Dutch architecture is known for its clean and modern approach, but this hotel is something else.
Inntel Hotel Zaandam, very near to Amsterdam, is... well, it's hard to describe!
The architect, Wilfried van Winden (chief architect at WAM), was inspired by the green, wooden traditional houses in Zaandam. The hotel combines about 70 of these, ranging from simple working class houses to the very elaborate and wealthy ones. One of the featured Zaandam houses is a blue house, painted by Monet on his trip to Zaandam.
Although the architect's intention was not to shock, the building certainly makes a statement.
Check out pics below.
photography: Roel Backaert © design: Molenaar & Van Winden architecten/ WAM architecten
This Dutchic is heading back to good ol' US of A, but before I leave I have to mention this design event: Inside Design 2010. Organized by the Dutch version of Elle Decor (Elle Wonen), this design event, held at the Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam on September 24-26, showcases design talents at the hotel and a designroute throughout the city will cover stores that have put together events themselves. Sounds like fun - wish I could be there! Always good to see what these Dutch designers are up to and I bet some of those hotelrooms will look amazing.
Another day and another browse through the collections by De Troubadour. This time dining chairs take center stage.
I've listed a whole bunch of my favorites here:
French Collection, Pirou chair
Calligaris Collection, Alchemia chair
Being back home and going through some old magazines lying around, I came across the catalogue of 'De Troubadour', a great furniture and home accessories source.
Just looking through their collection always inspires me.
So I've decided to dedicate a few posts to my favorities in each category, starting today with desks.
These desks have a modern, almost industrial feel to it, which is an aesthetic that I think works well for this category.
From the Classic Collection:
Dutchick is currently in the Netherlands! No better place to get the scoop on innovative Dutch design. One of my favorite shopping destinations is 'De Bijenkorf', which literally means 'The Beehive', but is a department store with a pretty sleek home design department.
Some designs that caught my eye:
'Madame de Pompadour klapstoel' by Vivian van Schagen. A folding chair with Baroque inspired digital print. I love the mix of old & new - very Dutch. Now it's even on sale, making it more affordable to give your extra seating option a funky update.
