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Henk Teunissen 40 years at the helm of Rivièra Maison:

'I do think putting down a brand is my biggest achievement and I am proud of that'

Henk Teunissen is celebrating a special anniversary: He has been at the helm of Rivièra Maison for 40 years. What once began as a modest flower shop grew under his leadership into an international interior design brand with a strong identity. His entrepreneurial spirit, vision and perseverance not only shaped Rivièra Maison, but also had a lasting impact on the interior design industry.

To mark this anniversary, InteriorDaily asked him ten questions about his journey, challenges, successes and future plans. Read the interview below in which Henk talks candidly about his experiences and insights.

  1. In 1985, you took over the family business and transformed it into an international interior design brand. What challenges did you encounter during this transformation and how did you overcome them?
    Henk: 'It was a great challenge to draw the entire collection yourself and then get that right in the door. But that set us apart. By travelling a lot ourselves, we got to know the factories and were able to move faster.'

  2. Riviera Maison started as a flower shop and grew into a brand with hundreds of outlets worldwide. What do you consider to be the key factors for this success?
    Henk: 'My main achievement is building a brand in home & living that did not exist at the time; a recognisable brand with its own DNA. RM still has a brand awareness of 65% in the Netherlands, a result of unique design, a strong brand identity and well-thought-out marketing strategies.'

  3. How do you think the interior design industry has evolved over the past four decades, and how has Riviera Maison adapted to these changes?
    Henk: 'Fortunately, the interior design industry has become much more mature, mirroring the fashion world. Now you see big fashion brands also plunging into home & living. Our brand takes inspiration from leading fashion brands, we are on-trend, but stay true to our own DNA.'

  4. What role does sustainability currently play within Riviera Maison, and what steps is the company taking to have a positive impact on the environment?
    Henk: 'A very important role, we have a specialist in our team who focuses purely on sustainability and everything that comes with it. We have also been making furniture from recycled wood for decades, even when it wasn't hip or hot. 90% of our collection is also handmade, which makes every item unique.'

  5. In recent years, Riviera Maison has focused heavily on wholesale and collaborations with dealers. Can you talk more about this strategic choice and its results?
    Henk: 'We think we can achieve more by working with good dealers instead of opening our own shops. We are a brand and not a retailer. This allows us to reach a wider audience, leverage local expertise and offer a more efficient service to our customers. We want to define more focus and operate less on various fronts. We are growing quite a bit with new dealers, so the approach is working well.'

  6. The rise of e-commerce has changed the retail world considerably. How has Riviera Maison developed its omnichannel strategy to meet changing customer needs?
    Henk: 'In my view, there is only one world, and it's fine to call it omnichannel. Customers buy online when it suits them better. They go to a physical shop if they want more advice or just because they want to enjoy shopping with friends or family. So we try to be omnichannel as much as possible.'

  7. How do you see the future of physical shops in the interior design industry, and what role do Rivièra Maison shops play in this?
    Henk: 'Physical shops are and will remain indispensable in our industry, maybe not for that one item, but for advice and experience. We do notice that bedding and towels, for example, sell much better online. These are typical items that people don't want to "lug around". Riviera Maison will always maintain a number of shops so that customers can experience the experience for themselves; these shops serve as showrooms for the brand.'

  8. What do you consider your greatest achievement within Rivièra Maison, and what are you most proud of?
    Henk: 'Establishing a renowned brand is my greatest achievement and I am proud of that. I am also proud that my children are continuing the company and will "soon" take over from me.'

  9. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who aspire to a career in the interior design industry?
    Henk: 'It is hard work, you make long days, so consider carefully whether that is something you aspire to. On the other hand, very few young people want to do this, so there are opportunities. Think about how you can be or become distinctive, that's where your strength lies.'

  10. What are your plans and ambitions for Riviera Maison in the coming years?
    Henk: 'That my children continue to grow the business, with me as a mentor in a somewhat less prominent role.'



Become a Rivièra Maison dealer in the Netherlands or Belgium? Then click here.

More information:
Rivièra Maison
Beiraweg 15
1047 HN Amsterdam
020 72 32 199
[email protected]
www.rivieramaison.com