Petit Delft
2026 | Delft, The Netherlands
When our clients purchased this charming 18th century canal townhouse in the historic centre of Delft, they were immediately captivated by its character. Originally from Los Angeles, the modest scale of the three-storey home was a world away from what they were accustomed to, yet it was precisely this sense of history and intimacy that drew them in.
As is often the case with historic buildings, what initially appeared to be a relatively straightforward renovation soon revealed itself to be something far more complex. Once demolition commenced, layers of plaster, walls and ceilings were carefully removed, uncovering centuries-old structural deterioration hidden beneath previous interventions. Rotting timber beams throughout the house required extensive reinforcement works, making this one of the most intensive restoration projects we have undertaken to date.
Alongside these challenges came a series of discoveries that ultimately informed the direction of the design. Layers of historic plaster revealed traces of colours accumulated over centuries, inspiring a new palette rooted in the home's own past. Elsewhere, deteriorated leather straps fixed to the walls hinted at an earlier life, suggesting the ground floor may once have housed stables, with more formal living quarters above.
It is often these moments that excite us most. Rather than overlooking such discoveries in pursuit of modernisation, we see them as valuable clues that deepen our understanding of a building and guide the decisions that follow.
Throughout Petit Delft, the intention was never to erase the passage of time, but to allow the home's history to remain visible. Original brickwork was revealed wherever possible, historic timber beams were retained and celebrated, and contemporary interventions were approached with restraint. The resulting interiors feel calm and layered, balancing old and new in a way that allows neither to dominate.
Entering from the canal-lined street, a modest exposed-brick entrance hall leads directly into the front living space. Positioned against a backdrop of aged masonry and timber, a bespoke sideboard lends a sense of permanence, as though it has always belonged within the home. A collection of mismatched vintage pieces introduces a casual informality, while tactile materials, collected objects and filtered daylight contribute to an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and enduring. A sculptural brutalist coffee table anchors the room before the space opens into a light-filled kitchen through stone-clad walkways.
At the rear of the house, in what was once an outdoor terrace, soft-toned cabinetry and expressive natural stone introduce a refined materiality that sits comfortably within the historic shell. Strategically positioned skylights draw natural light deep into the centre of the home, reinforcing the connection between all three floors and creating a greater sense of openness.
Upstairs, a softer palette of nude tones and gentle golden hues defines the primary suite. Clay-washed walls, linen drapery and antique furnishings create a sense of warmth and calm, while contemporary lighting and artwork bring balance and a distinctly current perspective.
The result is a home that feels deeply connected to its history. A reminder that some of the most rewarding projects are those where the building itself becomes an active participant in the design process, revealing its stories and quietly shaping its own future.
Interior Design: Avenue Design Studio | Styling & Production: Kate Davison | Photography: Avenue Design Studio | Featuring a selection of art curated by A . Gallery.
