Theatrical effects may have been a longtime prerequisite in retail across Asia and other parts of the planet, but not so much for the practical, down-to-earth Dutch. Well, until now that is. The newest outpost of Amsterdam-based furniture brand FÉST, designed by industrial designer Pepijn Smit of local practice S-P-A-C-E Projects, does it in true tongue-in-cheek fashion. The store, the brand’s second in the Dutch capital, is well-timed as it’s situated in Oud West, a neighbourhood which has seen an accelerated gentrification in the past couple of years. Occupying a 251 sqm. (2,702 sq.ft.) ground floor space and basement of a five-storey residential structure built in 1901, the interior design sees open and connected rooms flooded with daylight thanks to an expansive row of large windows.
The chosen aesthetic comprises of light hues, captured by a mix and match of straight and fluid lines, serving both functionality and aesthetic visual effect, while also giving segments of FÉST‘s affordable luxury products and designs a fitting setting. The aforementioned theatrical element at the store is a literal one as the store features a mini cinema in the basement. Why, you ask? The answer is very practical, and Dutch if you will, as picking a new sofa at a store usually puts restraints on one’s domestic habits, meaning you wouldn’t dare to drape yourself on it or try out any other full relaxation mode. Hence the opportunity to watch a full movie, slouching on your sofa of choice, at the FÉST store. Mind you, it’ll be upholstered in cinema-red velvet for the occasion. Brilliant, no?
FÉST
De Clercqstraat 44
1052NG Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 20 2376514
Tue-Sat 10-6
Sun 12-5
Publishers Note
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