As Karl Lagerfeld once said:

Pissing everywhere
is not very Chanel







Appearance.
Behavior.

Communication.


This ABC defines your personality.
Your brand is more than what meets the eye. It’s a network of associations shaped by everything people see, feel, and experience. It lives in your products, designs, messaging, systems, stories, people, and every touchpoint where your audience connects with you.

That’s why alignment matters. Every element must work together. Consistently. It has to resonate. Appeal. Captivate.

Your brand is your most powerful business driver.
It may be less tangible than your product, but it’s one of your most valuable business assets. You are chosen because people feel a connection. Because your values match theirs. Because you differ from your competitor.

With a strong identity, you’ll spend less on design and get more in return. Your communication will be sharper. Your team will be empowered to be true ambassadors of your brand.

What we do.
At The Design Affair, we craft distinctive brands, shape compelling identities, and create communication that cuts through.
From strategic positioning to design to execution in every touchpint.

Love your brand. Have a design affair.


We are a strategic branding studio using design and visual storytelling to create meaningful brands and social engagement.





Transforming the art museum of Haarlem

Frans Hals Museum



The welcoming hospital where innovation meets nature

Tergooi MC




Empowering feminine empowerment

Marlies Dekkers ‘01




Where
living feels like home

de Alliantie




A brand new brand for the experts in brands

VIM Group




Rebranding France's largest webshop

3Suisses.fr



The power of knowledge

NRC Live




Rebellious premium lingerie

Undressed by Marlies Dekkers




Rebranding France's largest webshop

3Suisses.fr



The medical center with the comfort of a boutique hotel

CortoClinics




Digital banking made intuitive

ABN AMRO Digital Banking




The continuous empowerment of femininity

Marlies Dekkers ‘11




Four brands to facilitate care for all

Partinzo Groep




Care & Joy for nature in your garden

CJ Wildlife






Work & Activities
2000 — present 

A selection of projects to give you an impression of our daily pleasures.

Frans Hals Museum


Bridging Centuries of Art

Branding | Wayfinding

The Frans Hals Museum is a treasure trove of art, seamlessly blending the past with the present. Renowned worldwide, the museum celebrates the legacy of painter Frans Hals, while showcasing an eclectic mix of 17th-century masterpieces and contemporary creations across various media. With two stunning locations in Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers.

To connect with a broader, younger audience and embrace art in all its forms, the museum embarked on a transformation. While the picturesque settings with original interiors exude charm, their traditional feel posed a challenge in reaching new visitors. 

The iconic H
We created a striking and versatile brand identity that redefines how the museum communicates its rich history and modern relevance. At the core of this redesign is the iconic "H". The bold rounded letter acts as a strong identifier with a nod to the museum’s namesake, the town and the locations Hof and Hal in the heart of Haarlem, and the shape of the courtyard. The H is our window to the arts. A frame to focus on the intricate details of the artworks.

Holistic transformation
The museum's evolution extended beyond branding. Collaborating with Claessens Erdmann and Lies Willers, we reimagined the entrance, foyer, and shop, aligning the new identity with the interior design and exhibition spaces.

From designing wayfinding systems and artist information displays to crafting multi-channel campaigns, every touchpoint was thoughtfully tailored to enhance the visitor experience and reflect the museum’s vibrant personality.


franshalsmuseum.nl

In close collaboration with Lies Willers, interior architect
Interior design and photography by Claessens Erdmann
Elaboration of the brand in various media by Arnold Massar
Interior photography by Wouter van der Sar














Visit us:
De Krachtcentrale
Havenstraat 76
1271 AG Huizen
The Netherlands
Call us:
+31 (0)6 15 15 82 46
Mail us:
contact@thedesignaffair.nl
yvo@yvoderuiter.com


Member of

Association of Dutch Designers