The Story of Co van der Horst

Anchored in over a century of familial expertise and passion for interior design, Co van der Horst has established itself as a leading company in the Dutch interior market. Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2025, the company traces its humble beginnings to Co van der Horst, great-grandfather, who started as a peddler of household textiles in Amstelveen, then known as Nieuwer-Amstel. At that time, Co van der Horst traversed houses with a cart, a stark contrast to today's iconic 10,000 square meter multibrand showroom that defines Co van der Horst in Amstelveen.

The journey of the company, combined with the forward-thinking approach of the fourth generation at the helm, has led to the inclusion of an impressive 250 exclusive design brands encompassing the entire spectrum of interiors—from lighting to furniture, accessories, while remaining true to their roots in interior textiles. Co van der Horst offers more than just quality products; they offer an experience. With personalized interior advice, they aim to fully support you, ready to address any interior questions you may have.

How did Co van der Horst originate?

In 1905, physical furniture stores as we know them today did not exist. However, Co van der Horst's entrepreneurial spirit made it impossible to remain idle. Dressed in a waistcoat with a bow tie and clogs underneath, he set out with a backpack to trade household textiles and related items door-to-door. As business prospered, his backpack was replaced by a dog cart, and later by horse and carriage, marking the inception of a business that continues to thrive to this day.

A significant development occurred in 1941 when Co's son, Jacobus van der Horst (the young boy in the photo in the header), along with his brothers Gerrit and Henny, took over the business from their father. By then, a physical store had been established on Dorpsstraat in Amstelveen, housed in the former poorhouse and elderly home. There, the brothers not only sold textiles but also furniture, beds, carpets, and related items.

The family lineage continued, with Jacobus buying out his brothers and his eldest son Cees van der Horst joining the business in 1962. Cees had been involved since the age of thirteen in the upholstery workshop and later took charge of the store with his brother Ad and his wife Loes Wiemer. The store continued to expand, and by the late 1960s, the beautiful building on Dorpsstraat was already becoming too small. They partially solved this by erecting enormous tents annually on Plein 1960, hosting furniture shows with partners under the name Huis en Tuin (House and Garden). It wasn't until 1972 that Co van der Horst relocated to its current location, a building designed by their uncle Rob van der Horst, marking the beginning of much more.

Decades have passed, and much has happened since. Specialized partners have established themselves in the building, offering parquet floors, kitchens, bathrooms, audiovisual systems, custom fireplace solutions, and art. Now, the fourth generation of Van der Horsts, Stephan and Edwin, lead the company. In honor of their centennial in business, Co van der Horst was appointed as a supplier to the royal household, expanded its store to thousands of square meters, and hosted numerous design luminaries. Marcel Wanders, among others, designed the new corporate identity and a unique design for the toilets.

In 2017 and then again in 2022, Co van der Horst opened two flagship stores in Amsterdam, continuing its tradition of innovation. In the high-end interior segment, Co van der Horst was the first in the Netherlands to open a monobrand store, establishing themselves as trendsetters, pioneers, and above all, passionate entrepreneurs—that is the essence of Co van der Horst.

What is Co van der Horst's Mission and Vision?

Co van der Horst has a mission and vision as unique and high-quality as their interior advice. Their mission is to transform houses into homes that reflect their clients' personal passions and styles, enveloping them in comfort and beauty. They aim to provide comprehensive advice that covers every aspect of their clients' homes while leaving room for personal taste and style.

This distinctive approach is also reflected in their vision. Co van der Horst believes in fulfilling client dreams, whether it's a small interior detail or a complete turn-key project. Their expert team spares no effort in making these dreams a reality. They are committed not only to themselves but also to the community, providing stable employment for over 50 people in Amstelveen and surrounding areas. They invest not only in their services but also in their employees' work environment, creating an inspiring workspace where their team has the freedom to turn creative ideas into beautiful interior designs for their clients. This elevates Co van der Horst's service to a higher level, ensuring both happy, satisfied employees and clients.

What does Co van der Horst offer?

Co van der Horst always goes the extra mile in both design and service. With an impressive 120-year history, this unique family business continues to distinguish itself in the ever-changing interior industry. Co van der Horst was rightfully named Best Entrepreneur 2022/2023 and runner-up in the North Holland Entrepreneur of the Year competition.

The essence of Co van der Horst's success lies in its personal approach. Unlike impersonal online purchases, Co van der Horst places the client at the center. Every client receives personalized, tailored interior advice. Their experienced team of interior advisors, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years, listens attentively to clients' desires and thoughts to fully support them. And interior textiles, where it all began in 1905, still hold a special place through the Home Couture department, offering a unique collection of furniture and curtain fabrics.

But Co van der Horst is more than just personalized interior advice; it is a Design Destination where design enthusiasts are invited to be inspired in physical stores, with service that extends worldwide. Studio Co's turn-key projects leave no detail overlooked. When their team is finished, the sofa cushions are plumped, the fridge is stocked, and fresh flowers and fruit adorn the table. Co van der Horst delivers more than just an interior; it is a total experience.

Since 2002, Co van der Horst has also served the independent architect market with Co Contract. This service has seen tremendous growth in the past five years, thanks to the personal support provided to interior professionals. A dedicated account manager is ready to handle procurement, process guidance, transport, and installation, allowing independent interior architects to focus on the creative aspects and their clients. Additionally, Co Academy offers workshops, masterclasses, and (international) trips for internal and external architects and designers to continue their professional development.

Important to Know about Co van der Horst

At Co van der Horst, the passion for design and quality runs deep. With their ongoing dedication, they curate an exquisite selection of products and services that consistently lead to impressive interior designs. The company understands that listening to the client is key to success, whether they are a B2A, B2B, or B2C client. Complete support is the goal for Co van der Horst; no project is too small or too large.

With optimism and determination, the family business looks forward to the next 120 years, during which they will undoubtedly realize more groundbreaking and tasteful interior projects. This forward-thinking outlook is part of their evolution, which includes the development of a brand-new showroom. It is the combination of quality, dedication, vision, and humility that makes Co van der Horst so unique.