woninrichting

Woninrichting is the Dutch term for the furnishing and interior decoration of living spaces. It encompasses the planning and styling of a home to achieve a functional, comfortable, and aesthetically coherent environment. Key elements include spatial planning, color schemes, materials, furniture, textiles, lighting, and decorative details, tailored to the inhabitants’ needs and lifestyle.

Practitioners in this field may be called interieurontwerpers (interior designers), interieuradviseurs (interior consultants), or, when structural aspects are involved, interieurarchitecten (interior architects). The process typically starts with an assessment of space and requirements, followed by concept development, layout planning, material and finish selection, procurement, and project coordination. There is often overlap with architecture when changes affect the building’s structure or services.

Historically, woninrichting in the Netherlands has mirrored broader design movements. In the early 20th century, influences from De Stijl and functionalism promoted simple, geometric interiors. After World War II, practical and affordable interiors responded to housing demand. From the late 20th century onward, Dutch design has emphasized sustainability, modular systems, natural materials, and light, airy aesthetics.

In contemporary practice, woninrichting frequently uses digital tools for visualization and space planning, with attention to energy efficiency, acoustics, and accessibility. The field intersects with furniture design, textiles, lighting design, and is part of broader trends in home furnishing and lifestyle media.