Van houten's chaos: how carice van houten and guy pearce turned a dutch brownstone into a kaleidoscope of color

A few years back, a glimpse of wallpaper in a tiny Amsterdam shop ignited a transformation. Actor Carice van Houten, known for her role as Melisandre in Game of Thrones, and her partner, Guy Pearce, bought a 1918 brownstone and, frankly, it was a blank slate. But Van Houten, notoriously averse to minimalism, envisioned a riot of color – a ‘walking color explosion,’ as she puts it.

From timid client to bold visionary

Working with designer Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND, Van Houten’s initial ‘mood board’ – a frankly overwhelming collection of ideas – became the starting point for a radical redesign. Dohmen, a seasoned architect, admitted, ‘Most clients are timid, but with Carice, I had to temper her love of color a little bit—not every piece can be like, ‘Look at me shining!’’ The result? A Home that defies categorization, a deliberate clash of eras and styles that somehow… works.

A symphony of color and texture

The initial blush pink entryway sets the tone, a deliberate splash against herringbone floors. Inside, the living room unfolds with a subtle blush backdrop, layered with Baxter sofas – green and orange – and a Kooij coffee table. Peggy Kuiper’s painting adds a touch of whimsy, while Étoffe curtains frame the space. It's not a formula, Dohmen insists, ‘It’s a combination of things. There’s so much color, but when you’re in the house, it’s strange, you don’t notice. It embraces you.’

Unexpected details, bold statements

The study, painted in a surprisingly assertive chartreuse, is a testament to this fearless approach. Even the kitchen, initially a ‘no pink’ zone, embraced earthy tones punctuated by a glimpse of Calacatta marble. And then there’s the ‘funny room,’ a quirky nook painted a custom shade, complete with a vintage Ligne Roset chair – a perfect example of Van Houten’s penchant for the unexpected.

Details that define the space

From Kelly Wearstler wallpaper to vintage furniture sourced from across Europe, each element contributes to the Home’s distinctive character. The mint green sink in the powder room, a nod to Art Deco, contrasts beautifully with the Pierre Frey wallpaper. The primary bedroom features a Vispring bed upholstered in pink mohair, a testament to Van Houten’s unwavering commitment to color. And the guest bedroom? A funky, floral explosion that’s anything but feminine.

The verdict: controlled chaos

Ultimately, this isn’t just a house; it’s a carefully curated reflection of two personalities. It’s a bold, unapologetic embrace of individuality, proving that sometimes, the most beautiful spaces are born from a glorious, beautifully orchestrated mess. It’s a reminder that a Home shouldn’t be a showroom, but a lived-in story.