THE LOFT Amsterdam | Pop-up store till August 15

'The Loft’ is an annual pop-up store ... and different from all other pop-up stores. It's a store with a selection of hand picked furniture, books, art, and many many!! other items all beautiful styled together.... it's an inspiring place, and home to an eccentric person.

Each year organisers, the Playing Circle will choose a different fictive person with a different character, according to which the collection of furniture, art and accessories will be curated. 

From the carpets on the floor, to the furniture and even the books in the shelves – everything in The Loft will be for sale. I have been here already twice and if you have the change, I think you should go and experience the loft yourself! It's that place where you can wander around and discover new items all the time and where it is hard to leave empty handed.

The Loft will be open till August 15 - Prinsengracht 583 fifth floor, ring the bell! Check out the page for special events and opening hours: The Loft  

More pictures on my blog: Vosgesparis.com

Pictures © Amsterdamnext.com | Vosgesparis

Pllek creative hangout | Noord NDSM area

Pllek is a bar, restaurant and creative hangout build out of old shipping containers at NDSM dock. Located at just 2 minutes walking distance from the NDSM ferry it is the perfect raw and industrial place to have lunch or dinner. Outside you have a great view over the water and a beach made of white pebbles. In weekends there are different activities in and around Pllek, there is a website with everything goin on at NDSM docks. 

Pllek
TT Neveritaweg 59 / NDSM Plein
1033 WB Amsterdam
+31 20 2900 020
Website: Pllek

Opening hours
Every day from 9:30 till late!
Kitchen open for breakfast 9:30 - 12:00, lunch 12:00 - 15:30, drinks 16:00 - 22:00, dinner 18:00 - 22:00

15 minutes with the NDSM Ferry from Central Station. How to get to NDSM dock, read all info on the NDSM website here
A small photo impression I made can be found here: From KNSM to NDSM
More locations and info about this area the guide Noord | NDSM area

                                     
                                        Pictures © Amsterdamnext.com

From KNSM to NDSM | Passing the water to the other side of town

On Summer days, when temperatures get towards 30 degrees it can be pretty hot in Amsterdam... The nearest beach is about half an hour by train from Central Station but the beach in Zandvoort can be pretty packed on really warm days, and especially in weekends I try to avoid the beach.

Living in the Eastern Docklands I am surrounded by water already, but I love to make a short walk and take the free NDSM ferry behind Central Station towards Amsterdam Noord. NDSM Dock is one of those raw edges of town, the old shipyards are used for various activities from theater, festivals or flee markets to photo location and fashion shows.

There are workshops and companies located in the old buildings and refurbished buildings and there are some pretty impressive hotels located around the NDSM Plein. I made this little photo impression when walking to the ferry and crossing the water to the NDSM area from where I live this afternoon.

Find the new locations in this area in the today updated page about the NOORD| NDSM area that you can use when coming to town. Enjoy ! 

Pictures © Amsterdamnext.com

Mobilia woonstudio at Utrechtsestraat

Mobilia Living, located at Utrechtsestraat in the center of Amsterdam, recently renovated their three-storey building, and I simply love the new and fresh look. White painted floors are styled with affordable design and beautiful classics, from furniture and lighting to accessories by famous designers to emerging talent. Definitely worth visiting when planning your next trip to Amsterdam. 

Mobilia Living
Utrechtsestraat 62-64
1017 VR Amstrdam
+31 20 622 9075
Website: Mobilia Woonstudio Opening hours
Monday to Saturday 09:30-18:00

Pictures © Amsterdamnext.com | Vosgesparis

Volkshotel Amsterdam | New hotel in town

Volkshotel is a brand new (2014) hotel located in the former Volkskrant building. And after a weekend of partying, music and special acts now open for guests, creatives minds and neighbours. Just before the party started I had a sneak peek at some of the 172! rooms and the different spaces. It was a great night with lots of nice people, meetings, music, drinks & bites and a beautiful sunset on the 8th floor.

For 42 years the building was the home of one of the biggest, most progressive Dutch newspapers. After the newspaper moved out, the empty building transformed and thanks to the Foundation Urban Resort it became one of the largest creative workspaces in Holland, where hundreds of creative minds found a place to work. By the end of 2010 plans are made for a new hotel including the work studio's and Canvas. 

There are also 9 special themed rooms designed by creative minds, like the soixante neuf room by Rosa Winkel and the white bike room. 

Volkshotel is a place where everyone is welcome to come to drink, work, eat, meet and sleep.On the seventh floor the old canteen is transformed into restaurant Canvas, where you can have a reasonably priced breakfast, lunch or dinner with 360° views over the city. And Canvas Club is open during the weekends. 

The old installation rooms are converted into Petit Canvas, a place for any occasion, including marriage reception and private dinners. On the 8th floor you can sit outside and have a sauna or use one of the 3  bath tubs. Interior designer Bas van Tol has created an interior full of magnified newspaper cut outs and original elements of steel, wood, concrete and glass.

Volkshotel
Wibautstraat 150
1091 GR Amsterdam
Metro stop: Wibautstraat / or walk from Amstel station in 10 minutes.

Website: Volkshotel
area: Weesperbuurt

                        Volkshotel  Pictures © Amsterdamnext.com