Recently, Format moved to a brand-new headquarters in Amsterdam, where their showroom and atelier come together under one roof. Meanwhile, their first international project has become a reality—and that’s just the beginning. We spoke with co-founders Floor and Jikke about their vision, the power of full-service interior design, and what’s on the horizon for the coming years.

Format was born from a clear need: custom interiors that go beyond just individual pieces of furniture. Floor noticed that few interior design companies not only design but also handle the entire realization and installation. Floor: "What started with custom wardrobes quickly grew into complete living spaces. We saw an opportunity to really tackle custom work from start to finish: from concept to installation, all in-house."

But there was something else that was missing: style. "We were missing a certain aesthetic in the Netherlands—a more international, non-typically Dutch style," says Jikke. "That became our niche. And when we decided to do it, we wanted to do it differently from traditional furniture makers: clear communication, a streamlined process, and a strong visual identity. At Format, it’s not just about the end result but also about the journey to get there."

For Jikke and Floor, it’s a given that a design should be sustainable by nature. They choose materials and techniques that contribute to longevity and consider how the client will use the space. Jikke: "Sustainable design means considering the client’s lifestyle. Every client has different habits: do they have children or pets, how do they use their home, where do they spend most of their time? We take all of this into account in the design process. We look at which materials fit this lifestyle, how long someone plans to stay in the house, and other important factors. All of these aspects influence our design choices and contribute to the sustainability of the final result."

Floor: "For us, sustainability means creating timeless designs that will still be beautiful in 50 years. We select materials and techniques that contribute to long-lasting durability, so the design can last for generations."

An interior designer often hands over a project to a furniture maker, losing control over the final result. At Format, everything is designed, made, and installed in-house. Jikke: "We handle everything in-house, which allows us to ensure quality and realize designs that fit a specific budget. Clients have one point of contact, which provides peace of mind." Floor: "We want clients to be amazed when they see their Format interior." That they think, 'We could never have come up with this ourselves.' But we also want the process to be smooth and stress-free. We often hear that clients find working with Format far less stressful than with traditional renovations. That’s a huge compliment."

Due to the housing shortage, homes are getting smaller, which makes it even more important to make the most of available space. Floor: "Custom solutions play a big role here. People sometimes hesitate at the cost, but in the end, custom solutions deliver both space and value." This drive for smart, sustainable solutions continues to evolve. Jikke: "We stay inspired by just doing—making mistakes, learning, improving, and working with a team that is as passionate about interiors as we are."

Floor adds: "We’re constantly testing and experimenting. Since our atelier is right next to the showroom, we can immediately try out new ideas, which keeps us constantly innovating." And this drive to innovate doesn’t stop at the Netherlands. Floor: "We’re currently working on a project in New Zealand, where we’ve designed the entire interior of a house. The realization is scheduled for the summer of next year. The first international project is a fact, and it’s on the other side of the world—that’s really amazing."