A Floris Wubben x The Future Perfect table sits on a natural stone floor with a custom-design shelf system by Framework Studio in high gloss spray-painted wood and custom- finished stainless steel as a backdrop. The fireplace features custom tiles by Eva Crebolder, while a large 1970s vintage abstract metal sculpture sits against the wall in the background.
Framework Studio designer and founder Thomas Geerlings talks to us about how the zeitgeist, location and end-user are reflected in his own space, his love for bold colours in toned-down interiors, the difference between being a hoarder and a collector and not working with preset concepts.
How is your space a reflection of you?
Thomas Geerlings: I live here with my wife Danielle and our two daughters Bonnie, eight and Doetse, 13.
A house, in my eyes, should be a reflection of a few things:
Zeitgeist: Every decade has its movements or discoveries of past materials and techniques, and has a continuous or subconscious influence on our designs.
Location: For me, it’s of great importance for the interior design. I want to reflect the architecture of the exterior, the geophysical location and the type of property in the designs. I want to feel a connection inside with the direct and indirect outside. A house on an island in the Mediterranean looks different in our portfolio than a house in the middle of Paris. A modern exterior apartment looks different in our portfolio than a 17th-century canal house.
The last, most important point, is the end user: In this case, it’s my family. The eclectic style and bold choices are a reflection of all the above. My state of mind at the moment is one of a new design chapter. With the advent of AI,
the next generation of young designers will see it play a huge role in their careers.
The new techniques that are available to manufacture materials and upcycle old make this a super exciting time where I see huge opportunity. The way I look at the future and the way our studio embraces new techniques is reflected in my house – where traditional artists and new directions meet.
Thomas Geerlings and wife Danielle Eras.
Custom natural stone benchtops and green timber cabinetry by Framework Studio with Vervloet knobs. A 1970s Italian vintage Avant Garde table lamp by Edera Radici for Sagim sits atop the bench. Artwork ‘Within 15 Minutes’ (2017) by Alma Haser.
What did you set out to create in the interior spaces?
Thomas Geerlings: I don’t adhere to preset concepts. My home is the result of the above influences and together they form the framework, with the project as the outcome. The disadvantage of this way of working is that the framework does not have a set signature, so our work is less recognisable and may be more difficult for our colleagues at the studio to understand how we work on projects, as every project has a different direction.
At Framework Studio, the end result cannot be seen as a learning tool for our co-designers. Only if you understand the process and the end result you can understand and judge.
How does your environment influence the way you live?
Thomas Geerlings: A lot. If children grow up with art, regardless of how precious it is, it has an influence on how they respect art in its broadest form in their lives. They can understand great food or great design as it was part of their habitat. They understand that a piece of paper and ink can evoke emotion, just as any other great art form or artisan.
Original ceiling beams, a custom- designed black leather dining bench by Framework Studio, dining table by Ado Chale, pendant lamps by PSLab Antwerp, vintage dining chairs from Morentz Gallery, Pulpo sculpture on table and artwork on wall by Noémie Goudal.
Italian terracotta tile floor, custom oak wood joinery by Framework Studio, niche and benchtop in natural stone and red vintage barstools from Morentz Gallery.
There’s a distinctive mix of pieces and artworks in the home’s rich and textured interiors – are you a long-time collector?
Thomas Geerlings: My friends call me a hoarder, while my colleagues and clients call me a collector. What’s the difference? I often joke that my brain operates in a binary manner. If I come across something for sale within my budget, I either buy it or don’t – there’s no hesitation. This approach has led to collections of items that reflect my interests: vintage objects, contemporary ceramics, photography, sneakers, vintage swatches, 90s cars, wine, and more.
It can sometimes drive my wife to madness and my friends to hilarious conversations.
What makes me different to a real collector I think, is that I can also sell without emotion. I have an emotional bond with objects, but can easily sell them and move on to discover new emotions. This keeps my mind fresh and continuously eager to learn about new talents or directions.
The home is punctuated by colour. What is your approach to using colour in interiors, and how does it inform your mood?
Thomas Geerlings: At the moment, I have a huge love for bold colours in toned-down interiors. I don’t like half choices, so if we use blue paint in a room then we make a blue room.
In all these decisions, the styling is always in conversation with the interior architecture. Our designs are rooted in architecture and meticulous detailing, aiming for longevity and the ability to evolve with objects over time. I approach my own home similarly, adjusting it as I discover more about myself and the beauty around me.
This feature originally appeared in est magazine issue 53: In the Kitchen.
Floor of Italian terracotta tiles, artwork in a niche by Peter Demetz and stool by Jan Janssen Werken.
A vintage Pierre Chapo table, vintage Pierre Chapo B17 solid elm bibliothèque wall unit, Flos Snoopy table lamp, vintage chairs from Morentz Gallery and artwork by Patrik Grijalvo.
Oak floor, Liquefy table by Glas Italia, Studio Julien Manaira chairs and PXL table lamp by Fredrik Mattson.
The primary bedroom features a custom bedhead and Grand Repos lounge chairs by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison.
A Reflex bath by Antonio Lupi, custom oak cabinets by Framework Studio, custom-coloured wood wash basin cabinet by Framework Studio, Gessi basin and bath tapware, set of two multi-legged 1950s vintage oak stools, Cassina vintage Maralunga sofa re-upholstered in Elitis fabric with artwork above by Martin van Wordragen.
The shower is entirely clad in natural stone – from the walls, floor, ceiling, to the custom bench. It also features Gessi fixtures.
