Photography: Chantal Arnts
Deep within the Dutch Veluwe forests, a grand old hunting lodge on the edge of a clearing awaited restoration. Frans Pahlplatz, founder and lead creative of interior and kitchen designers Eginstill, was offered the opportunity to return the building to its former glory. This required respecting the heritage while elevating the interior; the perfect task for a detail-orientated perfectionist. “I see myself as a purist, a craftsman. I love detailing, finesse and natural simplicity. The work is in the small details, such as the materials and thickness used.”
Situating the house within its lush, natural setting, Frans created an elemental palette of materials for the kitchen. “Just wood, steel and real stone. The kitchen is a place of peace and that is due to the nature around it.”
The extensive use of solid, rich and wonderfully tactile Walnut provides warmth and depth to the kitchen as well as a connection to the more modern and mid-century furniture and objet d’art of the client. Frans is also very aware of the room’s utilitarian side, “A kitchen is a practical thing, it serves a primary functionality; namely, cooking. And everything that is functional can be made beautiful with design and materials.” And to inspire his client in the kitchen, Gaggenau appliances are elegantly appointed throughout. “The owner is a home chef, just like me. It was a logical choice for me to include Gaggenau because I also have it at home and know how great cooking with Gaggenau is.”
Frans sums up why Gaggenau is both his professional and personal choice, “It is of very good quality. It’s the perfect combination of functionality and design.” His favourite appliance? “Fast temperature, accurate, beautiful inside, quick to clean; the combi-steam oven is a multifunctional miracle.”
“For me, the most important thing is that a kitchen design invites you to cook.”
