A Serene Nordic-Inspired Sanctuary in Amsterdam
Tucked away in the lively neighborhood of Amsterdam Oost lies a serene 92 sqm apartment that feels worlds away from the city’s buzz. This beautifully renovated space is the work of Mary, an Italian interior designer and founder of CPH Interior Design – a boutique studio based in Amsterdam with strong roots in Copenhagen.
Mary’s design philosophy is deeply influenced by her years in Denmark, where she embraced the core principles of Nordic design: simplicity, functionality, and warmth. Her latest project perfectly reflects that ethos—a full renovation that transformed a dated apartment into a calming, light-filled sanctuary.
The goal was to create a peaceful and minimal “zen nest” in the city. The transformation began with removing the old flooring to install underfloor heating, setting the stage for a stunning new herringbone floor that adds timeless character and elegance.
The walls and ceilings were freshly plastered and painted in a soft, neutral palette, with gentle green accents to bring nature indoors and enhance the overall sense of calm.
At the heart of the home is a custom-designed kitchen and dining area crafted from oak wood and natural stone.
Rounded edges on the island, the cabinets, and the doorway add an organic, welcoming softness. The result is both functional and harmonious – a space designed not just for cooking but for living.
Despite the open floor plan, there is a defined area for lounging, cooking, and dining. To create a nice flow and a harmonious look, the built-in dining bench seamlessly flows into a television cabinet with a slatted wooden divider separating the two areas, maintaining that open feeling.
Mary also introduced clever, bespoke joinery throughout the apartment, with smart storage solutions tailored to each space. In the bedrooms especially, she proves that it’s not always about more square meters but about making every inch work smarter.
The three bedrooms have been thoughtfully designed to balance functionality with style. In the master bedroom, every inch of space has been maximized. The bed is placed centrally to establish a harmonious layout, flanked by a custom wardrobe on the left and a long chest of drawers on the right, which also functions as a desk or home office beneath the window.
The aesthetic here remains simple and serene, with walls painted in Jotun Antique White and green accents that echo the natural theme, bringing a sense of calm and cohesion throughout the space.
The two children’s rooms, one of which measures just 6 square meters, have been carefully optimized with custom storage solutions to neatly accommodate toys, books, clothes, and everyday essentials.
Both rooms feature scenic wallpapers from Belarte Studio, showcasing countryside and natural landscapes in soothing green tones, reinforcing the home’s strong connection to nature and creating a peaceful, bucolic atmosphere.
This Amsterdam home is a beautiful example of how Nordic minimalism, when paired with warm materials and thoughtful design, can create a space that feels both modern and timeless—a true retreat from the city’s energy.
You can see more of CPH Interior Design’s work on the website or follow the Instagram page.
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