Janet van den Berg’s home is a lesson in tranquility. Shades of white and layers of texture give this light-filled family house a calm and welcoming atmosphere
Janet, originally from the Netherlands, was just eleven years old when she first encountered England. Reflecting on that time, she said, “I was on holiday with my parents and instantly fell in love with the country. I promised myself that one day I would live here. It took me 25 years, but I finally made it!”
In the summer of 2017, Janet and her husband Dino discovered a unique property nestled in the beautiful, historic countryside of Kent. They had been searching for a home that offered more space, along with sheds or garages for refurbishing furniture. Their Georgian country house, once the rectory for the nearby church, had all the space they desired. Although the area is rural, it’s still relatively close to the station. Janet explained, “With two daughters living at home and Dino frequently abroad for work, it was important to us not to live in a completely remote area.”
When the couple first bought the house, it was far from the light and airy haven it is today. “The interior was dark and very old- fashioned. During our first viewing, we were like two hounds, searching for signs of rot, mould, and active woodworm! We were so focused on these issues that we didn’t fully appreciate the beauty around us. But when we returned for a second viewing two days later, we immediately fell in love with the high ceilings, the original Georgian windows, and the many stairs that make this house so unique,” said Janet.
With a lot of love and attention, Janet and Dino transformed their home, giving it a completely new look. “It felt a similar process to my passion for restoring neglected furniture,” Janet shared. “As I describe in my book, refurbishing furniture is one thing, but it’s really about the value and love you pour into it. In the end, everything flourishes when you give it real attention.”
Janet describes her style as relaxed elegance, with a white base that includes pillows, rugs, and antique Swedish and French furniture. “I stumbled into the world of interiors by accident. I studied fashion, worked as a photographer, and styled all my photos myself. In 2013, I started an Instagram account as a hobby, naming it White & Faded. Being involved with interior design always felt natural to me, and over time, I realised I actually preferred it to fashion.” Janet only sells items she would want to have in her own home.
Her love for white interiors began at her parental home. “My parents are passionate about real antiques – by which I mean dark, museum-quality pieces. I didn’t like them at all and rebelled with minimalist and modern choices. That phase lasted only a year before I began to miss the charm of old furniture and started painting antiques white. It’s been over thirty years since I first redecorated an item with white paint, and it still brings me joy today.”
Janet believes it is a misconception that a completely white interior cannot be cosy and warm. “I often choose different shades of white
to add depth, and I use scented candles for a flickering light and welcoming scent. Pillows, blankets, and long-haired rugs are absolutely essential! I try to combine different materials and textures to create a playful effect and improve acoustics. I also have a weakness for quilts – they’re scattered throughout the house and I honestly have no idea how many I own.” Keeping all the white surfaces clean isn’t as difficult as it might seem. “I think managing the large space is the real challenge, but fortunately, I have a housekeeper who helps with that. For me, it’s about more than just clean lines and a minimalist look.”
Ultimately, Janet’s priority is creating a space where her whole family feels happy, calm and relaxed, which she has done with her peaceful white home.
Photography: Pia van Spaendonck/Living4media
Words: Seline Steba/Living4media
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