They say “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life”. It seems that Irene Martens, the owner of well known and very much loved Sukha shop in Amsterdam has somehow achieved that, since her home and work environments are a continuation of one another, though without them being hosted under the same roof. The kind of life qualities that matter to the home and shop owner are evident through her repeated and consequent choices.
The charming, light filled building where Irene’s home is settled used to be a store, totally transformed now to a relaxing abode, where natural materials and neutral tones set the mood. A relaxing mood that little reminds of being part of a city totally wide and awake. Simplicity, even to a certain extent of asceticism, betrays a need to be connected to life’s deeper values.
To liven up the space, rich textures are called into play. Woven cotton rugs covering the pretty wooden floors, large cushions and blankets made from thick knits, baskets and unexpected daily use objects such as a favorite garment, a lantern or a crocheted doily hung from suspended, wooden beaded strings, acting as instant little pieces of art or mood boards set the scene.
On the walls, sandy beige meets white, while the curtains are examples of perfect elegance and simplicity, discretely emphasizing the beautiful windows with views to the deck and the garden.
Photography: Jeltje Janmaat for VT Wonen via Style Files
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