GUBI goes al fresco with
Anouk Yve
A multi-talented figurehead in the fashion world and a keen ceramic artist with a gift for interior design, Anouk Yve relishes the serenity of village life in the northern Netherlands.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOME
I live in the northern part of the Netherlands with my fiancé Jos and our two children, Teun, eight, and Elin, seven. We live on an island of 12 houses overlooking a large lake within a nature reserve. We cherish our little community because it’s full of children, and they all play together on the street.
It took us seven years to build our home, a large villa with midcentury design features inspired by the work of architectural designer Scott Mitchell. It was built with the view in mind, incorporating height differences to emphasize it, and with spacious terraces all around the house.
In the early morning I love to sit inside or outside at the kitchen area, where the water reflects on the ceiling, leaving little drops of light. During long summer nights we stare into the darkness, surrounded only by the moon, stars, and an orchestra of birds and frogs, and it creates a magical ambiance.
Our home has a modern, blocky design with large walls, high ceilings, and a lot of glasswork, which creates a feeling of living both indoors and outdoors. We love to open the doors and extend our living space with GUBI’s beautiful MR01 and Pacha Lounge Chairs. The rounded shapes of the Pacha contrast with the minimalist lines of our architecture, and they have a very tactile quality that entices you to unwind. Last summer, I arranged them around a little fire pit, and it was such a cozy setup. I think this is key when selecting furniture – choosing pieces that make you feel comfortable and at ease in your own space.
Home should be a safe space where you can be yourself.
WHAT MAKES YOUR HOME DISTINCTLY YOURS?
We lived in Stockholm and Denmark for three years and this experience has influenced my design choices. We love the minimalism and ‘choosing well’ mentality of Scandinavian culture. My personal style has been influenced by this aesthetic, and I tend to choose my wardrobe carefully, focusing on neutral colors. To add warmth to an outfit, I might pair it with a cognac suede leather bag or a brown belt. Mixing materials is typical of me, such as combining silk trousers with cotton. I seek out contrasts in my interior as well.
The personal objects and the art that I’ve chosen is also what makes my home distinct. I practice ceramic art and our home is filled with pieces I’ve made. My partner says it’s time I started selling them, but I can’t – they feel like my children, and the firing process is so precious to me. Each piece comes out unique and special.
WHICH ROOM DO YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME IN?
I spend most of my time in the kitchen. The light in there is so beautiful, and because it’s raised up, I can overlook the rest of the house. The kitchen has an unobstructed view of a row of willows and a large window that connects it to many other spaces. From there, I can see both upstairs and downstairs; it feels like the beating heart of the house.
To add some contrasts and break up the regular lines, I opted for rustic wooden planks. I love working with wood in general. The kitchen table, from where I work, is made from an old oak tree sourced from close to where we grew up as kids. I designed the legs of the table to create a sculptural piece that complements the overall design of the house.
The kitchen is nearly three meters higher than the entrance level, which makes it possible for us to fully enjoy the view of the lake.
WHAT IS THE NEXT DESIGN PIECE YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON?
I’m currently looking for a new sofa, but it is a sensitive topic in our household. I prefer something fun and playful, while my husband wants a comfortable American sofa that you can sink into. It’s quite challenging to find a middle ground.
FIND THE SELECTION HERE
GUBI for UNICEF
Pacha Lounge Chair£2,799Pacha Ottoman Outdoor
£1,999Atmosfera Coffee Table
£1,199- 3 colors available
9602 Floor Lamp
£1,199 Grace Lounge Chair
£1,999Multi-Lite Portable Lamp
£349Pacha Lounge Chair
with armrest£2,999Model 597 Table Lamp
£6999205 Table Lamp
£799MR01 Initial Lounge Chair Outdoor
£1,799Seine Portable Lamp
£299