From Place To Space: Amsterdam

Yes, it's Monday. Ok, my virtual suitcase is packed. My craving for new discoveries and inspiring interiors is set high, as usual. So are you ready? Yes, cool, then buckle up. We are traveling again. Destination today: Amsterdam!

I was lucky enough to be invited to travel to Amsterdam - it was a birthday gift. So I set off to the vibrant and inspiring Dutch capital with a little tour guide and lots of expectations. And believe me when I tell you: My expectations had not been met. They'd been exceeded! This city was one of the most vivid places I've visited in Europe. Plus Amsterdam's lifestyle is so unique and unlike in other European capitals. Forget traffic jammed boulevards, forget stressed faces running around, forget huge office buildings limiting your views. I think the Dutch were smart enough to remove all that to Den Haag or wherever. Fact is, Amsterdam is everything but a stressed country capital. 

The numerous canals, the so-called 'Grachten', create an easy-going, constantly surprising and loose atmosphere. And they are one of the must-sees when you're there. I recommend a double approach: Take one of the organised boat trips through the most famous Grachten and see some of the most remarkable buildings and sights along your ride. Second, rent a bike (yes!!) and do your own tour discovering adorable little shops (like my favorite cheese store 'De Kasskamer' and many cute little interiors stores) and cosy cafés. Make it a ride-and-stop experience and enjoy to the max. 

Don't miss the famous 'Anne Frank House' to get a notion of this touching and tragic story. Enjoy a movie in the stunning Pathé Tuschinski cinema with its eclectic mix of style dominated by Art Déco. Take a walk around the bustling port, stroll down the main shopping streets like Damstraat, visit one of the inspiring city markets like Noordermarkt and try some yummy food - go from Dutch traditional to exotic dishes from the country's former colonies like Indonesia. Visit the red-light district to get an idea of its 'popularity' and round your trip up by visiting the fascinating Van Gogh museum and enjoying some of the world's most famous art pieces. To round up this little blog trip I want to present you a very inspiring example of interior design in an Amsterdam townhouse. Judge by yourself, but I love the dominance of white and natural light combined with surprising, colourful details to accentuate the owner's personality. By the end, I am sure you'll conclude like me: Amsterdam, I'll be back!

Photography: Interior pics via Dizain i Dekor; other pics by Igor Josifovic.

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