The Solitary Life of Rick Vintage: A Journey on the Vrouwe Jacoba

Living Alone on the Water: The Journey of Rick Vintage

These days, the Dutch entrepreneur Rick Vintage finds solace in solitude aboard an old vessel, the Vrouwe Jacoba (which translates to Mrs. Jacoba in Dutch). This impressive 75-foot-long boat, dating back to 1895, is anchored in a serene corner of Amsterdam’s canals. Right in front of the boat lies a sprawling 4,800-square-foot garden, home to a charming tiny house now occupied by his daughter, Lux, who is 18 years old. Each morning, she joins her father for coffee on the deck before rushing off to school, while his loyal dog, Moos, keeps him company. With minimal foot traffic around, Mr. Vintage often finds himself dining alone, reflecting on his life. “I’ve always been a bit of a hermit,” he shared during a recent video call from the Netherlands.

However, Mr. Vintage’s life was not always characterized by such tranquility. Just a few years prior, his world was completely different. In 2010, he launched his wallpaper business, NLXL, alongside his wife, Esther Vintage. Their journey began with a simple yet innovative idea: creating wallpaper that mimicked the appearance of wood planks for their beach house. “I placed planks on the scanner, produced prints, and installed them in our living room,” he recounted. “I could sense it: This was destined to be a global success.”

Despite his enthusiasm, Mr. Vintage was concerned that his design was too reminiscent of the work by his design idol, Piet Hein Eek. In a bold move, he reached out to Eek with a proposal to collaborate. “I always ensure that the people I choose to work with are not only talented but also enjoyable to collaborate with,” he explained. The partnership led to the creation of the Piet Hein Eek Scrapwood Wallpaper, a project that brought joy and camaraderie, resulting in a lasting friendship between the two designers.

As the Vintages expanded their offerings, they introduced a variety of digitally printed trompe l’oeil patterns, including stunning designs that mimicked embossed tin and weathered concrete. Their business rapidly gained traction, becoming an overnight sensation. “In just a year and a half, we secured 3,000 resellers across 70 countries. And just like that, I became rich,” he recalled with a hint of disbelief. The success of NLXL opened doors to meet many of his design heroes, including the renowned English fashion designer Paul Smith. Upon their introduction, Smith famously remarked, “I know who you are. You’re the wallpaper guy.” This recognition further solidified NLXL’s reputation, as prominent stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Smith’s own New York store showcased their distinctive wallpaper in their windows.