In Holland: chromatic explosion

The window frames are painted bright yellow to draw the sun inside. In turn, the light blue roof mimics the exterior. Togo armchair by Ligne Roset, ADM Studio rug, Isamu Noguchi coffee table by Vitra, Marenco sofa by Arflex, Tafla O mirrors by Zieta, Meltingpot side table by Dirk van der Kooij, Palmera feather lamp by Venetto Design, vintage chandelier Gaetano Sciolari, pendant lamps N°2 by Valerie Objects, Umage TV cabinet. Blue Beech wall paint by Farrow & Ball.

It was the summer of 2021 when Standard Studio received an enthusiastic and highly detailed email from knitting artist Stephen West, containing a collage of ambient photographs and a special commission: the interior design of his house on Steve Bikoplein, in Amsterdam. That Stephen didn't want something mundane was already evident from the colorful photos, but he made it very clear at the first meeting: the designer went straight to the image of a colorful knitted tapestry he had sent. "That rug was made by a friend, and it's exactly who I am."

The kitchen is still a work in progress. Chubby chair by Dirk van der Kooij, polka dot vase by Seletti. The staircase is painted in Brinjal by Farrow and Ball. Tiles by Studio GdB, Bolt lamps by Tonone.

100% special

Exactly how limitless the task was became apparent during the Standard Studio design session in collaboration with Stephen. "It's rare that as a studio you're surprised by a client's choices, they usually have to convince themselves of a design instead. In this case, the roles were reversed: Stephen had to convince us of certain options." For example, at first he thought the colors weren't pronounced enough. His vision was for spaces to be seen as a canvas of colors. Each room had to be special, but it had to remain a whole. After a long search, Standard Studio devised a method that responded to Stephen's desire in a pragmatic way. The method consisted of three rules. One: each room received a base color on the walls. Two: the connecting elements had a light primary tone, bright yellow. This brings recognition and tranquility to the design. And three: all objects in the rooms had to be special in color, shape or texture.

Upstairs, Stephen's bedroom had to feel like his own castle tower in Amsterdam. The space was opened and equipped with skylights and the floor was raised slightly to increase the storage space. Wardrobe made by Brandsing Meubelmakers, Wave rug by Verpan, vintage armchair Percival Lafer, backrest Mansion by Jotex, bedding Essenza.

Everything is possible

The result is a fantastic stratification of shape and color. The spaces are very natural, like a world in which feelings and emotions are given free rein. Anything goes: imagination is unfettered here. "As a knitting artist Stephen wanted a creative castle: a place where she could express all her creativity, but where she was also stimulated. It really had to be a reflection of his work. So we created a space for her knitting objects, one that had to radiate fun above all else, where she could let herself go. To balance, he wanted that on the top floor, in his bedroom and bathroom, there was no color palette. This place had to radiate tranquility, so it became an open space with lots of plants and extra sunlight, for which we installed skylights." The basic colors of the space were white, black and yellow, with the addition of some softer ones.

The bathroom faucets are bright yellow painted with powder paint by Bouwbedrijf Patalas in tune with the window frames.

The color lavender is the protagonist in this room in which the artist arranges his fabrics and elements to weave. The shelving fronts were designed by Standard Studio and built by Brandsing. The bedroom is entirely painted in Aurora Orange by Little Greene Paint Company. The work on the wall is by Scooter LaForge. Harald 3 curtains by Kvadrat, Essenza bedding.

"It was a fantastic experience working with Stephen. He taught us to be completely emotionally guided when it comes to colors. That's pretty hard if you're not used to it. With Stephen as a client, this project was a big party. Like when at a children's party you decorate your own cake with endless colorful candies."