studio modijefsky celebrates the past with bar bonnie renovation in amsterdam

located within a corner building close to amsterdam‘s vondelpark, bonnie is a new bistro bar designed by studio modijefsky. the project is a renovation of the former café bos, which served the neighborhood for 119 years and can still be seen in the new intervention. combining the original high ceilings and arched windows with quintessential elements such as mirrors and neon lights, the design aims to strike a balance between ‘old fashioned and warmly familiar’.

all images © maarten willemstein

the venue is divided into three distinct areas, each located on different floor levels. the main bar is found directly by the entrance, gives the space a welcoming vibe. a simple, symmetrical pattern carved in oak on the front of the bar has been inspired by the wooden panelling of the previous, original counter. materials such as purple red marble with strongly articulated veins, combined with strokes of mirror, oak wood and warm grey marble add a contemporary touch to the space. a special jenever cabinet stands in the back bar paying homage to the owner of late café bos and his cabinet holding a selection of typical dutch liquors.

the eye-catching back bar repeats the curves of the window frames, with glossy dark purple tiles and coral colored neon light arching over the illuminated bar name: bonnie, which was named by studio modijefsky. underneath it, the railing of the entresol continues, turning from an almost two-dimensional object into its extruded version with integrated light fixtures, providing glass racks and cabinets for bottle display.

creating a strong connection between the levels, wooden stairs with a refined geometrical, bronze-coloured steel railing lead down to the souterrain and up to the mezzanine. designed to be a continuity of the bar area, the souterrain floor is covered with the same square patterned tiles in muted hues of yellow, green, white and black, forming a striking traditional pattern.

wooden panelling with linear strokes covers the walls, interrupted by mirror panels, orange tiles and hexagonal wall lights, which beautifully blend in and dictate the shape of the hand-crafted wainscoting border. all furniture, at first appearing very traditional, has a twist, such as polygonal wooden tabletops or integrated in them chess boards. complimented by a muted red leather bench, bespoke ceiling light fixtures give this space a warm and bright feel, honouring the ambiance of amsterdam’s classic bars and cafés.

a more flexible plan has been designed for the mezzanine: a small bar, with materials echoing the main bar downstairs, ensures that this area is perfect for private events. placed under a soft fabric ceiling in rich burgundy shade, height-adjustable tables and loose wooden chairs make for the coziest place to have both quiet dinner and lively party. the wooden floor pattern mimics the floor on other levels, this time forming squares out of rectangular pieces placed in different directions.

wooden panelling from the lower level continues upstairs, creating a seamless, wholesome look; mirror strokes installed in the chamfered corners and columns add illusional reflections, opening and brightening the space up. the large arch of the original windows is projected on the ceiling creating yet another playful light fixture, its coral hues repeating the features of the neon light and leather bar stools visible below.

outside, stripy awnings in shades of black, grey, white and purple are adorned by large string lights, with vintage textured wall lights and golden leaf logos on the large windows adding to the old-fashioned café vibes. a larger terrace placed slightly away from the building is enclosed by bespoke windscreens and planters – their design once again repeating details of the interior. the outdoor furniture is no less stylish than the one inside, marble and wooden tables and benches creating the perfect place to enjoy lunch in the sun. bonnie is a nod to the past, celebrating all the devoted bar owners who served drinks and listened to stories for longer than they can remember, making everyone feel instantly at ease.

project info:

project name: bonnie
location: amsterdam, the netherlands
program: café/ bar
assignment: interior design & brand identity
status: realized june 2020
size: 1582 ft2 (147 m2)
client: drie wijzen uit oost
design: studio modijefsky; esther stam, zahra rajaei, nancy katri, moene van werven, maite margalho, francesca motta, christel willers.
photography: maarten willemstein