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Frequently asked questions

Hospitality Interior Design · Residential Interior Design · Turnkey Solutions
Amsterdam · Netherlands · International

Find answers to common questions about working with Studio Elèn Letort on residential, hospitality and retail interiors. From the first conversation to realisation, discover more about the design process, services, fees and project timelines.
 

Working together

Where is Studio Elèn Letort based, and where does the studio work?

Studio Elèn Letort is based in Amsterdam and works on interior design projects across the Netherlands and internationally. For projects outside Amsterdam, the approach to meetings, site visits and local collaboration is established in relation to the location and scope of the project.
 

How are the project scope and design fee established?

Each proposal is developed around the brief, the complexity of the space and the level of support required. An initial conversation helps clarify your ambitions, practical needs and available budget. From there, the design phases, deliverables and fee are outlined in a tailored proposal, with a clear distinction between the studio’s services and the budget for construction, furniture and other project costs.
 

How long does an interior design project take?

The timeline depends on the scale of the project, the extent of the proposed changes and the work required for realisation. Design development, client decisions, contractor availability and lead times for bespoke pieces all influence the schedule. An indicative timeline is discussed at the outset and refined as the design and practical requirements become clearer.
 

What information should I share when enquiring about a project?

A short introduction to the property or venue, its location and what you hope to achieve is a helpful starting point. Floor plans, photographs, an approximate budget and your preferred timing are useful where available. For commercial projects, information about the concept, audience and operational needs also helps. You do not need a fully developed brief

before getting in touch.
 

Residential

What is the studio’s approach to residential interior design?

Every home begins with its architecture and the people who live there. The studio considers existing details, proportions and natural light alongside the client’s tastes, routines and belongings. Thoughtful layouts, expressive materials, bespoke elements and carefully sourced pieces create a refined, personal interior. Rather than following a fixed formula, the aim is to develop a home with its own character, where atmosphere, comfort and everyday use are considered together.
 

What can a residential interior design project include?

The scope can include concept development, space planning, material and colour selection, kitchen and bathroom design, bespoke furniture and joinery, lighting, furniture sourcing and guidance during realisation. These elements are developed in relation to one another, so that practical decisions and aesthetic choices form a coherent whole. The combination of services is tailored to the home and the level of support required.
 

Can existing furniture, art and personal objects be incorporated into the design?

Absolutely. Existing pieces often give a home its most individual qualities and can become the starting point for a room.

The studio considers how furniture, artworks and treasured objects can sit alongside new acquisitions, vintage finds and bespoke elements. The intention is not to replace everything, but to create thoughtful relationships between the things you already own and the pieces introduced.
 

Can you help with furniture selection and final styling?

Furniture and object selection are an integral part of the studio’s approach. Contemporary design, vintage pieces, lighting, textiles and art are considered for their scale, comfort, material quality and relationship to the interior. Depending on the agreed scope, support can extend from sourcing and selection to placement and final styling, bringing the different elements together while leaving room for the home to evolve over time.
 

Hospitality & retail

At what stage should I involve an interior designer?

Ideally, before major layout, construction or purchasing decisions have been made. Early involvement creates room to consider the identity of the venue, the guest experience and operational requirements together. It also helps establish priorities within the available space and budget. Whether you are developing a new concept or reconsidering an existing venue, the first step is to understand the brief and identify where design can make a meaningful difference.
 

Can you help redesign an existing restaurant or hospitality space?

Yes. The starting point is to understand what already works, what gives the venue its character and what needs to change. The studio considers both the visitor’s experience and the practical needs of the people operating the space. A redesign may focus on specific elements, such as layout, lighting, furniture or material finishes, or develop into a more comprehensive renovation. The scope is shaped around the venue’s ambitions and constraints.
 

How do you balance atmosphere with the practical needs of a hospitality business?

Atmosphere and functionality are developed together, rather than treated as separate layers. Seating, lighting, storage and material durability are considered alongside the concept and visual identity. Attention is given to how guests arrive, move through and spend time in the space, as well as how the team works within it. The aim is an interior that feels distinctive

and welcoming while supporting everyday operation.
 

Can you guide the project from concept through to realisation?

The studio can remain involved throughout the design and realisation process, with the level of support defined in the project proposal. Services can include concept development, layout studies, material specifications, bespoke design, furniture and lighting selection, sourcing, coordination meetings, site visits and final styling. During realisation, the studio works with the appointed makers and contractors to help carry the design through, paying attention to how individual decisions affect the finished interior.
 

Can you work with our existing contractors, makers and suppliers?

Yes. The studio can collaborate with an existing project team and bring in additional makers or suppliers where appropriate. Roles, responsibilities and communication are agreed at the outset, so that design development and execution can be coordinated clearly. Close dialogue throughout the process helps align practical requirements, material choices and construction details with the overall design.
 

Do you also design retail and community spaces?

Yes. Alongside restaurants, cafés, bars and boutique hotels, Studio Elèn Letort welcomes retail and community projects.

Each brief is developed around the identity of the space, the people it serves and how it will be used. Depending on the project, this may involve product display, places to gather, flexible layouts or bespoke furniture, with the same attention to atmosphere, functionality and material detail.
 

Have another question? Get in touch --->

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