One with nature

Perched atop the dunes in Bloemendaal aan Zee is the recently opened boutique hotel Blendin Bloemendaal. A true eye-catcher, more than worth discovering. Studio Hans Kuijten, in collaboration with RH Interieurs, designed the inviting interior of the luxurious accommodation, where warmth, comfort, and the connection to the surrounding nature and to writer, nature lover, and conservationist Jac. P. Thijsse embrace and reinforce each other.

The animals in the display cases, the typewriter and binoculars in the suites, and on the cover of the menu: throughout the hotel you will find subtle references to the work and life of Jac. P. Thijsse, who died in 1945 in the municipality of Bloemendaal aan Zee. This unique concept was conceived by Roemer Overdiep, creative director of the Blendin hotel organization. The writer Thijsse wrote numerous books and articles about nature and was a teacher at – among others – the Kennemer Lyceum in Bloemendaal. Thijsse's Hof in the seaside resort is named after him. In combination with the attractive interior, a whole has been created that, just like the natural surroundings, is more than worth discovering.

CUSTOM-DESIGNED LIGHTING PLAN

The design agency dEP de Sfeerontwerpers specializes in designing lighting, image and sound plans, and electrical installations. Boutique hotel Blendin Bloemendaal commissioned dEP to design the lighting and sound plan for the entire hotel – from the lobby and restaurant to the rooms. Robert Burgstad is a Mood Designer and, together with the design team, is responsible for the designs and creativity within dEP. He explains: “The lighting we used is custom-designed and fully integrated into the interior of the entire hotel. Real eye-catchers are the specially designed display cases, where the lighting is positioned to perfectly showcase the taxidermy art. The custom-made lighting feature in the restaurant, with glass spheres of various sizes in the colours of the sea, sky, dunes and beach, is also a beautiful focal point.”

UNITY INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

In the luxury boutique hotel, natural materials have been used and a colour palette has been chosen that matches the colours visible in the surrounding environment, creating a beautiful unity between inside and outside. The frequently used round shapes – both in the public areas and in the suites – give the interior a friendly and inviting touch. The custom-designed room dividers in the lobby and bar give the ground floor a sense of intimacy, while the wood cladding on the round, structural pillars adds extra warmth to the overall design.

SERENE TRANQUILITY

During the design phase of the ground floor of the boutique hotel, Studio Hans Kuijten collaborated with RH Interieurs, the company that also handled the design implementation and project management. RH Interieurs also designed the beautiful atmosphere in the luxury suites, where the blue tiles around the freestanding bathtub are the eye-catcher and stylishly connect to the hotel's main attraction: the sea, which is always close by and ever-changing. “The good cooperation between the various parties resulted in a pleasant process and a beautiful end result,” says Arno van den Berg of RH Interieurs. “All elements of the interior are in harmony with each other, creating a serene sense of tranquility as soon as you enter the hotel.”