Where does your interest in making furniture come from?
I’ve always been a builder. As a kid, I was making stuff with Lego Technic all of the time. I also built a lot of stuff using cigar boxes. Becoming a cabinet maker has been a dream as long as I can remember. The next logical step was to enroll in the Hout- en Meubileringscollege in Amsterdam, where I learned the craft. I’m happy to now make my dream come true with my company, Merlijn Meubel & Interieurbouw.
What do you consider the most memorable piece of furniture you’ve made so far?
The first thing that comes to mind is the piece of furniture I made for my final exam at the Hout- en Meubileringscollege. I made a bed that had hand turned legs with bent tips. For this bed, I developed a system that makes it possible to convert it from a single to a double bed. I also added a staff, to show my personality. My name is Merlijn, after all: Merlin the Wizard!
People who are looking for bespoke furniture, will probably look for a cabinet maker that fits their style. Would you say you have your own, specific style?
I try not to stick to one style in particular. On the contrary: I like to adapt to the client’s wishes. I do have a preference for working with multiplex, because it allows you to create almost anything.
Are there any pieces of furniture you haven’t made yet, and you would really like to make?
So many! I think I could keep building forever. I expect to encounter many thing I have never made yet. I love a good challenge and deeply enjoy tackling the most unique ideas. There’s no such thing as ‘too crazy’ in my book.
What do you like doing besides making furniture?
Next to being a cabinet maker, I’m also a drummer and a street performer. As a street performer I participate in events like parades and festivals. I’ve been able to perform as many different characters within many different themes. The settings are always very wonderful and fit the themes perfectly every time. We’ve also been invited to join Mysteryland as extraordinary mood makers several times. It’s all about expressing my creativity!
