The Egler family's kitchen renovation: The result
Joris and Sabine Egler live with their son Otis in Haarlem. Sabine works as a textile designer for Scotch & Soda. Joris is creative director at TBWA\NEBOKO. They live in a beautiful building that was built at the beginning of the last century. We spoke to them once before, at the time they were in the middle of the renovation, including the renovation of the kitchen. Every room was designed with the greatest care. We asked them about the choices they made, the process of how they arrived at those choices and what they found most exciting. The renovation is now finished and of course we are curious: did it turn out the way they had intended and hoped?
Are you happy with the result of the kitchen?
“Very much so. It really is a piece of furniture in our house. It makes the space and the room.” You found the choice of the red floor the most exciting, how did that turn out? “The red floor is really super beautiful. It makes the kitchen unique, not something you have seen before. The finishing is just quite sensitive. But after a while you get used to that too.” What surprised you the most? “It turned out pretty much as we had hoped. When you make the decision there is a lot of uncertainty, you trust your intuition but you never know for sure. When you see it finished, it is a kind of confirmation of yourself.”
How do you like cooking on induction?
“Well, apart from the fact that it looks great, you have a lot more possibilities in cooking speed. Cleaning is also a lot more practical. That is also handy because we often let something boil over.”
Have any new insights been gained after the renovation?
"That it's more expensive than you think. Everyone says it, but it's true. What no one tells you is that once you live there, you'll forget about it again."
Sabine, a year and a half ago you indicated that we would see more Memphis/80s in interiors. Do you see that now? Also in your own interior? “We bought a coffee table from the 80s and a lamp from studio Areti inspired by that period.”
Joris, what is your favorite recipe from Sabine?
“Indian cauliflower Korma.”
Sabine, what is your favorite recipe from Joris?
“Linguine with vongole.”
Tips from Sabine when renovating or purchasing a new kitchen:
1. “Look at the long term. The life cycle of a kitchen is longer than any trend.
2. Choose materials that will retain their beauty or improve with age.
3. Think carefully about how you want to use your kitchen. Think in different zones: where do you want to cook, wash up, chat, etc.
4. Dare to spend money on nice things and good materials. It hurts, but it is worth it in the end.”