Paulien van Beusekom
Home Series are conversations with friends about parenthood, work-life balance and treasured items.
In the historic Dutch city of Haarlem, photographer and interior designer Paulien van Beusekom lives with her husband and their three sons, aged six, four, and two. Her creative pursuits extend beyond her studio work into art direction in many forms.
MT You’re a mother of three boys. What has it been like for you to become a mother?
PB Motherhood was never really on my wishlist, yet from a young age, I knew that having children wouldn’t be a given for me, medically speaking. I grew up in a large family myself, and family has always been my anchor, an endless source of love and support. The older I get, the more I realize what an incredible wealth it is to have that. When my husband expressed his deep wish to become a father, we put our hearts into the journey, and after many struggles, we welcomed our first son.
MT What are the biggest joys and challenges of having three children so close in age?
PB Honestly, I mostly see the blessings. The beauty of having them close in age grows clearer every day, especially now that they are all out of diapers and I’ve regained a sense of freedom after years of trying to conceive with countless hormones, pregnancies, breastfeeding, and doing it all on repeat. The result? These three souls who make me endlessly grateful. The challenges are small in comparison, barely worth naming. They are all excellent sleepers, which I know is a gift. With good rest, life feels lighter, and what could have been obstacles become manageable.
MT How do you manage to juggle your professional life as an independent entrepreneur with being a mom?
PB I think the juggle is far less heavy than if I had to answer to a boss. The only one I’m accountable to is myself, especially when I miscalculate my planning. I’m a true night owl, and if work doesn’t get done during the day because the children need me, I continue when they’re asleep. Honestly, I can’t imagine how I would have combined three children with a traditional job, especially with a husband who works long hours, often abroad.
Dining space with bespoke dining table and couch, lamp from Asca Studio, and chairs from Fredericia Furniture
MT What do you enjoy most about working for yourself, and what helps you stay motivated?
PB I love every second of it, the drive to wake up each day and do what I love, the freedom of steering my own ship, the joy of learning and making mistakes along the way. I thrive in the process, in conversations, in collaborations, and in the energy of different teams.
MT And what are some of the biggest challenges you face?
PB Structure. My mind is constantly turning, my creativity often knows no limits, and that sometimes leads to chaos. But I always find my way through. The more pressure, the more effortlessly the flow comes to me.
MT In 2015, you bought an old city house in the historic center of Haarlem, just 20 km from Amsterdam. What made you choose this neighborhood?
PB We bought our house ten years ago. It was the very first one we viewed outside of Amsterdam, simply because the Amsterdam housing market was already far out of reach for our dreams. We had no idea what the neighborhood would hold for us, but it became home.
MT The house needed a complete renovation. Could you tell us a bit about the renovation journey?
PB Over the years, we made small sustainable improvements here and there, but mostly we wanted to live in the house, to feel its spaces before investing in a larger transformation. Our dream is to live energy-neutral in one of the oldest houses in the city. Once our family felt complete, and we knew we wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon, we set the renovation into motion.
MT When decorating, what is most important to you in creating a home for your family?
PB A timeless, neutral base with rich natural materials. And I don’t compromise too much for the sake of having little children. I don’t downgrade the materials we use or avoid lighter fabrics out of fear. A home should feel beautiful and true, no matter the stage of life.
MT Your home showcases much of your own artwork. Could you share a bit about your pieces?
PB My urge to create never ceases. In the busiest moments, or in the spaces where I feel the most open, I find myself painting, shaping, bringing something to life on canvas. I sit down, surrender, and let whatever rises within me take form. Sometimes it pours out as six pieces in a single week, sometimes it falls quiet for a while, yet the pull is always there, steady and insistent. Creation calls me, not just as an act, but as a way of being. I believe each work feeds the next, each silence deepens the return. In this rhythm, I keep asking the most of myself, reaching again and again for something unique, something wholly my own, something yet undiscovered.
Bed Canopy Blue next to the Componibili table from Kartell
MT How did you involve your children in moving into and decorating your new home?
PB We moved back into our house just a few months ago, and since then, their rooms have been evolving each day to reflect their own personalities, their favorite colors, textures, the books they cherish, the little nests where they love to sleep.
MT What are your favorite things to do with your children in Haarlem?
PB We spend a lot of time in nature, and we are members of several local playground associations. But honestly, we’re happiest outdoors, especially after starting the day with a good coffee somewhere.
MT Finally, what advice would you give to others who are curious about pursuing a creative career like photography?
PB My advice to anyone dreaming of a creative life, whether in photography or elsewhere, is simple: say yes. Step in with both feet. Be fearless, dream boldly, dare, and do. Creativity is not just my work, it is my passion, my calling, the lens through which I see the world. I couldn’t imagine life without it.
Published September 2025
Photography: Paulien van Beusekom
© Minor Things
