Deliberate holes are the only decorative feature in this minimalist Amsterdam home

The Property

This minimalist, modern home in Amsterdam is full of holes – and deliberately so.

Designed by i29 interior architects, the modern apartment sits in a listed, stately building in the south of Amsterdam and features surfaces with laser-cut holes, doubling as windows and handles.

It's quite a transformation; the original 1930's layout felt dark and cramped. A lot of space was lost on long, wide hallways with doors that used to lead to small rooms. With a brand new open-plan layout and the addition of sky lights, the new interior feels like a brand new property.

Open-plan living area

The owners bought this typical Amsterdam 1930’s apartment in its original state. It used to be a dark apartment, full of corridors and small rooms. They brought on i29 architects to open up the space and completely reconfigure the layout. Spanning 1,722 square feet (160 m2) and featuring a predominantly white colour scheme, it's now become the most light and spacious home on the block.

The focal point of this ground floor space is undoubtedly the multi functional cabinet, featuring a pattern of laser cut holes. The cabinet is part storage, part kitchen, and part disguise for an iron column that replaces the supporting wall which used to be there.

The holes help to open up the space, and double up as little windows and hand grips / handles for opening the cabinet doors.

Kitchen

A modern kitchen features white kitchen cabinetry that's warmed up by a raw, wood kitchen storage wall.

The laser-cut cupboard doors result in a dynamic mix of open and closed cabinets, with the holes also functioning as integrated handgrips.

A kitchen peninsula island divides the kitchen from the dining space, while keeping open sight-lines.

Dining area

Black 'chair one' stacking chairs by Grcic complement the modern, minimalistic and monochrome space.

Staircase

Before the renovation, the attic rooms could only be reached through a corridor which had public access.

So the architects created this atrium with a modern staircase, linking the two floors together as a private apartment.  A skylight above the stairs brings in natural light. The window also leads to a roof terrace with views over Amsterdam.

A double-height pine wall lines the staircase and links the two floors.

Ensuite

Upstairs is a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Across the landing is a door that leads through to the kids' rooms – the door is disguised as part of the double-height pine wall.

The grey bathroom features structured tiles from Patricia Urquola.

Glass shower screens complement wooden cabinets.

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