When our clients reached out to us to reimagine the ground floor of their townhouse in Monnickendam, they were looking for more than just new furniture or a different layout. Years after a general renovation, the space no longer resonated with how they lived. The kitchen—the most loved part of their home—felt isolated from the rest, and large parts of the house remained underused. Their wish was a floorplan that felt more intuitive, an atmosphere with more warmth and character, and an authentic kitchen that not only served as a place to cook, but one that connected, anchored and invited.

For the kitchen, we selected light oak as the leading material, creating continuity between the floor and the cabinetry. This soft, neutral base is paired with a striking aged brass countertop—crafted as one seamless piece with a built-in sink. The brass not only adds tactile contrast, but also patinates beautifully over time, adding depth and individuality to daily rituals.

Textural layering with a timeless feel
To create visual tension and tactile richness, we incorporated handmade Portuguese glazed tiles. These subtle, imperfect surfaces give a traditional character, in dialogue with the modern architectural lines of the space. The kitchen plinth stands out with its deep brown, half-round glazed tiles, each made bespoke for this project. Mounted on a thick brass strip, this base solution ensures durability and easy maintenance, while also reading as a sculptural detail.

A perfect combination of elegance and functionality
The layout was completely reimagined to create connection—both spatial and emotional. A tall, curved wooden partition not only retains warmth, but its form also introduces rhythm and verticality. Another eye-catching element in this Town House interior design is a bespoke shelving unit crafted from wood and brass. This piece blends refinement with function—offering open display without overwhelming the space.

A foundation of Dutch oak, weaving warmth through the space
While reconfiguring the layout of the ground floor, one element quietly revealed itself as a key to the home’s renewed identity — the original Dutch oak floor. Hidden beneath years of wear, the floor was sanded back to life, exposing the rich texture and timeless grain of a wood no longer produced in this quality. Its warm tones and authentic character now form the silent thread that connects each space

To transform the space into a place that truly felt like home, we began by listening—carefully. What was missing wasn’t style, but connection. We approached the project as a spatial composition, where flow, function and feeling come together. By completely rethinking the layout, we placed the kitchen—once secluded—at the centre of the home. More than a place to prepare meals, it became the heart of the ground floor. Each element was treated with intention, from the material palette to the lines of movement, creating a home that aligns with the family’s rhythm and invites them to fully inhabit every corner.

Founded by Lotte and Dennis Antonio Bruns, DAB Studio is a full-service interior architecture and design studio based in Amsterdam. With a strong focus on detail and uniqueness, we design bespoke interiors that are refined, characterful, and deeply personal. Rather than working from a signature style, we approach each commission as a fresh exploration—an opportunity to enrich the way we live through thoughtful design and spatial storytelling.

Driven by a conceptual and analytical foundation, our work blends custom-made pieces with rare vintage finds, contemporary design objects, and eye-catching art. Together with a close-knit network of craftsmen, artists and specialists, we compose interiors that are intuitive, balanced, and quietly bold—spaces that feel just as timeless as they are alive.

Excited about our work? We'd love to explore the limitless design options for your living space. Call us at +31 (0)20 331 7003 or email us at info@dabstudio.nl.