Erik Kuster Dutch designer Country: Netherlands

1. Biography of Eric Kuster
2. A Perfect Balance of Innovation and Classic
3. Expanding Comfort Boundaries
4. A Journey to Success
5. International Success
6. International Collaboration

Biography of Eric Kuster

Dutch designer Eric Kuster began his career in design working with textiles before becoming the creative and commercial director of the 'Chivasso' factory in 1989. At that time, Northern Europe was obsessed with the American trend of shabby-chic, so Kuster understood the need to offer something new, not limited to patterns and bold colors.

A Perfect Balance of Innovation and Classic

Designer Eric Kuster knows all about finding the perfect balance between innovation and classic style. His interiors may appear conservative at first glance, especially compared to today's popular contemporary design, but all of his interiors create a sense of warmth and comfort. Finding this balance is a challenging and risky task, but for Kuster, it is quite achievable. Throughout his life, the designer has traveled extensively, prioritizing small hotels over major ones. Each hotel he stayed in shared its own harmony and magic with him, significantly influencing his taste in interior design, particularly his dedication to classic style. However, Kuster adds fresh elements to every interior, creating a sense of decadent chic. The Dutch designer himself calls his style 'metropolitan luxury,' a perfect combination of modernity and classicism. Comfort, sophistication, and functionality are his primary concerns – everything that is essential in a home.

Expanding Comfort Boundaries

Kuster prefers pastel tones and has always been drawn to beige, rosy colors, and light gray. He expands the boundaries of comfort by using pale soft colors that, in his opinion, never go out of style. If the color palette in which Kuster feels at home never becomes outdated, then his interiors will always be relevant. Isn't this the ultimate goal for any designer?

A Journey to Success

Kuster began his design career working with textiles until he became the creative and commercial director of the 'Chivasso' factory in 1989. At that time, Northern Europe was obsessed with the American trend of shabby-chic, so Kuster understood the need to offer something new, not limited to patterns and bold colors. His natural color palette set his collections apart from the gray mass of designers in the Netherlands. As a recognized innovator, Kuster was offered the opportunity to open a store 25 km from Amsterdam. This led to the birth of the design studio 'BINC,' which soon had to hire a team of architects and contractors to meet the increasing demand for their services. Over the course of 10 years, the conceptual designers at the studio not only fulfilled client requests but also offered comprehensive solutions, going beyond their clients' wishes and informing them about what they may have overlooked or simply didn't know.

International Success

Kuster's first project outside of the Netherlands was in the Spanish city of Marbella, where he had to decorate a typical representation of Moorish style. Considering the Spanish ambiance, the designer deviated from his studio's usual color palette and instead chose fuchsia, blue, and red. These trips abroad helped Kuster enrich his personality and establish relationships with professional craftsmen who create unique handmade pieces. While he cannot reveal the names of all the celebrities who chose to hire him, it is known that Kuster has worked with Kylie Minogue and football stars such as Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten.

International Collaboration

Kuster's work on interiors in Portugal and France resonated with residents in those countries. Furthermore, he collaborates with major Russian companies, not limiting himself to private commissions. The 'Crystal Istra' showroom, targeted at very affluent buyers, showcases Kuster's own sofas, lamps, and chaise lounges. He also designed the interiors of four apartments on the 55th floor of the Imperia Tower in the 'Moscow City' complex. Eric Kuster's meticulous work, including designing individual interiors, understanding the client's wishes, and incorporating his own vision into the project, always pays off with admiration and praise.