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Historic Amsterdam hotel gets modern look
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SOFITEL Legend The Grand Amsterdam is majestic enough as it is, yet Paris-based designer Sybille de Margerie has breathed new life into this landmark building so inextricably linked with the city of Amsterdam.
From 15th-century convent to royal lodgings to Dutch Admiralty headquarters to the City Hall of Amsterdam, The Grand has witnessed such moments in Dutch history as the marriage ceremony of the former Dutch Queen, Princess Beatrix, and Claus von Amsberg in the Council Chamber in 1966.
A large-scale renovation commenced in 2008 under the inspiring guidance of French interior architect de Margerie, who is acclaimed for her visionary, holistic approach and her environments designed for luxury and comfort. The designer is also famous for her work at the legendary Hotel de Crillon in Paris and Hotel Cheval Blanc in Courchevel.
“In each century, The Grand was a reference in terms of modernity and design then we were looking for a link and naturally found it has to be through art and history,” de Margerie said. “Respect and humility are essentials to approach the design of heritage places, however, the past should never be a burden but a deep resource for creativity.”
“I’ve introduced contemporary touches, revealing style through color, awakening history and providing it with a setting,” she added.
The designer likes the balance between tradition and modernity. She said the hotel is a blend of French elegance and Dutch stylistic elements. “With our French style, we created a balanced and complex mix between tradition and modernity, using the know-how, the creativity, materials and colors of Amsterdam.”
The lobby is an open, welcoming space where contemporary, elegant and comfortable interior design features blend beautifully with the listed marble floor and arches. The butterfly chandelier hanging above the center of the lobby conjures a magical feeling which evokes courtyard garden poetry and reflects the natural light filtering through the city palace. The tulip and butterfly are recurring themes throughout the hotel.
The building’s rich heritage is incorporated in architectural details and original artworks, such as the wedding chamber’s fresco from the 1930s, stained glass in the main staircase, old hand rail in the Princehoff building, which are testimonials of the past.
“What gives legitimacy to a project is the ability to bring comfort and function to a place filled with emotions and history,” she said. The designer opted for natural and luxurious materials such as wood, bricks, alabaster, marble, mosaic, biscuit and steel using the language of Northern European textures and colors.
She attached great importance to fluidity of spaces, light and comfort. “My work is equally highlighted by attention to detail, choice of materials and colors harmony.”
One of her favorite places in The Grand is the Library Or, located directly by the entrance. “For this space I drew inspiration from the colors of typically Dutch elements, such as the dark-grey street stones known as ‘klinkers’ and the deep, rich colors of the Amsterdam flower market,” de Margerie said.
This library, graced by a beautiful, eye-catching lamp with precious gold leaf inlay, is for the designer the ideal place to become acquainted with art and culture, or to relax in peaceful surroundings.
In the rooms and suites, the bathroom is part of the room space thanks to a pane of transparent glass allowing guests to enjoy daylight or watch the LCD television set from the bath. The Matrimonial suite is her personal favorite with its four-poster bed and its delicate palette.
“We wished to associate a selection of current and former students of the highly recognized Design Academy of Eindhoven who have successfully conveyed the diversity and splendor of this venue’s past with their design objects. Thanks goes to Abel Korsmit, Bart Koolen, Daphne Koenen, Dries van Wagenberg, Irene Hinderks, Ivo Daniels, Khanh Ly, Lauranne van Diijk, Naomi Yasuda and Titia van Beckum. Works by the Dutch Droog design group have also been incorporated into the interior design,” she said.
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