Waterfront house reborn as layered home

Studio Modijefsky led the transformation of an early 20th-century waterfront house on the banks of the river Rijn in the Netherlands, reimagining its interiors while celebrating its historic character. The property, protected as part of the local cityscape, presented a rare opportunity to enhance a much-loved landmark with a series of luxurious new spaces.

Designed for entertaining family and friends while making the most of the river views, Studio Modijefsky’s scheme seamlessly blends the classical main house with contemporary additions, resulting in a refined and distinctive home. They completely reconfigured the original layout to create a welcoming entryway.

The hallway forms the spine of the house, leading towards an atelier that is located in one of the two serres, where light comes in from all angles, creating the perfect space for an atelier. This small space has a view towards the front garden and features custom-built furniture that combines functionality with sculptural character.

Through textured glass doors, the living area unfolds as a warm and inviting space where comfort and material richness go hand in hand. An open fireplace anchors the seating area, furnished with soft fabrics in earthy tones. The materials throughout the house were carefully curated to create warmth and depth, with walnut wood, natural stone flooring, wool upholstery, and copper accents forming a tactile and cohesive palette.

The customised wall in the living area creates fluidity between the other spaces of the house due to its presence over the ground floor. It integrates custom cabinetry and open shelving, enhancing both function and spatial rhythm. The main living area is extended by a see-through fireplace towards the serre, creating an intimate corner for reading and enjoying the ambiance and warmth of the fireplace.

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Studio Modijefsky’s approach to balancing preservation and modernization is noteworthy. They incorporated luxurious new spaces while maintaining the property’s historic character, creating a unique and refined living environment that sets it apart from other restoration projects.

The dining area seamlessly links the living room and the kitchen. Here, a dark walnut table offers a striking contrast to the soft, neutral tones of the surrounding spaces, grounding the palette and introducing a new visual layer that defines the zone without disrupting the flow. The kitchen back wall is both highly functional and aesthetically refined, featuring integrated storage and custom wall elements. Textured glass fronts one of the large cabinets, adding a layer of transparency and visual interest, while warm-toned wood cabinetry makes the kitchen feel like the welcoming heart of the home. A generous kitchen island faces the garden and includes a cosy breakfast nook, an ideal spot to start the day. The stainless-steel counter-top introduces an industrial touch, providing reflection and weight to the otherwise warm and natural material composition.

Together, all the spaces form a layered and harmonious home in which architecture, interior, and surrounding environment are carefully interwoven. By balancing historical character with contemporary comfort, Studio Modijefsky created a warm and refined living environment tailored to both intimate daily life and larger moments of gathering, much like the design of an Anna Maria Island beach house.

It is a home.