Ink On Paper Source X House of Haricot

Ink on Paper Source is a collaborative collection from independent artists who inspire us. Discover their creative voices, translated into stationery and wedding invitations exclusively at Paper Source.

Christel Boon is an Amsterdam based surface designer and the visionary behind her company, House of Haricot. For her Ink on Paper Source collection, she designed custom wedding suites in a style she described as refined elegance with a nostalgic charm. “Each time a client or a customer chooses a design that I made, it touches me.” She said. “As a designer, I aim to create art that is more than just decoration. Each product a customer chooses is a choice of self-expression that can positively impact one’s mood and the mood of other people. This can be a product for your home, it can be a garment or a much-loved journal. And it can even be an invitation for one of the most beautiful days in someone’s life! A wedding invitation is an expression of love to be celebrated with the ones who love us. With that invitation, the bridal couple set the tone and the style of the event celebrated together. How can that not make me utterly proud if that were one of my designs? On top of that, it was an absolute delight to work with the Paper Source team, so I am truly a very happy camper.”

Christel described her childhood as very creative. She shared, “even as a child, I was always busy crafting, drawing and being in the garden with the flowers. It was only natural that I studied graphic design, and after that, I worked in the online industry. At a certain point, I had grown into a managerial creative role, but I was not the one creating the ‘art’ anymore. I was actually walking around with the idea to find a different outlet for my creative brain before I dared to take the step and quit my career as an online creative and start exploring surface design. I took the time to experiment and train myself in surface design, starting from what I learned in art school, from my traditional art lessons and the software I had learned along the way in my career. Cautiously, I started on Instagram, joining challenges and developing my style. I was trained to work for many different clients, and I would always adapt to their style, so I had many different styles when I started out on my own. But as a surface designer, you need a recognizable style that is uniquely ‘you’. So it took a while before I knew what would really be the core of House of Haricot. But I feel I found it some years ago. Although I hope to keep growing and developing as an artist, that means my style will also keep going through an evolution over the years. We should never stall and stop growing, even if we get to be 110 doing this! Which I secretly hope, because a regular life span is not enough time for me to execute all the ideas I have in my head.”

When asked where she draws inspiration from, she said “I would say that the majority of my work is based on nostalgia, vintage styles and the beauty of everyday life. I use my own childhood memories combined with the art I grew up with, living in the Netherlands. We have so many incredible museums and galleries that I am able to visit at any time, and I have always loved vintage fabrics and thrifting. My interest has gone out to historic interiors, fashion, and old botanical illustrations from a young age. My work inspired me some years ago to start researching and collecting Delft Blue again. Also, a fairly old style, beginning 400 years ago in the Netherlands. I adore that one of my wedding suites that was chosen by Paper Source is created with Delft Blue florals inspired by the classical style I grew up with.”

Her inspiration translates directly to her beautiful designs. “My motifs range from detailed, classic arrangements based on historical styles to more playful and vibrant interpretations, giving the designs a timeless yet fresh appeal. The colour schemes I use predominantly feature soft colours, with sometimes a bold splash. The choice of colours I use are grounded in the grandmillennial style, which adds to the vintage feel of the artwork, making it soothing and visually appealing.” She said. “By often using watercolours, the designs give a sense of depth and texture, enhanced through the use of layered elements and detailed line work. My goal is to create designs that feel fresh, inviting, and full of personality, with a familiar vintage charm.”

When she’s not designing for her brand House of Haricot, she stays creative, sharing, “I try to dabble with the sewing machine and some decoration projects around the house. I upholstered my dining chairs and other small furniture, I wallpapered several cupboards and a dresser, I have sewn my own duvets and pillow cases and have wallpapered a few walls. All with my own fabric and wallpaper, of course!"

“It means the world to me to see my designs carried at Paper Source! To get picked from all the designers out there in the world, I have no words for it, really. It is incredible to be part of such a talented group of ladies who all bring their own style to the table. I am always grateful for a great collaboration because it makes my work so much more interesting, and I learn from it too.”