Branching Out

Unusual handmade designs mix with traditional decorations in Alette Sluijsmans’ festive home

- Emma J Page

For interior designer Alette Sluijsmans, the start of each year heralds more than just a new beginning. It’s also a chance to look back and take stock – thanks to the efforts of her parents, for whom it’s a tradition to gift an annual poem to every member of the family. ‘My parents always compose a personal poem for each of us, reflecting on the past year,’ explains Alette. ‘It’s a beautiful Christmas ritual in our family, and I now have a whole book of works that I treasure.’

Tradition is important to Alette and her three children, Florence, eight, Julien, six, and Jérôme, four, reflected in their farmhouse in Eys, South Limburg, which is full of historical features and has a fascinating story to match. ‘The house was built in 1908 and originally its ground floor had a café,’ says Alette. ‘The first owner had 10 children and during the Second World War, many families lived here. By the time I bought it, the property needed major renovation work.’