Spotlight: La Retraite. Behind the historic facade of a canal-side building, likely dating from 1685, lies a space with a surprisingly versatile past. Once a shipyard, later a warehouse and printing shop, it is now a sophisticated space for living, working, or entertaining. A hidden urban oasis where history, flexibility, and comfort come together. See more
Spotlight: De Snijder, a weaver’s cottage dating from around 1670. “It feels special to have been able to be a part of this building’s 350-year history. The house has a soul of its own and feels like a peaceful, warm place, while everything that makes Amsterdam so wonderful is literally just around the corner. We’ll miss the many little moments: cooking for friends in the kitchen, relaxing in the bath after a long day, or sitting by the fireplace with a good book while the city hums softly in the background. This house has always given us the feeling that we could escape for a while, without actually leaving the city.’ Read here what the current residents have to say
City gardens have been a part of Amsterdam for centuries. Hidden green spaces emerged behind canal-side houses, courtyards, and old city blocks as a counterpoint to the densely built-up city. Many of these courtyard gardens date back to the 17th century and were intended as peaceful living environments in the midst of urban life. Today, they still fulfill that same role: places where tranquility, greenery, and privacy come together, right in the heart of the city’s hustle and bustle.
Spotlight; What immediately stood out was the quality of the layout. A floor plan with light coming in from three sides, large windows, and a terrace overlooking the IJ—a rare combination that guided the design.
From that starting point, a home emerged in which detailing, material selection, and spatial layout are precisely coordinated. The result is an apartment that not only functions well but also feels right: balanced, light-filled, and with a natural connection to the view. See here what the current residents of this beautiful apartment have created
Spotlight: What residents will miss most here is the rare tranquility right in the heart of the city. Constant natural light, high ceilings, and a spacious layout lend each room a natural sense of quality.
The building’s historic character, combined with the 2023 renovation, creates a distinct identity. Unobstructed views of the canal, the greenery, and Alexanderplein enhance the sense of space and openness. Its location in the Plantagebuurt—quiet, green, yet central—completes the picture. Get inspired and check out the neighborhood guide
Spotlight; Located on a spacious and open stretch of Keizersgracht, this unique apartment is situated on the third floor of a distinctive building dating from 1927. Originally built for the Continentale Handelsbank and later used for many years by organizations such as the ANWB, the building has a rich history that is still evident in its stately architecture and generous proportions. Let yourself be inspired
Compiled; In a world where space is becoming increasingly scarce, new living concepts are emerging that are compact but think big. These small and smart residences efficiency, comfort, and style in one smart solution. With innovative designs, multifunctional interiors, and sustainable technologies, they offer everything you need. Less space, more possibilities—that's the future of living, where every square meter counts and smart choices lead to great living enjoyment. Read more here.
Spotlight; 'When I was looking for a pied-à-terre for work in 2011 as a non-Amsterdammer, on the recommendation of a friend in the 1017 postcode area, Prinsengracht 858c was the first apartment I visited. The monumental facade, the surprising layout, the charm of the interior, the view over the canal, and the proximity to the lively Utrechtsestraat and the beautiful Amstelveld immediately won me Sold I bought it within a week.' Read what the current residents have to say here.
Spotlight; In 1882, the Poor Sisters of the Divine Child had a chapel built as part of their charitable foundation: De Voorzienigheid (Providence). More than a century later, advertising agency KesselsKramer saw something new within those same walls. What was once a place of faith, care, and order became a home for imagination, experimentation, and individuality. Two eras, one providence. Read more here and watch the film.
Spotlight; 'Park view. 'This is a house that makes you happy. Every morning when we come upstairs, we are delighted by the view. On one side, the tangled branches of the street and the park and the almost tangible change of the seasons; on the other side, the sky and an unobstructed view all the way to the Zuid-as.' This apartment is located in the Zuid district, in the most sought-after and quietest part of De Pijp. Read what the current residents have to say here.
Spotlight: 'Aatje'. In the heart of Amsterdam's creative and lively Wittenburg district stands a building full of character. It is the former studio and home of renowned artist Aat Veldhoen, known as a pioneer of graphic art in the Netherlands and a leading figure in the Amsterdam art scene of the 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, Eilandenboulevard has developed into a sought-after place to live and work, with a mix of historical charm and creative activity. Take a look at this unique building and find inspiration in the neighborhood guide.
Spotlight: Cromhouts Buiten. Large windows and a distinctive balcony offer views of one of the most remarkable parts of the Herengracht.
The living space at the front is light and spacious, with city life as a tranquil backdrop. Everything is within walking distance, including Spui with my favorite bookstore Athenaeum and café Hoppe. Another favorite is Pompadour, just around the corner on Huidenstraat.'
This apartment is located on the first floor of a monumental canal house dating from 1660. Read what the current residents have to say here.
A stately upper house with overgrown trees growing inside – not exactly an obvious choice. And yet Maxime and Ties saw it immediately: this house had potential. What started at the kitchen table grew into their first joint transformation Project. He with a construction company, she as an interior designer. In this story, they tell – talking over each other, complementing each other – how you not only build a house, but also a way of working together.
Spotlight; 'Garage Du Vin'; 'In 2015, we transformed this former garage into a unique home. The industrial style perfectly matches the character of the building, yet the house feels warm and livable. Because we love cooking, eating, drinking, and entertaining friends and family, we deliberately invested in the kitchen. In terms of space and appearance, it has become the heart of the home: large, inviting, and Immediately to the street, so that you can be part of the outside world if you want to. Read more about what the current residents have to say here and be inspired.
Spotlight; 'De Plantage 22' 'As soon as you walk in, you immediately feel the space, tranquility, and rich history that the house exudes. It is a place where the past and comfort come together. My favorite spot in the house is undoubtedly the bar in the kitchen, where cooking and conviviality come together, and by the fireplace, where you can relax and unwind.' Read more about what the current residents have to say here and be inspired.
Between city and tranquility; Rural living in Amsterdam. A tastefully and modernly renovated farmhouse of over 750 m2. Surrounded by nature, yet within easy reach of Amsterdam, this farmhouse is located on the beautiful banks of the Amstel River—the best of both worlds. Originally, this property was built as a traditional farmhouse for a cattle farmer. It includes a recently added stable and an older winter house. Be inspired!
Spotlight; Sometimes everything falls into place. The location on Keizersgracht. The perfect size of the rooms. The way historical details and modern living quality come together. Behind the facade dating back to 1616 lies a house that breathes history, but is completely contemporary. The building was founded in 2004. The current owners have redesigned the interior in 2022 and 2023, preserving everything of value. Take a look at this Dutch gem on the Keizersgracht.
Spotlight; 'Marrakesh Living', 'When Paul and I first walked into this house on Herengracht, we were struck. The atmosphere, the layout, the details—it immediately felt right. Here we found the tranquility of our family home in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, but in the middle of the city. A place to welcome friends, cook together, and catch our breath. Read more about what the current residents have to say here.'
Find, Collect, Live. A selection of exceptional interior design addresses in Amsterdam. From traditional workshops to minimalist design stores, and from vintage classics to unique objects you won't find anywhere else. In every neighborhood, you'll discover places where interior design meets architecture, materials, and atmosphere. This guide brings together the best addresses.
On the Nieuwendammerdijk stands a house that has testified to sustainable living for centuries. No major renovations, but preservation, restoration and reuse — step by step, with attention. What was once a captain's house grew with generations of residents and functions. From family life to cake baking and theater performances: the house remained the beating heart. A story about living with time, instead of against it. Read more and be inspired
Sustainable reuse with preservation of history. Over the centuries, Keizersgracht 443 has undergone numerous transformations, from merchant's house to notary's office, from lawyer's residence to a monument frozen in time. In 2017, a new phase began: a private owner decided to restore the property and reuse it as a residence, with a focus on Sustainability and the preservation of historical elements. Architectural firm Vroom, specialized in the restoration of monumental buildings, was commissioned to redevelop the property with respect for its past. Read more about this beautiful restoration
Brutalism in Amsterdam: Concrete, Form Follows Function, and A New Perspective. With The Brutalist, a film currently in theaters, brutalist architecture is once again in the spotlight. Although Amsterdam is not as well-known for brutalist architecture as London or Paris, the city does have some iconic buildings in this style. Consider the massive concrete blocks of the AMC (Amsterdam UMC, location AMC), the high-rise of the Vrije Universiteit, or the imposing former GAK building in Bos en Lommer. There are also some residential houses designed in this style, such as 'Brute Prins', an exponent of the robust architectural style from the fifties, Brutalism. A design by architect Gerard Prins. Get inspired and read more about this architectural style
The soul of Amsterdam. a city built on Art and Culture. Amsterdam is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and wonder. For centuries, this city has been the setting for progressive creativity, from the construction of the canals to the most recent architectural innovations. Living in the city means not only living in the midst of this cultural wealth, but also being part of a story that is constantly evolving. Read more
In a world where space is becoming increasingly scarce, new housing concepts are emerging that are compact but think big. These small and smart homes combine efficiency, comfort and style in one smart solution. With innovative designs, multifunctional interiors and sustainable technologies, they offer everything you need in a surprisingly small area. Less space, more possibilities – that is the future of living, where every square meter counts and smart choices lead to great living pleasure. View them here
The Creative Advantages of Working in Amsterdam; Amsterdam is much more than a city of canals, bicycles, and tulips. It is a vibrant hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration. For companies, startups, and independent creatives, this city offers a unique breeding ground for ideas to flourish. But what makes working in Amsterdam so special? Read more
Video: view the residences De Centrale here
In the heart of a closed residential block in De Baarsjes, Amsterdam, stands a monument dating from 1926: a former KPN telephone exchange, now transformed into a residential building with inner gardens. Studio Piet Boon designed the interior for 18 residences one apartment.
Heritage in the Golden Bend. A particularly beautiful listed canal house, with unprecedented grandeur and an authentic atmosphere. The majestic canal house has a rich history in terms of residents and users. Various renovations to the interior and exterior have taken place, with original details being preserved and the building retaining its character. The interior features a beautiful monumental staircase with bronze stair railing, rich ceiling paintings and marble fireplaces with mirrors. View more of this Amsterdam splendor here.
Spotlight; Broek in Waterland was once part of the Waterland domain, which was fully incorporated into the county of Holland in 1409 after the Persijn family died out. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the village flourished as a trading center thanks to grain imports from the Baltic Sea region, herring fishing, and whaling. The wooden house at Number is a national monument dating from 1880, situated on a spacious and green plot of 360 m², bordering the water of De Dee. Be inspired by this old Dutch atmosphere.
Spotlight; Serene tranquility. In the heart of the Jordaan. Standing on the canal, you would never imagine what lies behind the front door. We'll give you a sneak peek. Large open spaces with high ceilings, a large garden. Over 500m² of living space. The neighborhood feels like a small village in the city and is surrounded by sights, museums, and parks, among other things. There are countless characteristic buildings, museums, and galleries to discover on the historic canals. Take a sneak preview of this "HIDDEN OBJECT."
Spotlight: Just outside Amsterdam, when the wind blows strongly from the north, stands this farmhouse in Bergen (NH) that was inhabited by the painter Jaap Min. It also served as his studio. The plot offers views of the farmlands and, in the distance, the dunes that inspired the painter to capture the most beautiful landscapes on canvas. Based on that romanticism and experience, the farmhouse has been modernized into a residential farmhouse with a Burgundian character. Be inspired!
Spotlight: This industrial loft was created in a former sheet metal workshop and car repair shop at the rear of a historic canal-side building. The building had been unused for years until interior designer Michiel van Fastenhout converted it into apartments and an industrial loft. This apartment has no neighbors above or below, which is quite unique in Amsterdam and ensures that it is very quiet with plenty of privacy. Take a sneak preview of this 'HIDDEN OBJECT'.
Spotlight: 'Modern Design on Prinsengracht'. 'A place for rest and celebration. On the top floor, you have a home where you don't need to turn on the lights during the day—a rare thing in Amsterdam. At the front, there is always life: boats, people walking, and a beautiful view of the 17th-century city. At the back, it is quiet, ideal for sleeping.' Read more about what the current residents have to say and be inspired.
Spotlight; 'We fell in love with the house as soon as we walked into the living room. The high ceilings, large authentic Amsterdam windows, and loft-like feel give it the sense of space we were looking for.' The current residents have created a stylish city apartment in collaboration with DAB Studio. Careful consideration was given to character, light, luxury, and functionality. Read more here and be inspired.
Spotlight: 't Looiers Huys. A refined family home dating from 1736 in one of the nicest neighborhoods in the heart of the city. A piece of Amsterdam that exudes the atmosphere of a cozy village. The renovation was carried out in collaboration with, among others, architect Quinten de Meyere, who specializes in monuments. The result is a tasteful and characteristic monumental residence with an eye for detail and history. Read here what Aege, the current resident, has to say.
Spotlight; 'As soon as we walked into the art deco lobby of our beautiful building and took the old-fashioned elevator to our apartment overlooking lush trees, we fell in love with the property. Our building, Huize Loma, is the first real apartment complex in the Netherlands. Architect Warners was inspired by the apartments in Paris and Vienna and applied his vision in Amsterdam.' Read and see more here about what the current residents say about this beautiful apartment.
Spotlight; Just outside Amsterdam lies Broek in Waterland, once part of the Waterland domain, which was fully incorporated into the county of Holland in 1409 after the Persijn family died out. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the village flourished as a trading center thanks to grain imports from the Baltic Sea region, herring fishing, and whaling. The wooden house at Number is a national monument dating from 1880, situated on a spacious and green plot of 360 m², bordering the water of De Dee. Be inspired by these old Dutch images.
Compiled; a collection of canal houses. The first canals were dug for city defense and water management. After city expansions, the old defensive canals came to lie within the city walls and lost their function. But they were given a role in the Location would ultimately make the city wealthy: transport of merchant goods. Warehouses were built on the old city walls where trade goods could be stored and then shipped back to the port and from there to the entire known world. View a selection of majestic houses here.
Spotlight: 'The Monumental Contemporary No. 9', a timeless, serene monument in the Jordaan district. Allard Architecture was responsible for the restoration and renovation, and Anne Claus was responsible for the interior. During the renovation, unity was created between the front and rear of the house. Read more about this tasteful and inspiring house here.
Spotlight: A New York-style loft measuring over 500 m² in a former church. Amsterdam School elements combined with a contemporary design by architect George Witteveen. On summer days, the 7.5-meter-high glass fronts slide open, and in winter, the residents gather around the fireplace. Read more and watch the film here.
Spotlight; 'In the heart of Zeeburgerdijk lies a unique residential complex, created from the redevelopment of two historic buildings dating from 1914 and 1969. Originally, these imposing buildings served as a primary school and a technical school for the clothing industry, respectively. Twenty-five apartments have been created in this building, including this luxurious 209 m² loft that combines elegance with comfort. A stylish entrance with oak staircase leads to a living room with breathtaking views and a fireplace.' Read what the current residents have to say here.
Spotlight; 'Living in the former lecture hall where Einstein taught. This unique apartment is located in Villa Einstein, a former University of Amsterdam building where many famous physicists have taught, including Albert Einstein and Nobel Prize winner Johannes Diderik van der Waals. The architecturally renovated apartment has an impressive width and height, creating a beautiful mezzanine.' Read more here
Spotlight: 'Verhulst 90', a beautifully renovated double ground floor house in Amsterdam Zuid, decorated in 'Japandi style'. The Japandi style, an emerging trend in interior design, combines the sophistication of Japanese and Scandinavian design. With its minimalist, functional, and soothing aesthetic, this style creates a warm atmosphere, embracing a touch of imperfection in line with the Wabi Sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in simplicity and imperfection. Read more here.
Spotlight: 'Heineken's Window Cleaning Company', a 242 m² loft in the heart of De Pijp. This property is located in an industrial building at Quellijnstraat 119, which was originally built by Heineken's brother for his plans for Heineken's Window Cleaning Company and was later used as a factory for Luxaflex blinds. Read more here.
Spotlight: 'In Elias', a monument dating from around 1645 in the city center of Amsterdam. The building served as a bakery until 1880. The facade is built in Renaissance style with a stepped gable, masonry and arches, and sturdy wooden window frames with glazing bars. The restoration in 2008 restored the building to its original grandeur. Much has been preserved inside, including beautiful paneling, wainscoting, and the exposed construction.
Spotlight. "A design that feels like a tailor-made suit. Living in a house where you feel that everything has been designed to suit your lifestyle. That's what we want to create at Studio Piet Boon." Olivier Brinckman, lead designer | architect at Studio Piet Boon talks about the interior design of a luxurious apartment in the Pontsteiger building.
Spotlight; In the heart of Oud-Zuid, between Museumplein and PC Hooftstraat, the sophisticated Petit Paris is emerging. This mansion on Jan Luijkenstraat, built in 1899 for the affluent middle class, features beautiful classic neo-Renaissance characteristics and comprises seven suites ranging from approximately 45 m² to 219 m², the last four residences will soon be residences sale.
‘Scent nerd, that’s my nickname’
My fascination, or what motivates me to get out of bed, is the wonder of what scent does to you. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the senses. Taste, smell, scent, and touch. The soft senses. Not because they have a soft impact, but because they are not cognitive. On the other hand, I was also a science kid. I wanted to do something technical. That's how I ended up in chemistry. After my studies, I wanted to combine these two loves, which led me to the cosmetics and perfume industry. After working for large companies in the field of product development and fragrance innovation, I felt the need to start my own business. In my company Annindriya, I focus on creating and advising on fragrances for companies and organizations and what fragrance can add to a brand or organization. During this process, I am concerned with the question of how a brand or company smells, because a brand is also a personality. In addition, we have a store with a range of the most exceptional perfumes in the world, where we also offer personal fragrance advice.
"Using perfume profiling, we help people discover the scents that suit them."
Your sense of smell is the most powerful and emotional of all the senses.
This is due to the direct connection between your nose and the oldest part of your brain. This part of your brain, which is already formed in the embryonic stage, is called the limbic system, also known as the primitive brain. This is where our emotions and memories are stored. There is no language, socially desirable behavior, or cognitive skills. There is only primal feeling. Fear, anger, lust, etc. You are born blank, with only your mother's body odor. You already know this smell in the womb, and it forms the first 'book' in your own scent library. Throughout your life, various books are added to this library. The scents you smell are inextricably linked to the emotion you feel at the moment of smelling them. Both positive and negative emotions. Your first kiss, crayons at school, holidays, nature, food, drink.
“A Proustian memory.”
In his work "A la recherche du temps perdu," the renowned novelist Marcel Proust described a scent experience that transported him back to his childhood. He dipped a madeleine into blossom tea, and the scent he had not smelled in a long time activated his memory (the so-called mémoire involontaire), and slowly all his memories of the village of Combray came flooding back. This works the same way with all scents. For example, if vanilla custard makes you feel nauseous, then vanilla is in the wrong corner. If you had a sweet aunt who wore rose perfume, then the scent of roses is in the sweet corner. In principle, every preference for a scent can be traced back to a moment in time.
There are a few scents, and this is still being researched, that are universally associated with something negative. The smell of decay and the smell of fire. You can also learn to experience these scents as less negative, but that is something you have to teach yourself. For example, with fermented food or cheese that smells bad but tastes good. A scent that is generally perceived as positive worldwide is real vanilla. Vanilla is found in many cookies and desserts, which are reminiscent of childhood, but also because there is a hint of vanilla in breast milk. As a result, vanilla is a sign of security for many people.
“You can see scent as the fourth dimension in a space.”
Fourth dimension.
“It adds something that is not visible or tangible. You can use scent in a room in various ways. Of course, the first thing is that it must not smell unpleasant. There are quite a few rooms where you can smell the sewer or sanitary facilities, where there has been a lot of smoking, or where the ventilation is poor and it smells of food. The first step is therefore to ensure good ventilation, extraction, and to solve the source of the problem. The simplest way to use scent in your home is to make it smell clean. Many people associate cleaning or detergent with a clean, tidy, and well-kept home. You can also use scent to set the mood. Just like with light and music, you can soften or enhance the atmosphere. You can make it smell very homely or very modern. Rustic or artistic. Or very minimalistic or intimate. Perfumes are often made up of 30-40 and sometimes as many as 100 ingredients. A minimalist space, on the other hand, can be enhanced with a minimalist scent. A scent like this is made up of a maximum of two or three accords. This makes it more of a hint Location a scent Location a perfume. It then becomes almost an abstract scent.
Something can smell avant-garde, for example. It might smell mineral, stony, or dry and smoky. The ingredients might smell like metal and concrete or pink pepper, which has a smoky scent.
Many people choose scents that represent the good life: whiskey, cognac, chocolate, caramel. The grounding of your home, homeliness, and security can be emphasized with woody scents. Wood comes from a tree trunk, and the roots are in the ground. These are literally earthy scents that can emphasize solidity. In addition, you confirm that you have chosen beautiful materials for a space. The same applies to leather. The scent of leather exudes high quality and luxury. You only consciously smell the nest scent of a house when you return from vacation, for example. The unfortunate thing about our sense of smell is that your brain is only interested in changes. This enables us to suddenly smell fire, for example, but the disadvantage is that at some point you no longer smell your own home. It is therefore wise to change scents regularly. The experience of each room is different. The bathroom, bedroom, dining room, and living room are used in different ways. It is nice to emphasize this with a matching scent. You can ask yourself what you want to emphasize in each room. The feeling of cleanliness or, conversely, a mini spa feeling. Relaxing or active. Warm and intimate. Or welcoming. You can turn scents in your home on and off just like music. Sometimes you need silence in terms of both scent and sound. Other times, you turn it on. That's how you create atmosphere."
Perfume Lounge
Cornelis Krusemanstraat 25