December 2007

Dear Reader,

My colleague Thorsten van Elten told me at the recent furniture and design fair in Milan that light is the most important qualitative indicator in interior design. Light, which makes the impression of space, day, morning, and the sense of harmony with the house’s surroundings. Light both natural and artificial, coming through the windows or from lamps. But then we argued and concluded that the space receiving light has to be attuned to it in its layout, furnishings, and purpose. To the contrary, artificial light has to attune to the purpose and operating rhythm of the given space.

In the end, we agreed on the need for a complex harmony of space, furnishings, lifestyle, and naturally, the budget. Housing harmony is but a reflection of the harmony that we all seek between life and work; between quality and necessity. Such harmony in life rests on the firm pillars of good health, the family, work, as well as good housing. I have been happy to see that since issue one of this magazine, we have succeeded in finding and offering spaces which are built in a provide harmony. To build a good house or design a great flat requires ingenuity and talent worthy of an artist, just like making a good meal or painting a good picture is art.

It is a marvellous feeling to see that interest has been shifting away from new houses made of poor materials on dull plots, catalogue cottages and frantic confectionery architectures to properties possessing real value. The response to the first issue has shown that there is demand for truly exceptional and valuable properties; we have found amongst you true seekers: uncompromising seekers of quality and harmony. I wish that the December issue of Estate will help you find just what you are looking for.

Enjoy the reading.