With its winding canals, storied museums, and effortlessly cool design sensibility, Amsterdam has long been a magnet for artists, dreamers, and anyone with a soft spot for beautiful spaces. It’s also the birthplace of De Stijl (meaning “The Style”), the early 20th-century art movement that helped shape modern design around the world with its bold lines, geometric forms, and unmistakable color blocking.
Inspiration can be found around every corner in Amsterdam. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
Of course, now is always the perfect time to reconnect with the old masters (Van Gogh and Rembrandt, anyone?) while discovering contemporary talents like Marcel Wanders and Hella Jongerius. With Kimpton De Witt Hotel right in the heart of Amsterdam, you can immerse yourself in Dutch creativity from the moment you arrive — and take plenty of inspiration home with you.
Can’t make it to Amsterdam right this second? Here are a few timeless ways to bring Dutch design into your own space, no plane ticket required.
Bring Dutch Charm Home With Fresh Blooms
Few things channel Dutch charm faster than fresh flowers. Create a simple-but-stunning arrangement with tulips, wildflowers, or any mix of colorful stems for that classic still-life-meets-modern look. To add a playful twist, try Dutch designer Pepe Heykoop’s adjustable paper vase wraps — they slip over a basic vessel to instantly transform it into a sculptural accent.
A fresh bundle of tulips brings a little color and a lot of charm. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
And if you want a true design icon, look to the Dutch tulip vase, a stacked, multi-spouted piece dating back to the 17th century and still sold at the Rijksmuseum. It turns each individual bloom into a mini work of art.
Let Bold Art Make the Statement
Dutch artists have never shied away from a statement. Take inspiration from Van Gogh’s expressive strokes, Piet Mondrian’s crisp geometry, or Theo van Doesburg’s modernist compositions. On soft, neutral walls, choose one dramatic monochrome piece to ground the room. Prefer color? Hang a series of vibrant prints against white walls for a gallery-worthy effect.
Witness Amsterdam’s timeless aesthetic, captured in a single frame. (Photo Credit: @jolielot)
We love the work of contemporary illustrator Bodil Jane, whose pieces blend pattern, personality, and bright hues. For more local finds, browse The Maker Store Amsterdam, a great resource for discovering the city’s up-and-coming artisans.
A Timeless Classic With a Modern Twist
Delftware may be centuries old, but its blue-and-white palette feels timeless. You don’t need a full tiled wall to capture the look — just a few Delft tiles as accents can create an instant focal point that will take you right back to wandering the tree-lined canals of Amsterdam.
Delft blue details prove that the classics never go out of style. (Photo Credit: @rkzuk)
Not up for a whole ceramics project? (Trust us, we get it.) Try Delft-inspired details like blue-and-white drawer pulls, vintage ceramics, or wallpaper. Shops like 1stDibs often carry unique finds that strike the perfect balance between classic and modern European style.
Whimsical Details Inspired by Kimpton De Witt
Inside Kimpton De Witt Hotel you’ll find a playful blend of history and modern Dutch design — think whimsical bird lamps, soft pink marble side tables, and layered textiles that feel both refined and inviting, all right in the heart of Amsterdam.
At Kimpton De Witt, whimsical touches meet contemporary Dutch design. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
Bring that feeling home with a sculptural lamp, a marble tray in a soft blush tone, or cozy woven blankets that add warmth and texture. It’s all about the unexpected details that spark joy — and what better joy to spark than memories of your adventures from this Dutch capital city?
Embrace the Cozy Magic of Gezelligheid
The Dutch word gezellig doesn’t have a perfect translation, but it captures the feeling of warmth, comfort, and togetherness — the kind of ambiance that makes a house feel like a home.
Cozy corners inspired by the Dutch art of gezelligheid. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
Amsterdam is where old-world charm and modern imagination live side by side. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
Create your own gezellig nook at home with soft lighting, a comfortable throw, and a spot to unwind with a good book. Add candles, a favorite mug, and maybe even a record player — anything that invites you to linger while unwinding and unplugging. For more Dutch design inspiration, browse the cozy, lived-in aesthetic of Mae & Many.
Elevate Your Coffee Table and Your Totes
Amsterdam’s visual story is endlessly inspiring. Bring a piece of it home with beautifully designed books like Amsterdam Canals, The Soft Atlas of Amsterdam, or Below Sea Level. Their photography and illustrations offer a fresh perspective on city planning, architecture, and artistic heritage — plus they look great stacked on a coffee table or shelf.
Sustainability is a way of life in The Netherlands, where reusable canvas bags are the norm. Stock your kitchen or entryway with sturdy totes in bold stripes or simple graphic prints. They’re perfect for groceries, errands, or carrying home fresh flowers — and they add a touch of Dutch practicality and charm to everyday routines.
Celebrate the art of living well. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
At Kimpton De Witt Hotel, you can experience our modern take on Dutch design firsthand — from whimsical guest rooms to inspired public spaces that honor both Amsterdam’s heritage and its forward-thinking creativity. Until your next canal-side escape, let these ideas bring a little Dutch spirit, design ingenuity, and cozy gezelligheid into your everyday life.
Where to stay: Kimpton De Witt Hotel
