Meet the designer
BEAUTY IS IN THE
SMALLEST DETAILS
Piet Boon
Designer and Founder
of Studio Piet Boon
Where do we know Piet Boon from?
People probably know me best as a designer of timeless interiors, exteriors, and products. Studio Piet Boon has been around for 40 years, and I work with a talented team of national and international designers and architects. Our team creates projects that are recognized both in the Netherlands and globally. All our interiors are characterized by a minimalist and functional style, focusing on natural materials and high-quality finishes.
In addition to interiors, we have developed our own furniture collection, known for its robust and durable design. These pieces, along with the kitchens, bathrooms, and other products we design, are aimed at combining aesthetics with functionality. Our projects range worldwide, from high-end residential homes to commercial spaces and hotels
How big is studio Piet Boon?
Studio Piet Boon is located in Oostzaan, near Amsterdam, where we work with about 70 employees. Our studio has four complete design teams and one product design team. Additionally, we have four flagship stores on the same site. We work on approximately 45 to 50 projects yearly, from residential and commercial designs to product development, including kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and more
What characterizes Piet Boon’s style?
Our work is often described as timeless, functional, and minimalistic. I believe in the power of simplicity, which is reflected in our designs. We use highquality, natural materials such as wood, natural stone, and steel, which are durable and exude a certain warmth and authenticity.
What further defines my style is the delicate balance between form and function. Every element in a design serves a purpose: to enhance the users’ lives and ensure longevity. This is evident in the clean lines, subtle color palettes, and attention to detail. We strive to create spaces that offer peace and harmony while being practical and user-friendly, ensuring our designs are not just beautiful but also highly functional and comfortable for the users.
Craftsmanship is also an essential part of our designs. Whether it’s an interior, furniture, or product, we work with the best artisans to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly. Ultimately, it’s about making people feel comfortable and at home in the spaces we create. That’s precisely what we focus on with our style.
Where does Piet Boon find inspiration?
I draw inspiration from the world around me. Every day, I see beauty in the smallest details, whether the texture of an old piece of wood or the harmony in a well-designed building.
EVERY DETAIL, FROM MATERIAL CHOICE TO FINISHING, CONTRIBUTES TO A HARMONIOUS LIVING ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOU FEEL AT HOME.
Nature is not just a source of ideas for me; it’s a guiding force in my designs. The colors, shapes, and patterns found in nature often find their way into our designs, creating a solid connection to the natural world in our work.
In addition, I travel frequently and encounter different cultures and traditions. These experiences broaden my perspective and fuel my creativity. I always try to bring something back from the places I visit, whether it’s a specific building technique, a local craft, or just the atmosphere of a place. Our team also travels the world and returns with inspiring stories, encounters, or local artists they have discovered.
But ultimately, it’s about balance between functionality and aesthetics, tranquility and dynamism, and modernity and tradition. I aim to create timeless designs that evoke a sense of peace and harmony while being practical and durable. This balance, inspired by what I see around me, is the core of my work.
What were your thoughts when the developers of Park Meadows approached you?
When the developers of Park Meadows approached us, I felt honored. Working on a project in our capital is always special, and doing so with a renowned partner like UN Studio makes it even more exceptional.
It’s a beautiful opportunity to create something unique in a place close to my heart.
How many people are working on it?
About four to five people are working on this project: a lead designer, a project manager, a designer, and a junior designer.
Did you face any challenges during the project?
One of the main challenges in this project was working with the building’s existing structure, which meant considering existing elements such as connections and columns. Respecting this existing structure requires careful planning and creativity. We needed to ensure that our design seamlessly integrated with the existing infrastructure without compromising our aesthetic and functional goals.
What makes this project unique?
Park Meadows is unique in its location in the beautiful Beatrixpark in Amsterdam-Zuid. The vibrant city and the tranquil nature create a rare synergy that is hard to find elsewhere. Additionally, the building’s shape is distinguished by an architectural design that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings while also being an impressive addition to Amsterdam’s skyline. This project offers the perfect balance between urban life and serene nature.
What took a lot of time?
Pursuing perfection in every detail required much time and attention in this project. The project finds itself in an exceptional setting, right in a park in Amsterdam, which called for a design that thoroughly does justice to the environment. This meticulous approach and the continuous pursuit of a high-quality result made the process intensive, but delivering the quality this project deserves was essential
Are the apartments typical of Piet Boon?
The rendered images clearly show the Studio Piet Boon style. Every design features timeless materials, clean lines, and a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Suppose future residents wish to enhance this balance further. In that case, they can always approach us for interior design, allowing the Studio Piet Boon style to be personally incorporated into their living space. I invite everyone to visit our studio and flagship stores in Oostzaan for more inspiration. The art we showcase in our spaces is also available for everyone.
Could you see yourself living in Park Meadows?
Yes, I would consider living in Park Meadows. It’s an environment that beautifully aligns with our design vision: a combination of aesthetics, functionality, and a strong connection with nature. It seems like a place where our designs would shine and offer a high quality of life. And all of this in the most beautiful city in the Netherlands!
What were the ‘easy wins’ in this project?
This project’s “easy wins” were the large windows offering stunning views of the surrounding Beatrixpark landscape. These windows not only enhance the connection with the natural environment but also provide an abundance of natural light in the living spaces. This element added significant value to the project, ensuring a seamless integration between the indoor and outdoor environments.
What makes a typical Piet Boon home?
It’s the combination of timeless aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. We strive to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also offer a sense of peace and security. Every detail, from material choice to finishing, contributes to a harmonious living environment where you feel at home. For us, a house must be beautiful and feel like a place to be yourself.
What projects are you currently working on?
Our teams are currently working on a wide range of projects worldwide. We’re working on an office, a villa, a hotel in Vietnam, a penthouse in New York, homes in Bonaire and our capital, and the Rosewood Hotel in Amsterdam. This last project is particularly special to us; we’ve worked on it for over eight years. We eagerly await the former Palace of Justice on the Prinsengracht opening
