Maker's Story

I am Winnie Helmes-Ham, Stylist and Interior Designer of STIJLIDEE (https://www.stijlidee.nl) in Utrecht since 2006. With STIJLIDEE I provide interior design advice, colour advice and styling advice to individuals and companies. I started this because I have many creative ideas about interior design, colour and styling. I also really enjoy giving houses and companies an interior makeover. It gives me great satisfaction to furnish and style a space exactly so that the client feels completely at home in it. In this way, we realise your dream interior together. Because I have a great visual imagination, I can quickly imagine the right layout, colours and combinations. I can also empathise well with which style fits best with the rest of your interior. I like to work in varied styles: from modern to vintage and from country to industrial.

"Every interior needs a color accent, something from nature and a vintage item."

The Process

During an appointment at your home, we will create a plan together in which we combine your wishes regarding furniture, materials, colours and layout. We start with a mood board and a hand-drawn sketch to scale with the layout of the furniture. We will then create a colour plan and determine which components are needed to realise the interior design step by step. A digital design in 3D is also possible. After approval of the interior plan, we can also purchase the desired interior products together if desired, in order to completely unburden you.

Ask Winnie for help

Do you like interior design and living trends, but can't combine the right things at home? Ask Winnie for help. She specializes in 1930s homes, lofts and converted farmhouses

Get in touch

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

What I really enjoy doing is creating a dream interior for my clients where they feel completely at home, where they can relax and gain new energy. In practice, this means a different approach for every customer and coming up with many new ideas. That makes my work surprising, fun and varied every day. Over the past 18 years, I have helped hundreds of customers to their complete satisfaction

What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

I get the most inspiration from nature, for example during a walk on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug or along the North Sea coast. The beautiful material and color combinations that I see in nature make me very happy. Of course, I also regularly visit cities, museums, trade fairs and interior accounts on social media such as Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. For example, I follow many Scandinavian, Italian and Dutch designers and furniture manufacturers.

What is your unique approach to your craft and how have you honed your skills?

When creating an interior design, the starting point is always the personal style and wishes of my client. First I look around to see what suits the house and what elements are already present, such as art or a characteristic family cupboard. People often want to give a room more warmth with new furniture, colors and styling. I combine the aesthetic with the functional aspect: What is the first impression when you enter? Does it seem light and spacious? Are the walking instructions sufficient? I also pay close attention to whether furniture parts can be reused to create the most sustainable interior possible. By putting old furniture in a new place and giving it a different color, you can give your interior a completely new look.
Working with a hand-drawn sketch creates a creative process in which the most optimal interior design is created. This saves a lot of time and money and prevents bad purchases. Here I can put my 18 years of work experience to good use. I have strengthened my sense of color by working a lot with paint and mixing it, so that I can clearly explain why a certain color does or does not work well in combination with the light in the home and the customer's wishes.

What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

It is very special to hear so many positive experiences from my clients who now enjoy their stylish and timeless interior after my interior design. I am most proud of the people I regularly return to develop an interior design for a new space and that, for example, the previously designed living room is still furnished and styled exactly as it is and that they are still so happy with it. .

What is your dream project?

I would like to set up a surprising holiday park where holiday homes in different style themes can be developed in a mix of vintage and design furniture.

Projects by Stijlidee