With spring in the air, we turn our focus to Amsterdam. 2017 marks a century of De Stijl (meaning “The Style”), the artist movement that put The Netherlands on the map. Many exhibits are planned throughout Holland to celebrate the occasion including “Mondrian to Dutch Design” highlighting past and present artists, designers and architecture. It’s also the perfect time to revisit the old masters (Van Gogh and Rembrandt, anyone?) and more contemporary names like Marcel Wanders and Hella Jongerius. Here are some ideas to bring Dutch design into your own home, no plane ticket required.
1.) FRESH BLOOMS. For a dazzling pop of color, put together a pretty DIY arrangement using a variety of spring tulips or wildflowers. Add a touch of classical meets whimsical with Dutch designer’s Pepe Heykoop adjustable paper collections.
Our other pick? The famous Dutch tulip vase, a stacked decorative object first made in the 17th century and available at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. A perfect vessel for showing off your fresh stems.
The iconic tulip vase (Photo credit: LM Flower Fashion)
2.) GO FOR BOLD ART. Just look at the work of Van Gogh, Theo van Doesburg and Piet Mondrian for inspiration and design. On muted walls, select a dramatic, monochromatic piece with modern, simple techniques. Or add colorful graphic prints on white walls. Take a peek at local illustrator Bodil Jane’s vibrant work (we also love the blog The Makers Amsterdam for profiles on local artisans).
3.) DELFT BLUE AND WHITE. Traditional Delft tile can be pricey, but you can recreate the look with just a few tiles as wall accents or heading to a shop like 1st Dibs for blue and white doorknobs for your cabinets, dresser drawers or wallpaper.
4.) ETHEREAL TOUCHES. Inside our guestrooms at Kimpton De Witt Hotel, we added whimsical bird lamps and soft pink marble on side tables. Feel free to bring in accessible and unexpected twists with charming details like soft woven blankets.
THAT’S NOT ALL.
5.) MEET GEZELLIG: A lesser-known lifestyle concept in Dutch lore. Here, the focus is all about the idea of feeling cozy at home. For more eye candy Dutch design culture, visit Mae and Many.
6.) DUTCH HISTORY. Gather inspiration after thumbing through savvy art books like Amsterdam Canals, The Soft Atlas of Amsterdam and Below Sea Level. Or display them as coffee table books for a conversation starter.
7.) CANVAS LOVE. Go green and stock your kitchen closet with eco-friendly canvas bags (Dutch grocery stores charge for bags). Tote around your provisions and fresh cuts in a chic Accompany striped bag.
For a first peek at Kimpton De Witt Hotel, and our take on Dutch design, follow our Facebook Live broadcast on Thurs, June 1st at 9 am PST/12 pm EST.
