- Interior
The destination is one thing, but the journey there is another. For interior designer Niels Maier, each project is yet another journey that takes him past other places, and that is undoubtedly a quality we admire in him. We are only too happy to present one of his most recent projects in all its glory.
In the centre of Maastricht, the Netherlands, you will find Niels Maier's studio. This practised expert is a true inspiration in the world of interiors and design. ‘I like to delve into the masters of the past, but of course I do not ignore our contemporary greats. They mostly have a common denominator, which is that they all have a penchant for minimalism. I think there is room for many different styles, but for me personally it works best to create an understated interior with zest,’ he explains. Maier has great respect for craftsmanship and artisans, and according to him, good design is the result of curiosity in his design process. His work is always intuitive with an open mind in order to evoke a certain atmosphere. 
The 'Curvy Minimalism' project reflects everything Niels Maier stands for: clear lines, pure materials, and architectural touches complemented by a good dose of timelessness and minimalism. The outside world is intense, so an interior should inspire calm and tranquillity. Therefore, the interior architect used a soft colour palette and a harder range of materials that evoke nature in an orderly and calm manner. The clients' main wishes were a timeless home with a particularly soft, warm, and comfortable feel. The masterpiece is the living kitchen, which the interior designer himself is also very passionate about. Maier deliberately chose materials such as concrete, (natural) stone and wood.
The outside world is intense, so an interior should inspire calm and tranquillity
Combined with these architectural finishes, the designer used sculptural objects, where rich craftsmanship takes centre stage. The soothing main colour sits between natural white and light grey and provides a timeless backdrop for the interior. As such, in combination with the lighting plan, this colour provides a beautiful interplay between day and evening. While respecting the preservation of the existing structure, the interior designer managed to create a soothing residence that boosts a strong relationship between the interior and the architecture. Above all, this warm, minimalist ensemble has a great sense of materiality and is certainly not oversized, but rather very balanced. 
Currently, Maier is fully engaged in two promising projects in Comporta, Portugal. ‘I must say, such foreign projects really taste like more,’ he tells us enthusiastically. This wonderful addition to his portfolio already reminds us of his potential and refreshes our memory when it comes to the typical elements in his work. 
Photography by Cafeine