De Stijl

In 1919, Rietveld added another feather to his cap by stepping into the world of architecture. He also joined the ranks of the “De Stijl” movement, a.k.a. Neoplasticism, which was essentially a creative powerhouse of artists and architects. Several significant members were Gerrit Rietveld and Piet Mondriaan. Now, if we narrow things down a bit, “De Stijl” refers to a body of work spanning from 1917 to 1931 that originated in the Netherlands. It was also the name of the journal where ideas from this creative group were published. Supporters of De Stijl were all about stripping things down to the essentials of form and color, keeping simplified visual compositions with vertical and horizontal lines, and sticking to a palette of black, white, and primary colors. It was like the minimalism of its time, way before minimalism was cool.

Dutch socialite meets modern Rietveld

Let’s talk about Truus Schröder-Schräder, a Dutch socialite with a flair for the unconventional. In 1911, she tied the knot with Frits Schröder, a lawyer, and together they had three kids. Life was lived in their spacious Utrecht apartment until Frits passed away in 1923. At that point, Truus decided it was time for a change—no more conforming to the conventional Dutch bourgeoisie for her.

Driven by her keen interest in the arts and her close ties to avant-garde artists and architects from the De Stijl movement, Truus had a vision. She wanted a home that represented individuality and defied the norms. So, in the same year she became a widow, she commissioned Rietveld to turn her vision into reality. Truus wasn’t an architect or a designer by trade, but she had a clear vision of her lifestyle and the aesthetics she craved for her surroundings.

Iconic futuristic house from 1924

The collaboration between Mrs. Truus Schröder and Mr. Gerrit Rietveld resulted in a stunning building that was way ahead of its time. This architectural gem was build in 1924 in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

To give you an idea of what 1924 looked like, think of an era without TV but where radio’s and phonograph records were becoming popular. The streets are just starting to get paved, and the glow of street lamps illuminates the night sky. Only 20% of the population owns cars. Queen Wilhelmina rules over the Netherlands, and fashion is evolving into something more comfortable post-World War I. It’s a period of progress and change.

Now that you can situate yourself in time, imagine living in the street where this house was built. Imagine the whispers and raised eyebrows as people pass by, deeming the owner a complete lunatic! The house was a bold and audacious creation, challenging the conventional norms of its time. Their collaboration was nothing short of revolutionary.

The Rietveld Schröder House

The house stood as a bold statement on how an independent, modern woman could craft her own narrative. Truus, a strong-willed person with daring ideas, delighted in provoking her more conventional contemporaries. Her vision for the house was one of liberation from societal expectations, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. What makes the house truly exceptional is its adaptable spatial layout, allowing gradual adjustments to accommodate evolving functions over time. Beyond its functional brilliance, the building holds significant artistic value, shaping the visual landscape of architectural design in the latter half of the 20th century. It’s essential to acknowledge the integral role played by the interiors and furniture in the overall design—worthy of rightful recognition.

In the beginning, it was just her and her three children in the house. Eventually, Gerrit Rietveld joined her, and they created a unique lifestyle together. She cherished her life at the Rietveld Schröder House, calling it home for over 60 years until she passed away in 1985.