Analog Home Tour: Marieke Verdenius in Amsterdam

1. Hi Marieke, please introduce yourself:

My name is Marieke Verdenius and I live in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I moved here for my studies in Fashion and Marketing and never left. I’m drawn to the rhythm of the city — its vibrancy, but also the quietness found in hidden streets and courtyards. I live in the museum quarter, where there is always something to explore, yet it still feels calm and grounded.

2. In which room do you spend most of your time?

I love my home, which was built in the 1930s and still holds many of its original features. I enjoy every room, but I spend most of my time in the ensuite space that connects the living room and dining room. It has windows on both sides, filling the space with light throughout the day — something I deeply appreciate.

3. What’s your favorite oldest interior piece and your favorite latest purchase?

My favorite older piece is a small wooden cabinet that once belonged to my father, where he stored his dentistry tools. Each drawer contains neatly arranged instruments. I rarely open it, but it holds a quiet and very precise memory.

One of my latest and most loved pieces is the Moragas lamp on my dressoir in the living room. I’m drawn to its solid wooden base and the softness of the cotton lampshade — a balance between structure and lightness.

4. What’s your favorite book or what are you currently reading?

I recently bought a book by artist Herman de Vries called All This Here. He creates beautiful installations using elements from nature. His work feels very pure and attentive — something I find deeply inspiring.

5. Does art play a role in your life?

Art plays a significant role in my life, though I experience it in a very broad sense. For me, art goes far beyond painting or traditional disciplines. I’m equally drawn to architecture, sculpturing, hand-stitched Japanese embroidery, ceramics, product design, or even gardening — anything made with care, attention, and human hands. What fascinates me most is the process: the craft, the ateliers, the materials, and the time it takes to shape something. There is something deeply meaningful in how people translate an idea into form, whether that is through objects, spaces, or living environments. Through photography, I try to capture not just what something looks like, but the atmosphere and intention behind it — the quiet dialogue between material, light and the people who shape it. Photographing artists and their environments is one of my greatest joys.
My own creative expression currently lives mostly in photography, but I feel an increasing desire to work more with my hands — drawing, painting, or mixed media. I once followed a course based on The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, where we explored different practices: making a leporello, learning Japanese bookbinding, and creating collages using photography and various papers. There isn’t a clear direction yet — and I’m learning that it doesn’t need one.

6. How would your dream living situation look?

I would love to live in a space with high ceilings and plenty of natural light — perhaps an old school building transformed into a home. I’m drawn to places with history and character, where original details have been preserved. A space that feels calm, lived-in, and connected to its past.

7. Which interior piece do you want to buy soon?

I’m not entirely sure yet, but on my wishlist are the J39 chairs by Fredericia, a wooden cabinet by Bautier, or a Z-chair by Rietveld. I’m drawn to their honesty in material and their timeless, understated design.

9. If someone gifted you a second home, where would it be?

That’s such a lovely question. I imagine it would be somewhere in another country — perhaps Italy, Denmark, or Mallorca in Spain. I feel especially drawn to cities like Copenhagen. As long as there is a sense of community and a certain rhythm of daily life, I would feel at home. A place to slow down, work, and stay connected to a local environment.

10. What’s your next travel destination?

Next up is Berlin, where I’ll be hosting The Gatherists with you. In May, I’ll travel to Copenhagen for work, where I’ll be organizing a gathering and a creative workshop.

11. What’s your favorite music at the moment?

I’ve been drawn to instrumental music lately — calm, atmospheric sounds. I enjoy artists like Okonski and Matthew Halsall. I like music that leaves space; it helps me focus and observe.

12. If someone visits Amsterdam for the first time, where should they go?

I would recommend visiting my favorite bakery, Louf, for a cappuccino and croissant. For museums, I love Huis Marseille for photography and the Stedelijk Museum for modern art. My favorite park is Beatrixpark, which also has a medicinal herb garden.
For shops, I enjoy Vlieger for paper and envelopes, Juki for vintage design furniture & objects, Misc for pens and office supplies, and Athenaeum for magazines. For a drink I recommend Café de Pels and for dinner, I would suggest De Kas, Café Binnenvisser or Calisto.