Eclectic Elegance: Amsterdam Loft by UXUS Design

Words by Marcia Argyriades

7 October 2009

Eclectic Elegance: Amsterdam Loft by UXUS Design

Words by Marcia Argyriades

7 October 2009

Soulful Dwellings

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The Amsterdam Loft by UXUS Design takes center stage as a masterful example of creative ingenuity. While it could easily be imagined as the lair of a mad scientist, it is, in fact, the sophisticated and eclectic home of an owner with an extraordinary taste for design. Skulls, taxidermy, deer horns, scissors, and warm wooden interiors come together to evoke a gothic, quirky vibe reminiscent of an 18th-century laboratory—but with a surprising twist of modern elegance and inviting warmth.

Despite the macabre decor elements, the loft’s atmosphere is anything but unsettling. Situated in a historic building along one of Amsterdam’s iconic canals, the residence occupies an impressive 250 square meters within an 18th-century warehouse, offering panoramic views of the city. The design preserves the open-plan layout while introducing dramatic curtain walls that can be adjusted to meet various functional needs. Every decorative detail reflects the owner’s unique and eclectic aesthetic.

Photo © Dim Balsem.

“Before the renovation, the loft was simply an empty industrial void. Curtain walls, lighting, and a kitchen were added to transform it into a livable space.” — UXUS Design

Photo © Dim Balsem.

Upon entering, the most striking element is the extensive use of wood, which dominates the loft’s design. Large wooden beams and pillars create a warm, welcoming ambiance, while the hard wooden floors extend the length of the space, emphasizing its openness. Neutral sand-toned draped curtains serve as flexible room dividers, offering visual privacy while maintaining the loft’s open-plan feel. The exposed brick walls, painted in a cool white, balance the warmth of the wood, while select walls in blue-gray tones act as serene backdrops, almost like painted canvases. Plumbing pipes, left exposed, add an industrial touch.

The bathroom continues the interplay of raw and refined. Light gray marble tiles meet anthracite ripolin-painted walls, forming a dramatic background for a whimsical centerpiece: a crowned, polished bird perched atop a golden throne, stepping on a skull. This juxtaposition of elegance and irony defines the bathroom’s sophisticated yet playful aesthetic. A curtain replaces a traditional door, maintaining the loft’s overall design cohesion.

The furnishings are vintage and thoughtfully curated, some modified to complement the loft’s design. Iconic pieces like the Eames molded plywood chairs from 1946, celebrated for their ergonomic design, sit alongside buffets, armoires, and bedside tables that exude history and character. Each piece feels imbued with its own story, adding depth and personality to the space.

Decorative elements further define the loft’s idiosyncratic charm. Taxidermy—dragonflies, birds, and even a donkey—stands alongside deer horns, seashells, and skulls of various species. A Victorian olive-green dining chair, whimsically draped in a piano jacket, adds a touch of drama, while a ghostly “Casper-like” face encased in a black box sits atop a weathered drawer, blurring the line between art and decor. These quirky details coexist with mid-century modern elements, reflecting a playful juxtaposition of styles.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in the loft’s atmosphere. Sputnik-style pendant lights add a modern, dramatic flair to the living spaces, while laboratory-style fixtures reinforce the “mad scientist” narrative. This blend of modernity and vintage whimsy elevates the loft to a space that feels timeless yet contemporary.

The redesign by UXUS Design is a masterclass in creativity and eclecticism, creating a home that is poetic, ironic, and utterly livable. The Amsterdam Loft challenges conventions with its dramatic contrasts and bold design elements, resulting in a space that feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring.

Recognized for its ingenuity, the Amsterdam Loft received the International Design Award for 2008, with UXUS Design earning the Gold Award for Best Residential Interior of the same year. This remarkable project redefines what a home can be—inviting, unconventional, and endlessly fascinating.