Christien Starkenburg

Silence & meaningfulness

Interior designer Christien Starkenburg (1966) is the founder of Studio Slow. She is also the artistic director of the family business Jan de Jong Interieur in Leeuwarden, which was established in 1899. In 2011 Christien launched her own successful archetypal collection under the name SlowWood.

She sees beauty in the most everyday things, in what she finds in nature, and in art, architecture and graphic design. Christine thinks in images and observes what she sees with a sense of wonder, straight from her heart and with an open mind. A true northerner, she holds a distinct affinity for the simplicity of traditional Scandinavian design. At the same time, she is inspired by the Mediterranean stylistic idiom and art of living and the warm colours associated with this.

She embraces beauty and the silence of imperfection, the unfinished, the art of omission and appreciation of chance. She embraces warm minimalism, the analogue world and wabi sabi, in which material and design are given a deeper layer of significance.

The daughter of a father whose hands could make everything he saw with his eyes, she has a tremendous appreciation for craft and honest workmanship. As a child she loved to draw floor plans and was always busy with drawing, colours, materials and compositions. She is most in her element outdoors in nature, walking or on her racing bike. The sun, the sea, the wind, stunning views, experiencing the elements of nature: there is nothing that gives her greater joy. Clearing her head, being in the here and now.

Studio Slow Imagination, attention and inspiration are the keywords behind every interior designed by Studio Slow, with a strong focus on our choice of materials.

Jan de Jong store We select the furniture, lighting, fabrics and materials that reflect our signature with loving attention.

Residence Peaceful, clean and systematic are the keywords to describe this pleasant home in the southern Netherlands.

Villa surrounded by nature This wonderful villa in a superb location was renovated and modernised from head to toe.

Canal House This centuries-old building was given a modern makeover.

Farmhouse The old main house was restored and modernised, and additional amenities and rooms were created in the barn.

Holiday home A complete interior was realised for this pleasant family home in the dunes on a Wadden Island.

A cabin in the woods This holiday home in Germany is simply stunning, down to the tiniest detail.

Loft Slow living – Scandinavian, sober, with a hint of Mediterranean. Christien Starkenburg’s new house simply breathes inspiration.

Farmhouse in Friesland This old farmhouse was completely renovated with respect for tradition, people and nature.

Island House Enjoy the peace and quiet of one of the beautiful Frisian Wadden Islands.

Town house in Groningen This special house is made from wood and is monolithic in shape.

Residence in Lelystad A wonderfully light house that simply oozes personality.

Attema Sate in Gaastmeer This heritage-listed farm dating from 1770 was renovated for the epitome of comfortable living.

Town house in Groningen This beautifully situated 1930s villa was designed by architect Wittop-Koning.

Farmhouse This house was built in a barn. The original skeleton, roof and trusses were all left intact in this modern residence.

Bungalow This bungalow originally built in 1968 was converted ecologically, using natural spruce, wool, flax, loam, cork linoleum and mineral paints.

Farmhouse Bathroom & Kitchen This for farmhouse in Oosternijkerk was given a stunning new bathroom and kitchen.

Eco Resort Liyang China What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life? Here, sustainability is integral to the design rather than merely fashionable.

Island Home This unique holiday home on a Wadden Island has a striking yet organic appeal, both in terms of architecture and interior design.

Appartment This flat with a classical atmosphere was realised in the heritage-listed Wilhelminastate school building from 1935.

Island home The interior of this holiday home reflects the beaches, sea, woods and typically Dutch skies of the Wadden Islands.

Stenden Restaurant Wannee This restaurant was named after Miss Cornelia Johanna Wannée, a teacher at the Amsterdam School of Home Economics.

Town house in Leeuwarden This villa was restored to its former glory with an eye for comfort.

Farmhouse This stunning Frisian farmhouse was transformed into cosy and bohemian-style family home.

Studio revisited ‘An interior is the natural projection of the soul’ - Coco Chanel

City house in Amsterdam This surprising feat of architecture is located in a hidden spot in the heart of Amsterdam.

B & B It Bûterhûs Balk Unwind after receiving a warm welcome in this heritage-listed building from 1633.

Children’s Wear Store The beautiful Vier Seizoenen children’s wear shop is located in a charming building.

Farmhouse Attema Sate This farmhouse, a heritage-listed building from 1770 in Gaastmeer caters to holidays and meetings.

Organic supermarket Eat good food! Sourcing locally, storytelling, feel good and Fairtrade are the keywords here.

Your dentist All knowledge and experience brought together under one roof, prepared for the dentistry of the future.