coming together
Twinkling candlelight and frosty hues set the scene for Hennie van der Wijk’s festive celebrations
Flickering candlelight and icy hues create a chic festive scene in a Dutch mansion that has been lovingly built from scratch
Hennie van der Wijk loves decorating her home for Christmas. In keeping with its pared-back interior, her seasonal decorating is simple and she employs the same restricted colour palette she has used throughout the house. ‘I don’t go over the top with garlands and glitter,’ she says. ‘But I do decorate the tree with silver baubles, put a big wreath on the front door and group together candles in every room. Candles create a serene, spiritual and romantic atmosphere, which I feel is perfect for Christmas.’
Spending the festive season in the mansion she built from scratch means she can bring together family and friends under one roof. ‘Christmas is all about being together,’ she says. ‘It’s not about presents but about hope and counting your blessings.’ Over the years, Hennie – a former teacher who now runs a home and interiors web shop called Room 17 and a bed and breakfast business – built three houses with her husband Otto. ‘Moving and building became a kind of addiction for us,’ she says. ‘It’s always very exciting to see it all come together from the ground up.’
In 2005, the couple found a piece of land in rural Holland and decided to build their ultimate dream home. ‘ We wanted a classic Dutch mansion-style property with a symmetrical façade, double doors, bay windows and wooden shutters,’ she says. ‘The chance to build and design exactly what you want is such fun!
‘Work began in March 2006 when we broke ground, and we moved in in December. The whole project went smoothly and came in within budget, but we had a serious problem with our wooden
floors. We chose the wrong colour varnish and once it had dried, there was a terrible yellow glow throughout. A year later we re-sanded the floors and gave them a beautiful grey wash.’
Hennie and Otto did all the painting, styling and decorating themselves. The strict palette of white, grey, taupe and sand lends itself in particular to the festive period and frosty days. For many people it would take too much discipline to maintain, but not for Hennie. ‘I love colour, but too much can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Neutral tones make me feel quiet and calm,’ she says.
Strolling through French flea markets uncovering treasures for her home – from old mirrors to silver cutlery, cast-iron vases and candlesticks – is Hennie’s passion. ‘I enjoy the creative styling process,’ she says. ‘After a lot a work making mood boards and choosing colours, patterns and fabrics, I’m satisfied I’ve achieved an elegant country style with a mix of new, antique and vintage pieces.’
Sadly, Hennie lost her husband in 2013 to a heart attack. She now shares the house with her new partner Ton, but it is not the couple’s forever home – they have dreams of moving to a small, romantic cottage closer to the sea. For now, though, Christmas is the highlight of the year. Hennie admits she’s not much of a cook, so she discusses the menu with everyone who is spending Christmas with her and asks them to each bring a dish. ‘Together we have a delicious festive supper,’ she says. ‘Christmas is about sharing, caring and being happy together. A time to reflect about what happens in your life, and in the world. A time to remember those we’ve loved – and those we’ve lost.’