely, bright light,’ says Ruth. Double doors, which the couple often leave open in summer, lead out to their garden. ‘ We have a proper city garden, so it’s small, but so green and easy to keep,’ says Ruth. ‘I love to sit there and drink tea on my days off work – it’s a sanctuary.’