Increase the contrast

Seeing things in black and white is not always divisive. The Scandinavian owner of this Amsterdam home has created a monochrome palette that’s striking in its simplicity

A bold monochrome palette is the defining feature of this former schoolhouse in Amsterdam

Originally a schoolhouse, the main lessons now taught in this central Amsterdam property are the principles of Scandinavian design and minimalism. Converted into a four-bedroom house by local architect Jen Alkema, known for his commitment to clean lines and meticulously pared-back spaces, the building is now home to Ulrika Lundgren and her two sons, Felix and Luca.

Swedish fashion stylist and designer Ulrika has been living in the Dutch capital for 20 years, but her signature style is still very firmly influenced by her roots. In fact, it’s also the aesthetic that her fashion brand Rika Studios exhorts – there’s a shop, Maison Rika, located on the corner of the Herengracht and Oude Spiegelstraat, as well as a dedicated magazine and, as of late, a boutique guesthouse above the store.

The main defining feature of Ulrika’s home is its monochrome palette: white walls and antique oak floorboards painted pitch black. It’s a bold chromatic contrast that could end up looking cold or uninviting, but, when sprinkled with a carefully selected edit of iconic furniture from Scandinavia’s design past, as well as custom-made items, pieces picked up on trips abroad and contemporary paintings, it becomes full of soul.

Due to the property’s past as a place of learning, it is blessed with unusually high ceilings – the double-height living area is especially striking – and long, expansive rooms that add to the grandeur of Ulrika’s decorative decisions. For her, function is as important as form. That’s why, although it may look uncluttered, the trappings of everyday family life still exist, piled high on the built-in shelving units that blend into the fabric of this home. There is nothing superfluous here, but, when choosing the few pieces that are on display, Ulrika looks for one essential characteristic: timelessness. ‘Beauty,’ she says, ‘lies in things that are destined to grow in value as they age.’

Ulrika’s standards and palette may be strict, but there are a few notable exceptions to her monochrome scheme; bold splashes of primary colour that appear in the form of art. Most notable is the large work above the daybed in the main living area, created by her friend, the Amsterdam-based artist and interior designer Sam Ming. Also bringing a note of softness to her architectural use of black and white are the bunches of fresh, seasonal blooms picked up from Amsterdam’s fragrant flower markets. ‘They are wildflowers, direct from local fields,’ explains Ulrika, who loves to arrange them in prime positions to enjoy the abundance of natural light that floods her home. rikastudios.com; jenalkema.com

This page and previous spread Homeowner Ulrika (pictured) designed the sofa that sits beneath the large windows of this former schoolhouse. It’s joined by two vintage armchairs by Danish designer Hans J Wegner and a pair of glass and iron ‘Drum’ coffee tables by Paul Lelieveld. Next to the sofa, a feathery found-object sculpture by Ulrika’s friend and artist Sam Ming and table lamp by Paul Lelieveld add interest. On the wall next to the stairs, monochrome works by a female artist from Bulgaria are displayed vertically to accentuate the height of the space. ‘I’ve owned them for 25 years, but sadly don’t know her name,’ says Ulrika. At the other end of the room (opposite), an oak daybed by Paul Lelieveld is placed beneath a large artwork by Sam Ming. Its bright red colour is one of the few breaks from this home’s strict monochrome scheme. The floor lamp is another design by Paul Lelieveld

THE HOUSE’S DEFINING FEATURE IS THE MONOCHROME PALETTE: WHITE WALLS AND ANTIQUE OAK FLOORBOARDS PAINTED BLACK

THERE IS NOTHING SUPERFLUOUS HERE. THE FEW PIECES ULRIKA CHOOSES TO DISPLAY HAVE A TIMELESS QUALITY

Bathroom Carved from Greek black marble, the large dual basins are a bespoke design. In the shower area, handmade green tiles punctuate the monochrome aesthetic. The white towels are from Scandinavian brand Tekla Bedroom Created by architect Jen Alkema, the bespoke bed is dressed in linens by Tekla. Watching over the room is an African mask (opposite) from the Congo, while above the Paul Lelieveld console (left) hangs a tonal artwork by Sam Ming See Stockists page for details

Dining area Architect Jen Alkema designed the table that is paired with vintage Dutch chairs, painted black to match the décor. The glass vase is by Kate Hume – available at When Objects Work – and the small artworks on the antique Danish sideboard are by Sam Ming. A black console table by Paul Lelieveld, topped with ceramics picked up on Ulrika’s travels, sits beneath an artwork by Stef Bakker Kitchen Custom-made to suit the monochrome scheme, the white units are paired with vintage wooden bar stools, again painted black to suit the strict palette

Hallway and landing Nowhere does the contrast between white walls and black floorboards look more striking than on the staircase, which cuts like a shadow through this double-height space. At the end of the mezzanine is a vintage Dutch chair, painted black, and the small stool is by Liaigre. Above hangs a print by Stef Bakker