Home Series with Justine Leenarts

Justine lives with her husband Jos and little son Ozzy in The Hague. She is a photographer and works a lot for commercial brands. Justine loves that her work is so diverse. She likes to spend her free time outdoors, on the beach, in the forest or on a walk through the city.

What is your favourite hotel? 

My favourite hotel is Regina Isabella on my favourite place, Ischia <3

What makes this your favourite hotel?

It was founded in the 50s by a film producer, Angelo Rizzoli. It seems as if time has stood still there, in a good way. The service is very personal, which makes it feel very familiar. After lunch, you can go down a small flight of steps at the side of the restaurant to a little bay for swimming, which is magical. I took the photo next to my bed there, which is why I think back to it so often. We went there a lot with the family and now that my mother is no longer here, it is very special to go back. And that is where I was proposed to. 

How do you create that luxury hotel feel in your own bedroom? 

White sheets and a scented candle do the trick. In the morning, the doors to the garden wide open, even in winter when the air stays fresh, lovely to wake up like that.

How can you best describe your style? And how is this reflected in your bedroom?

My style is diverse. I love colour and different materials, and I am a collector: I have brought a lot back from my travels and find it hard to get rid of things. But I also like calm and tidiness. A conflict that fortunately comes together very well in our home. 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get a lot of inspiration from travelling, but walking around town can also give me new ideas. I often don't realise it straight away, but the other day I painted the hallway bright (Hermès) orange and later it struck me, funny, just back from Ibiza a week before hahah.

Do you have a set bedtime ritual?

I wish I could say something like meditation and no screens for hours before I go to sleep. Reality is a bit different, but I try not to be on my phone in the bedroom any more. 

Suppose you get to design/create your dream home, what should not be missing?

Lots of light. Light is the most important thing to me, it can make or break a space.