"Spectacular in an understated way", says CEO Loes Dingemans about the design of the newest Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park. We would like to take you through the creation of the hotel design, the why behind our choices and what makes our Amsterdam newcomer so special. This time we are proud to have the award-winning interior designer Paul Linse of Studio Linse speak, known for his creations at Rijks, Royal Opera House London and Pillows Hotel Zwolle.

The base of the design

"Every design starts with me fully immersing myself in the brand. I see Pillows as a brand that understands its guests with heart and soul and has a focus on ultimate hospitality. This has been the basis for all our choices”. Thus Paul Linse.

A hidden gem in the Oosterpark

"A special location. Located next to the Tropenmuseum in a monumental university building in the vibrant Oosterpark. A park that beckons while the building itself radiates a certain modesty. As if we were bringing out a hidden gem".

The power of contrast

"The building itself is robust and monumental. You simply cannot change everything about it. We therefore wanted to make as much use as possible of the original, robust elements that the building already has. At the same time, this had to be in perfect harmony with the softness and hospitality of the Pillows' interior. In the end, for me, it works when the different emotions and moods are expressed in each space. But also that you step back in after years and immediately feel good. Never having the feeling that certain pieces or materials are already outdated. The trend is not leading, the feeling it should give all the more”.

Every room has its own atmosphere

"It should not be about me as an interior designer, but about the experience in each room. The almost imperceptible experience of the destination of each space. Imperceptible, because it is so right. The different spaces make this hotel so much fun. Playing with the combination between rooms, a corridor, the Living, different restaurants and the bar. Different emotions and moods of the guests are at play everywhere. And that emotion or that mood must be felt and is always different. That is exactly what makes it so challenging".

Rooms

"In your room, you should feel safe and experience a sense of privacy. Here, a fine 'breeze' goes through the room. A certain airiness and clarity that leads to a comfortable feeling. Curtains that bring softness to a building that is so robust. As if they are gently swaying, floating in the wind and poetically filtering the light that enters. Which in turn helps to soften the sound. Also, something that belongs to luxury, is a soft sound. No colors are used, but tones and shades. A lot of ton-sur-ton, with here and there an accent to bring a friendly liveliness to it. Materials and textures that you want to feel, to touch and that make you feel comfortable are sometimes more important than a certain color palette".

The Living

"The Living is the place where you are welcomed. That welcome should feel good, give energy and at the same time offer intimacy. Secure, high, warm and atmospheric. It is an extension of the rooms, exclusively for hotel guests. You will find an extensive book collection and you can have a quiet drink, eat or just be there".

Restaurant

"The materialization of the fine-dining restaurant is more earthy and heavy than, for example, the rooms and the brasserie. Here, we use a lot of dark wood and marble and play with the enormous height. In addition, the restaurant is linked through materials with the neighboring Tropenmuseum. A fascinating place where all cultures and times are united. If you stand in this space, it could almost be that you are in the Tropenmuseum with its height, the warm wood and the dark floor".

Cafe Brasserie

"Spring" is connected to the park, the garden and the outdoors. This space is very inviting. The terrace is in the garden, literally in the Oosterpark, and radiates a 'be welcome' feeling. Which in turn fits in with the openness and freshness of the park".

Bar

"In Fitz's bar, it can be dark and mystical. Here, playing with the light is extremely important. How does the light shine on your drink? Can you see the bubbles sparkle? It's also allowed to be intimate and shimmering here so you don't notice whether it's day or night".