Wow-effect in metamorphosis
- Hans Kuijten
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
By: EXCELLENT LIVING & LIFESTYLE | TEXT: SANDER LEMMENS PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER BAAS
“THE OLD LOBBY AND BAR LACKED ATMOSPHERE AND CHARACTER. IN THE LOBBY, GUESTS FELT LOST IN A COLD BALLROOM, AND THE BAR DIDN'T INVITE YOU TO ENJOY A DRINK,” SAYS DESIGNER HANS KUIJTEN. TO BRING BOTH SPACES UP TO THE HIGH STANDARDS OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS, BOB VAN DER VALK, OWNER OF VAN DER VALK HOTEL DUIVEN, COMMISSIONED HANS KUIJTEN. “NOW, WHEN GUESTS ENTER THE HOTEL, THEY FEEL WELCOME AND ARE POSITIVELY STIMULATED BY THE INTERIOR. THEY WANT TO EXPLORE IT.”
"The extensively renovated lobby is now much more than just a place to check in or wait for a taxi. It's an inviting space where you can read a newspaper, have a sandwich, or hold a small meeting. “We created many pleasant corners and seating areas where you can relax in peace and comfort. The various fireplaces, the beautiful accessories, and the many plants create a warm and comfortable atmosphere, while the varying ceiling heights add a certain dynamism to the space. The beautiful ceramic floor – with the look of natural stone – forms the basis of the lobby, in which we used a calm color palette, such as green, brown, taupe, and white. Earthy tones that you often see in my work. The wallpaper is particularly striking, adding grandeur to the overall picture with its luxurious appearance. This also applies to the brass accents and the beautiful glass enriched with graphic patterns.”
“The bar has also been completely redesigned. When we started, only the walls remained. The basis of the design was a good layout of the space. I positioned the large bar, including the wine cabinet and the benches, in the heart of the room. I applied the same layout to the left and right of the custom-made furniture. This symmetry creates peace and balance in the bar. Just like in the lobby, you see a calm color palette and intimate corners – created by various room dividers – where you can enjoy a drink in complete privacy, and the special wallpaper adds an exclusive touch.”
Masterstone
“Masterstone has been working for the Van der Valk group for many years, and as a result, we have completed many projects together with Hans Kuijten. For the lobby floor, Hans had a clear vision of the color and look he wanted. Together, in our inviting studio, we selected the perfect tile. It's a ceramic tile measuring 1.20 meters by 1.20 meters with the appearance of natural stone. The floor thus contributes to the warm and homely atmosphere in the lobby. The tile is also used in the restrooms, and we also supplied the matching baseboards,” says owner Rob Rutjes.
Akoestisch-plafondspecialist Pennings
Acoustic Finishing from Rosmalen installed seamlessly finished acoustic ceilings in the entrance area, lobby, and bar area of the Van der Valk Hotel. It was a very interesting project, says Joost Vermeulen, consultant at Seamless Acoustic Construction Lab: “We work for Van der Valk frequently, and this time the bar was set high again. Hans Kuijtens' ceiling design is best described as an archipelago full of corners, jumps, and level differences. Naturally, it's seamlessly finished and acoustically perfect.” Vermeulen also highlights Kuijtens' use of color. The colors of the different "islands" are carefully coordinated, creating an almost serene tranquility in the spaces below. Vermeulen: “Color, lighting, form… it all forms an organic whole. It looks beautiful again.”
Wonderwall Studios
Wonderwall Studios is responsible for the unique and atmospheric cladding of the hotel bar and the back wall of the reception area. The company designs and produces premium wooden panels, including the Clue design used in this project. These panels are made from centuries-old bog oak, an exclusive type of wood. Wonderwall Studios brings the past to life with this type of panel made from a beautifully preserved, centuries-old natural product. The rich, dark brown colors and intense black give the bog oak an exclusive look. Wonderwall Studios' work revolves around honest and vibrant materials and sustainability through reuse. "We are happy to go the extra mile for that one special piece of wood," says the company, based in Venray and operating worldwide.
THE FOLLOWING PARTIES CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PROJECT:
Hans Kuijten
Boordseweg 37
5671 AP Nuenen
Tel: 040-2842135
M: 06-45444793
info@hanskuijten.nl
Wonderwall Studios
Maasheseweg 79D
5804 AB Venray
Tel: 0478-515445
info@wonderwallstudios.com
Masterstone BV
Morsweg 24C
7461 AG Rijssen
Tel: 0548-521767
info@masterstone.nl
Pennings Akoestisch
Afbouwen
Kievitsven 62, Rosmalen
Tel: 073-6910527
info@penningsgroep.com
Maretti Lighting
Bolderweg 7
1332 AX Almere
Tel: 036-5326612
postbus@maretti.com
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