The architects behind newly renovated Canal House in Amsterdam looked to Dutch Master paintings for inspiration.
Comprised of three adjoining 17th-century houses in the culturally happening Jordaan area of Amsterdam, Canal House features a rich-merchant-meets-Dutch-modern vibe. Local architects Concrete undertook the hotel's renovation, riffing on traditional 17th-century Dutch style and adding their own modern spin, sourcing furnishings from some of the country's great new modern masters: Marcel Wanders, Moooi, and Maarten Baaas. The architects preserved the original timber beams and plaster work and unleashed a dark Vermeer-inspired palette layered with textures such as velvet and silk in regal shades of purple and gold. For more information, visit Canal House.
Above: The exterior of the hotel.
Above: Paintings line a hallway that runs the length of one of the tall narrow houses.
Above: A grouping of Skygarden Suspension lights by Marcel Wanders for Flos. Inside the simple black modern shade is a decorative pattern inspired by antique decorated plaster ceiling. The lights are available at Lumens, pricing begins at $1,192.
Above: A Dear Ingo Suspension by Moooi, designed by Ron Gilad, features 16 adjustable task lamps; $3,638 from Lumens.
Above: Gilt mirrors and silk curtains with thick cord tiebacks add an air of historical opulence.
Above: The Moooi's Smoke Chairs were designed by Maarten Baas; the chairs are made of burnt wood with an epoxy finish and leather upholstery; $4,563 from Hive Modern.
Above: The photograph on the wall is by Hendrik Kerstens, whose works reference the 17th century Dutch painters but are presented in unexpected ways (the headpiece in the photograph is a plastic bag, for instance). Kertstens' work can be found at the Witzenhausen Gallery.
Above: A view from one of the bedroom windows looks over the Keizersgracht (one of Amsterdam's three main canals).