Barbara Dolk is the kind of person who collects things. Not just objects (though there are plenty of those too) but moments, references, combinations that nobody else would think to put together. As a freelance creative and stylist, she spends her days building worlds for fashion brands, events and activations.
She recently moved into a new house in Amsterdam with Derk and their three children: Sammie (4), Isabella (2.5) and Johnny (4 months). We asked her to open the door.
The home
That lasted about a week
When Barbara moved into her new house, she made herself a promise. Keep it calmer, more minimal, a fresh start.
“When we moved in, I promised myself, and Derk, I would keep this house calmer and more minimal than our previous home. That lasted about a week.”
The things came back, of course. They always do. A Swedish Dala horse from her childhood. A piece found on a trip she half remembers. “I collect pieces over time and slowly discover where they belong,” she says. “I think a home should tell the story of the people who live there, not look like it was finished in one weekend.”
The kids rooms
Don’t be afraid of colour
If there’s one place in Barbara’s home where the minimal promise was never going to stand a chance, it’s the kids rooms. They’re full of colour; bold, unapologetic, joyful. And entirely intentional.
How do you think about color for a kids room?
“Children’s rooms are the one place in the house where you can really go all out. Don’t be afraid to paint a wardrobe glossy pink or choose wallpaper that feels a bit bold. Kids love colour, and I think their rooms should feel fun and inspiring.”
Her biggest tip? Stop overthinking. “Buy things you really love instead of following trends, and let the room grow over time.” The rooms are a mix of colourful pieces and vintage furniture, books and toys collected over the years. Some from Barbara’s own childhood, others found along the way. That’s what makes them feel personal.
Living room
Charlie Table & Chairs
“The girls use them every single day for drawing, crafting or just sitting together. They don’t feel like typical children’s furniture, they fit perfectly into our living room.”
A tour through the house
Let's start in Johnny’s room
Johnny’s room is personal and full of unexpected combinations. A skateboard as a dresser tray. A moon-shaped light on the wall. Wire shelves filled with mini sneakers, a Polaroid camera and a bear. Each object has a story, most of them collected long before he arrived.
A FAMILY WITH THREE LITTLE ONES
You realise that most things work themselves out
Baby Johnny arrived in March this year. Four months old, and already fitting seamlessly into the rhythm of a household already in full swing.
how does the arrival of a third one feel different from the first or second time?
“With Johnny everything feels much more relaxed. I don’t overthink things anymore and I’m definitely less focused on doing everything ‘right’. You become more confident in your choices and let go of the little things that used to worry you.” ”
Barbara knows how quickly this stage passes. So she tries to stay in it. “We just take Johnny everywhere and he simply fits into our family and our routine.”
Living room
Isabella's room
Barbara tells us, “In Isabella’s room there’s a small wooden bench where I often sit. I don’t really do anything. I just sit there, tidy up a little and look around. It’s one of my favourite spots in the house.”
Her collection of Swedish Dala horses lives there too, some from her own childhood, some newer. A mix of old memories and new ones, side by side.
Girls room
Sammie’s room
Sammie’s room says everything about Barbara’s approach. The four-leaf clover wallpaper covers every wall and the sloped ceiling, so the whole room exists inside a single bold image. A white iron bed, a green Chamusquina pendant lamp, red striped curtains. Daring, considered, completely her own. Let's look at all the details...
