FINISHING SCHOOL
Bibi and Thomas have turned an old school into a family home – complete with swing, gymnasium ropes and an indoor treehouse
Home profile THE OWNERS Bibi van der Velden, a sculptor and jewellery designer, her husband Thomas de Haas, marketing director of a shipping company, and their daughter Charlie, three, and son Balthazar, six months. THE PROPERTY A former school in Amsterdam, built in 1885, spread over four storeys. The family live on the top two floors. There are three bedrooms, a master suite, bathroom, wet room and WC on the second floor and an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area, WC and a mezzanine office on the third floor.
LIVING AREA A cosy lounge creates a focal point in the centre of the large room. Sticking to the gym theme, vintage medicine balls are used as stools. ‘This area feels like hanging out at a festival or being in a tent – it’s relaxed and communal,’ says Bibi. GET THE LOOK This kilim rug was bought in Africa. The cushion covers were made by Bibi from fabric brought back from Turkey. The medicine balls were a vintage find.