My Houzz: A Home-made Family Haven That’s Laid-back and Stylish

A relaxed mix of design classics, home-made pieces and junk-shop finds make this home creative, cosy and effortlessly cool

4 September 2014
Comment45
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As an interiors stylist, Marieke Rusticus loves to rearrange furniture and accessories around her house. However, the base style always remains the same: fuss-free and laid-back, with an aesthetic marked by earthy tones.

When Rusticus and her boyfriend, Eddy Spaansen, moved into their home in the Netherlands eight years ago, they wanted their interior to be light and airy. With the help of creative, hands-on family members (and some big picture windows), they slowly achieved their desired look.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Marieke Rusticus, Eddy Spaansen, their children, Mees (11) and Eefje (7), and their English basset hound, Simon
Location Zwolle, the Netherlands
Size 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Eclectic Kitchen by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
The couple decided not to install wall cabinets in the open kitchen, so plenty of natural light could stream in uninterrupted from the large window.
Eclectic Kitchen by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Rusticus painted the accent wall with blackboard paint, so the family members can leave messages for one another – including funny notes, drawings and inspirational quotes. The sleek base cabinets are from Ikea.

Refrigerator: Smeg in black

Discover more great blackboard ideas
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
This vintage scale has sentimental value for Rusticus; her grandfather used it to weigh screws in his iron and tools shop.
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
The couple created a cosy seating area near the kitchen window, where they could drink a cup of coffee while enjoying the view outside. Rusticus’ brother, Tjeerd, works in construction and made the sliding door out of underlay. On the windowsill is a small statue made by Rusticus’ mother, Marjan, who is a sculptor. The Acapulco chair is vintage.
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Rusticus made a side table from old suitcases her family used when traveling to the northern Dutch islands. Above the suitcases is a painting by René van der Hoofd; the sculpture is by Marjan Rusticus. The pendant lamp was a DIY project; Rusticus wrapped rope around a Muuto pendant.
Eclectic Kitchen by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Rusticus couldn’t decide on a matching set of dining chairs, so she just went with four different styles. The table used to have a wooden top; the couple replaced it with a white glossy one. To save space and create more seating, the pair added a bench with storage underneath, which they made cosy with cushions. Above the Eames rocker hangs a card holder, where different cards make a budget-friendly art piece.

Pendant lamp: CB0303, House Doctor; chairs: Loods 5

Take a look at 10 ways to mix and match your dining room style
Eclectic Living Room by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
The space was ample enough to accommodate this big, timeless sofa from Sur & Plus. The old cabinet door behind it displays photos. The wooden door on the right leads to the pantry.
Eclectic Living Room by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
The family’s beloved dog, Simon, loves to lie in front of the TV on his oversized cushion, under the watchful eye of legendary French actor and animal-rights activist Brigitte Bardot. Spaansen and Rusticus made the wooden media storage unit. The unique paper-pulp Trash Me lamp was designed by Victor Vetterlein for &tradition.
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
In another corner of the living room sits a sculpture by Rusticus’ mother. Serving as a backdrop is a print from Laif & Nuver that Rusticus admired for its neutral colour scheme.
Eclectic Wardrobe by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
The couple designed and built the coat rack in the hall using pipes. Baskets and a storage trunk help keep the area clutter free.
Eclectic Staircase by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
The stairway is light and airy thanks to a skylight. Rusticus likes to create simple, quirky vignettes like this one at the top of the stairs. A branch painted white and fitted with a lamp serves as a hat rack and helps to light the stairs at night.
Eclectic Hallway & Landing by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Button-shaped knobs from HK Living hang at the top of the stairs.
Eclectic Kids by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Daughter Eefje’s room is small, but a loft bed helps maximise space. Eefje loves to play with her dolls or read books on the sofa tucked under her bed.

Bed: Steigerhout, Jorg; closet: PS Cabinet, Ikea; string lights: Happy Lights
Eclectic Kids by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Spaansen and Rusticus made the desk in son Mees’ room. A pair of vintage suitcases from his grandparents helps keep clutter under control.

Bed: Steigerhout, Jorg
Eclectic Kids by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Both Mees and his father are car enthusiasts; a family friend who used to be a Porsche dealer gave the youngster this rim as a gift.
Eclectic Bedroom by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
A few favourite family photos take the place of a headboard in the couple’s bedroom. The lamp on the bedside table is an heirloom from Rusticus’ grandparents.
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Rusticus’ brother built the master bedroom wardrobe. This is also made of underlay, like the sliding door in the kitchen.

Folding chair: Iron Chair, HK Living
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
The upstairs flooring is all underlay treated with a whitewash. Rusticus was looking for a budget-friendly solution, saw an example of this in a Dutch magazine and replicated it. A few favourite fashion pieces are displayed on an old cabinet door.
Eclectic by Louise de Miranda
Louise de Miranda
Marieke Rusticus stands at the top of the stairs with Mees.

My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. If you would like your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.
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Tom Flanagan
Hi @annabristol - according to the description, it was made by the homeowner's brother! You could always get in touch with the writer (Louise de Miranda) and ask for his contact details if she has them - that's what Houzz is for after all! :)
   
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annabristol
Thanks Tom, will do!
   
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Gina Ulysses
I think the family have a great sense of balance. The space is filled with family heirlooms but it doesn't feel messy at all. I love the sofa.
   

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