Exactly thirty years ago, the Portuguese-born Dias embarked on a natural stone adventure together with her father, Alexander. A Portuguese fireplace maker had approached them with the question of whether they would represent the company in the Netherlands. Not long after, Dias Schouwen was born.

“My father originally trained as a blacksmith — he still makes bespoke grates, baskets and ash pans for our clients,” Dias explains. “Before this, he worked in France and Portugal with marble machinery, so the material was familiar territory for him. For me, it was all completely new. I had studied at art academy and then spent nearly ten years working as a secretary at the Social and Economic Council.” It meant a radical change of direction. “I immediately enrolled in a natural stone course to really understand the material,” she says. “And I spoke extensively with installers, so I could also advise clients confidently on the technical side.”

Paula Dias and her father Alexander in front of the fireplaces in the showroom on Laan van Meerdervoort.

Made to measure

At Dias Schouwen, clients are presented with a wide range of possibilities. A wood- or pellet-burning stove, or perhaps an electric, gas or bio-ethanol fireplace? “We assess what’s possible within the existing space and then create something tailored entirely to the client’s wishes,” Dias explains. “That starts with listening carefully and offering the right advice. In older properties, for instance, the type and size of the flue play a key role.” She laughs: “And you certainly don’t want a stove with so much output that you have to open the windows while it’s lit.”

For those who opt against a built-in stove or fireplace, the choice of mantelpieces is just as impressive. “We design both classic and contemporary surrounds using materials such as sandstone, limestone and marble,” says Dias. Each stone, she notes, has its own character. “Marble is a delicate, porous material — you need to be mindful of that. But at the same time, it’s wonderful to see how it acquires a patina over the years. As a Southern European, I love that. It reminds me of my grandmother’s worn marble kitchen counter, full of memories.”

Looking ahead

Wood burning has been widely discussed in recent years, and the future of gas remains uncertain. In practice, however, Dias notices little change. “Our eco-friendly stoves emit as little particulate matter as possible, and we provide clear guidance on responsible use in different weather conditions. We also direct our clients to a trusted supplier of properly dried wood. And our gas fireplaces can run on bottled gas if needed — an excellent alternative, especially for people who light a fire primarily for atmosphere, which applies to most of our clients.”

As Dias walks past the various models — “Dik Geurts stoves are among the very best” and “these electric fireplaces by DRU are fully integrated” — personal stories begin to emerge. “That marble surround over there features our family crest. We can do the same for clients. Some choose something even more personal, such as a heart carved with their own initials.” With a smile, she adds: “Even Princess Beatrix once ordered a fireplace from us — though of course, I can’t say which one.”

www.diasschouwen.nl