Kim van Noord 

Where are we, and how did you end up here of all places? 

We’re in my apartment in Amsterdam, which my boyfriend and I bought a few years ago.  After fifteen years and several homes across Amsterdam, this is where I’ve landed: a new,  quiet neighbourhood, just around the corner from the city centre. It’s a newly built house,  designed in the traditional Amsterdam style. I love the slanted elements, high ceilings,  and the views — they give it so much character that it doesn’t feel like a new build at all.  We were lucky to be able to buy it: something I don’t take for granted.  

Describe yourself in one sentence! 

A glass-half-full, country-music-loving, croissant-eating, dog-obsessed person. 

What do you like the most about your home? 

Our bookcase and the little stacks of books scattered throughout the house. And the  carefully curated mix of vintage pieces, IKEA furniture, and design items. I’m especially  drawn to the collection of accessories —: from a souvenir vase from Puglia to antiques  passed down by my grandmother. I also love the location and the ever-changing natural  light that flows through the house. 

What was your thinking behind the colour scheme in your home?

I’m obsessed with colour, but when we first moved in, we intentionally kept everything white so we could take some time to decide. Biggest mistake ever. It only really started  to feel like a finished home (and truly like my home!) once we added colour to the walls. 

Which colours did you choose and what attracted you to them in particular?

I’m obsessed with butter yellow, so I knew one room had to be completely drenched in it. That ended up being my little calm/guest room, painted in K32 – Honey Bee. For the  bedroom, I wanted a French boutique hotel vibe. Something warm, but with character,  which led to K97 – Madame. 

The living room needed to feel vibrant and fresh. The wall behind the kitchen is painted in K147 – Sauvignon: butter yellow with a hint of lime. The other walls are K122 – Fjord, a  fresh light blue. I like how this colour shifts throughout the day. During the daytime it has a  classic French feel in a soft light blue, while in the evening it deepens into a richer tone,  with a cosy British cottage feel. For the ceiling, I chose K51 – Biscotti to add some calm: it has a subtle yellow undertone that ties everything together warmly. 

Burgundy feels timeless and chic to me, so I wanted it to subtly reappear in every room,  tying the house together. In the living room and bedroom, all the baseboards and window  frames are K67 – Rioja, and in the butter yellow room, the cabinet is also finished in K67  – Rioja. (Not sure if it’s a coincidence that all my favourite colours are food or wine related).