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Studio la Porte is a small creative studio based in Värmland, Sweden. Dedicated to creating meaningful designs that go beyond just looking good. Design that truly works. With a focus on service and eye for detail, I make sure every project not only stands out but also supports your goals.
Dutch raised, Sweden based.
My Dutch roots keep me down-to-earth and grounded. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work steadily towards a goal. However, the Swedes have taught us to sometimes slow down a bit: Lagom, meaning not too much, not too little.
This philosophy of balance and simplicity is something I bring into my design approach as well. Design should be impactful yet refined, blending functionality with character. Each element has a purpose, creating harmony and clarity—to tell your story without overwhelming it: standing out by being you.
Chantal / Career
To follow your dreams and invest in your hobby is the best thing that one can do, as I believe.
The foundation of the Studio goes way back to my youth, where I grew up in a small town in the Netherlands. The two most important things we always used to do as kids, ended up leading me into pursuing a professional career in design. The first thing was doing all kinds of art. Drawing, painting and photographing. Second, to play and be outdoors as much as we could. Building forts, get lost in the fields and run in the rain. Therfore, creativity runs where one spends enough time outdoors too. Pair the two and you’ll get a never-ending flow of creativity.
After high school graduation it was a logic step for me to study Graphic Design and obtain a Bachelor of Arts. As a young woman with affinity for fashion, it was a no brainer to find a job close to my heart: in the fashion industry. After gaining experience and working with big fashion- and footwear brands, it was time to (literally and metaphorically) cross the stream. So here we are, in the Scandinavian heart of Design: Sweden
The journey to Sweden
Our story began in 2014 when Martin and I first met. Both born and raised in the Netherlands, we were living life as we knew it—busy but predictable. Over the years, through countless experiences, travels, and even a home renovation, one question kept surfacing: “Is this really it?”
We dreamed of something different—a life closer to nature, where we could pursue our passions and create something meaningful. That dream became a reality in 2023 when we made the bold decision to move to Sweden with our two dogs. It didn’t take long to fall in love with the country, just as we fell in love with each other years ago.
Today, we’re not just life partners but also partners in each other’s businesses. Chantal runs Studio la Porte, a creative design studio, while Martin has started a wildlife and fishing guiding company, drawing from his time as a ranger in South Africa in 2011. We collaborate, support, and inspire one another every step of the way—whether it’s brainstorming ideas, sharing strategies, or celebrating wins. And, true to form, we’re in the middle of another home renovation.
