Deliberate holes are the only decorative feature in this minimalist Amsterdam home
Laser-cut holes help to open up the space, and double up as little windows and hand grips / handles for opening cupboard doors. The arrangement of holes also cleverly conceals an iron column which replaced the supporting wall which used to be there...

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.
-
-
Best juicers 2021: including slow and centrifugal juicers
From ginger shots to freshly squeezed OJ, the best juicers of 2021 will make healthy home juice for the whole family. Here are our top picks from Hurom, Cuisinart, Breville and more
By Cynthia Lawrence •
-
Gallery wall ideas - 37 inspiring ways to turn art into an installation
Gallery wall ideas are a wonderful way to add personality to your home
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
This stunning house in Toronto uses white walls to showcase a contemporary art collection
A Damien Hirst painting and a living moss wall are just two wow features in this organic-meets-modern house in Toronto
By Livingetc •
-
This individualistic terraced house in north London is a cabinet of curiosities
The owner of this terraced house in north London turned to interior designer David Carter for something different...
By Livingetc •
-
See inside this converted church in north London that blends modern rustic with understated glamour
Thanks to a few modern finishes, this converted church in north London is perfect for 21st-century living
By Livingetc •
-
Explore a light, bright and welcoming Edwardian family home in San Francisco
This Edwardian house in San Fransisco's Presidio Heights may date back to 1900, but the interiors are bright, modern, welcoming and perfect for family life.
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
This west London terrace is a lesson in the elegant use of colour
No wonder friends and neighbours love to visit this west London terrace – it’s made for entertaining...
By Livingetc •
-
This glamorous apartment in Paris's Marais district is full of 'functional sculptures'
This apartment in Paris' Marais mixes a healthy dose of chic French style with a passion for the unusual...
By Livingetc •
-
See how rugs, farmhouse furniture and wood beams inject instant character & charm into this sprawling new build home
High beamed ceilings, light, airy rooms and arched alcoves give this contemporary home a traditional twist. We love the wallpapers in the bedrooms too...
By Hebe Hatton •
-
See inside Nanette Lepore's house - a colourful brownstone in New York that's rich and romantic
Designer Nanette Lepore's house is a kick-ass party pad-cum-family home that mixes a dash of fashionista chic with a playful, club-like vibe. Good times guaranteed...
By Livingetc •