We take a look behind the front door of Kirsten (@meekijkenmetons) in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel. Together with her husband and sons Lou (4) and Mois (2) they took on the challenge of a major renovation project. Moving was done more often, but this was next level.
A big project
There was a lot of demolition and rebuilding with Kirsten herself rolling up her sleeves. On the ground floor, a number of walls were removed to create more openness and light. The downstairs living space is mostly finished and feels wonderfully spacious. In June 2023, the family moved into this 1970s home. But there are still some jobs waiting such as the bathroom and making an extra room on the roof terrace.
Sofa: Finn set 2 XL in Simply Beige
A good chore duo
This chore mom loves to get down to business and has no stranger to it. "My dad can do everything and likes to come and help me around the house. We are a good handyman duo." For this house, Kirsten and her husband did not hire an architect, but came up with everything themselves. As a result, it feels very much like a home. The love for interior design also comes largely from her parents. They didn't turn their hand to home remodeling. 
Furniture with a story
What is especially remarkable is the mix between old and new elements. "I like combining different objects with each other and getting things from everywhere," she says. For example, the table comes from Bali, the stool from Marrakesh and the high doors in the hallway from Egypt. In addition, baskets and pots are not to be missed in the house.
Finn set 2 in Simply Beige
The sofa does come from Dutch roots. Finn set 2 XL in Simply Beige fits perfectly into the light style of the living room. Kirsten was looking for a sofa with not too much fuss. One that beckons to chill out on together. What also appeals is the open piece on the side, which makes the sofa look more airy.
Updates via @meekijkenmetons
In addition to her job as a childcare manager, some hours are regularly spent on Instagram. Through the account @meekijkenmetons, followers are kept up to date on the renovation. "I enjoy taking pictures and being involved with interior design," she says. She also shares DIY projects here. With beton ciré, she made the countertop, the cabinetry in the kitchen and the top layer of the window sills.
Searching for house pearls
"I love scrolling through websites where houses are for sale and don't think we live at our final address yet either. In the future we would like to buy an old house with more land around it, but for now this house is a nice project."
A tip for future DIYers? "Listen to yourself. A lot of people have opinions, but you just have to do what's in your head."
