Café de Pare in Amsterdam, Netherlands Interior Transformation, Dutch Architecture Images

Café de Pare in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

18 June 2020

The Pearl Café in Amsterdam

Interior Design: Ninetynine

Location: Amsterdam, North-Holland, The Netherlands

Café de Parel was originally a typical Amsterdam ‘brown bar’ with an old-fashioned dark interior and low lighting. The traditional stained-glass windows and monumental tile tableaus create the perfect setting for the new Parel.

Its new contemporary design elements blend into the existing space and bring Café de Parel into the current era. The modern interior combines smoked massive oak, messing details and the existing tiles with unfinished concrete and strips of purple/grey mdf to create a style that unites tradition, homeliness and authenticity.

The Pearl is a silent invitation to experience without expectations and bias. It is not about whether it is a bar, pub, bistro or eatery. Chic, modern or casual. If you come here to eat or drink a glass of wine, that’s what it’s all about – this is a place to connect with the producers of the vegetables on the plate, the makers behind the ceramics and the wine, and also Ruudje and the Chef.

That is why the bar is central. In addition to the selection of natural and biodynamic wines that are served from behind the bar, there are 60 on the menu, and there is also open and naked cooking. It resembles a Japanese omakase kitchen.

Café de Parel was a typical Amsterdam brown café. The original stained glass windows and the monumental tile templates are reminiscent of times gone by. With the new interior, Ninetynine wants to find the perfect balance between the existing classic elements and new contemporary design. The existing tile templates have been preserved and are combined with a wall covering of strips of purple / gray MDF.

The cafe is only 44m2 in size and all preparation is in sight. This principle has led to a long central bar where there is room for both kitchen preparation and a wide selection of wine. There is no hard line between these two functions. The bar is covered with smoked oak slats and fitted with a natural oak top. The brass rack above the bar provides space for dishes and utensils on the kitchen side and space for glassware and barware on the drinks side. Three original glasses ball lamps have been reused above the bar.

The wall opposite the bar is completely covered with the strips of MDF and offers space for 3 linear luminaires, the Recast, designed by the Amsterdam Product Design Studio Waarmakers. The wall in mdf strips also provides access to the toilets. The fixture above the passage has been reused from the original café.

The custom tables are made in smoked oak on a vintage cast iron base. The tables are narrow, but extra deep (75cm) to do justice to the extensive attention to small dishes and special wines. Custom designed benches are combined with classic thonet chairs and display bar stools around the bar.

The Pearl Café in Amsterdam, Holland – Building Information

Interior Design: Ninetynine

Address: Westerstraat 266, Amsterdam
Area: 44 sqm + 16 sqm
Delivery: June 2020
Contractor: Stoop Houtbewerkers

Materials Walls: monumental tile patterns and purple-gray mdf strips
Floor: Cement floor
Bar: smoked oak slats, natural oak top and a terrazzo plinth
Tables: smoked oak

Photographer: Ewout Huibers

The Pearl Café on Westerstraat, Amsterdam images / information received 180620

Location: Amsterdam, North-Holland, The Netherlands, northern Europe