Debby and Jaap live in a striking building in the south of the country. The building was formerly used by the military police as barracks and has been converted into a cluster of five homes. When we enter the high ceiling is immediately noticeable. In the hall, Debby’s predilection for designer brands is apparent: bags and boxes from chic clothing brands are placed next to the coat rack. The decor is stylish, with luxurious materials. This is not just an interior, it has been thought about. With a marble kitchen top, high ceilings, and large windows, the house exudes class and taste. Debby and Jaap are welcoming from Brabant: when we make the appointment, we are immediately invited to join us for dinner (we don’t know each other), and the bubbles are ready when we enter. Wendy Buiter’s paintings immediately attract attention. Cendre Chanel hangs in the kitchen, and a commissioned portrait of Debby shines above the sofa.

Debby says: ‘I have been a fan of Wendy Buiter’s work for a long time. Funnily enough, my first introduction to her work was through the Instagram account of Fred van Leer, the well-known TV presenter. When Fred showed his artwork, I became curious. It touched something in me. I started following Wendy, and it soon became apparent that Wendy not only makes unique art but that she also has a very inspiring story. I have enormous admiration for the path she has traveled, she is a real power woman, and will not let anything stop her from reaching her goal.

She also shows personal things on her Instagram account, such as caring for her disabled son. Incredibly clever how she manages to combine that with a successful career as an artist. When I followed Wendy for a while, more and more work came along that made my heart beat faster. I occasionally showed my husband Jaap something, but he wasn’t convinced yet. I kept following Wendy’s Instagram, and when Cendre Chanel came online, I knew this was the painting we had to get. There was an exhibition near us, at art gallery Royals and Rebels. We were in the process of renovating our new house at the time. At the end of the day, I convinced Jaap to go and have a look, the exhibition was almost over. It was love at first sight. In real life, Wendy’s work is even more beautiful than on screen. Jack was also in love. Although our house was far from finished, we immediately decided to buy a work of art by Wendy, our first work of art. A special moment.’ Jaap: ‘We had wanted to buy art for some time, but we didn’t know where to start. The art world can be quite intimidating, I think the great thing about Wendy’s work is that it’s very accessible. Wendy shows that art doesn’t have to be complicated, thanks to Wendy we dared to buy our first work of art. We now also have work by other artists, but Wendy remains our first love.’ Debby: ‘Because our house was not yet finished, the artwork hung in the gallery at Royals and Rebels for almost a year. When furnishing our new home, we tried to create a perfect place for the artwork. Even the wallpaper has been chosen to make Cendre Chanel shine! The furniture around it has also been chosen with the artwork in mind. It has become a centerpiece in our interior, and I am still happy with our choice every day. When we have friends or family over for a visit, the reactions are always positive.