GOOD TIMES

Filled with colour and pattern, this Dutch home is as fun and cool as its creative owners

- CHARLOTTE BALDER

hen interior designer Nicole Dohmen first received a call from Haarlem-based couple Jacqueline and Tako, she quickly felt a connection. ‘They wanted their house to reflect the character of their family, to feel free-flowing, creative and, most importantly, not too serious.’ Stepping through the front door for the first meeting, Nicole found an easy-going atmosphere: children eating strawberries on the sofa; busy parents coming and going; a football flying through the room... ‘I loved that Jacqueline and Tako wanted lots of colour. It wasn’t meant to be a standard interior, but rather surprising. That's exactly what I love to do.’ Jacqueline had a good idea of what she wanted to achieve. ‘It’s a very nice house in a great location, but it lacked warmth and cosiness. I've always dreamed of creating an open house, a place designed for hosting people – even those arriving unannounced.’ Handily, in addition to her distinctive design eye, Nicole has an acute awareness of the practical requirements of a family home for the couple and the children Bodil, nine, Rowan, seven, and Kaia, four. ‘I have a blended family with four