meet the designer: margriet kok

Together Margriet Kok, we engaged in a conversation about interior design. As an expert, she shares insights into her work and offers tips that you can easily apply on your own.

"I'm Margriet Kok, interior designer and stylist at Mek Studio. We specialize in project development from start to finish. This can include the styling of a single space, project management for renovations or new construction projects.

In addition to remodeling and furnishing, we also design showrooms for international fashion brands like Ulla Johnson during fashion week in Paris. I also work as a stylist for brands like Zara Home and de Bijenkorf, where I can immerse myself in creating still lifes and interior shoots."

What inspires you?

I draw inspiration from traveling, visiting beautiful cities, exploring shops, meeting new people, but most importantly, from "switching off" and doing something different from the daily routine. During those moments, I literally feel space opening up and filling with a burst of energy and creativity. The field of interior design is incredible, but it often comes with production challenges that are equally important. Once I've tackled those challenges, I reward myself with that moment of "switching off"!

Where do you find unique objects?

Markets in Paris to the Noordermarkt in Amsterdam. Also, Morentz in Waalwijk is one of my favorites.

''I try to let trends pass me by as much as possible: I love a timeless interior that you can enjoy for years to come.''

Which materials and shapes do you prefer to use in the summer?

Crisp cotton sheets, linen curtains, stacks of white bowls in organic shapes filled with vegetables and fruits – that's summer at home for me.

How do you create a play of light from outside to inside in your interior?
I enjoy using bamboo window coverings, not only for privacy but also because they create such stunning light patterns on the walls. It's like art in itself!
HOW CAN YOU EASILY CREATE A CHARMING CORNER WITH LITTLE EFFORT?

I immediately think of a bedroom! With the right neutral bedding, four sturdy cushions that also serve as a headboard, two stools, a nice bedside lamp, and perhaps you have a beautiful small artwork that you can frame with a large mat in a slim wooden frame, and you're done! Oh and, hang this frame about 50 cm above your bed, as it creates a very nice aesthetic atmosphere.

HOW DO YOU CREATE MORE CALMNESS WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT OF stuff?
Organize and distance yourself from the "okay" things. Take them to a thrift store or give them to someone who would be really happy with them. It also helps to store all items neatly in one room of the house, keeping all other spaces tidy. Since we don't have extra space ourselves, we chose to rent a separate storage unit, where all items we don't need daily are placed in organized boxes.
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR SMALLER HOMES?
I love smaller homes; they always give me a hotel-like feeling when decorated properly. Take a close look at your favorite boutique hotel – you can draw significant inspiration for your home's design: from practicality to the finishing touches, material usage, and styling.
The ultimate styling advice?
I love smaller homes; they always give me a hotel-like feeling when decorated properly. Take a close look at your favorite boutique hotel – you can draw significant inspiration for your home's design: from practicality to the finishing touches, material usage, and styling.

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