Museumkwartier, Amsterdam
RESIDENTIAL · ART
Central to the design for this home in Amsterdam's Museumkwartier is the illumination of, how could it be otherwise, art. This lighting also largely serves as the general ambient light, creating a distinctive experience throughout the home.
Each artwork called for its own carefully chosen solution, tailored to its position in the space and to the work itself. A few of these choices explained below.
Project
Museumkwartier
Completion
2025
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Client
Private
The result is a home where the art stands out quietly, and where a calm yet exciting atmosphere is felt, day and night.
Design choices
The two large works in the living room, in earth tones and blue, already stand out so much in the space that they needed softer lighting. This was done along the long wall using several wallwashers. These light up the whole wall evenly, including the artwork, with soft grazing light, as if sunlight were coming in. The blue work hanging opposite is lit the same way, creating a lovely, soft fade-out.
The sculpture of the cyclist, positioned centrally between the two other works, is lit with a very narrow beam of light, subtly bringing it to life.
In the home's small film room, which is often kept dark, two works were instead lit very narrowly. This keeps the room dark while the illuminated art adds extra experience and atmosphere, even during films.
Anti-glare and colour accuracy
Particular focus was placed on the light quality and comfort of the luminaires during product selection. Nowhere in the home does the light glare, and cooler light was chosen to ensure the colour accuracy of the artworks. The warm tone of the walls offsets this cooler colour temperature, keeping the overall impression warm throughout the home.
The result is a home in which the art stands out subtly, and where a calm yet compelling atmosphere is felt, day and night.
