The Duchess, the fabulous restaurant at the W Hotel in Amsterdam, was designed by Office Winhov with Baranowitz + Kroenberg. The restaurant is located in the old KAS Bank, just off Dam Square. The designers kept many of the Belle Epoque architectural features including the high stained glass ceiling (as well as the old bank clock), and added modern low-hung chandeliers which manage to make the huge space feel more intimate. For the perfect juxtaposition of historical and modern, a multitude of screens were installed on the walls which run a continuous slideshow of art, the tech affect being the perfect foil for the architectural grandeur. The multifaceted mirror behind the massive bar reflects the multitude of colors and shapes in the grand room, giving the bar in this historic building an edgy vibe. The lounge has banquettes and stools upholstered in rich velvets, giving the space a thoroughly warm, cozy feeling. This restaurant and bar are a wonderful gem in this lovely Dutch city.
