Floating Shelf — Solid Oak, Walnut Finish, 60cm
A deep dive into why this particular shelf design works so well in Groningen apartments. Oak is forgiving, walnut finish hides dust, and 60cm is the sweet spot for most wall spaces.
Read articleMarijn van der Meer
Senior Interior Design Consultant at buvettechezsimone B.V.
14 years transforming Groningen apartments into thoughtfully designed homes
The Story Behind the Design
Marijn's journey into interior design started with a simple realization: small spaces don't require small compromises. They just need thoughtful curation.
From Groningen to Every Apartment
His fascination with space-efficient design took root during studies at Hanzehogeschool Groningen. Back then, he was captivated by a simple question: how can thoughtful design maximize limited living space? It's a particularly relevant challenge in Dutch cities where apartments are compact and every square meter counts.
After graduating in 2010, Marijn worked with several local design studios before joining buvettechezsimone B.V. eight years ago. What started as a position gradually evolved into something more — he became the go-to expert for apartment dwellers seeking cohesive, practical interior solutions. Throughout his career, he's consulted with over 2,000 households, developing deep insights into what actually works in compact spaces versus what merely looks good in magazines.
His approach combines Scandinavian minimalism with Dutch pragmatism. Every recommendation—whether it's a floating shelf, pendant lamp, or cushion—serves a purpose. Nothing is there just for decoration. And that's the real skill: creating spaces that look genuinely good while being completely livable.
14
Years in interior design
2,000+
Households consulted
8
Years at buvettechezsimone B.V.
2010
Degree completed
Areas of Expertise
Deep knowledge across the essentials of apartment living
Shelving Systems
From floating shelves to wall-mounted units, Marijn designs storage that's both functional and visually balanced. He knows how to maximize vertical space without making apartments feel cramped.
Lighting Design
Proper lighting transforms a space. He specializes in layered lighting schemes for compact apartments — combining task, ambient, and accent light to create warmth and functionality.
Textile & Soft Furnishings
Cushions, throws, and textiles aren't afterthoughts—they're essential. Marijn curates soft furnishings that add comfort, color, and personality while maintaining a cohesive design language.
Space Planning
The foundation of every good design. He analyzes room proportions, traffic flow, and natural light to create layouts that feel spacious and intentional—even in tight apartments.
Sustainable Design
Quality over quantity. Marijn advocates for durable, timeless pieces that'll last years, not seasons. He's passionate about reducing waste through thoughtful material selection.
Color & Material Selection
Every color choice and material matters in compact spaces. He understands how finishes affect perception of size, light, and mood—and applies that knowledge in every recommendation.
Design Philosophy
"Small spaces don't require small compromises—they demand thoughtful curation. Every piece should earn its place through beauty, function, or ideally both."
1. Purpose First
Every furniture piece and décor item should serve a clear purpose. If it's purely decorative, it better be exceptional at that job. In small spaces, multifunctional pieces are your friends.
2. Quality Over Quantity
One well-made shelf beats five cheap ones. Durability matters, especially in rental apartments where you'll want to take your pieces with you. Timeless design means you won't tire of it next year.
3. Light is Everything
Natural light, artificial light, reflected light—it all affects how a space feels. Marijn designs lighting schemes that make apartments feel larger, warmer, and more inviting. Right lighting can change everything.
4. Personal, Not Generic
Templates don't work. Every apartment has different proportions, light, and residents with different needs. Marijn's recommendations are always specific to the actual space and the people living there.
What People Say
"
We'd been living in our 65-square-meter apartment for three years and honestly felt cramped. Marijn came in, spent an afternoon understanding how we actually used the space, and completely reorganized our shelving. He didn't just add shelves—he created zones. Now it feels like we have more room even though nothing physically changed except the arrangement. Plus the new lamp he recommended makes everything look brighter.
"
I was skeptical about paying for design advice. But honestly? Marijn saved me from making expensive mistakes. He steered me away from trendy pieces that wouldn't last and toward things that've actually improved my daily life. His recommendations are practical, not just pretty.
"
Working with Marijn on our office redesign was straightforward. He listened more than he talked, asked smart questions about how we actually work, and came back with solutions that fit our budget and our needs. The new shelving system is clean, functional, and honestly looks better than I expected it to.
Recent Articles & Guides
Evidence-based recommendations for living better in smaller spaces
Ceramic Table Lamp — Cream Base, Natural Linen Shade
How to layer lighting without overwhelming a small space. This particular lamp works because it's understated—it doesn't compete with your furniture for visual attention.
Read articleLinen Cushion Cover — Sage Green, 45cm Square, Removable
Why soft furnishings matter more in compact apartments. A single cushion in the right color can tie a room together and make a space feel intentional rather than sparse.
Read articleGet in Touch
Have questions about your apartment design? Want a consultation?
Contact Details
You can reach Marijn through buvettechezsimone B.V. for consultations, design advice, or collaborations on residential interior projects.
Start a conversationBuvettechezsimone B.V.
Marijn's home for the past 8 years. We're focused on providing thoughtful interior design solutions and quality home furnishings for apartments throughout the Northern Netherlands.
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