Acoustics, Color and Character: Living in Balance

For interior architect André Lammertsma, this project began with a moment of recognition. Ten years earlier, he had already designed the interiors of this former farmhouse with its large adjoining barn conversion. Now, in a new stage of life for the owners, the farmhouse was restored, and the extension replaced by a spectacular barn-style home featuring a long walkway and sightlines stretching its full length. Once again, André was invited to design the interiors, this time with a fresh perspective and a clear brief: no black, white, or grey. He devoted considerable time to mapping out the residents’ (sometimes unspoken) wishes and carefully allocating functions to the various spaces. At the same time, he was conscious that large volumes of living space can easily feel impersonal. Very early in the process, acoustics became a central theme. Given the scale and height of the rooms, André recommended acoustic ceilings, a decision that immediately made itself felt during construction. Even before the furniture was installed, the house had a striking sense of quiet. Acoustic comfort thus became an essential layer of the design.

In the kitchen-living area, which connects directly to a generous wine room and the farmhouse’s original living room, the focus is on togetherness. Standing at the expansive island, you can look through the angled glass roof toward the church tower. The low dining table, crafted from warm dark-red oak, is paired with a low dining bench and inviting Minotti swivel armchairs, all arranged on a large, soft rug woven from wool, linen, and silk. Eye-catching gold-leaf pendant lights, placed alongside the walkway, add a warm glow, even on grey days. These same lights appear in the tall entrance hall, ensuring cohesion and continuity throughout the home.

The entrance itself, centrally positioned along the sightline from the old farmhouse to the master suite, was kept intentionally calm so that the striking staircase and artworks could shine. The wardrobe, guest restroom, and utility space are tucked to the side, where André allowed for more playful use of color. Subtle architectural details, such as frameless doorways and hidden doors clad with Arte’s richly textured wallcoverings, conceal the practical functions behind a continuous decorative panorama.

At the far end of the long corridor lies the expansive master suite, deliberately conceived as a true living space. For André, it is essential that rooms are designed to be genuinely used and enjoyed. The suite is anchored by two identical bespoke rugs from CS Rugs, featuring a dramatic gradient that shifts from purple to gold to bluegrey. These hues are echoed in the curtains and furniture, with lighting by Moooi overhead. On one side, a deep-purple Schramm bed rests against a wall finished in metallic gold wallpaper, creating intimacy. On the opposite side, by the doors leading to a large terrace, sit two sculptural swivel chairs from Giorgetti. Their enveloping form creates a cozy TV corner within the vast space. Every detail of the suite reflects the owners’ personality and wishes, making it truly unique.

Lighting received particular attention. André selected a track system by Deltalight with magnetic spots that can be easily repositioned. The recessed rails emphasize the architectural lines, while LED strips embedded in the walkway floor softly illuminate the barn’s ridge. Outdoors, discreet solutions, like recessed light lines beneath the roof overhang, extend the atmosphere beyond the walls.

This project demonstrates how bold choices and clear interior architecture can amplify one another. By reusing existing pieces alongside high-quality new materials, André created a home that feels cohesive down to the finest detail: personal, warm, and designed for real living.