Yvon mist haar ‘Efteling-tuin’, Kelly grijpt naar de verfkwast
Yvon and Kelly swapped homes in Brielle and Hellevoetsluis after being matched by Yvon’s daughter, Elles. Featured on the program Huizenruilers, the move provided Yvon a stair-free residence for her osteoarthritis and gave Kelly’s family more space and a dedicated entrance for her professional salon.
Why did Yvon and Kelly decide to swap homes?
The swap began when Elles, Yvon’s daughter and a friend of Kelly’s, suggested the idea. According to Yvon, the move was necessary because her osteoarthritis required a smaller home without stairs.
Kelly, residing in Hellevoetsluis at the time, required more space for her family. Both women stated that their respective properties aligned perfectly with their specific living requirements.
How did the Huizenruilers production impact the homeowners?
Both participants admitted they did not view themselves as television personalities. Yvon described herself as someone who prefers to stay “behind the curtains,” while Kelly noted she disliked seeing or hearing herself on camera.
Despite initial nerves, both women reported enjoying the experience. Kelly described it as a unique event, and Yvon noted that while the work was heavy, the atmosphere was pleasant.
The process brought emotional challenges. Yvon struggled with discarding items due to her nature as a collector. Kelly recounted taking a final walk through her home with her children the Sunday before filming began.
What stylistic changes were made to the houses?
Stylist Roos handled Yvon’s new home, incorporating family heirlooms such as an old coat rack, photos of Yvon’s grandfather, and her grandmother’s sewing machine. Yvon’s daughter described the result as a “mama-house.”
Stylist Daan worked on Kelly’s new residence. Kelly praised the “concrete-look green” used in her salon, stating it matched the image she wanted to project.
However, Kelly disagreed with some of Daan’s color choices. She has since repainted a salmon pink wall downstairs and terracotta red walls in the bedroom.
How did the garden transition affect both parties?
Yvon spent 16 years developing her garden in Brielle, which she compared to “the Efteling.” She expressed sadness upon learning that many of her plants and trees were shredded to create play space for Kelly’s children.

Kelly’s family utilized the space for a trampoline and a swimming pool, which she described as ideal for her children.
Yvon is currently redesigning her new garden, which she initially compared to the N57 highway. She plans to plant white flowers, hydrangeas, and blue wisteria over the canopy.
What are the long-term outcomes of the swap?
Yvon now lives five minutes from her workplace, eliminating the need for late-night drives after her shifts. She described herself as the happiest participant across all eight episodes of the program.
Kelly achieved her dream of separating her home and salon with two distinct entrances. She reported receiving positive feedback from her regular clients regarding the new setup.
Both women indicated they have no intention of moving again. Yvon stated she hopes to remain in her current home until the “last stop.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who suggested the home swap between Yvon and Kelly?
The idea was proposed by Elles, who is Yvon’s daughter and a close friend of Kelly.
Why did Yvon specifically need a new home?
Yvon suffered from osteoarthritis and needed a smaller residence that did not have stairs.
Which interior design choices did Kelly change after the show?
Kelly repainted the terracotta red walls in the bedroom and the salmon pink wall on the lower floor.
Would you consider swapping homes with a stranger if it solved your primary living needs?